15/05/2022
The Hyundai IONIQ was the automaker's first foray into a model powered entirely by electrified engines. For 2022, the electric version is eliminated, leaving all the place for hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
Some models are a game-changer, if not for the automotive
market as a whole, at least for the brand that sells them. The Ioniq will be
such a role model for Hyundai. Over the past two decades, the Korean brand has
grown from a budget brand to a respected mainstream manufacturer. And the Ioniq
proves they're ready to take the next step.
This car sets new standards in its class. Not so much because
of its battery capacity, range of up to 300 miles in theory for this RWD
version, or performance (0-100 in 7.4s) - good to very good results, but not groundbreaking.
The Ioniq impresses with its direct current charging capacity: thanks to its
800 V architecture, it can support fast chargers of more than 200 kW. Unheard
of in this category.
But what makes this Hyundai Ioniq really special is the
packaging that surrounds all this technology. A delicious neo-retro bodywork
and also at the same time it is abundant in interior space, both for passengers
and for luggage.
What a beauty this Ioniq is. Design chief Luc Donckerwolke
and his team didn't fall into the trap of giving this EV platform a shoddy SUV
body. Instead, they had a stroke of genius: they designed this Ioniq 5 as a
classic hatchback, but at 110% scale. The result is familiar and yet
deliciously refreshing. It's wonderfully done, especially with those gorgeous
LED accents for the headlights and taillights, which elevate neo-retro to an
art form.
Regarding the interior. This floating dashboard
without a real center console gives a very airy impression and frees up space
everywhere. The few kitschy bits - those matte gray ends of the control
handles. And not only does it all look good, but Hyundai also opts for
touchscreen technology where possible, while retaining the physical buttons
where necessary.
And the best is yet to come: the way this Ioniq drives. The
serenity with which the electric motor of this Korean develops its power, turns
out to be a real breath of fresh air among all those brutal power sprints with
which too many brands think they should identify the electric car. Enjoying the
tranquility of the cabin and the monster torque of the electric motor, that's
what an EV is all about.
The Korean brand continues and intensifies its offensive in
the field of electric cars. By creating neither more nor less than a new
dedicated range, called Ioniq, whose first representative is a crossover, the
Ioniq 5. Imposing with good autonomy and very high technology.
Hyundai already offers two electric models in its range. But
this figure should more than double in the coming years. Indeed, the brand is
making a second start in this booming market. This involves a brand-new
platform dedicated specifically to new 100% electric products, the E-GMP and
the Ioniq 5.
The new base makes it possible to reinvent the proportions of
the vehicle right from the start. With an endless wheelbase of 3 meters, short
overhangs, the Ioniq 5 looks like a big compact from afar. The two side windows
only and the wide quarter panel confirm this visual impression. Yet the car
measures 4.63 meters.
For its update,
the Hyundai Ioniq will be figured with a new battery with a power of 77.4 kWh,
against 73 kWh currently. What increase a little bit the autonomy of the vehicle?
It should, like the old battery, be available on the model in its HTRAC version
with all-wheel drive, and in its two-wheel drive version.
Already available on the Korean version of the Ioniq 5, the small cameras will replace the traditional exterior mirrors. The central mirror on board will also be transformed into a screen displaying better rear vision thanks to a camera placed on the rear spoiler. What remove one of the criticisms made by the owners.
You will be able to recharge the IONIQ 5 on a 350-kW fast charging station, to recover the maximum autonomy in a very short time. Thus, it will only take you 18 minutes to regain 80% of the vehicle's charge and if you are in a hurry, a short 5-minute recharge will allow you to travel around 100 kilometers. By opting for a 240V recharge you will need a little more than 6.5 hours to recharge your IONIQ 5.
