With a starting price of RM99,888 (without insurance and road tax), the IONIQ is available in two variants i.e. the HEV and HEV Plus, with the ‘Plus’ version offering more high-end safety and convenient features.

According to Mr. Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of HSDM, the IONIQ offers customers uncompromised driving experience and a car that is equipped with the latest connectivity and safety technology. “Hyundai Motor Company has a proven capability in electrified powertrains with their pioneering fuel cell electric vehicle and several hybrid and plug-in hybrid models sold around the world. Therefore, HSDM is confident that the Ioniq will be well accepted in Malaysia.” said Mr. Lau.

In conjunction with the launch of the new IONIQ, HSDM is also introducing the Care Plus Programme which consists of the following five elements:-

The IONIQ calls upon two key influences – efficiency and technology in its design, which is combined to create a unique and future-looking appearance. The eco-friendly and high-tech features are met consistently throughout the IONIQ, including the attractive styling of the car as form and function combine seamlessly.

 

On the exterior, The IONIQ offers a sleek aerodynamic silhouette with a class-leading 0.24 Cd derived from carefully designed surfaces. Its fluidic exterior shape and smooth air flow channels emphasize aerodynamic bodylines and design forms.

 

The front of the IONIQ Hybrid is characterised by the Bi-xenon headlights that are embraced by the C-shaped LED positioning lamps. Hyundai Motor’s signature hexagonal grille and the vertical C-shaped LED daytime running lights further depict the design concept of the car. Contrasting colours at the base of the bumper add an individual character while seven exterior colour choices available are Phantom Black, Polar White, Platinum Silver, Aurora Silver, Iron Grey, Marina Blue and Phoenix Orange (Applicable for HEV Plus). The IONIQ Hybrid features specially-designed two-tone 15- or 17-inch wheels.

The IONIQ’s sleek, coupe-like silhouette and its simple, carefully wrought contours assist the efficient management of airflow around the exterior. Applications like active air flap, front wheel air curtains, a rear spoiler and diffuser, side sill moldings, floor undercover and a closed wheel design all contribute to the car’s high aerodynamic efficiency.

Similar to 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 features significant weight reduction by using aluminium in the hood and tailgate, reducing weight by 27 lbs. compared with conventional steel. Light-weight also extends to less obvious areas like the cargo-screen cover. With higher usage of lightweight components and a more compact build, the cargo-screen cover is about 25 percent lighter than used in other Hyundai models.

While the weight of the car is significantly reduced, it does not compromise on the rigidity and safety of the car. The IONIQ’s light-yet-rigid body is the result of advanced design, construction methods and materials. Featuring 53 percent Advanced High Strength Steel, the chassis benefits from superior rigidity for responsive handling and safety, with high impact-energy absorption and minimised cabin distortion to protect passengers in the event of a collision. This rigid structure also leverages 475 feet of advanced structural adhesives in its design, simultaneously yielding both light-weighting and rigidity benefits.

Developed to strive for the world’s highest hybrid fuel efficiency without compromising the driving performance, the IONIQ Hybrid is equipped with a newly developed, dedicated Kappa 1.6 Atkinson GDI four-cylinder engine. With a class-leading thermal efficiency of 40 percent, the 1.6 GDI powerplant delivers 105PS at 5,700rpm while providing maximum torque of 147Nm at 4,000rpm. It is combined with a newly developed, very efficient six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT) and, in collaboration with the 32kW (43.5PS) electric motor, offers a maximum output of 103.6kW (141PS) at 5700rpm and 27.0kg.m (265Nm) of torque in first gear and 24.0kgf.m / 235Nm in second to sixth.

The driving performance of the IONIQ line-up is among the best in its segment, thanks to a powertrain which is specially adapted to deliver efficient mobility without compromise. Ride and handling, as well as noise, vibration and harshness levels, are tuned to contribute towards superior ride quality, while insulation in the dashboard minimises engine noise. Damping in the floor panels as well as enhanced A and B pillar fillings, thicker window glass and noise cancelling film on the windshield further improve the quiet and comfortable ride.

