The Functional Future Is Here

Hyundai IONIQ electricIF THE IONIQ is representative of the future of mobility, you might prefer to be driven than to drive.

You’ll be wishing for the swifter onset of autonomous vehicles so that you can get on with other things when you have lost the urge to drive. No matter what they say about that “electric smile” as a result of enjoying instant torque, when it comes to the mass market vehicle, it isn’t going to be pretty, it isn’t going to be engaging, it is going to be functional, it is going to be utilitarian.

Hyundai will likely be quite successful with its IONIQ electric model, which ticks off the right boxes as it rolls purposefully into the sharing economy.

Hyundai IONIQ electric

Charging The Ride

The zero-emissions, all-electric IONIQ is powered by a 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery placed beneath the rear seats.

A single charge is supposed to take you on a journey of 280km, which is reasonable for those using it for general city running around. When energy levels start to flag, a rapid charger will juice it up in around 30 minutes.

Hyundai IONIQ electric

Komoco Motors, which distributes Hyundai, has assessed the unique situation in Singapore where the majority of the population lives in public housing with little to no access to convenient charging facilities. The company has made available five lots for complimentary charging for the first year.

Komoco has also worked in free servicing for the life of the car, or up to 200,000km, based on the average milage chalked up by motorists here. And there’s one-for-one battery replacement for 10 years.

Hyundai IONIQ electric

If you run out of juice, Komoco has also organised vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging. This is available free up to 10 times. And if you need it more than that you should try and boost your sense of awareness.


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Hyundai IONIQ electric

Loaded With Convenience

The IONIQ electric is a well-equipped car for the occupants. The front seats can be cooled or heated and current connectivity with mobile devices is on offer, albeit a bit dodgy with some devices.

Hyundai IONIQ electric

There is wireless charging and a slew of driver aids including blind spot detection, lane monitoring, and Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) that generates relevant sounds to alert pedestrians when the electric vehicle is moving slowly. The VESS is compulsory in the US, and this button will probably be removed once more electric vehicles are on the road.

Hyundai IONIQ electric

As it is, when you start up there is a melody that plays so you know you’re ready to move.

Visually Neat

A copper trim is meant to create a sense of the electric mood and also offers an earthy connection for the car.

Hyundai IONIQ electric

The IONIQ electric has push buttons instead of a shifter, which frees up space in the centre armrest. There are three driving modes available.

In Eco, everything is sluggish and it’s like watching a plant grow. In Normal driving mode, the instant torque is apparent and the car delivers a smooth run. In Sport mode, it’s edgier and coupled with the decelerating effect when you take your foot off the accelerator, it tends to be a little jerkier.

Hyundai IONIQ electric

While it picks up speed slowly, once it builds momentum, the IONIQ electric becomes a more enjoyable drive. But you’ll have to be mindful of the slower braking, as it balances between immediate deceleration and harsh braking.

Hyundai IONIQ electricOn the move, the IONIQ is a quiet performer, aided in large part by damping of the floor panels and the pillars. Thicker window glass and noise cancelling film on the windshield add to the quieter environment.

The sustainable aspects of the IONIQ electric include headliners and carpets made from sugar cane, and paint made from soybean oil. That would appeal to the sharing generation who wouldn’t care too much about the wheels they are in as long as they are not polluting the environment and don’t have to lift their head from their devices.

RATING:

Styling: 5/10

Interior: 5/10

Ride: 5/10

Handling: 6/10

Power: 6/10

Overall: 6/10


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 TECH SPECS IONIQ Electric

Full electric

Max Power: 88kW@2,850-6,000rpm

Max Torque: 295Nm@1,000–2,850rpm

Transmission: Single speed reduction gear

VES Band: A1

0-100kmh: 9.9 seconds

Top Speed: 165kmh

Retail price: *$126,999 ($132,999 with sunroof)

www.hyundaimotors.com.sg

Please reconfirm price with the dealer.

Read more STORM car reviews HERE.

See also  Focused On The Future

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