Hyundai Ioniq Electric 2019 review: snapshot

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.

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.