Introducing Hyundai IONIQ All Electric Smart Car

Hyundai is blazing a trail into the electric car of the future with the Electric IONIQ. Tech is in our day to day lives it is everywhere and it makes sense for our vehicles to be heading the way of technological advances. Hyundai has focused on manufacturing environmentally-friendly and affordable electric cars.

There are some amazing car models such as that of the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X that are not within reach of the everyday man or woman, the prices and features simply aren’t enough to convert the public to switch to a cleaner electric powered vehicle.

Yet that’s all about to change with the all-new IONIQ Electric from Hyundai, the brand’s push towards green motoring solutions. The vehicle is made to encourage the use of EVs (electric vehicles) at a reasonable price, usable range and good driving experience.

It’s important to note that Hyundai has released three variants for those in Australia. There’s the series hybrid, the plugin model and the pure electric one. The range begins with the Hybrid which has a price tag of more than $30,000 with the Plug-in vehicle at about $40,000. Their Electric vehicle sits at $44,000 as a starting price.

What the 2019 Hyundai Electric IONIQ Has to Offer

The whole range is refitted with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen which can be found at the dashboard, together with a screen for the driver display which has a measurement of 4.2 inches for the hybrid Elite models and 7.0 inches for the others.

If the Hybrid and Plug-in comes with the traditional PRND shifter together with a parking brake that can be operated by foot, their EV has a distinct transmission tunnel that has more space for storage, a parking brake with auto hold and a push button electric shifter.

It’s important to note that the 2019 Hyundai Electric IONIQ has a hatchback body style that comes with two trims, the base and the Limited. Both of these trims are powered by an 88lkW electric motor which has approximately 118 horsepower and 218 pound-feet of torque.

For those that are satisfied even without the latest tech gadgets to aid in driving, the base trim is going to suit you well. The standard features it has include automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, Led lights, keyless ignition and entry, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel wrapped in leather, automatic climate control, and a split folding rear seat. There’s also the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and Android Auto smartphone integration, an audio system that has satellite and HD radio and auxiliary and USB input jacks.

As for the Limited trim, one can expect everything mentioned above but will have xenon headlights and power-folding mirrors that have puddle lamps. It will also come with a chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery, a sunroof, driver-seat memory settings, power-adjustable driver’s seat, interior ambient lighting, rear air vents and an auto-dimming mirror for the rear view.

Its infotainment is bursting with upgrades as it includes wireless device charging features, a bigger 8-inch touchscreen together with navigation and an Infinity audio system with eight speakers. Furthermore, the Limited has the active safety features and driver aids present such as the automatic high-beam control, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and driver attention monitor.

How’s the Hyundai Electric IONIQ on the Road?

Although not one of the torque beasts that many people thought it would be, the IONIQ doesn’t pack a lot of weight, unlike others which means it’s going to have sufficient power to become competitive here. Its driving dynamics are satisfying and enjoyable overall.

The IONIQ offers decent torque even for a vehicle with a small electric motor. When driving around town, it feels very responsive to the touch. Just don’t expect it to be a fast car with only 118 horsepower. However, it’s capable of reaching 60 mph in just 8.9 seconds which is nice for a 3,200 pound EV competing in this segment.

The brakes of the vehicle may be ideal for many as it doesn’t have an intense initial grab but not quite soft too. Its brake regeneration comes in three levels which can be adjusted on the move through its paddles that are installed at the back of the steering wheel.

As for the wheels, it’s quite light when in your hands while not transmitting sufficient cornering feedback. However, that’s not a problem with the steering precision of the vehicle nor with its innate stability as you cruise on the highway.

Many find the driver’s seat and that of its back seats to be comfortable enough. It can even be said that it feels just a tad bit better compared to the IONIQ’s competitors. It possesses climate control and noise management systems that stand out from the rest. When ridden across most surfaces, one can expect a soft and smooth experience.

The interior of the vehicle is very functional for use. All of its controls have a logical arrangement to them and people can adjust seats to accommodate for people riding at the back. Many people will find its head and legroom ideal for travel in short distances, but some taller passengers and drivers may complain about longer ones.

Small item storage in the vehicle is ideal as well. There’s enough space to put in minor items by using the vehicle’s deep centre bin, door pockets and the nooks found at the centre. With a listed cargo volume at 23.8 cubic feet, it also feels roomy enough without having to impede the driver’s view over the back seats when filled with passengers.

What makes the Hyundai Electric IONIQ impressive is its price range and its true practicality for many families. It does a great job in convincing the public that electric vehicles are a great way to go especially since it uses clean and renewable energy.

Once support for electric vehicles ramps up in the coming years, it’s no doubt that the IONIQ is going to be at the top of the shopping list for many families. Buyers who visit a dealership to look into the vehicle won’t be disappointed when they give it a go.

Its well-packaged interior, suitable range and sporty performance all add up to make it one of the best electric vehicle choices available in the Australian market today.