Hyundai this year will be the first major automaker with a vehicle offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric options when its all-new 2017 Ioniq hits the market.
The car has already been shown outside the United States but now it’s made its local debut, which took place today at the 2016 New York Auto Show. Hyundai is showcasing all three versions—Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid and Ioniq Electric—and has confirmed specs for the local market.
The Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid are closely related. They both feature a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine as their internal combustion component. The Atkinson cycle engine features direct fuel injection and is mated with a single electric motor and 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Powering the electric motor and storing recovered energy is a lithium-ion battery rated at 1.56 kilowatt-hours in the hybrid and 8.9 kwh in the plug-in hybrid.
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Peak output in the Ioniq Hybrid is estimated to be 139 horsepower. Peak output for the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid hasn’t been announced but is expected to be higher due to the car’s more powerful electric motor. Hyundai does state that the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid should deliver more than 25 miles of electric range.
The Ioniq Electric sports a single electric motor delivering an estimated 120 hp. This motor is powered by a 28-kwh lithium-ion battery and linked with a single-speed reduction gear transmission, and enables a top speed of 75 mph. Hyundai estimates a range of 110 miles on a single charge.
2017 Hyundai Ioniq
Enlarge PhotoAll three versions feature front-wheel drive. All three also have a smooth with only a few carefully wrought contours implemented to minimize wind resistance. According to Hyundai, the coefficient of drag is a very low 0.24.
The Ioniq’s main rivals are the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius. However, Hyundai has strived to make the Ioniq the most fun to drive. For example, dual-clutch transmission on the hybrid models should provide a sportier feel for shifts compared to the CVTs used on many hybrids. The Ioniq’s new platform also makes use of lightweight materials, sports sophisticated multi-link suspension at the rear and features a low center of gravity.
Beyond the advanced internals, Hyundai has designed the Ioniq to be much like a conventional commuter car. For example, there are plenty of convenience features including a 7-inch screen in the instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad for mobile devices, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Storage space measures up to 26.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Safety measures include seven airbags and a host of electric driver aids such as blind spot, lane departure and cross traffic warning systems; autonomous braking; and adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe gap with other vehicles. A tire pressure monitoring system is also included.
For more on the Hyundai Ioniq, see the in-depth report over at The Car Connection . And for more from the New York Auto Show, head to our dedicated hub.
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