So, here is something a bit different: the 2019 Hyundai IONIQ Electric. EVs are on the rise and with the continual increase in plug-in recharge stations across Australia it is getting easier to power up an EV. Hyundai’s IONIQ Electric is a very smart looking car that offers a very comfortable, modern interior appointed in leather (Premium models). Spending time inside an IONIQ Electric is certainly no hardship.
Outside appearance is good. The new Hyundai IONIQ Electric has a very streamlined shape that has been designed to maximise performance and economy, while also turning heads. The IONIQ boasts possibly the lowest drag coefficient of any car currently on the market. At 0.24 cd it’s very slippery and aerodynamic through the air. Park the IONIQ Electric next to the equivalent Toyota Prius or Honda Insight and I’d have to say the Hyundai looks a smidgeon more interesting. Five lovely exterior colours are available, and they are amongst some of the freshest, most vivid colours you’ll see anywhere – just right for a modern EV that stands out from the crowd. Fiery Red, Intense Blue, two shades of Grey (not fifty) and Polar White.
Climb inside the Hyundai IONOQ Electric and you’re in for a treat. The beautifully appointed leather interior of the Premium model is graceful and comfortable, while the Elite cloth seats are a bit less luxurious but equally nice and supportive. A new IONIQ boasts eco-friendly materials with fully integrated technology to meet your every need. The roof lining and carpets are made from sugar cane to make the cars even more recyclable. Soft-touch materials are used on the dash and around the door trim which is nice without being anywhere near Audi-like expensive. Everything you’re really going to need or want is standard on a new Hyundai IONIQ Electric, so life with this particular car is everyday good. The only slight drawback is that the rear seat headroom for taller-than-average occupants is not that great because the sloping roofline does intrude on headspace; but check it out and see if that bothers you.
Premium models boast a glass sunroof, but even the Elite model gets smart mobile wireless charging, a multimedia system that has a touch screen in the centre dash, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rear view camera, push button start, climate control air-conditioning, electric windows, a reversing camera and DAB Digital radio. A larger eight inch touchscreen is available on the Premium model along with electronically adjustable heated and ventilated leather front seats.
IONIQ Boot space is good, and you should be able to fit plenty in the luggage space with the rear seats up. The rear seats fold forwards but not flat. That said, the luggage carrying ability for the IONIQ is pretty good overall (455 litres seats up and 1410 litres seats down). There are 4 tie down points to secure your load inside the boot space, and there is also a luggage net. Storage space inside the cabin is excellent, and you can even fit your big water bottles inside the door bins.
Motoring power and performance in a new Hyundai IONIQ Electric is linked to an 88 kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that puts out an instant 295 Nm of torque when required. You push the engine start button and a chime lets you know that the car is ready to move. It’s very quiet to drive, and on city roads the Hyundai IONIQ Electric rides very nicely and with all the composure and confidence you will want. You can also select between Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes which, for me, Normal is quite adequate. You’re riding on 16-inch alloys with 205 mm rubber so the car does feel well planted.
These fully electric cars use a Lithium-ion Polymer battery source, and an eight year battery warranty comes as standard on all new Hyundai IONIQ Electric vehicles. To charge the new Hyundai IONIQ Electric it takes around 4.5 hours to very full levels. The IONIQ Electric offers you the perfect transition to zero-emission electric driving. The large-capacity battery delivers 230 km on a single charge and will reach 80% capacity in less than 25 minutes via a 100 kW DC fast charger unit. So, with multiple cables and charging options, you can charge your IONIQ Electric when it’s parked at home in your garage, or in the office carpark. The number of electric vehicle charging stations is increasing incredibly quickly, particularly as more and more people wake up to the potential of these very innovative cars. In the real world, expect to get 200-to-230 km out of a charged battery, which makes this an ideal city commuter vehicle. Actual driving distance results will vary depending on a combination of your driving style, type of journey, vehicle configuration, battery age and condition, use of vehicle features (such as heating and air conditioning), as well as operating, environmental and climate condition.
If you’re on a hunt for a hybrid or electric vehicle, then the Hyundai IONIQ has to be on your list. At around $49-55k to buy new, that’s not too bad when you consider the complete package the new IONIQ Electric brings to the table.
The 2019 Hyundai IONIQ Electric models include the:
For any more information on the new Hyundai IONIQ Electric or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Hyundai dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!