Hyundai Ioniq - electric tech could be used in other models

The electric technology from the Hyundai Ioniq could filter down into other models in the range, such as the Hyundai i30, according to the manufacturer.

“We could potentially look at introducing it into other bodystyles,” said Hyundai UK product boss Mark Baxter.

“C-segment vehicles could be an opportunity to move into, but at this stage nothing has been confirmed.”

Read our review of an early Korean-spec Ioniq HEV

When asked whether hydrogen fuel cell technology would appear on the Ioniq, Baxter said: “There is still a place for the hydrogen car; we have the ix35 fuel cell at present and we see a future for that. The challenge is infrastructure."

“Whether we’ll see it in this [Ioniq] body style, I’m not quite sure at this stage.”

The Ioniq, which is the first car from any manufacturer to be offered with three electric powertrain options within a single body type, will cost from around £22,000 for the hybrid version.

The plug-in hybrid and electric models will both be towards the £27,000 mark, not including government incentives.

The manufacturer expects the plug-in hybrid to account for 50% of sales in the UK, with around 35% hybrid and 15% EV. On the Continent, Hyundai expects the hybrid model to be the best seller.

The manufacturer also said that the hybrid market is the biggest of the three, but sales for plug-in and electric vehicles are increasing at a much higher rate.

Specifications for the Ioniq will be finalised over the next couple of weeks, but there are likely to be two trim levels for the EV and three for both hybrid vehicles. Sat-nav will come as standard in the EV, in part to attempt to alleviate range anxiety by displaying nearby charging points.

“Our key focus for all three models is that they offer the lowest CO2 emissions possible,” Baxter said. “But also providing a level of equipment that is consistent with the rest of the Hyundai range as well.”

An entry-level, bare-spec model will be omitted because, Hyundai said, its customers have shown they want more equipment. The car will come with a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

There will also be a choice of 15in or 17in wheels for the hybrid, while the EV and plug-in models will get 16s.

Around 60% to 70% of Hyundai purchases in the UK are conquest sales, and the manufacturer hopes to continue introducing new buyers to its line-up through the Ioniq.

Baxter hinted that the conservative styling of the Ioniq, which contrasts with that of the more divisive Toyota Prius, is a move to make it more palatable for a mainstream audience.