The Hyundai Ioniq uniquely offers three electrification options – Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid and Electric.
The Electric has proved most popular since launching in 2018, combining the pure EV experience with choice (Elite or highly-equipped Premium from $53,010), spacious hatchback packaging for five adults and a decent boot (but no spare tyre), highly-responsive performance, agile cornering capabilities and excellent aftersales service.
2020’s Series II facelift brought fresh nose and tail treatments, a redesigned dashboard with a big touchscreen multimedia as part of a better overall user interface, and higher-quality fittings.
More importantly, a 12kW power jump results in even more spirited acceleration, smoother suspension for a comfier ride, a substantially quieter cabin, greater driver-assist safety like full stop/go adaptive cruise control, and more than 100km of extra range from a 10kWh-larger battery-pack upgrade.
Cleverly, paddle shifters alter the force of regenerative braking so you can speed up and slow down by merely pressing and depressing the throttle. But home charging now takes up to 17.5 hours, a 7kW wall-box installation (from $3000) slashes that to 6.25 hours, while a DC station requires about 50 minutes for around 80 per cent charge.
The upshot of all this makes the likeable Ioniq Electric our least expensive family-friendly electric car.
Hyundai AE.3 Ioniq Electric specifications
Motor: Synchronous electric
Transmission/drive: Single-speed reduction gear/front drive
Battery: 38.3kWh Lithium Ion
Power/torque: 100kW/295Nm
0-100km/h: 9.7s
Consumption: 13.8kWh/100km
Electric range: 311km
Warranty: 5yr/unlimited
Battery warranty: 8yr/160,000km
Safety rating: 5 stars
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