Motoring

Hyundai Ioniq line-up scores new updates and longer fully electric range

We’ve been driving the fully electric Hyundai Ioniq for a couple of months now and to be honest we love it. The only issues I have with it is range and price, typical complaints for any EV car.

Well today Hyundai is launching new updates to the range that are quite significant. The Ioniq is available in three electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric, the only car in the world to do so.

The new updated Ioniq that will launch here in the 2^ndhalf of 2019 will score a new active driver assist system, infotainment features plus exterior and interior updates. But the headline act is a new 38.3 kWh battery that will extend range by 36 per cent to 294kms, up from around 230kms.

Hyundai COO Thomas A. Schmid said, “Our new IONIQ models build on the success of the first generation thanks to a range of upgrades both in terms of connectivity features and design,”

“When it comes to Hyundai’s eco-mobility vehicles, IONIQ is leading the way by offering our customers all they need thanks to life-enhancing, easy-to-use technologies.”

New connected features called Hyundai Blue Link will use telematics to allow for remote start and stop for the EV model. All variants will have app connected features that control lock or unlock and air conditioning functions.

Owners will also be able to check in on battery status. An SOS feature called eCall will dial emergency services in the event of an accident that deploys the airbags.

An optional 10.25-inch touchscreen showcases a range of information and uses Cloud-based voice recognition. Along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto uses can connect two phones at the same time, allowing for each person to choose their own soundtrack via Bluetooth.

The interior has been given a spruce up via new leather seat colours like Black, Gray two-tone, Red Umber (exclusive for hybrid and plug-in) and Electric Shadow (exclusive to electric version). While the dashboard surrounds get a dark chrome look.

The centre console has been redesigned with new touch-type buttons for heating and climate control. There’s also a new sporty and glossy finish. The 7-inch LCD console display on the electric Ioniq scores mood lighting that alternates according to drive modes, this remains an option on other models. Plus a blue ambient lighting theme extends across the lower dashboard and centre console.

The exterior has been reworked to include a new mesh radiator grille on hybrid and plug-in models. The electric version also gets a new pattern on the closed grille, one that previously has looked a tad dull.

The headlights, taillights and daytime running lights have been redesigned for a sharper look.

The Hyundai SmartSense package includes front collision warning and avoidance assist with pedestrian detection now with new cyclist detection. Lane keep assist and high beam assist all come as standard.

Options include lane following assist and speed sign recognition, radar based smart cruise control with Stop&Go. The options continue with blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic warning.

Local pricing and launch details will be announced at a later date.

Chris Bowen

Chris was EFTM’s Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce.

He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012.

Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers.

Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney’s North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family.

He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page “Bowen’s Garage”