What do you get when cross an electric car with a retro hatchback?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is what! Technically a mid-size SUV, the Ioniq 5 has brough up Hyundai’s brand image by some margin thanks to its affordable pricetag, clever packaging and undeniable cool factor.
Driving range is rated at up to 481km for the entry-grade 2WD car, while top-spec AWD car’s range is cut to 430km.
The line-up currently starts at $69,800 for the Ioniq 5 2Wd (63Kwh) and ranges through to $114,383 for the range-topping Ioniq 5 N Srf (84.0Kwh).
The Ioniq 5’s interior leans towards functional minimalism with a pair of wide 12.3-inch digital screens (managing multimedia and instrumentation) dominating the dash. But there’s a sensible mix of physical and digital controls across media, ventilation and other functions.
The Ioniq 5 Standard Range has a driving range of 440km and the Extended Range offers 570 km. On higher models with more equipment and greater performance range will vary from 500 to 530km.
Available colours on the base car include ‘Abyss Black’, ‘Lucid Blue’, ‘Digital Teal-Green’, ‘Atlas White’ and ‘Ecotronic Grey’. Then upper grades add ‘Gravity Gold Matte’ and matt versions of Atlas White and Ecotronic Grey.
Single motor (RWD) versions of the Ioniq 5 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, while the dual-motor (AWD) will hit the same speed in 5.2sec. Top speed is 185km/h.
The boot is generous at 527 litres (VDA) with the rear seat upright and 1587L when it’s folded down. There’s also a handy 24L ‘frunk’ under the bonnet, a decent portion of which is devoted to the (included) charging cable.
All Hyundai Ioniq 5s feature alloy wheels (19- or 20-inch), LED headlights, auto rain-sensing wipers, leather-appointed seats, dual 12.3-inch screens (multimedia & instruments), six-speaker audio, wireless device charging, power driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, ‘BlueLink’ connected car services, smart cruise control. Higher grades then add a power tailgate, a head-up display, Bose eight-speaker audio, power front passenger seat, a fixed glass panel roof, heated rear seats and more.
The Ioniq 5 is a five-seat SUV featuring leather-appointed trim and a split-folding rear seat for extra flexibility.
According to the model, the single motor (RWD) Ioniq 5 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous electric unit delivering either 125kW or 168kW, while the dual-motor (AWD) produces 239kW.
Your budget puts you into some good EVs with decent range including the BYD Seal, Cupra Born, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Polestar 2 (just outside your budget), Tesla Model 3 and others.
Resale value is the big unknown at the moment with many used-car buyers wary of the potential costs of replacing the EV battery sometime in the future.
The future-proofing thing is debatable, too, and experts reckon EV technology is still in its infancy and has a long way to go. If that’s the case, then today’s EVs might seem like Model T Fords in the near future. It all remains to be seen and rests partly on the willingness of the Australian government to get serious about the EV infrastructure necessary for the tech to become viable for more people.
Show more