Hyundai teases its Prius fighter

Last week Hyundai confirmed its challenger for the world's top-selling hybrid will be called the IONIQ and now it has revealed the first renderings of its answer to the Toyota Prius.

Confirming the spy shots we published back in July depicted the real-deal, the official exterior image is accompanied by a rendering of the small five-door lift-back's futuristic interior, which Hyundai says will combine "environmentally-friendly materials and flexible space".

It also claims the IONIQ's "sleek and simple" coupe-like exterior will bring class-leading aerodynamics. Exterior design features include Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille topped by a gloss-black element that extends outwards to meet distinctive new headlights with integrated C-shaped position lights.

Hyundai has already confirmed the IONIQ for Australia in the second half of 2016, starting with a petrol/electric hybrid powertrain, which could be followed by a plug-in hybrid version after its global launch.

"Hyundai Motor Company Australia is also keen to secure the plug-in petrol/electric hybrid variant for Down Under, when it is launched globally, however the business case is still under review," reiterated HMCA today, adding: "Pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to the local launch next year."

However, motoring.com.au understands the Korean giant's first Australian hybrid will be priced from under $35,000 – in line with the Prius – when it arrives here within 12 months.

Toyota's fourth-generation Prius goes on sale in Australia in the first quarter of next year, replacing a model that's currently priced from $32,490.

However, while HMCA is keen to add a plug-in version of the IONIQ – which it says will be “better looking, a better drive and more affordable” than the Prius -- "as soon as possible", Toyota Australia has no plans to release a PHEV version of the Prius.

In line with Hyundai's Sonata PHEV sold elsewhere, expect a circa-$5000 price premium for the plug-in IONIQ, which should offer an all-electric driving range of at least 40km, but the pure-electric version of the ground-breaking car won't be sold here.

Confirmed technical details are scarce, but the IONIQ is underpinned by Hyundai's all-new ‘AE’ platform that also forms the basis of the new Elantra small sedan and the next-generation i30 hatchback due to debut in 2017.

Key differentiators are a new front suspension design and fully independent rear suspension, which along with steering will be uniquely tuned for Australia.

Hyundai has revealed no new information about its first dedicated hybrid model – and the world’s first car to be available with three different electrified powertrains – but says it will "combine head-turning good looks with class-leading aerodynamic performance".

"The IONIQ will deliver a fun and responsive driving experience, while also meeting the needs of those wishing to reduce the impact their motoring has on the environment. Hyundai’s designers have therefore created an exterior design that is rich in emotional appeal, as well as making a significant contribution to meeting the car’s environmentally-focused brief.

"Inside the IONIQ the smooth, elegant and clutter-free theme continues. There is efficient use of interior space and a clear, logical approach is applied to the layout of control functions. Simple and stylish surfaces make use of eco-friendly materials to convey a futuristic yet warm cabin ambience that will appeal to a new generation of motorists," said the company.

Originally due to make its world debut at the Detroit motor show in January, the IONIQ will now appear first in Korea early next year, before making its global premiere at the Geneva and New York shows in March.