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Hyundai dealers will be able to target a new customer base later this year when the brand launches an electrically powered five-door family hatch.
The Ioniq will be available with a choice of three different electric drivetrains – full electric, petrol-electric hybrid, or plug-in hybrid.
The coupe-styled model will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale in Europe before the end of 2016 at prices yet to be revealed. First to arrive in showrooms will be the hybrid version, pitching the new model against such eco standard bearers as Toyota’s Prius.
A new platform underpins the Ioniq, specially designed to suit the multiple powertrain options and according to industry sources also to be used for the forthcoming Niro crossover from sister brand Kia.
The Ioniq’s shell is designed to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible, active aero elements helping the car to a drag coefficient of 0.24Cd.
The hybrid will feature the brand’s popular 1.6-litre Kappa petrol engine mated to a 32kW electric motor. The combined power output will be 139bhp with 265NM of torque, put through a six-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox.
Every Ioniq will be supplied with active and passive safety features including Autonomous Emergency Brake, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert while interior technology will include full compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone systems.
