Hyundai IONIQ Revealed; Will Rival the Toyota Prius

The IONIQ will be available with a fully-electric (EV), plug-in gasoline/electric hybrid (PHEV) and full gasoline/electric hybrid (HEV) options in a single body type. It aims to separate itself from the competition by offering an entertaining drive and class-leading fuel economy figures without sacrificing on the appeal of its design. Hyundai has stated that the car is likely to be launched in Korea in January 2016 after which it will then be showcased at the Geneva and New York motor shows.

The name IONIQ is an amalgamation of 'ion' and 'unique'. Both words are cleverly associated with the car; an ion is an electrically charged atom and unique is a great word to set apart the IONIQ from the rest of Hyundai's extensive range of cars thanks to its multiple environmentally friendly powertrain options.

You look at the design and the variants lined up and you can clearly make out that this one is built to take on the Toyota Prius. The interior of the IONIQ sees a design typical of Hyundai and there are blue accents, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a digital instrument cluster.

The gear knob comes in the metallic trim and the IONIQ gets a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission and from what we can make out from this picture, the model will be offered with an electric parking brake.

The IONIQ will come powered by a 1.6-litre GDI, four-cylinder engine good enough for 103bhp and 146Nm of torque. The engine will work together with an electric motor generating 43bhp and 170 Nm. The IONIQ will also boast of features like predictive energy management system alongwith an eco-driving assistant system and a coasting guide to help the driver keep the battery charged and obtain the best possible fuel economy.

The IONIQ comes with skinny 15-inch tyres which is probably done to save fuel. Those details are not yet out but we will have them for you as soon as we have more details. Stay Tuned!