Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has introduced the Ioniq 6 into the Malaysian market. It is the second model sold under the Ioniq sub-brand, which is geared towards selling electric cars, and the fourth model made using the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
The streamlined Ioniq 6 design was influenced by Hyundai’s Prophecy Concept EV, which made its debut in March 2020 and, according to Hyundai, it has the lowest drag coefficient of 0.21. A large wheelbase of 2,950mm results from the stretched-out front and rear points. The Ioniq 6 measures in at 4,855mm in length, 1,880mm in width, 1,495mm in height.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is this year’s venue for the world debut of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The high-performance electrified car is the first in N’s electrification strategy, but it won’t be the last. The Ioniq 5 is Hyundai’s “first step” in its electrification strategy, according to the automaker, with further EVs from the sub-brand to come.
Two electric motors are available in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The model’s combined output of 600hp and 740Nm of torque may somewhat alter before production begins. With the N Grin Boost mode activated, the output rises to 641hp and 770Nm of torque for 10 seconds.
The all-wheel-drive engine can accelerate the N from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds; with N Grin Boost, that time drops to 3.4. It has a top speed of 260 km/h.
It used to be that the company name was also a brand name and used with every model the company sold. However, in recent times, especially with the advent of electric vehicles (EVs), some companies are finding that it would be better to create a dedicated sub-brand for such vehicles and give them more prominence.
Hyundai Motor is the latest to do so with the announcement of the IONIQ brand which will be for EVs. Most readers would know that the IONIQ name has already been used by a Hyundai model. The name, which fuses ‘ion’ and ‘unique’ was first introduced in 2016 as ‘Project IONIQ’, a long-term R&D project focused on eco-friendly mobility.
Based on the project, Hyundai introduced a model named IONIQ which was unique in that it could be powered by a choice of three powertrain options – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and full electric – within the same bodystyle.
The IONIQ was introduced to the Malaysian market in 2016, and is available only with a hybrid powertrain.
Three new models in four years
Mow, the company will re-assign the model name to become a brand name. Over the next four years, the Korean carmaker will introduce a range of numerically named EVs under the new brand, with the even numbers used for sedans and the odd numbers for SUVs. These will start, in early 2021, with the IONIQ 5. In 2022 will come the IONIQ 6 sedan and in early 2024, the IONIQ 7 which will be a large SUV.
The first model, the IONIQ 5, will be a midsize CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) based on the concept 45 which was displayed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motorshow as a homage to its very first concept car. The IONIQ 5’s designers have taken inspiration from the past and integrated it with cutting-edge parametric pixels, a unique design element that Hyundai designers will continue to incorporate into future IONIQ models.
Concept 45 (above) will be the basis of the IONIQ 5′ design, while the Prophecy concept (below) provides the designers with the starting point for the styling of the IONIQ 6.
The IONIQ 6 sedan will be based on the company’s latest concept car, the Prophecy, which made its debut 5 months ago. The IONIQ 7 SUV will share the vehicles’ common design theme of ‘Timeless Value’. The vehicles will be inspired by past models but they will be a bridge to the future, says Hyundai.
E-GMP platform
All IONIQ models will sit on an Electric Global Modular Platform, known as ‘E-GMP’, that will have fast charging capability and generous driving range. The EV-dedicated platform will allow Hyundai designers to reimagine the cabin as a ‘smart living space’ with highly adjustable seats, wireless connectivity and unique features such as a glovebox designed as drawers.
The platform paradigm shift will extend into the user interfaces that will be simple, intuitive and ergonomically designed to help occupants feel at ease.
Strategy 2025
The Hyundai Motor Group recently announced that the Group aims to sell 1 million units of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and take 10% share to become a leader in the global EV field by 2025. Under Strategy 2025, Hyundai Motor Company itself aims to become the world’s third-largest automaker of eco-friendly vehicles by 2025, with 560,000 BEV sales in addition to Fuel Cell EV sales.
Hyundai celebrated the launch of the IONIQ brand by turning the London Eye into a giant letter ‘Q’ using electric lights just before the official reopening of the famous attraction. With the otherwise bustling city of London having come to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Hyundai is ‘bringing new energy into the city’ by lighting up and turning one of its most iconic sights once again.