The IONIQ Hybrid features a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT), which boasts best-in-class transfer efficiency through the use of low-friction bearings and low-viscosity transmission oil. Capitalising on the latest generation of transmission technology, the IONIQ achieves its unique mix of driving performance and excellent fuel efficiency through intelligently set gear ratios combined with a sophisticated shift strategy, which transfers power smoothly from gear to gear.

Differentiating itself from other hybrid cars, which are often criticised for ‘rubber band-like’ acceleration, the sporty and fun to drive IONIQ uses its 6DCT to engage the driver and harness the electric and combustion technologies to the best effect. The chassis with rear multi-link suspension further enhances the driving dynamics.

Enhancing further the car’s fuel efficiency and dynamic driving characteristics, the driver can also select SPORT or ECO modes. The SPORT function holds lower gears longer and combines power from the engine and electric motor to reward the driver with maximised performance. In ECO mode, the 6DCT optimises the gear selection for fuel economy, shifting up earlier to higher gears to achieve class-leading fuel economy.

Hyundai Motor engineers decided to use a Lithium-Ion polymer battery pack for the IONIQ Hybrid - which is 23-25% more efficient than a conventional nickel-metal-hydride battery. This provides lower memory sensitivity, excellent charge / discharge efficiency and an outstanding maximum output.

Safety features such as the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Front and Rear Parking System, seven-airbag system and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are standard with both the HEV and HEV Plus variants.

The HEV Plus is upgraded with a host of other security and convenient features such as the Wireless Charging System for Smartphones, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB), Smart Cruise Control System (SCC), and a Rain Sensor.

The Blind Spot Detection works directly alongside Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to warn the driver of any surrounding vehicles, passengers or other objects that may lead to a collision if unnoticed while the car is in motion.

A Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) are useful when driving. The systems alert the driver if unsafe movements are made while the car is driving over 60km/h by sensing the car’s position. The LDWS sounds an alarm before the car moves over white, grey, yellow lines as well as Bott’s dots on the road, while the LKAS warns the driver acoustically and visually before inducing corrective steering to guide the driver back to a safe position.

 

The IONIQ HEV Plus is also fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), an advanced active safety feature that alerts drivers to emergency situations, braking autonomously if required. Using front radar and camera sensors, AEB operates in three stages. Initially warning the driver visually and acoustically, it controls the brake according to the collision danger stage, and applies maximum braking force right before the moment of collision. When a vehicle or pedestrian is sensed in front of the car, the system is activated, operating at speeds of 10 km/h or above and minimises damage when a collision is unavoidable.

 

Using front radar sensors, the Smart Cruise Control allows a constant speed and distance to be maintained from the vehicle ahead without depressing the accelerator or brake pedals; it is automatically cancelled when speed drops to 10 km/h or below. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ensures tires are always suitably inflated.

To provide a pleasant, comfortable and refreshing climate in the car without using unnecessary amounts of energy, IONIQ’s climate control can be switched to an efficient operation mode. Due to a maximum utilisation of the inside air when turning on the air-conditioning or heating, ventilation loss can be minimised and the overall efficiency of the system increases. Also, the dual-zone climate control can be set to ‘driver only’ mode, reducing the load of the air-conditioning and heating to work more efficiently.

To suit customers’ varied lifestyles, IONIQ features state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity features. The IONIQ is equipped with a new generation high-resolution 7-inch TFT information cluster. With a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, it displays all types of gauges (speedometer, ECO, state of charge, fuel etc). Depending on the selected drive mode, background colour and gauges are adapted to always provide the most important and useful information as well as a relaxed or sporty atmosphere by means of the colours used. Within SPORT mode, the display changes into a revolving digital speedometer that is surrounded by an analogue style tachometer, showing the engine’s rpm on red coloured ground. When choosing ECO mode the TFT-information cluster simulates the familiar speedometer needle.

 

The IONIQ will also cater for drivers looking to integrate their smartphones with the vehicle’s infotainment system by providing Android Auto. The system enable users to connect their devices to deliver and control music, telephone or navigation functions on screen. The seamless connectivity allows drivers and passengers to stay connected while remaining focused on the road. To ensure occupants’ phones are always charged, IONIQ also offers a wireless inductive charging pad (Qi standard) for mobile phones.

For further information on the new IONIQ Hybrid, Malaysian motorists can call HSDM Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 (office hours) or visit www.hyundai.com.my