Why buy the Hyundai Ioniq?
The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid mix the space and practicality you expect of a family hatchback with great fuel efficiency and a long list of features included as standard. And you get all that for a relatively low price.
Hyundai Ioniq range and updates
The Ioniq was first sold new in 2016 and it’s unusual because it’s one of the few cars available with full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure-electric power. There are no versions without an electric motor. Here, we’re looking at the hybrid models, which have a 1.6-litre petrol engine, plus a battery-powered electric motor. You can read more about the Hyundai Ioniq Electric here.
With the Ioniq Hybrid, you have four trim levels to choose from – SE, SE Connect, Premium and Premium SE. The Premium and Premium SE give you more features for not much more money. They’re also your only options with the Plug-in Hybrid. Early Ioniq buyers could get the limited-run 1st Edition, which was only available in 2016. Hyundai stopped building the Ioniq in 2022.
Hyundai Ioniq tech and features
Every version of the Ioniq is generously equipped with features. They all have adaptive cruise control, two-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, Bluetooth, DAB radio, and electrically adjustable lumbar support on the driver’s seat. SE Connect adds sat nav; Premium gains heated front seats; and Premium SE has leather upholstery plus an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function.
Hyundai Ioniq running costs and value
The Ioniq hybrids are really fuel-efficient, potentially more so than an equivalent diesel car. According to official figures, the Ioniq Hybrid can give average fuel economy of 61mpg to 78mpg, depending on the model. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid can give you as much as 256mpg, according to official figures, but you’re unlikely to get near that unless you keep the battery fully charged. The official battery range using electric power alone is 39 miles.
Carbon dioxide (CO2 emissions are very low – 85 g/km for the Hybrid and 26 g/km for the Plug-in Hybrid. That means annual car tax charges are low. Compared with other hybrid cars of similar size, the Ioniq is a relatively low-cost option, so it’s excellent value for money.
Hyundai Ioniq vs rivals
There’s only one other mid-size hatchback that was purpose-built for hybrid power – the Toyota Prius. There are, however, plenty of more conventional mid-size hatchbacks available with full-hybrid or plug-in hybrid power including the Toyota Auris and the Toyota Corolla, the Volkswagen Golf and the Renault Megane. Compared with those cars, the value that the Ioniq offers stands out among the crowd.
