Hyundai IONIQ to out-smart Prius

The car that could unseat the Toyota Prius as the go-to hybrid hero in Australia will be more advanced, more efficient and mains-rechargeable, thanks to the inclusion of plug-in battery tech.

Although the Hyundai IONIQ has been delayed until 2017, the Australian arm of the Korean car-maker is intent on bringing the plug-in hybrid version to Australia, which gets a more powerful lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery rather than the $35,000 Prius' nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack.

This affords the petrol-electric IONIQ a 50km all-electric cruising range, where the non plug-in Prius can manage only a couple of kilometres in EV mode with a fully charged battery.

"We originally wanted to bring IONIQ to Australia towards to the end of 2016, but due to production priorities we're now planning to launch in 2017," Hyundai Australia's Public Relations Manager, Guido Schenken, stated.

He explained the importer hopes to offer two versions, an affordable $35,000 basic hybrid to rival the Prius and a plug-in hybrid that may be priced around $40,000 and could even come first.

"We're looking to target two variants initially, the plug-in hybrid being the most appealing for us."

Toyota has previously stated the "market isn't quite ready" for plug-in hybrid vehicles, but Hyundai begs to differ. Although Schenken wouldn't be drawn on Toyota's comments, he said plug-in hybrid technology held considerable appeal.

"We don’t discuss other manufacturer's plans. They have their own priorities and agendas as a business. For us the plug in hybrid makes an appealing case particularly for Australia given its 50km fully electric range, which is enough to cover most Australians' daily commute. And you still have the longer combined range for interstate journeys."

Hyundai's new eco hero combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to deliver 104kW (more than the Prius' 90kW) and 265Nm, and drives the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission – not a CVT, as in the Prius.

Asked if the non plug-in hybrid version of the IONIQ was more likely to given the green light for sale in Australia because it would be more affordable – part of Toyota's argument against a plug-in – the Hyundai executive said: "Nothing is a slam dunk at this stage.

"But if we had to take one, we'd take the plug-in hybrid. We see that as being most important.

"Plug-in hybrid has a dual personality, used as a city-car and for interstate travel."

Hyundai will also build a third IONIQ model, a pure-electric (EV) version, although this is highly unlikely to be offered in Australia. It features a single 88kW electric motor fed by a 28kWh battery, offering a cruising range of around 169km and a top speed of 150km/h.

The plug-in hybrid model meanwhile has a 50km electric cruising range and can travel more than 700km when using both petrol and electric motors.

Schenken wouldn’t be drawn on how much the car will cost or what features it will offer, he said Hyundai has big plans for its IONIQ-branded 'eco car' range.

"Going forward we don’t have specific details about [future] IONIQ models but we can confirm HMC [Hyundai Motor Company] will have 22 eco cars on sale by 2020.

"That breaks down as 12 hybrids, six plug-in hybrids, two EVs and two fuel cell cars."

He said that not all of these vehicles will be produced in right-hand drive and therefore available to Australians, but hinted that there'll be more to come from the Korean giant's green sub-brand.