Hyundai IONIQ Electric upgraded already

Fresh from launching the Kona Electric SUV in March and the electrified IONIQ liftback range in December 2018, Hyundai has revealed an upgraded IONIQ line-up and confirmed it for Australian release in the second half of this year.

That means the world’s first car with three different electrified powertrains – led by Australia’s cheapest EV, which now gains a longer driving range – will be upgraded within a year of going on sale here.

Hyundai says the 2019 IONIQ Electric’s upgraded 38.3kWh lithium-ion polymer battery (up from 28kWh) will offer 36 per cent more energy storage capacity and an internal WLTP range target of 294km.

While that’s still short of the 449km WLPT figure of the Kona Electric, which runs a bigger 64kWh lithium-polymer battery, it’s well up on the current IONIQ EV’s 230km real-world range, which equates to 280km according to Australian Design Rule testing.

The IONIQ Electric’s 100kW/295Nm e-motor is fitted standard with an upgraded 7.2kW on-board charger (up from 6.6kW) for Type 2 AC battery charging to 80 per cent in about six hours. Using a 100kW fast-charger, an 80 per cent charge can be achieved in just 54 minutes, says Hyundai.

The other two IONIQ models are mechanically unchanged, meaning the Hybrid and Plug-in both remain equipped with Hyundai’s 77kW/147Nm Kappa 1.6-litre GDI direct-injection petrol four-cylinder engine.

In the hybrid, a permanent magnet electric motor delivers 32kW/170Nm and is powered by a 1.56kWh lithium-ion polymer battery positioned under the rear seats, while the plug-in version’s 44.5kW/170Nm electric motor is powered by an 8.9kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.

Both engine-equipped powertrains – equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission -- deliver a system output of 103.6kW/265Nm and while the Hybrid can operate in pure-electric mode at speeds up to 120km/h, the Plug-in can travel for 52km in EV mode.

But there are other changes across the three-model Hyundai IONIQ range, which has notched up more than 60,000 sales since it went on sale globally in 2016 and includes hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric models that undercut their most direct rivals with pricing from $33,990, $40,990 and $44,990 respectively.

These include added technology in the form of Hyundai Blue Link, a connected vehicle system that uses embedded telematics to allows users to start/stop, un/lock, control air-conditioning and, in plug-in models, check battery status and control charging remotely via a smartphone app.

The IONIQ’s optional Audio Video Navigation system with improved 10.25-inch touch-screen now features Cloud-based voice recognition in six languages via Blue Link) and can be customised to create two home screens and the ability to edit displayed widgets and icons.

It also now comes with Multi-Bluetooth function that allows users to connect two phones at the same time to listen to each phone’s music through Bluetooth streaming.

Also new is Hyundai eCall, which automatically dials emergency assistance if airbags are deployed or the call button located above the rear-view mirror is pressed.

In addition, both the exterior and interior designs receive updates, with cabin revisions including the option of four leather seat colours: Black, Gray two-tone, Red Umber (hybrid and plug-in only) and Electric Shadow (electric only).

There’s a new Dark Chrome Accent dashboard garnish and, below the new wide-screen 10.25-inch AVN screen, a redesigned climate control panel has a sleek, glossy finish and new touch-type buttons.

Blue ambient lighting has been applied across the passenger-side lower dashboard and the centre console and the IONIQ Electric’s standard high-resolution 7.0-inch LCD console display (optional for hybrid and plug-in hybrid models) has been improved via drive mode-specific mood lighting.

Externally, all models bring an updated front bumper with silver-coloured moulding at the bottom and anthracite for the rear bumper moulding and daytime running light bezels.

Hyundai says newly available LED headlights and tail-lights – and standard LED DRLs -- have been completely redesigned to make the IONIQ stand out at night.

Hybrid and plug-in versions of the IONIQ score a redesigned mesh-type grille, while the IONIQ Electric gets a new pattern for its closed grille.

The IONIQ Plug-in and Electric are available with redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels, while IONIQ Hybrid customers can choose between a new 15-inch or 17-inch designs.

Finally, four of the IONIQ’s nine exterior paint colours are new: Fluidic Metal, Electric Shadow, Liquid Sand and Typhoon Silver.

There are no changes to the IONIQ’s extensive list of standard SmartSense safety features, which includes Front Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection and new Cyclist Detection, plus Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist.

Optionally available are Lane Following Assist lane-centring, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.

“Our new IONIQ models build on the success of the first generation thanks to a range of upgrades both in terms of connectivity features and design,” said Hyundai Motor COO, Thomas Schmid.

“When it comes to Hyundai’s eco-mobility vehicles, IONIQ is leading the way by offering our customers all they need thanks to life-enhancing, easy-to-use technologies.”