The Driver - Spring 2017 TheDriver_Spring_2017_v4_singles | Page 13

positive it provided was the opportunity
for a practical situational weather test.
As much as the Ioniq was built for
optimal fuel efficiency, Hyundai made
sure that the look and feel of the vehicle
would appeal to everyday consumers.
Therefore, we see the combination of
style and substance th at Hyundai is
calling ‘Visual Aero.’ Both the hybrid and
all-electric versions start with a forward-
moving aerodynamic silhouette that
provides some nice curves and visuals
for the hatch, along with a class-leading
drag coefficient of 0.24 that is supported
by air curtains that divert airflow.
The big difference between the two is
found smack dab in its grille. The hybrid
sports Hyundai’s signature hexagonal
grille with rakish horizontal slats, while
the electric has the same shape but with
the entire grille blacked out. The blacked
out look may stand out more, but it’s
not the better of the two. The hybrid
grille simply adds more character to its
exterior and provides a better design
flow throughout. The electric version
does receive its own styling for its bi-
xenon headlights and LED taillights.
Without styling, it’s hard to break
in any new product, but the key to
Ioniq is clearly in its powertrains. The
hybrid utilizes a new direct-injection
1.6-litre Atkinson four-cylinder engine
that produces 104 hp and 109 lb.-ft. of
torque that’s matched to a six-speed
dual clutch transmission (DCT) – the
same setup found in the new Kia
Niro. When combined with a 32 kW
electronic motor that’s powered by
1.56 kWh lithium-ion battery, the total
performance of the vehicle ramps up
to 139 hp and a whopping 195 lb.-ft.
of torque. In addition, the hybrid has a
world’s first consolidated 12-volt battery,
which can be accessed when a jump
start is needed.
The all-electric version naturally
discards the gas engine and runs
solely on an 88 kW electric motor in
conjunction with a 28 kWh lithium-ion
battery and matched to a single-speed
reduction gear shifter to a tune of 118
hp and 218 lb.-ft. of torque. The EV can
go a fairly long distance, up to 200
km/h on a full charge that takes up to
4.5 hours on a Level 2 charging station
and only 30 minutes on a Level 3.
There are several key attributes
to the electric system. The first is a
battery management system that
pre-warms the battery while charging
for a 14 percent improvement in quick
charge time. Secondly, a new heat
pumping system reduces the use of the
INTERIOR: The cabin is neatly organized, comfortable and easily laid out through its
seven- or optional eight-inch screen and LCD information screens.
STEERING: A heated steering wheel is standard on all trims except for the base hybrid.
“The DCT [in the
hybrid] enhances
the drive with a
more rapid throttle
response and overall
lively drive.”
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