Hyundai Ioniq 6 evaluation – Automotive Weblog
We street check the sensational new Hyundai Ioniq 6 – a boldly-styled EV marketed as a ‘streamliner’…
Hyundai is completely smashing it out of the park for the time being. Sizzling on the heels of the newest i10 metropolis automotive, Tucson Hybrid SUV and crowd-pleasing Ioniq 5, comes the Ioniq 6.
Impressed by aerodynamic model icons of the 20th Century, this slippery four-door saloon might have divisive appears, however imagine me, it is without doubt one of the finest electrical automobiles in the marketplace.
I’m not alone both, as a result of it was topped total World Automobile of the 12 months 2023, plus it gained the World Electrical Automobile and World Automobile Design of the 12 months classes.
Barely longer than the Tesla Mannequin 3, its different rivals embody the Polestar 2 and BMW i4.
At the moment solely accessible with a big 77.4kWh battery, the Ioniq 6 has a driving vary of as much as 338 miles (rear-wheel drive) or 322 miles (all-wheel drive).
The one motor RWD develops 226bhp and 258lb ft of torque and is able to 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, whereas the twin-motor AWD delivers 320bhp and 446lb ft, leading to a sooner 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds.
That includes an 800V charging system offering 350kW compatibility, it may be used on the quickest chargers at present accessible.
So, anticipate the Ioniq 6 to cost to 80% in round 20 minutes when linked to a 350kW ultra-rapid connection. And when you’ve got a house wallbox, you’ll be capable of cost in a single day, whereas a lift to 80% by way of a 50kW public charger will take one hour 13 minutes.
Sharing its underpinnings with the award-winning (extra angular) Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover, the 6 has an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.21, which boosts efficiency and optimises effectivity.
Priced from £47,040, there’s a alternative of two generously-equipped trim ranges (Premium and Final).
The Ioniq 6 is futuristic inside too, with twin 12.3-inch screens – a driver’s digital instrument panel and a central infotainment show.
Fortunately it’s not completely minimalist both. As an illustration, there are small touch-sensitive buttons for the local weather controls in a separate panel beneath the touchscreen. These are a tad fiddly, however significantly better than having to swipe by menus on a touchscreen.
Total, the standard of the inside is a step up from the Ioniq 5, whereas the seats are comfy and there are many soft-touch surfaces.
There’s additionally ample house inside entrance and rear, although taller rear passengers (6ft and over) would possibly wrestle for headroom, due to that sweeping roofline. The 401-litre boot capability could be very helpful too, and you may flip the again seats to move longer objects.
A particular point out for the Ioniq 6’s distinctive ‘Parametric Pixels’. There are 700 in all and you will discover then within the headlights, taillights, entrance sensors, air damper trim, centre console indicator and third brake gentle. The truth is, the rear wing gentle signature when braking is one thing else.
I acquired behind the wheel of a Premium spec mannequin with all-wheel drive. Naturally, the seating place is decrease than a crossover, although personally I would like it decrease nonetheless.
Proper from the off, the entire cabin expertise is easy and refined. Not solely does the Ioniq 6 float over most potholes – it’s whisper quiet too.
It was lashing down with rain for a lot of my check time, however the automotive by no means felt something aside from planted, with plentiful grip and easy energy.
It’s surprisingly agile if you push it on tougher roads with properly managed physique lean, whereas the steering is properly weighted.
At its finest cruising alongside, there are three drive modes – Eco, Regular and Sport. As ever, Regular is the perfect compromise between efficiency and economic system. And if you would like additional regenerative braking, then flick one of many steering-wheel-mounted paddles.
Arduous to inform with out spending extra time with the automotive, however the claimed vary appeared life like based mostly on combined driving.
As you’d anticipate with a contemporary EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was awarded a most 5 stars when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP.
It’s additionally fitted with Freeway Driving Help 2 (HDA 2), which is Stage 2 autonomous driving. The system helps to take care of a set distance and velocity from the automobile forward when driving on sooner roads and motorways and helps to centre the automobile within the lane whereas driving. It will probably even overtake the automobile in entrance.
Verdict: If you wish to stand out from the group with a retro-mod, low slung EV saloon, then the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the automotive for you. Secure, spacious, refined and serene, it delivers an extended vary and is kind of merely, one of the spectacular electrical autos on the street.
