2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Limited

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai’s Ioniq line-up continues to improve its product offering for the 2019 model year, with new and broader applications of active safety features and enhanced voice-recognition features.

Exterior 
In crafting the exterior appearance of Ioniq, Hyundai concentrated on its future-focused character, fundamental to its appeal. A fluid exterior shape and natural air flow channels emphasize aerodynamic body lines and surface volumes. A sporty, hatchback-like profile is inspired by aerodynamic efficiency, complementing the soft lines and surfaces that trace the car’s outline.

The front is characterized by the Bi-Xenon HID headlights surrounded by C-shaped LED positioning lamps. Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille and vertical C-shaped LED daytime running lights further convey purity of design. Contrasting colors at the base of the bumper fascia add individual character and can be paired with two unique interior environments. The Ioniq Hybrid features specially designed two-tone contrasting 15-inch eco-spoke or 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Ioniq sleek silhouette and simple, carefully wrought contours assist the efficient management of airflow around the exterior. Applications like front wheel air curtains, a rear spoiler and diffuser, side sill moldings, floor undercover and a closed-wheel design all contribute to the car’s high aerodynamic efficiency of 0.24 Cd. Additionally, the Hybrid feature a three-stage active air flap integrated with the front grille.


Interior
In keeping with its exterior, the interior captures the model’s futuristic qualities. A smooth, elegant and clutter-free theme and efficient use of interior space complements a logical, structured approach applied to the layout of controls for intuitive operation. Materials for the interior were chosen with an ecologically sensitive focus and are used to create a simple and clean look throughout the car, giving the interior a sleek, light and purified feel.

To provide a pleasant, comfortable and refreshing interior climate without using unnecessary amounts of energy, the Ioniq climate control can be switched to an efficient operation mode. Recirculated air is maximized when air-conditioning or heating, reducing ventilation losses and increasing the overall efficiency of the system. Also, the fully automatic climate control can be set to Driver only mode, thereby reducing the load of both air conditioning and heating on the overall powertrain.

The Ioniq Hybrid delivers great driver and passenger convenience, bringing to the segment a range of considerations for which other Hybrid vehicles may have compromised. All Hybrid components are cleverly packaged to maximize space and flexibility of the interior. In fact, the Ioniq Hybrid offers best-in-class cargo space by positioning the battery underneath the rear seats. The rear cargo area provides 26.5 cubic feet of area volume with the rear seats up, allowing large pieces of luggage to be stowed with ease.


Infotainment System
Ioniq features state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity features, equipped with a high definition 7-inch TFT information cluster. With a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, it displays all gauge functions. Even more, the seven-inch TFT instrument cluster displays all key driver information with outstanding resolution. Depending on the selected drive mode, background color and gauges are adapted to always provide the most important and useful information. Within SPORT mode, the display changes into a revolving digital speedometer that is surrounded by an analog-type tachometer, showing engine rpm in red. When choosing ECO mode, the TFT-information cluster simulates the classic speedometer needle.

For 2019, the navigation-equipped Ioniq use an enhanced, natural-language, server-based voice recognition technology with a new POI-search database supported by HERE that includes charging station locations for driver convenience. The driving experience inside is enhanced through state-of-the art connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Blue Link, as well as wireless charging for smartphones. Both systems enable users to connect their devices to activate music, telephone or navigation functions.


Performance
The Ioniq Hybrid Blue model has an estimated 58 MPG combined rating, the highest rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the U.S. market. The Hybrid’s electric motor delivers an estimated 32 kW (43 horsepower) with an estimated maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft., powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery with 1.56 kWh capacity. The battery is efficiently positioned under the rear passenger seats. In combination with the 1.6-liter direct-injected engine, Ioniq Hybrid offers a total system output of 139 horsepower while providing low emissions, outstanding efficiency and range.

In addition, the Ioniq Hybrid feature a six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission, which boasts best-in-class transfer efficiency through the use of low-friction bearings and low viscosity transmission oil, and is able to achieve a unique mix of driving performance and fuel efficiency for a spirited and fun-to-drive character. This is an important differentiator from the majority of other Hybrid that use Continuously Variable Transmissions, often criticized as having rubber-band-like acceleration.

Enhancing the car’s fuel efficiency and dynamic driving characteristics, the driver can select either SPORT or ECO modes. The SPORT function holds lower gears longer and combines power from the engine and electric motor for maximum performance. Also, in SPORT mode, the gasoline engine remains on and the electric motor acts as a power assist for maximum responsiveness. In ECO mode, the DCT optimizes gear selection for efficiency, upshifting earlier to achieve class-leading fuel economy.


Summary
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.

The Estimated fuel economy is rated at 55 mpg City and 54 mpg Highway with the 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle 4 Cylinder Hybrid Engine. The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Limited is priced from an MSRP of $28,550.00, the one I drove included the Ultimate Package $2,200.00 (Navigation System with 8 Inch Touchscreen Display, Blue Link Guidance Package, Infinity Premium Audio, Wireless Charging Pad for Compatible Smart Phones (Qi), Integrated Memory System for Driver’s Seat, Cargo Cover, Four Console Mounted Rear Vents, Headlights with Dynamic Bending Light Function, Rear Parking Sensors), Carpeted Floor Mats $125.00, and it came in at $31,760.00 including destination charge $885.00.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Hyundai.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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