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Hyundai Ioniq HEV: Hyundai takes the hybrid fight to Toyota

Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid 11
Hyundai IONIQ - a green alternative to Prius

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21 July 2016

Hyundai Ioniq 1.6 GDi Hybrid SE DCT

What is it?

The Hyundai Ioniq HEV is the hybrid electric vehicle element of Hyundai’s triple electrified hatchback threat. The others being a full-electric version, plus a plug-in version that’s expected next year. With the ultimate plan for the Korean manufacturer to offer 28 ‘eco-friendly’ models by 2020.

So what’s it like when compared against key opposition in the form of the latest Toyota Prius – we hit the road to find out.

 What’s hot

  • Of more interest to business buyers are the headline CO2 and consumption figures for the Ioniq (79g/km and 83.1mpg). This means a 15% tax band.
  •  The hybrid drivetrain is made up of a modified version of the familiar 104bhp 1.6 litre Kappa petrol, which is mated to a 1.56 kWh battery and that’s mounted under the Ioniq’s rear seats on one common shaft. This set-up reduces weight, but takes the power and torque to 139bhp and 264Nm respectively. The Ioniq picks up speed quickly from standstill – probably the result of a proper six-speed auto transmission and the addition of the hybrid certainly smoothens up the 1.6-litre petrol engine too.
  • The Ioniq’s HEV drive is best described as agreeable rather than exciting. Despite the extra weight of the hybrid drivetrain, body control is good – with body roll kept in check. The ride is also impressively refined and relaxed – both of these probably helped by the standard-fit multi-link rear suspension.
  •  Compared to the futuristic looks of the latest Prius, the Ioniq is more restrained – but this hatch still looks sharp and modern enough to go with the drivetrain. Aerodynamics appear to have shaped the nose of this Hyundai, with the Ioniq’s version of the Hyundai family grille most prominent and extending to under the distinctive headlights. There are also distinguishing cut-outs for the band of LED lights that form the driving lights. The side of the Ioniq is equally interesting, with sharp flanks and stand out wheelarches. Plus the coupe-like curvy roofline. At the back, you’ll spot the Ioniq by the high-set rear lights and split glass tailgate.
Hyundai Ioniq HEV
Quality cabin in Hyundai Ioniq
  • Inside, the Ioniq impresses with the modern design and quality detailing. Even the touch-screen infotainment has a pleasingly high-end feel. This Hyundai hatch feels spacious too, with a 443 litre boot.
  • It might be a hybrid, but don’t think it’s any less safe, in fact it is offered with an good level of clever technology, such as Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Assist Alert.
  • Specification levels are typically Hyundai impressive, considering the affordable prices – even the range-topping £23,595 Premium SE is affordable and features high-end kit including leather heated/ventilated seats, the seven-inch infotainment display and 17-inch alloys.
  •  The industry-leading five-year unlimited warranty gives confidence, along with an additional eight-year 125,000-mile battery cover.

What’s not

  • The Ioniq might be easy to drive and refined, but it isn’t much fun. The biggest problem is the steering which is over-light, it feels particularly dead around the straight ahead and has a weird springy self-centering action. The sport mode quickens up the acceleration, but refinement drops a bit.
  • This Hyundai hybrid might look interesting and modern, but that coupe-like roofline plays havoc with the interior headroom. At the front, our test car was fitted with an electric sunroof – taller drivers’ heads will be brushing the headlining. Things sadly don’t get any better at the back for taller passengers either.
  • If there is one downside to hybrids, it’s the actual mpg achievable against diesel rivals
  •  Visibility is generally good, but that split rear tailgate really compromises the view from the back.

Verdict on the Hyundai Ioniq HEV

The Ioniq is okay to drive, has modern styling inside and out and is well made. Along with the baby SUV market, the other key market area of growth is hybrids, particularly for company car buyers as manufacturers introduce more and more drivetrain electrification to lower CO2 emissions.

And the Ioniq is one of these, broadening the choice for business car buyers beyond the Toyota Prius with the attraction of the low tax on 79g/km CO2 and a potential 83.1mpg.

The lowdown on: Hyundai Ioniq 1.6 GDi Hybrid SE DCT

Doors and body style 5-door hatch
Engine/gearbox: 1.6-litre 4cyl petrol/32kW electric motor/6-speed automatic transmission
CO2 Emissions: 79g/km (provisional)
Economy (combined): 83.1mpg
Power/torque: 139bhp/264Nm
0-60mph/top speed: 10.8secs/115mph
Insurance group: n/a

What it Costs: 

P11D value £19,940
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) £n/a
Road tax (VED): £0 first year
Company Car Tax Band 2016/17 to 2018/19: 15%, 17%, 19%
Benefit in Kind 2016/17 to 2018/19: £2,991, £3,390, £3,789
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%): £666/£55
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%): £1,332/£111
Company car tax at 20% yearly/monthly: £598/£50
Company car tax at 40% yearly/monthly: £1,196/£100
Hyundai Ioniq HEV
Sleek rear profile of the Hyundai Ioniq HEV

 

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