Hyundai Motors is currently pushing their technology prowess on autonomous driving capabilities with their Hyundai IONIQ model. Still in early stages, the hybrid sedan is currently being tested on European roads with Level 4 Autonomous Driving, which is only one level away from a car being completely autonomous in every situation. (more…)
The folks from Hyundai are celebrating their award-winning IONIQ model this week in a very special way. A brand-new TV advertising campaign dubbed “The Amazing Drop of Fuel” has been launched on YouTube and you can watch the brand-spanking new video, below! (more…)
The Hyundai IONIQ has continued its winning ways in 2018, picking up two awards at the Carbuyer & DrivingElectric Awards; Carbuyer Company Car of the Year and DrivingElectric Compact Plug-in Hybrid of the Year. These latest victories come a little over a month after the IONIQ Hybrid was named as WhatCar?’s Best Used Green Car.
Available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicle, IONIQ is the most versatile alternative-fuelled vehicle on the market. In IONIQ Hybrid form it boasts fuel economy of up to 68.2mpg, (4.1L / 100km) while the Electric version is capable of 174 miles (280km) of zero emissions motoring on a single charge. The IONIQ Plug-in offers an enticing mix of both, with 30 miles (48km) of zero emissions motoring and the peace-of-mind of a 1.6-litre GDI range-extending petrol engine.
Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK President & CEO, said: “On behalf of the whole team at Hyundai Motor UK, it’s an absolute privilege to see our electrified vehicles picking up even more awards. Hyundai has been a pioneer in this area of the market, not only with the IONIQ, but also with the 300-mile-range Kona Electric and with our NEXO Fuel Cell Vehicle, which offers 414 miles of zero emissions motoring and even cleans the air of particulates as it drives. We’ve invested heavily in our vision of a green future, and it gives me great pleasure to see others recognising it, too.”
Judged and presented by the expert editorial team of Carbuyer.co.uk and DrivingElectric, both run by Dennis Publishing, the awards are designed with genuine consumer interests in mind, delivering on the publications’ promises of being the internet’s most insightful car-buying research tool and specialist electric vehicle website, respectively.
Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Carbuyer.co.uk and DrivingElectric said: “By offering the IONIQ with a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric powertrains, Hyundai created a unique proposition in the market – one that’s perfectly tailored for company car drivers looking to minimise costs. More than that, the IONIQ is practical, comfortable and good to drive in all its guises, a great company car to suit a range of usage patterns. Although it was the IONIQ range as a whole that won Carbuyer’s Company Car of the Year, the judges picked out the IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid for particular praise as DrivingElectric’s Compact Plug-in of the Year. The Hyundai IONIQ is at its best in plug-in hybrid form delivering family-friendly practicality and the prospect of zero exhaust emissions motoring for owners who can operate it within the genuine 26-mile real world electric range. Solid build and user-friendly tech also count in the favour of this great value all-rounder,”
Customers who have made bookings for the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid and the Tucson (*applicable only for the Turbo and Elegance variant) can be rest assured that as long as the booking is made by or on 31 August 2018, they need not worry about paying the sales and service tax (SST), even if their vehicle is delivered after 1st September 2018. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) said it would honour the selling price of these two vehicles with zero-rated GST while stocks last for a limited time only.
According to Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan), the sales of Hyundai vehicles have increased during the tax holiday period, especially for the IONIQ Hybrid and Tucson models as customers take the opportunity to enjoy greater savings. “With our stock for the IONIQ Hybrid and *Tucson fast depleting, we will need time to replenish the stock in order to fulfill customers’ demands. It is only fair that HSDM absorbs the SST for orders placed by 31 August 2018, even for vehicles delivered after the SST takes effect,” said Ho. HSDM is inviting the public to visit Hyundai’s authorised showrooms to learn about the ongoing promotions.
The **current selling price for the IONIQ and Tucson models with zero-rated GST are as follows:
IONIQ Hybrid HEV – RM94,788
IONIQ Hybrid HEV Plus – RM109,988
Tucson Elegance – RM119,188
Tucson Turbo – RM137,488
**Price indicated is only applicable to Peninsular Malaysia and excludes insurance.
HSDM offers a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty on all its new passenger vehicles. In addition, the IONIQ is entitled to 60,000km free service while the Tucson is entitled to 50,000km free service, both with a three-year validity. A 24-hour road assist service is also available now for new and existing Hyundai vehicles. For more information or to place bookings, head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.
The 2018 Hyundai IONIQ, Hyundai Motor’s innovative model that offers three electrified powertrains, was awarded the Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) Supreme Award at a ceremony at the Busan International Motor Show. The Supreme Award is the top honor awarded annually by 25 of the most respected female automotive journalists from around the world who vote in the WWCOTY competition.
