Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid May Come To India

With several major car manufacturers already having hybrid models in their Indian product line-up, it was only a matter of time before Hyundai joined the bandwagon too. After all, hybrid cars are the one thing that is really picking up in our country, and our government is also supporting this cause. Hyundai, the second largest car manufacturer in India, is planning to bring the Ioniq plug­in hybrid car to India by 2017.

The Ioniq made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2016 and will hit European markets first, and then make its way to the rest of the globe. It will be available with three different powertrains – hybrid, plug­in hybrid, and electric. However, India will get only the plug­in hybrid variant which will be powered by an 8.9kWh lithium­ion polymer battery, having an estimated pure electric range of 50km. This car with an electric motor will be capable of producing 61PS (45KW) of power, and is paired with a 1.6­litre GDI, four­cylinder, petrol engine that will produce 105PS of power and 147Nm peak torque.

The Ioniq has a ‘kamm’ tail design which is very similar to that of the popular Toyota Prius. However, it does have trademark Hyundai ‘Fluidic Design’ features like the hexagonal grille, flowing character lines, LED daytime running lights and 16­inch alloy wheels. The charging dock can be seen mounted on top of the left front fender. Speaking about the interiors, the Ioniq has a sporty all­black cabin along with a centrally mounted 7­inch infotainment system with a surplus of dials and buttons underneath that looks quite futuristic.

The Ioniq will be a car that will be great for the Indian hybrid market. However, the success of this car totally depends on how it is going to be priced. Let us keep our fingers crossed and hope that this car does not suffer the shocking price syndrome like the Toyota Prius.

Source: Autocar India