Hyundai has revealed full specifications and prices for its new Ioniq, a rival for the Toyota Prius.
Hybrid and electric versions will be available to order from October 2016 with prices starting at £19,995 for the hybrid and £28,995 for the electric model, while a plug-in version will join the range in 2017.
What kit will I get?
The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is pretty well equipped, with a choice of three trim levels – SE, Premium and Premium SE, while the Ioniq Electric is available in Premium and Premium SE specs.
The Ioniq Hybrid SE comes with:
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• DAB radio
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• Cruise control
• Rear parking sensors and camera
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane keep assist
The Ioniq Premium adds:
• Keyless entry and start
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Bi-xenon headlamps
• Sat-nav
• Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Wireless phone charging
The Premium SE sits at the top of the range with:
• Heated and ventilated leather seats, plus heated rear seats
• Electric adjustment for the driver’s seat
• Blind-spot detection
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors, plus rear camera
The specifications for the Ioniq Electric range largely mirror those of the Ioniq Hybrid. The Ioniq Electric Premium adds automatic lights and wipers, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and adaptive cruise control.
The Ioniq Electric Premium SE features the same equipment as the Hybrid but with EV-specific 16-inch alloys.
How much will it cost me?
The Ioniq range kicks off with the Hybrid SE, starting at £19,995, rising to £21,795 and £23,595 for Premium and Premium SE trims respectively. Crucially, the Ioniq undercuts its main rival, the Toyota Prius, by more than £2,000.
This model is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor and emits 79g/km of CO2, meaning it’s exempt from road tax, but not exempt from the London Congestion Charge. Hyundai claims it’s capable of returning 83.1mpg, which falls short of the Toyota Prius’s claimed 94.1mpg and 70g/km CO2 emissions (when fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels).
For company car drivers, the Ioniq Hybrid falls into the 15 percent BIK bracket, so monthly payments will be pretty competitive with other hybrids and eco-friendly diesels.
The Ioniq Electric is more expensive at £28,995 (Premium) and £30,795 (Premium SE), but it’s expected to be eligible for a £4,500 grant from the Government, which will bring its price closer to the regular hybrid model.
Business users in urban areas could be tempted by this version, thanks to a low BIK rating of seven percent and zero emissions, while the plug-in hybrid version coming later in 2017 will bridge the gap between the two in terms of driving range, economy and cost with emissions expected to be as low as 32g/km.
The electric Ioniq can travel up to 174 miles on a single charge, although this is likely to vary depending on factors such as the weather, driving style and whether or not things like the air-con are being used. It can be charged to 80 percent in 33 minutes, too.
What else do I need to know?
Hyundai is keen to point out that the Ioniq is the world’s first car with three electric powertrains and, if this tempts you, it’s worth knowing that the Ioniq Electric will only be available to buy from one of 27 UK dealerships before becoming more widely available in 2017.
Those concerned with reliability will appreciate Hyundai’s five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, while the batteries are covered for eight years and 125,000 miles.
Hyundai is likely to promote POD Point – a car charging point provider – for owners to use at home, which will also be in use at Hyundai dealers.
Tempted? Read more about hybrid/electric company cars here:
Is now the time for an EV company car?
Top 5 plug-in hybrid company cars
