You know those commercials with the U.S., German and Japanese auto spies sneaking into Hyundai facilities to figure out how the Korean company is able to do what it does? Well, they’re probably going to be really busy as Hyundai rolls out its Ioniq model line in Geneva.
Hyundai has announced its intent to have the Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-In and Ioniq Electric models sharing the stage in Geneva, as it ramps up the cars’ worldwide launch over the coming year. It is the first model to have the three electrified powertrains all on the same platform. The model was announced around the end of 2015 and had its worldwide unveil in Korea in mid January.
“The launching event announced to the world the start of new future mobility and our will for technological innovation,” said Moon-Sik Kwon, Vice Chairman at Hyundai Motor R&D Centre, at the Hybrid’s launch. “IONIQ has been developed incorporating all of our technological capacities. The hybrid, pursuing the highest efficiency in its class, is economically efficient and stays true to the fundamentals of a car by delivering fun to drive through a modern design and dynamic driving performance,”
Ioniq wears the sleek 4-door coupe profile that will be familiar to fans of the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Chevrolet Volt (its three main competitors in terms of powertrains and size). Not much is yet known about the Electric and Plug-In powertrains, though the latter is expected to basically be the Hybrid with a larger battery to provide more electric-only range.
The Ioniq Hybrid pairs a newly developed and exclusive 1.6-litre direct injected 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 32 kW electric motor for a combined output of 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Power is distributed to the front wheels by a new 6-speed dual clutch automatic. The lithium-ion polymer battery is located just ahead of the rear suspension.
Specs about the Plug-In Hybrid and Electric versions are expected after either their introduction at the Geneva Motor Show or at the time of their North American introductions at the New York International Auto Show later in the month.