Doppelganger
Hyundai builds a Prius… ok maybe not, but you could mistake the new IONIQ for one if it zipped past you. The aerodynamic body shell does carry some resemblance to its Japanese rival. But overall, the Korean car maker has delivered very well on exterior styling.
The 1.6 litre unit produces an acceptable 105Bhp, a rather huge difference compared to the 120 horses coming from the 1.8 Prius. In most cases, the IONIQ loves to potter around town with the electric motors doing most of the work. Gunning the throttle, gets the 1.6 started, and power is delivered in unison. We would however wish that there was more low-end torque, as we did find the car struggling a little when the throttle was floored.
In going against hybrid convention, the IONIQ, like it’s sister car, the KIA Niro benefits from a 6-speed dual clutch auto, as opposed to a CVT unit. Gear changes are definitely more responsive that the variable one on the Toyota, but do keep in mind that the 6-speeder is tuned for economy, and not bang-on performance.
Steering feel however is a little numb, and the wheel could be just a little thicker. As with most almost-all-for-economy hybrids, handling tends to take a back seat. The IONIQ does not like to be rushed, and pitching it around a few tight bends reveals plenty of bounce and understeer, and the car can come across as unsettled. The split rear windshield does not help, as it does partially obscure your view when checking the rear. We also found that you needed to dig in harder on the brakes, as the boosting was not strong enough.
In cruise, the compact Hyundai is very comfortable, and the air-conditioned seats are a plus, especially for longer journeys. Going easy on the throttle and letting the drivetrain do its job, however is rewarding. There is also sufficient insulation, and transmission and engine noises are minimal. On the matter of cruising, the IONIQ is equipped with 'Smart Cruise Control', which keeps the car a safe distance from the vehicle in-front. Lane switching is aided by their blind spot monitoring system, which alerts you to any cars which may be in these zones.
The IONIQ presents a value-for money alternative to the Prius. The claimed combined 25.6km/l fuel consumption is a real draw. But in the real world, you would naturally push the car much harder to get the performance you want. But with a difference of splashing out approximately $16,000 (20 April 2017) less than its Japanese rival, good looks and passenger-spoiling chilled front seats, the IONIQ makes such a good argument.
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