Hyundai has been making cars with hybrid technology, but they have never competed directly with the world’s best-selling hybrid, the Toyota Prius. Now though, the Korean brand is ready to unleash its all-new Ioniq, the long-discussed rival to the infamous Prius.
While we have already seen it wearing heavy camouflage, the Ioniq was recently spotted uncovered during a commercial shoot ahead of its official unveiling next month. Like the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai has made the Ioniq as a lift-back model for better aerodynamic efficiency.
Going into the details, the front-end looks quite unusual even for a Hyundai. The brand’s familiar hexagonal grille merging into the slim pair of headlights is bound to divide opinions while the Creta-like vertical assembly for the daytime running lights is a familiar affair. As for the rear end, the Ioniq features a split rear glass (like in the Prius and the Honda CR-Z) and a small pair of taillights.
Under the striking body shell, the Ioniq will be offered with a range of environmentally-friendly drivetrain options. There will be a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric model as well.
The Hyundai Ioniq will be officially shown in South Korea next month, followed by global debuts at Geneva and New York motor shows. Expect to see it on sale towards the end of 2016 following which Hyundai will be seen competing with the line of electrified vehicles. After all, the Ioniq is Hyundai’s biggest push yet at an alternative fuel vehicle and the Korean brand will be looking to out-do both Toyota and General Motors in this field – a tall order whichever way you look at it.
