Hyundai launches the new Ioniq with enhanced range and new connectivity features

Hyundai Motor has launched comprehensive connectivity and design enhancements for the new Ioniq, the latest edition of its revolutionary eco-friendly model. As of its launch in 2016, Ioniq was the world’s first car planned from the start to offer three electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric.

“Our new Ioniq models build on the success of the first generation thanks to a range of upgrades both in terms of connectivity features and design,” said Hyundai Motor Chief Operating Officer Thomas A. Schmid. “When it comes to Hyundai's eco-mobility vehicles, Ioniq is leading the way by offering our customers all they need thanks to life-enhancing, easy-to-use technologies.”

The new Ioniq Electric's battery has been upgraded from 28 kWh to 38.3 kWh, meaning drivers can go even further between charges. It boasts 36% additional energy storage capacity, offering a total of over 182 miles of range. Its e-motor delivers a maximum power of 136 PS and 295 Nm of torque and is fitted standard with a 7.2-kW on-board charger - an upgrade from current 6.6-kW - for Type 2 AC charging. Using a 100-kW fast-charging station, the battery can reach 80% charge in as little as 54 minutes.

The new Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-in both feature the known Kappa 1.6-litre GDI, direct-injection petrol four-cylinder engine delivering maximum power of 105 PS and 147 Nm of torque. The Ioniq Hybrid's permanent magnet electric motor delivers 43.5 PS (32 kW) with maximum torque of 170 Nm, powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.56 kWh capacity positioned under the rear seats. The plug-in version's electric motor delivers 60.5 PS (44.5 kW) with maximum torque of 170 Nm, powered by a 8.9 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery.

In combination with the 1.6-litre GDI engine, Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in deliver a system output of 103.6 kW (141 PS) and up to 265 Nm of torque. The electric motor enables the Ioniq Hybrid to operate in pure electric mode at speeds up to 75 mph. Drivers choosing the Ioniq Plug-in can safely rely on over 32 miles of pure electric driving range powered by the 8.9 kWh battery.

The new Ioniq features Hyundai Blue Link, a connected vehicle system which uses embedded telematics to allow drivers of Ioniq Electric to remote start and stop, while all versions allow remote lock or unlock and control air conditioning via a smartphone app. This technology also allows owners of the plug-in or electric model to remotely check the status of their battery so they know when they need to recharge the vehicle. Thanks to Blue Link, charging can be remotely controlled and scheduled via the app.

The Audio Video Navigation system, which will be available on the range, displays a variety of information across its 10.25-inch split touch-screen, and features available Cloud-based voice recognition in six languages (with Blue Link). In addition to standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay even with the base onboard system, with standard new Multi-Bluetooth function drivers of the new Ioniq can connect two phones at the same time to listen to each phone's music through Bluetooth streaming.

Up front, the hybrid and plug-in versions of the new Ioniq now show a redesigned mesh-type radiator grille. The front of the new Ioniq Electric has been updated also with a new distinctive pattern on the closed grille. All models feature an updated front bumper design with a silver-coloured molding at the bottom new anthracite on the rear bumper molding and daytime running light bezels up front, creating a more refined and dynamic look. The LED DRLs as well as the newly available LED head- and taillights have been completely redesigned to make the Ioniq stand out at night, offering additional safety.

For a comfortable and safe driving experience, all new Ioniq models are equipped with a comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense technology package. This cutting-edge driver assistance system constantly monitors the environment around the vehicle to protect drivers from potential hazards while on the road.

The new Ioniq's leading safety package includes Front Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection with new Cyclist Detection ability and Driver Attention Warning. Lane Keep Assist and High Beam Assist also come as standard. Also available on certain models is Lane Follow Assist which keeps the car in the middle of a lane so drivers can navigate safely even in heavy traffic during rush hour.

The new Ioniq Plug-in and Hybrid are equipped with the Eco-Driving Assist System (Eco DAS) to help improve fuel economy. The integrated Coasting Guide analyses road information from the navigation system to notify the driver when deceleration is imminent. The feature aims to reduce fuel consumption and minimise brake usage. The Coasting Guide can be activated when in Eco mode over 25 mph.

Eco DAS is further equipped with a Predictive Energy Management system, which manages charging and discharging of the battery in uphill and downhill situations to maximise the battery usage. When a lack of battery state-of-charge is predicted during uphill driving, the Ioniq Plug-in and Hybrid increase internal-combustion engine operation to charge the battery. When a sufficient battery state-of-charge is reached during downhill driving, e-motor intervention increases to minimise fuel consumption and further energy is simultaneously recovered through regenerative braking.

The hybrid and plug-in versions of the new Ioniq feature Adjustable Regenerative Braking in Eco mode, which allows drivers to select from different intensity levels via the paddle shifters. In Sport mode the paddles act as manual shifters.