Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Review
Korean Prius rival that’s cheaper, has a dual-clutch instead of a CVT, and is less ‘Hybridy’
By Shahzad Sheikh
Click below now to watch our video of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Review
Meet the Korean Prius rival. Yes, it’s a more conventional looking thing isn’t it? Personally I really like the way the new Prius looks, but I know a lot of people struggle with its sharp edges, and sudden angles. However the Hyundai looks like a… well… a Hyundai.
Launched last year, the Hyundai Ioniq is now available in the region, though presently only as a Hybrid, in other markets it’s available in two other flavours – Plugin Hybrid and full Electric Vehicle.
Prices start at AED75,900 ($21k) and rise to AED86,900 ($24k) which may seem pricey, but is still cheaper than the Toyota Prius (AED89,900-97,000). And then factor in the fuel savings – 4.1L/100km compared to the Toyota’s 4.5L/100km.
And considering I achieved incredible economy in the Prius (see my long-term test report here), a rough guestimate is that either of these hybrids could save you upto AED15,000 in fuel over three years during average use.
But the Hyundai is unrelenting of its pursuit of getting one over on the Prius, it is not only fractionally better on fuel economy and a little cheaper, but it’s more powerful too and half a second quicker to 100kph from standstill with a time of under 10 seconds.
There’s a 105bhp 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine running on the efficient ‘Atkinson Cycle’ (like the Prius engine) and combines with a 32kW (43bhp) electric motor. Together, you actually get about 139bhp and 195lb ft of torque.
Drag coefficient is just 0.24, so its slippery, but it’s light too with the bonnet and tailgate made of aluminium. Oh and one more plus over the Prius – it has a proper Dual-Clutch six-speed automatic rather than a CVT transmission.
It’s a practical little saloon with good boot space and rear accommodation. Up front it’s got none of the quirkiness of the Prius, but to some that is probably preferable. This car doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a hybrid.
On the move performance really isn’t too bad for this class of car, handling is decent and the AC is good. There’s actually very little to fault this car especially when you consider the price, the fuel saving and the benefit to the environment in terms of its low emissions.
A big thumbs up from us for the Hyundai Ioniq.
