The Hyundai IONIQ has arrived in Malaysian showrooms with a lot of fanfare and we have been seeing a number on the road already. Priced from RM99,800.00 we have 8 reasons why we think some Malaysians will NOT BUY this car from comments gathered from friends and family who were with us when we test drove the IONIQ over a weekend.
The IONIQ is a product of Hyundai so badge snobbery will have many saying they prefer to pay more than double the price to buy a European hybrid car.
The IONIQ is very economical with its 1.6L engine and this is the reason why Malaysians should buy a hybrid and not for the tax breaks that consumers seem to be more consumed when they rush out to buy a big engine LUXURY hybrid car costing at least more than double.
The IONIQ has a 1.6L engine which they feel is not enough to go up Genting with the whole family of 6 persons. The fact that THEY only visit Genting maybe just once a year, is this really very important? Test drive the IONIQ, use ‘sports mode’ and see how quick this car really is.
The IONIQ is local assembled and they have little confidence of the work done as it is technology filled with the latest safety features and the best battery system available in the market. BUT…..there is an 8 year warranty on the battery….right?
The IONIQ has a coupe like hatchback shape with rear folding seats and they prefer a sedan. What about the popularity of the Prius and Insight…..both hatchbacks……right?
The IONIQ comes with a 5-year (or 300,000 km) Hyundai Motors manufacturers warranty whilst some other cars have a 7-year warranty from their local office. Please note that there is an 8-year warranty on the IONIQ battery.
The IONIQ front hood and tailgate is made from Aluminium which means it is very light but when there is an unavoidable accident, Aluminium is hard to knock back into shape. Just change the part…..much easier and faster just like many high end Europeans car today that use Aluminium on some panels.
The IONIQ comes with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT) whilst some luxury cars have a 9-speed gearbox. With a 1.6L engine a 6-speed is all you need and more than enough.
Specifications Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
Engine: 4-cylinder Atkinson GDI
Power : 105bhp @ 5700rpm
Torque: 147Nm @ 4000rpm
Capacity: 1600cc
Transmission: 6-speed Dual-Clutch Auto
Top Speed: 180km/h
0-100km/h: NA
Price: From RM99,888.00
Hard to knock back or had to knock back?