Hyundai Ioniq: First photos and hybrid details revealed

Hyundai are planning to take on the Toyota Prius with the new Hyundai Ioniq and now, after a tease or three, we get the first photos of Hyundai’s new ‘Green’ car, and details on its hybrid powertrain.

In terms of looks, we already had a good idea from the design sketches Hyundai had released, but from what we can see from the single rear three-quarter photo of the Ioniq Hyundai has so far released, it’s a cohesive and appealing look; a look that will probably be more appealing than the new Prius too.

Inside looks to be the latest Hyundai take on an interior, with what looks like high quality materials (although this is likely to be a range-topping Ioniq) in a classy-looking cabin.

But the trick to the Ioniq is its option of three different ‘Green’ powertrains – hybrid, plug-in and electric – although Hyundai has only detailed the hybrid platform so far.

Built on a new platform designed specifically for the new powertrains, the Ioniq uses a combination of high strength steel and aluminium to keep weight down, with batteries located low down and forward for a better centre of gravity, and dual lower arm multi-link suspension at the back for the promise of decent handling.

Powering the Ioniq hybrid is a 1.6 litre Kappa GDi engine developing 104bhp together with a 46bhp electric motor for a combined output of 150bhp, driven through a hybrid-exclusive Dual Clutch gearbox which, say Hyundai, delivers high efficiency, quick responses and good economy and emissions.

No doubt we’ll get further details on the Ioniq’s powertrains soon. But it all looks very promising.