Hyundai IONIQ hybrid officially unveiled

Hyundai has officially taken the wraps off its first dedicated alternative fuel vehicle, the IONIQ.

Like most hybrids, the IONIQ gets a wedge shape body dictated by aerodynamics. It is built on a dedicated chassis boasting 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined with lightweight aluminium. The new model saves 12.6kg (45%) of weight by casting non-structural bodywork from aluminium, such as the bonnet, tailgate and suspension components. Where crash structure or energy absorption is necessary, the structure features Advanced High Strength Steel that can withstand significant collision forces.

Hyundai says the IONIQ was created with emphasis on ride and handling. The car’s batteries are positioned low and forward to achieve a low centre of gravity for cornering stability and responsiveness. It is also equipped with dual lower arm multi-link rear suspension.

The IONIQ’s hybrid system is said to have the world’s highest thermal efficiency (40%), while the head and block is split for optimized cooling. Its 1.6-litre Kappa GDI engine was developed exclusively for hybrid engines, combining a permanent magnetic electric motor to deliver maximum outputs of 77kW (engine) and 32kW (electric motor). The engine features 200bar high pressure 6-hole direct fuel injection to further improved fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Alongside this, the Lithium Ion Polymer Battery is claimed to deliver outstanding charge and discharge performance, optimising output from the high voltage motor and allowing for rapid regeneration. Controlling power distribution is a hybrid-exclusive Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) that is said to have a class-leading power transmission efficiency of 95.7%.