2019 Hyundai Ioniq: Korea’s Prius launched in Australia

Hyundai Motor Company Australia has launched its first dedicated hybrid model in Australia, with the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq on sale now. Initially imported in 70 examples earlier in 2018 for fleet testing, the Ioniq is finally here in Australian spec, complete with locally tuned suspension, three drivetrains and priced from $33,990 plus on-road costs – significantly less than most part-or fully-electric competitors.

Aimed squarely at hybrids such as the Toyota Prius and hybrid versions of the new Corolla, the Ioniq is unique in that it offers three different drivetrains: a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and fully-electric (EV), which makes it the first car in Australian history to do so.

“The new Hyundai IONIQ marks the opening of an exciting new chapter for our company,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Mr JW Lee.

“The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq makes responsive and eco-friendly electrified driving accessible to a wide range of customers, in an attractive and user-friendly compact package featuring comprehensive standard safety and locally tuned comfort and chassis dynamics, with the peace of mind of our five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and Lifetime Service Plan.”

Available with three drivetrains and in two models – Elite and Premium – the Ioniq offers more choice than comparable hybrid models. Yet in the case of both the plug-in hybrid and EV models, much less initial cost than major competitors such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BMW i3, Renault Zoe and incoming Nissan Leaf.

Centrepiece of both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models is an Atkinson Cycle 1.6-litre petrol engine, which produces 77kW of power and 147Nm of torque and is matched to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In the hybrid, that petrol engine is supplemented by 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 32kW/170Nm electric motor. The plug-in hybrid offers a higher capacity battery pack with 8.9kWh, as well as a slightly more powerful 44.5kW/170Nm electric motor and is capable of travelling up to 63km on electric power alone. Instead of an engine, the Ioniq EV uses an 88kW/295Nm electric motor that’s fed by a 28kWh battery and is capable of travelling 230km in the real world.

The Ioniq hybrid is rated at 3.4L/100km (79-92g/km of CO2) combined and the plug-in just 1.1L/100km (26g/km).

Measuring 4,470mm long, 1,820mm wide, 1,450mm high and with a 2,700mm-long wheelbase, the Ioniq’s dimensions rate as 70mm shorter, 60mm narrower, 40mm less tall, yet offering an identical wheelbase as the Toyota Prius. Based on the same platform as both the Elantra sedan and i30 hatchback, the Ioniq offers a torsion beam rear suspension set up on the EV for extra battery capacity, though both hybrid models use a multi-link independent rear for greater flexibility and superior ride and handling.

Bootspace (up to the top of the rear seats) is healthy in each Ioniq model, with minimum 341-litres on the plug-in, 350-litres on the EV and 456-litres in the hybrid – though Hyundai is yet to quote a figure with the rear seats folded.

Priced from $33,990 plus on-road costs for the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, $40,990 for the plug-in hybrid and $44,990 for the EV, the Ioniq offers hybrid and electric motoring for much less than competitors. Each drivetrain is available in both Elite and Premium specifications, and each drivetrain offers largely the same equipment levels, though there are some differences between each. Equipment on the Elite model is largely shared between drivetrains, with autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control coming as standard across the range.

Automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, keyless entry and start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and LED tailights are also standard, while the Ioniq plug-in hybrid earns larger 16-inch alloy wheels, and the EV an electric parking brake, rain-sensing wipers, stop and go functionality for the adaptive cruise control, electric-folding mirrors with puddle lamps and automatic defogging at the Elite level.

Priced from $38,990 plus on-road costs, Premium models add significantly more fruit, with 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, electric-folding mirrors, one touch up/down front windows, an electric sunroof, leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory functionality, paddle shifters, a USB charger in the centre console, rain-sensing wipers and a wireless phone charging pad.

Choosing an Ioniq plug-in Premium earns buyers LED headlights and a tyre mobility kit instead of a full-size spare wheel, and is priced from $45,490 plus on-road costs. The Ioniq electric Premium is priced from $48,990 plus on-road costs, and metallic paint is $495 on every model. Servicing is the typically good value we’ve come to expect from the brand, with the first five years/75,000km costing $1,525 for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid – or an average of $305 per service – and just $800 for five years/75,000km for the Ioniq EV ($160 per service).

2019 Hyundai Ioniq pricing (plus on-road costs – driveway figures unavailable):
Elite hybrid: $33,990
Premium hybrid: $38,990

Elite plug-in hybrid: $40,990
Premium plug-in hybrid: $45,490

Elite EV: $44,990
Premium EV: $48,990

Premium paint: $495

The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq is on sale now. Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for our Hyundai Ioniq first drive review – you can read our Ioniq vs Toyota Prius comparison here.