Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, has unveiled the IONIQ, its advanced, alternative-fuel compact vehicle due for launch in 2016. The car will be available with an electric, plug-in gasoline/electric hybrid (HEV), or gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain, with the IONIQ Hybrid variant the first to come to market.
The IONIQ Hybrid is equipped with a newly developed, dedicated 1.6 GDI four-cylinder Kappa engine and a 32kW (43.5PS) electric motor, which is fed by an advanced Lithium-Ion polymer battery. The two powertrains have combined maximum output of 103.6kW (141PS) and 27kg.m (265Nm) of torque. A newly developed six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT) provides responsive performance and a slick gear shift, resulting in an entertaining drive, and good fuel economy.
The IONIQ’s coupe-like silhouette is streamlined to manage airflow, this characteristic combines with active and passive aero features to help it achieve an outstanding Cd-value of just 0.24, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars on the market. A 7-inch TFT information cluster brings a high-tech appearance to the cockpit, displaying a range of digital gauges in high resolution, including a number of hybrid-specific displays.
Based on an exclusive new platform, the driving performance of the IONIQ is similar to that of a regular compact car, thanks to its responsive hybrid powertrain. Ride and handling as well as noise, vibration and harshness levels are specially tuned to contribute to a superior ride quality as well as being quiet and comfortable on long journeys.
To complement the IONIQ’s long list of high-tech features, a host of innovative future-ready active and passive safety features protect the driver and passenger. Electronic systems like Autonomous Emergency Brake, Lane Keeping Assist System / Lane Departure Warning System, and a Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert provide guidance to avoid any accident. Seven airbags including a knee-airbag for the driver, as well as structural body enhancements, enabled by adapting 53% of the body with Advanced High Strength Steel, gives the IONIQ’s chassis superior rigidity for responsive handling and enhanced safety.
The new car’s name references elements of its creation. An ion is an electrically-charged atom, linking to the car’s clever combination of electrified powertrains. The second part of the name references the unique offering it brings to the Hyundai range, demonstrating the brand’s environmental commitment and willingness to maximize choice for its customers. Finally, the Q is depicted in the car’s logo as a visual breakthrough, acknowledging the fresh new approach of this advanced, low-emission model.
The ECO-DAS (Eco-Driving Assistant System) set-up makes best use of several unique technologies in order to make the IONIQ as efficient as possible. ECO-DAS assesses the driving route set in the satellite navigation system and current traffic levels. The system enables the most efficient battery charging or extra motor assistance as required by the predicted road conditions.
The advanced system encourages efficient coasting by informing the driver of changes in speed limit or road conditions, allowing the car to travel the same distance, in the same time, without the need for harsh acceleration or braking. This utilization of key technologies and smart driving processes ultimately improves fuel efficiency while also optimizing battery capacity and lengthening the electric range deliverable from a single charge.
The long list of active safety features includes Blind Spot Detection, which works directly alongside Lane Change Assist and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert to warn the driver of any surrounding vehicles, passengers or other objects that may lead to a collision if unnoticed while the car is in motion.
A Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) are of use when driving on the highway. The systems alert the driver if unsafe movements are made while the car is driving by sensing the car’s position in relation to highway lanes. The LDWS sounds an alarm before the car moves over white lines on the road, while the LKAS warns the driver acoustically and visually before inducing corrective steering to guide the driver back to a safe position.
The car is also fitted with an Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system, an advanced active safety feature that alerts drivers to emergency situations, braking autonomously if required. Using front radar and camera sensors, AEB operates in three stages. Initially warning the driver visually and acoustically, it controls the brake according to the collision danger stage, and applies maximum braking force right before the moment of collision. When a vehicle or pedestrian is sensed in front of the IONIQ, the system is activated, operating at speeds of 10km/h or above and minimizes damage when a collision is unavoidable.
Using front radar sensors, Smart Cruise Control allows a constant speed and distance to be maintained from the vehicle ahead without depressing the accelerator or brake pedals, it is automatically cancelled when the speed of the car drops to 10kph or below. Additionally, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System ensures the IONIQ’s tires are always suitably inflated.
