The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq features three electrified low- and zero-emission powertrain choices.

March 22, 2017

The Hyundai folks are responding to a growing population of eco-minded car buyers with the release of what they are touting as the world’s first single, dedicated vehicle platform with three electrified low- and zero-emission powertrain choices. It’s called the Ioniq

According to the Hyundai folks, this new choice of offering will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market.  

While the electric version will only be sold in California beginning next month, the Ioniq Hybrid went on sale this month around the country.  The plug-in Hybrid will be introduced later this year.

So for folks who are serious about the notion of good clean driving, the Ioniq Hybrid is certainly going to be worth a look. 

The thinkers at Hyundai are also hoping to attract a younger market with the vehicle.

“Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco- and efficiency-oriented buyers in the U.S. market,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With outstanding power train flexibility, design, connectivity and advanced technologies, Ioniq meets the needs of a large and growing group of buyers needing a highly efficient, enjoyable to drive, low-emissions vehicle without compromise to their daily lifestyles.”

Focusing on the 2017 Hyundai Hybrid you can choose from the Blue, SEL or Limited all with front wheel drive.

While the driving experience will offer every bell and whistle a driver could ask for, much of the idea behind the car is also about being eco-friendly all around. For example, Ionic has a significant weight reduction made possible by the use of aluminum in the hood and tailgate, reducing the weight by 27 pounds.  

In addition, the lead-acid auxiliary 12V battery found in other hybrid models on the market has been removed giving the Ioniq Hybrid another 26-pound reduction. This lightweight idea has also been used in areas like the cargo-screen cover. With a higher usage of lightweight components and a more compact build, the cargo-screen cover is about 25 percent lighter than what is used in other Hyundai models.

The material used inside is also eco-focused to create a clean and sustainable interior ambience. One of the key characteristic of the Ioniq is its innovative use of recycled or ecologically-sensitive materials. The interior door covers are made of plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone while providing the same quality appearance of typical plastic-based materials. The softer, more natural feel is achieved along with less reliance on oil-based products. This approach extends to other areas of the car too. Raw materials extracted from sugar cane are partly applied on the headliner and carpet. Paint with renewable ingredients extracted from soybean oil is used to achieve lustrous metallic colors on key components.

Under the hood the hybrid offers a 1.6 GDI, four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers roughly 104 horsepower with 109 pound feet of torque. It has also been specifically tailored to the hybrid application and is combined with a quick-shifting six-speed double-clutch transmission.  The Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor delivers an estimated 43 horsepower with an estimated maximum of 125 pound feet of torque powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery with 1.56 k Wh capacity. The battery is located under the rear passenger seats. 

The air conditioning also offers a refreshing interior climate without using unnecessary amounts of energy. The Ioniq climate control can be switched to an efficient operation mode. That means the recirculated air is maximized when air-conditioning or heating, reducing ventilation losses and increasing the overall efficiency of the system. 

With a lifetime battery warranty that applies to first time buyers only, the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid promises 55 miles per gallon in the city and 54 miles per gallon on the highway.


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