Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
After updating the Ioniq for the 2019 model year, Hyundai prepares to roll out a mid-cycle refresh for 2020. The five-door liftback was caught by the carparazzi testing in hot weather in the United States, and from the looks of it, this prototype is hybrid.
“How do you know it’s the Ioniq Hybrid?” The answer lies with the 15-inch Eco-spoke wheels wrapped in 195/65 rubber, which are exclusive to the cheapest powertrain of the five-door liftback. Parked in front of a hotel, the prototype appears to be a hot-weather test mule.
Look closer to the front of the vehicle, and you’ll notice something peculiar. More to the point, the black-painted mesh of the cascading grille is inspired by the Kona, Elantra GT, and Veloster. The headlights and taillights are also different, as are the front and rear bumpers.
The pictures don’t reveal too much of the interior, but then again, Hyundai won’t change too many things in this department. Soft-touch plastic panels here and better finish there, comfier seats, and an upgraded infotainment system should be in the pipeline.
Priced from $22,200, the cheapest Ioniq in the lineup returns up to 58 miles per gallon on the combined cycle. Hyundai is guaranteed to work its magic on the 1.6-liter Kappa four-cylinder engine, six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and electric motor, but that’s not all. If we’re lucky, then Hyundai will treat us to upgraded software for the powertrain control module and regenerative braking system as well.
Upgrading to the $24,950 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid translates to a combined range of up to 630 miles with a full tank of gas and a fully-charged battery (8.9 kWh) for the pre-facelift model. The Ioniq Electric, meanwhile, costs $29,500 and is much obliged to cover 124 miles from its 28-kWh battery.
The Chevrolet Bolt has more than double the capacity, meaning that Hyundai might do something about the Ioniq Electric in order to close the gap. Even a 30-kWh battery would be something, but then again, the South Korean interloper doesn’t dwell in the same segment and pricing range as the EV from General Motors.
“How do you know it’s the Ioniq Hybrid?” The answer lies with the 15-inch Eco-spoke wheels wrapped in 195/65 rubber, which are exclusive to the cheapest powertrain of the five-door liftback. Parked in front of a hotel, the prototype appears to be a hot-weather test mule.
Look closer to the front of the vehicle, and you’ll notice something peculiar. More to the point, the black-painted mesh of the cascading grille is inspired by the Kona, Elantra GT, and Veloster. The headlights and taillights are also different, as are the front and rear bumpers.
The pictures don’t reveal too much of the interior, but then again, Hyundai won’t change too many things in this department. Soft-touch plastic panels here and better finish there, comfier seats, and an upgraded infotainment system should be in the pipeline.
Priced from $22,200, the cheapest Ioniq in the lineup returns up to 58 miles per gallon on the combined cycle. Hyundai is guaranteed to work its magic on the 1.6-liter Kappa four-cylinder engine, six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and electric motor, but that’s not all. If we’re lucky, then Hyundai will treat us to upgraded software for the powertrain control module and regenerative braking system as well.
Upgrading to the $24,950 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid translates to a combined range of up to 630 miles with a full tank of gas and a fully-charged battery (8.9 kWh) for the pre-facelift model. The Ioniq Electric, meanwhile, costs $29,500 and is much obliged to cover 124 miles from its 28-kWh battery.
The Chevrolet Bolt has more than double the capacity, meaning that Hyundai might do something about the Ioniq Electric in order to close the gap. Even a 30-kWh battery would be something, but then again, the South Korean interloper doesn’t dwell in the same segment and pricing range as the EV from General Motors.
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