Hyundai Ioniq 2019 plug-in and hybrid revealed

Hyundai has revealed its facelifted Ioniq hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants overseas just months after the model was launched locally in Australia, with changes to the entire model line – including the all-electric version – expected Down Under in the second half of 2019.

From the outside, the new-look Ioniq can be distinguished by its updated front fascia that includes a new grille, bumper and headlights, while the rear bumper and tail-lights are also updated.

Now fitted as standard is Hyundai's 'SmartSense' technology that includes forward collision warning and assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and driver attention warning – all of which are equipped to all versions of the Ioniq that launched in Australia late last year.

The rear bumper and tail-lights are also updated.

Inside, the Ioniq gains the option of a 10.25-inch 'Audio Video Navigation' system with features such as voice recognition, over-the-air updates, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and 'Hyundai Live Services'.

For comparison, Australian cars feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen unit.

Also new in the update is a 'Green-zone Drive Mode' that "automatically switches the vehicle's driving module in designated areas to use more energy from the electric motor, rather than from the internal combustion engine", according to Hyundai.

Changes, if any, to the existing powertrains – a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired to an electric motor in the plug-in, and the same engine with a smaller battery in the hybrid, both with a 104kW/265Nm output – are unclear.

Finally, three new colours – 'Fluidic Metal', 'Electric Shadow' and 'Liquid Sand' – will be made available to international market Ioniqs.

Now fitted as standard is Hyundai's 'SmartSense' technology.

Hyundai Motor Europe vice-president of marketing and product Andreas-Christoph Hofmann said the Ioniq is a key to the brand's future ambitions.

"With our new Ioniq models we not only provide innovative mobility solutions to more and more drivers but also entirely new levels of connectivity for the segment," he said.

"Hyundai Motor first unveiled the Ioniq three years ago in 2016, representing an essential step on the company's way to fulfill its future mobility vision. This is the heart of the Progress pillar of our corporate plan over the next several years."

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