Hyundai unveils Ioniq 5 as the first model in its all-electric sub-brand

Hyundai has taken the wraps off the Ioniq 5, an all-electric SUV with retro-inspired styling and a near-300-mile range.

The mid-sized SUV is the first model launched under the Ioniq sub-brand, which is to be an EV-only arm of the Hyundai, and is set to be joined by the Ioniq 6 saloon and larger Ioniq 7 SUV in the next three years.

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Based on the Hyundai group’s E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 5 sticks remarkably close to the 45 EV concept car from 2019 but, according to its designers draws inspiration from Hyundai’s first car, the Pony, launched 45 years ago.

A long wheelbase - allowed by the EV-specific platform - means the 20-inch wheels are tucked out towards the corners while simple sharp creases give it a clean unfussy look. The silhouette is apparently inspired by the compact Pony hatchback from the 1970s. Pixel-style lighting is carried over from the concept car and at the front these square light units sit beneath a clamshell bonnet designed to minimise shutlines. Flush-fitted door handles help keep the clean look and improve aerodynamic performance.

The minimalist approach is continued inside where the wide use of recycled or sustainable materials helps reinforce the Ioniq’s eco-conscious credentials. The relatively simple dashboard is dominated by two 12-inch displays for instruments and infotainment while a “universal island” acts as a sliding centre console that can be shared by front and rear passengers.

Hyundai says that the long wheelbase and flat floor mean the C-segment SUV offers interior space and comfort of cars from the class above, with a sliding rear bench and combined front and rear luggage space of 588l.

The Ioniq 5 is available with two battery sizes - 58kWh or 72.6kWh - each of which can be specified with two- or four-wheel-drive.

The most powerful variant, which uses two motors and the larger battery, produces 302bhp and 446lb ft and can cover 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds. At the other end of the range, a single motor, two-wheel drive model with the 58kWh battery offers 168bhp and 258lb ft with a 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds. This variant will offer up to 282 miles on a single charge but Hyundai is yet to confirm the range of the other versions.

The Ioniq 5 packs 800V battery technology which allows ultra-rapid charging. At a 220kW DC charger, the Ioniq 5 will charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes and add 62 miles of range in just five minutes. The car can also be specified with solar panels in the roof to help top up the battery on the go.

Other technology fitted to the Ioniq 5 includes the latest version of Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services. For EV drivers this features connected navigation, charging point location and details, live mapping, and remote control of functions such as remote climate control and charging management.

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Dynamic voice control, heated seats and steering wheel, a Bose premium sound system, augmented reality head-up display and remote parking are also among key features. Driver assistance systems include advanced forward collision avoidance technology, intelligent speed assist, adaptive radar cruise control and lane change assist.

Deliveries of the Ioniq 5 will begin in mid-2021. Prices for the full range are yet to be confirmed but the limited edition Project 45 launch model is available to order now from £45,000 after the Plug-in Car Grant.

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