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Hyundai Ioniq Electric 2019 review: snapshot

Hyundai Hyundai Ioniq Hyundai Ioniq 2019 Family Cars Green Cars Technology Urban
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EXPERT RATING
8.3
James Cleary
Deputy Editor
13 Dec 2018
3 min read

The Ioniq, Hyundai's milestone, five-seat hatch splits its personality three ways between the Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-in and Ioniq Electric.

Primarily for city dwellers, the Ioniq Electric packs a high-output electric motor, sparked up by a whopping big Lithium-Ion battery under its rear-end.

It delivers zero tailpipe emissions and a real-world range of around 230km. And it's easy to pick thanks to a grille-less nose.

Each Ioniq model is offered in Elite and the higher Premium grade. Significantly, the Ioniq's arrival installs the Elite Electric as the cheapest zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) in the Australian market, undercutting Renault's Zoe Life ($47,490, before on-road costs) by a neat $2500.

The Ioniq Elite Electric ($44,990) offers a healthy standard equipment list including, auto headlights, LED DRLs and tail-lights, keyless entry and start, as well as an 8.0-inch colour multimedia touchscreen controlling (among other things) drive system data, climate control air, navigation and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system incorporating Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus 'Hyundai Auto Link' (which analyses your driving behaviour, monitors your vehicle for any fault codes, and allows you to schedule service with a Hyundai dealer).

A 4.2-inch TFT colour screen covers the instrument display, plus there's alloy wheels (with full size spare), a leather-trimmed steering wheel as well as rear park assist, a reversing camera and the multiple pieces of active safety tech that make up Hyundai's 'SmartSense safety suite.

The Electric Premium grade ($48,990) rolls on 17-inch alloy rims, picks up the 7.0-inch instrument display, as well as an electrically-adjustable driver's seat (with memory system), front park assist, auto defog, 'Hyundai Auto Link Premium' (additional functions including roadside assist and emergency alerts), HID bi-xenon headlights, ventilated front seats, paddle shifters, electric folding mirrors (with puddle lights), heated front seats and steering wheel, USB charger in centre console, wireless (Qi standard) charging pad, a power glass sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, leather-appointed seats, LED (low beam) headlights, start-stop on the 'Smart Cruise Control' system and an electric parking brake.

Read More: Hyundai Ioniq 2019 review
Read More: Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 2019 review
Read More: Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid 2019 review

At just under 4.5m long, a fraction over 1.8m wide, and a little under 1.5m high, the Ioniq sits squarely in the small hatch segment, offering enough passenger and load space for anything up to a young family.

With the 60/40 split-folding rear seats upright the Ioniq Hybrid offers 350 litres (VDA) to the top of the seats. Folding the back seats forward liberates up to 750 litres of storage volume.

As the name implies, the Ioniq Electric is powered by a high-output (88kW/295Nm) permanent-magnet synchronous motor. Maximum torque is available from step-off and its generous on-going supply means a single-speed reduction gearbox is used to transmit power to the front wheels.

Hyundai's comprehensive 'SmartSense safety suite is standard, including active tech like AEB and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning.

Not to mention the usual suspects like ABS, EBD, BA, ESC and Vehicle Stability Management, as well as LED daytime running lights, Emergency Stop Signal, rear view camera and park assist, plus tyre pressure monitoring.

And if, despite all that, an impact is unavoidable, there are front, front side, and curtain airbags, plus one for the driver's knee. Hard to fault.

Hyundai's 'iCare' ownership program kicks off with a five year/unlimited km warranty, with 12 months roadside assist and a (complimentary) 1500km first service included. The IONIQ battery warranty extends for eight years/160,000km. There's also a dedicated Hyundai Customer Care Centre, and the myHyundai owner website.

Hyundai Ioniq 2019: Hybrid Elite

Engine Type Inline 4, 1.6L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol/Electric
Fuel Efficiency 3.4L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $20,790 - $26,290
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$27,736
Based on 32 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$18,999
HIGHEST PRICE
$33,990
James Cleary
Deputy Editor
As a small boy James often sat on a lounge with three shoes in front of him, a ruler between the cushions, and a circular drinks tray in his hands. He would then play ‘drivings’, happily heading to destinations unknown for hours on end. He’s since owned many cars, raced a few, and driven (literally) thousands of them at all points of the globe. He’s steered around and across Australia multiple times, spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas. His time in motoring journalism has included stints at national and international titles including Motor, Wheels and TopGear, and when asked to nominate a career highlight, James says interviewing industry legend Gordon Murray, in the paddock at the 1989 Australian Formula One Grand Prix was amazing, especially as Murray waived away a hovering Ayrton Senna to complete the conversation. As Deputy Editor, James manages everything from sub-editing to back-end content, while creating written and video product reviews, as well as the weekly 'Tools in the Shed' podcast.'
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.

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