This year, the Hyundai IONIQ was a “standout”,” said the WWCOTY jurors, calling the IONIQ a “clear winner” among more than 400 initial contenders. IONIQ was also recognized as the winner of the Green Car category. The IONIQ is the first eco-focused vehicle platform in the world to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models. Hyundai’s approach for the IONIQ line delivers an uncompromising design and driving experience coupled with the latest in safety and convenience technologies, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers. For the awards competition, all three IONIQ variants were considered and treated as one car for voting purposes.
“We are honored to be present at the Busan International Motor Show to present this special trophy commemorating IONIQ’s Supreme Award and Green Car category award” said Sandy Myhre, CEO, Women’s World Car of the Year. “Having passed our rigorous test and being picked from a democratic voting process, IONIQ really stood out as a “clear winner”.”
“IONIQ’s aerodynamic body lines assist airflow and benefit its overall efficiency as an eco-friendly vehicle,” said Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor (above). “Earning the Supreme Award from the judges of the Women’s World Car of the Year serves as yet another proof of IONIQ’s outstanding design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also purpose-built.”
The Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid has been declared as one of the safest cars in its class after being awarded an overall five-star safety rating by the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). The ASEAN NCAP is a collaborative effort between the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Global NCAP.
The IONIQ was tested using a stringent 2017-2020 rating system and achieved an outstanding overall score of 91.98 points. It fared well in three categories namely, Adult Occupant Protection (46.34 points over 50.00), Child Occupant Protection (21.48 points over 25.00) and Safety Assist Technologies (24.17 over 25.00) making it one of the safest cars in its segment.
“We are elated with the latest five-star ASEAN NCAP award to add to the list of IONIQ’s safety awards, including the 5-star Safety Rating by Euro NCAP in 2017 and the 2017 Top Safety Pick+ Award from IIHS (Independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) in the US. The IONIQ has proven to be one of the safest cars in its class featuring advanced safety features. With a starting price of RM94,788 (On-The-Road Price without GST and Insurance, WEF 1st June 2018) it is certainly value for money, coupled with its award-winning design and a host of convenient features,” said Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors – Malaysia, Thailand & Taiwan.
According to the ASEAN NCAP, the IONIQ scored impressively thanks to its advanced safety equipment, which includes effective braking and avoidance technologies such as the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) including rear passengers, ISOFIX and top tether that is standard across all variants. The IONIQ also offers several advanced safety technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for City, Inter-Urban and Vulnerable Road Users Technologies, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA). (These features are only available in the HEV PLUS variant).
The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) alerts drivers to emergency situations, braking autonomously when required. Using front radar and camera sensors, AEB operates in three stages; initially warning the driver visually and acoustically, controlling the brake according to the collision danger stage and applies maximum braking force just before the moment of collision. When the car senses a vehicle or pedestrian, the system is activated and avoids a collision or minimizes damage when a collision is otherwise unavoidable.
Other features that contributed to the IONIQ’s five-star rating include:
Lane Keeping Assist System including Lane Departure Warning
This alerts the driver acoustically and visually if the car crosses road markings without indicating, and applies slight force to the steering wheel in order to guide the driver back to a safe position. (The feature is only available in the HEV PLUS variant)
Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
This system warns the driver of surrounding vehicles, passengers or other objects that may lead to a collision if unnoticed while the car is in motion – a further safety feature of the IONIQ. (The feature is only available in the HEV PLUS variant)
Passive Safety
A total of seven airbags are positioned around the interior of the IONIQ, including a knee airbag for the driver
A host of local awards that the IONIQ has won in 2017 include the 2017 Hybrid of the Year at the Vehicle of the Year Awards (VOTY) by DSF.my in collaboration with Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad, 2017 Hybrid Vehicle of the Year by CarSifu Editor’s Choice Awards, 2017 Sedan & Hatchback of the Year (RM100,000-RM130,000) category and the 2017 Hybrid Car of the Year Category at the Malaysia Car of the Year Awards.
HSDM offers a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty for the vehicle, three-year or 60,000km (whichever comes first) free service including parts, labour and engine oil. It also comes with an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery and a battery price below RM10,000 for the following eight years if the battery needs replacement. A 24-hour road assist service is also available for new and existing Hyundai vehicles.
Price in Malaysia:
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 (A) HEV – RM94,788.00
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 (A) HEV Plus – RM109,988.00
