The Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors’ (HSDM) locally assembled IONIQ Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), dubbed the ‘driving device’ has been launched at an unbeatable price, making it accessible to every car buyer looking to buy either a hybrid passenger car or a mid-size sedan.
With a starting price of RM99,888 (without insurance and road tax), the IONIQ is available in two variants i.e. the HEV and HEV Plus, with the ‘Plus’ version offering more high-end safety and convenient features.
In conjunction with the launch of the new IONIQ, HSDM is also introducing the Care Plus Programme which consists of the following five elements:-
- i) Five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty of vehicle
- ii) Eight years unlimited mileage warranty for the battery and a battery price below RM10,000 for the following 8 years should the battery needs replacement
iii) Three years or 60,000km (whichever comes first) of free service that includes parts, labour and engine oil
- iv) Three years Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) Insurance – Should the car be declared as total loss within the three years of ownership due to any untoward incident, customers will be reimbursed fully (100% of the value of the car)
- v) Interest rate as low as 2.28% based on the reducing balance calculation
Seven exterior colour choices available are Phantom Black, Polar White, Platinum Silver, Aurora Silver, Iron Grey, Marina Blue and Phoenix Orange (Applicable for HEV Plus). The IONIQ Hybrid features specially-designed two-tone 15- or 17-inch wheels.
The IONIQ’s sleek, coupe-like silhouette and its simple, carefully wrought contours assist the efficient management of airflow around the exterior. Applications like active air flap, front wheel air curtains, a rear spoiler and diffuser, side sill moldings, floor undercover and a closed wheel design all contribute to the car’s high aerodynamic efficiency.
Eco-friendly materials are used to create a simple and clean look throughout the car, giving the interior a spacious, sleek, light and purified feel.
The IONIQ features significant weight reduction by using aluminium in the hood and tailgate, reducing the weight by 27lbs. compared with conventional steel. Light-weight also extends to less obvious areas like the cargo-screen cover. With higher usage of lightweight components and a more compact build, the cargo-screen cover is about 25 percent lighter than used in other Hyundai models.
While the weight of the car is significantly reduced, it does not compromise on the rigidity and safety of the car. The IONIQ’s light-yet-rigid body is the result of advanced design, construction methods and materials. Featuring 53% Advanced High Strength Steel, the chassis benefits from superior rigidity for responsive handling and safety, with high impact-energy absorption and minimised cabin distortion to protect passengers in the event of a collision. This rigid structure also leverages 475 feet of advanced structural adhesives in its design, simultaneously yielding both light-weighting and rigidity benefits.
Powertrains – Efficient and Ultra-low Emission
Developed to strive for the world’s highest hybrid fuel efficiency without compromising the driving performance, the IONIQ Hybrid is equipped with a newly developed, dedicated Kappa 1.6 Atkinson GDI four-cylinder engine. With a class-leading thermal efficiency of 40%, the 1.6 GDI powerplant delivers 105PS at 5,700rpm while providing maximum torque of 147Nm at 4,000rpm. It is combined with a newly developed, very efficient 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT) and, in collaboration with the 32kW electric motor, offers a maximum output of 141PS at 5700rpm and 265Nm of torque in first gear and 235Nm in second to sixth.
6-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
The IONIQ Hybrid features a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT), which boasts best-in-class transfer efficiency through the use of low-friction bearings and low-viscosity transmission oil.
Differentiating itself from other hybrid cars, which are often criticised for ‘rubber band-like’ acceleration, the sporty and fun to drive IONIQ uses its 6DCT to engage the driver and harness the electric and combustion technologies to the best effect. The chassis with rear multi-link suspension further enhances the driving dynamics.
Enhancing further the car’s fuel efficiency and dynamic driving characteristics, the driver can also select SPORT or ECO modes. The SPORT function holds lower gears longer and combines power from the engine and electric motor to reward the driver with maximised performance. In ECO mode, the 6DCT optimises the gear selection for fuel economy, shifting up earlier to higher gears to achieve class-leading fuel economy.
Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery
Hyundai Motor engineers decided to use a Lithium-Ion polymer battery pack for the IONIQ Hybrid – which is 23-25% more efficient than a conventional nickel-metal-hydride battery. This provides lower memory sensitivity, excellent charge / discharge efficiency and an outstanding maximum output.
Advanced Safety Technologies
Safety features such as the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Front and Rear Parking System, 7-airbag system and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are standard with both the HEV and HEV Plus variants.
The HEV Plus is upgraded with a host of other security and convenient features such as the Wireless Charging System for Smartphones, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB), Smart Cruise Control System (SCC), and a Rain Sensor.
The Blind Spot Detection works directly alongside Lane Change Assist and 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 useful when driving.
The IONIQ HEV Plus is also fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), 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 car, the system is activated, operating at speeds of 10 km/h or above and minimises damage when a collision is unavoidable.
Using front radar sensors, the 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 speed drops to 10km/h or below. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ensures tires are always suitably inflated.
To suit customers’ varied lifestyles, the IONIQ features state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity features. It is equipped with a new generation high-resolution 7-inch TFT information cluster. With a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, it displays all types of gauges (speedometer, ECO, state of charge, fuel etc). Depending on the selected drive mode, background colour and gauges are adapted to always provide the most important and useful information as well as a relaxed or sporty atmosphere by means of the colours used. Within SPORT mode, the display changes into a revolving digital speedometer that is surrounded by an analogue style tachometer, showing the engine’s rpm on red coloured ground. When choosing ECO mode the TFT-information cluster simulates the familiar speedometer needle. To ensure occupants’ phones are always charged, IONIQ also offers a wireless inductive charging pad (Qi standard) for mobile phones.
For further information on the new IONIQ Hybrid, Malaysian motorists can call HSDM Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 (office hours) or visit www.hyundai.com.my
