New Hyundai Hybrid Iqniq

Hyundai IONIQ

Hyundai IONIQ Hyundai Motor has unveiled the hybrid version of its new IONIQ – an advanced, alternative-fuel compact vehicle.

The IONIQ will be available with a choice of three powertrains unmatched by any other car in the world: electric; plug-in gasoline/electric hybrid; and gasoline/electric hybrid.

“The launching event announced to the world the start of new future mobility and our will for technological innovation,” said Moon-Sik Kwon, Vice Chairman at Hyundai Motor R&D Centre. “IONIQ has been developed incorporating all of our technological capacities. The hybrid, pursuing the highest efficiency in its class, is economically efficient and stays true to the fundamentals of a car by delivering fun to drive through a modern design and dynamic driving performance,” he added.

The IONIQ Hybrid responds to rapidly changing customer lifestyles by breaking the mould for hybrid vehicles. It not only offers class-leading fuel efficiency but also a fun, responsive drive and attractive design – a unique mix not yet achieved by a hybrid vehicle.

The IONIQ Hybrid is equipped with a newly developed, dedicated 1.6 GDI four-cylinder Kappa engine and a 32 kW (44 PS) electric motor, which is fed by an advanced Lithium-Ion polymer battery. The two powertrains have combined maximum output of 104 kW (141 PS) and 265 Nm (27 kg.m) of torque. A new six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT) provides responsive performance and a slick gear shift, resulting in an entertaining drive, and good fuel economy.

The IONIQ’s coupe-like silhouette is streamlined to efficiently manage airflow. Combined with active and passive aero features, this helps it achieve an outstanding drag coefficient of just 0.24 Cd, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars on sale.

To suit customers’ varied lifestyles, the IONIQ also offers a host of advanced comfort, convenience, safety and connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, catering for the vast majority of smartphone users. A 7-inch TFT information cluster brings a high-tech appearance to the cockpit, displaying a range of digital gauges in high resolution, including a number of hybrid-specific displays.

Based on an exclusive new platform, the driving performance of the IONIQ is similar to that of a regular compact car, thanks to its responsive hybrid powertrain. Ride and handling as well as noise, vibration and harshness levels are specially tuned to contribute to a superior ride quality as well as being quiet and comfortable on long journeys.

Hyundai IONIQ Hyundai IONIQ To complement the IONIQ’s long list of high-tech features, a host of innovative future-ready active and passive safety features protect the driver and passenger. Electronic systems like Autonomous Emergency Brake, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert provide guidance to avoid any accident. Seven airbags including a knee-airbag for the driver, as well as structural body enhancements, enabled by adapting 53% of the body with Advanced High Strength Steel, give the IONIQ’s chassis superior rigidity for responsive handling and enhanced safety.

The new car’s name references elements of its creation. An ion is an electrically-charged atom, linking to the car’s clever combination of electrified powertrains. The second part of the name references the unique offering it brings to the Hyundai range, demonstrating the brand’s environmental commitment and willingness to maximize choice for its customers. Finally, the Q is depicted in the car’s logo as a visual breakthrough, acknowledging the fresh new approach of this advanced, low-emission model.

In crafting the exterior appearance of the IONIQ, Hyundai Motor’s designers concentrated on the car’s future-orientated character, which is at the heart of its appeal.

A fluid exterior shape and natural air flow channels emphasize the aerodynamic body lines and volumes that communicate the IONIQ’s eco-friendly credentials while also conveying its performance abilities. A sporty, hatchback-like profile sets the IONIQ apart from other hybrid models with the car’s distinguished exterior design contributing to its attractive styling.

The IONIQ’s sleek exterior shape is inspired by aerodynamic efficiency complementing the soft lines and surfaces that trace the car’s outline. Its exterior panels are designed to flex to boost aerodynamics further, which, when combined with various other smart efficiency solutions, produces class-leading Cd-value of just 0.24.

In addition to the IONIQ’s supple body shape, further design details contribute towards Hyundai Motor’s aim of achieving an eco design matching high levels of technology. At the front of the car, the refined shape of the headlights and Hyundai Motor’s signature hexagonal grille visually depict the purity of IONIQ as an eco-friendly car. Contrasting colors at the base of the bumper add a special flair, while nine exterior colors are available and can be paired with a choice of three interior options. A unique radiator grille, with HID headlights set above C-shaped LED light distinguishes the front of the car, while specially-designed 15/17-inch wheels differentiate the hybrid vehicle from its electric and plug-in hybrid siblings.

Just as with the car’s exterior design, the interior of the IONIQ captures the model’s futuristic perspective and draws on the car’s eco-friendly and hybrid credentials. A ‘Purified High-Tech’ concept was established, which then evolved into the refined interior of the IONIQ.

A recurring smooth, elegant and clutter-free theme meets a warm feeling inside the IONIQ as efficient use of interior space complements a logical, structured approach applied to the layout of controls. Eco-friendly materials are used to create a simple and clean look throughout the car, giving the interior a spacious, sleek, light and purified feel.

The IONIQ Hybrid variant will be the first to come to market in Europe, during the second half of this year.

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