Photo: CarPix
We now have a good idea why Kia was testing the Niro crossover together with a Golf GTE two days ago. They didn't want to mimic the power delivery or handling, just copy the boring German interior.
We're only kidding, of course. But we were taken aback by how clean and conventional the interior of the Hyundai Ioniq looks. Remember, while the Kia Niro is a crossover, Hyundai's version is a direct competitor for the Toyota Prius.
While the all-new for 2016 version of the Japanese hybrid legend looks like something designed by aliens, this thing is… Opel-ish. The dashboard and part of the console on this pre-production prototype are light gray, and we think this is an intentional chromatic choice since the gray is also carried over to the seat leather.
For the most part, the interior of the Ioniq is original. But the extra-large center screen and some of the switches from the steering wheel appear to be taken from the Genesis premium sedan. The toggle theme has been kept for some of the switches on the dash, and the dual zone climate control system is large and well laid out.
It looks like the Ioniq will use a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox connected to its hybrid drive. Unlike the Toyota Prius, the gearbox on this model appears to have a manual mode installed into the shifter gate. Behind that is a large cubby hole where we can only presume Hyundai will offer wireless phone charging. Right now, the engineer has his smartphone connected directly via cable.
In place of a rev counter, Hyundai has installed one of those eco power reserve dials that tell you when you are using too much fuel.
At launch, the Ioniq will only be available as a conventional hybrid model although a plug-in powertrain should debut in 2017.
On paper at least, the Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq will be down on power compared to the Prius. Both will use a 1.6-liter GDI engine with 106 PS and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft). Boasting up to 40% thermal efficiency, this four-cylinder's eco work will be aided by a 35 kW (47 hp) electric motor and a 1.56 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack.
While the all-new for 2016 version of the Japanese hybrid legend looks like something designed by aliens, this thing is… Opel-ish. The dashboard and part of the console on this pre-production prototype are light gray, and we think this is an intentional chromatic choice since the gray is also carried over to the seat leather.
For the most part, the interior of the Ioniq is original. But the extra-large center screen and some of the switches from the steering wheel appear to be taken from the Genesis premium sedan. The toggle theme has been kept for some of the switches on the dash, and the dual zone climate control system is large and well laid out.
It looks like the Ioniq will use a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox connected to its hybrid drive. Unlike the Toyota Prius, the gearbox on this model appears to have a manual mode installed into the shifter gate. Behind that is a large cubby hole where we can only presume Hyundai will offer wireless phone charging. Right now, the engineer has his smartphone connected directly via cable.
In place of a rev counter, Hyundai has installed one of those eco power reserve dials that tell you when you are using too much fuel.
At launch, the Ioniq will only be available as a conventional hybrid model although a plug-in powertrain should debut in 2017.
On paper at least, the Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq will be down on power compared to the Prius. Both will use a 1.6-liter GDI engine with 106 PS and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft). Boasting up to 40% thermal efficiency, this four-cylinder's eco work will be aided by a 35 kW (47 hp) electric motor and a 1.56 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack.
Google News