2017 Hyundai Ioniq – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

A Hybrid Done Right

Go green, or go home, the Hyundai Ioniq adds yet; another alternative fuel economic hybrid/electric solution to the automotive market for consumers to choose from. What’s impressive about the Ioniq is its overall simple and rock solid driving experience on its first engineering attempt. That also means the Ioniq was designed from a clean slate – offering hope for new technology and a good design from previous lessons learned. But better yet, it’s all within an affordable price tag without compromising quality.

The Ioniq is all about going green. Powertrain configurations are only offered as a hybrid, plugin-hybrid and all-electric option. The pure and plug-in hybrid model gets a 1.6L four cylinder engine with gasoline direct injection technology combined with a dual clutch transmission for added driving experience (exclusive in the hybrid world). Opting in for the plug-in hybrid will get you 40km of pure EV range while the all-electric equipped with a 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery will extend the EV range to 200Km.

What We Liked

Despite its simplicity in nature, there are still plenty of things to like about the Ioniq. Our hybrid blue model shares the same chassis design as its pure EV sibling and its styling is both refreshing and modern to say the least.  Though I’m not too big of a fan with the uplifted trunk design and integrated window – that’s too much resemblance of the dated Prius design that never looked good in the first place. Other than that, the overall shapes and contours adds a heightened sense of ownership pride when it comes to the cosmetics category.

One of the pet peeves I’ve always had with the Toyota Prius hybrid was its deviation in both looks and driving operation compared to a normal car. For example, the missile alarm-like beeping when shifted into reverse, and the spaceship-like gear shift lever whose idea probably originated from Independence Day. Th Hyundai Ioniq eliminates all that with sharp and modern looks, and hoping in the driver’s seat in the Ioniq reveals nothing different from any other conventional car o the road today.

For its price point, the interior quality surprisingly goes beyond expectation. Within, you will find an overall clean cabin space that feels solid with good sound insulation from exterior road noise. Leather seats are available in the upper limited models and the materials are not bad at all. And the color scheme is an overall homogeneous black, but still offers a clean and luxurious feel.  The rear 60/40 folding rear seats also adds convenience for added cargo space.

There’s not a lot of horsepower to play with in the Ioniq hybrid. As a matter of fact, you only get 139 horsepower with an additional 1.56kW electric motor assist. But despite the limited amount of horsepower to play around with, the dual clutch system helps make the power and torque delivery more readily available on driver demand. Steering and handling doesn’t quite make it into the performance level, but the overall weight is still makes the Ioniq feel light and nimble around corners. Couple that with an amazing 4.1L/100Km combined city/highway EPA ratings.

What We Didn’t Like

It’s close but not perfect. Despite the attractive interior and prime quality, the leather seats in our limited hybrid model wasn’t very plush and didn’t provide a lot of cushioning. Overall, it was still comfortable, but longer drives may raise different opinions.

Final Thoughts

Four trims are offered for the hybrid model with the lowest Blue model equipped with a 7″ infotainment system, heated front seats, rear view camera, and integrated Apple Carplay/Android Auto for just $24,299. The SE model adds heated rear seats, keyless entry, and blindspot detection for an extra $2,200. The Limited adds automated braking safety feature, leather seats, adaptive cruise control and wireless phone charging for $29,749 and finally the Limited with tech model gets an enlarged 8″ infotainment screen, Bi-Xenon headlamps, 8-speaker infinity sound system, and memory seats for $31,749.

Hybrids have never really been “in fashion”, but the Hyundai Ioniq just might make a good exception. Offering sharp styling, an aesthetically pleasing interior, amazing fuel economy and most of all, a price tag that won’t break the wallet by going green without breaching the $30,000 limit.

What I think matters most is the fact that the Hyundai was designed from ground level up. That means, the Hyundai Ioniq had the opportunity to build a hybrid vehicle without recycling old design templates that may have been previously plagued with design flaws. In that respect, engineers were able to focus purely on the design elements that matters – looks, quality, robustness and simplicity while keeping the overall costs down. Simplicity and quality was key here, and the Hyundai Ioniq nailed it.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2017 Hyundai Ioniq
• Model : Hyjndai Ioniq Limited Tech
• Vehicle Type : Hybrid Sedan
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Powertrain Configuration : FWD
• Engine : 1.6L V4 with 1.56kW eletric motor
• Transmission : 6 Speed automatic dual clutch transmission

Pros

• Excellent exterior styling
• Quality interior
• Responsive acceleration for its horsepower budget
• Quiet and comfortable interior
• Affordable price tag

Cons

• Rear trun design with integrated window a design pet peeve
• Lack of cushioning and support in front row seats