Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors’ locally assembled IONIQ Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) was recently officially launched in Malaysia. Dubbed as the ‘driving device’, the vehicle is retailed attractively with a starting price of less than RM100,000.
The IONIQ is available in two variants – the HEV and HEV Plus, with the ‘Plus’ version offering high-end safety and convenience features. The IONIQ calls upon two key influences – efficiency and technology in its design combined to create a unique and future-looking appearance. The eco-friendly and high-tech features are met consistently throughout the IONIQ, including the attractive styling of the car, as form and function combine seamlessly.
The IONIQ offers a sleek aerodynamic silhouette derived from carefully designed surfaces. Its fluid exterior and smooth air flow channels emphasize aerodynamic lines and design forms. The contrasting colours at the base of the bumper also adds a touch of individualism. Take your pick from 7 different colours – Phantom Black, Polar White, Platinum Silver, Aurora Silver, Iron Grey, Marina Blue and Phoenix Orange (applicable for HEV Plus only).
Similar to the driving device’s exterior, the interior of the IONIQ captures the model’s futuristic perspective and draws on the car’s eco-friendly and hybrid features. A recurring elegant and minimalist theme meets a warm feeling inside the IONIQ for efficient usage of interior space while complementing a logical and structured approach to the layout of controls. Eco-friendly materials are incorporated to create a simple and clean look throughout the car, giving the interior a spacious and purified feel.
Developed to strive for the world’s highest hybrid fuel efficiency without compromising the driving performance, the IONIQ Hybrid is equipped with a newly developed and dedicated Kappa 1.6 Atkinson GDI four-cylinder engine.
The driving performance of the IONIQ line-up is among the best in its segment, thanks to a power train which is specially adapted to deliver efficient mobility without compromise.
The vehicle also features a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT), which boasts the best transfer efficiency through the use of low-friction bearings and low-viscosity transmission oil. Utilising the latest generation of transmission technology, the IONIQ achieves its unique mix of driving performance and excellent fuel efficiency through intelligently set gear ratios together with a sophisticated shift strategy – allowing a smooth transition of power from gear to gear.
Safety features such as the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Front and Rear Parking System, seven-airbag system and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are major safety keys with both the HEV and HEV Plus variants. However, the HEV Plus is upgraded with a host of other security features such as the Wireless Charging System for smartphones, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB), Smart Cruise Control System (SCC), and a Rain Sensor.
To provide a pleasant and comfortable climate in the car (minus the unnecessary exertion of energy), the IONIQ’s climate control can be switched to an efficient operation mode. Due to a maximum utilisation of the inside air when turning on the air-conditioning or heating, ventilation loss can be minimised and the overall efficiency of the system increases.
Also, the dual-zone climate control can be set to ‘driver only’ mode, reducing the load of the air-conditioning and heating to work more efficiently.
To suit varied lifestyles, the IONIQ features state of the art infotainment and connectivity features. It is equipped with a new generation high-resolution 7-inch TFT information cluster with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, displaying all types of gauges (speedometer, ECO, state of charge, fuel etc). Depending on the selected drive mode, background colour and gauges are varied to always provide the most important and useful information as well as a relaxed atmosphere.
In conjunction with the launch of the new IONIQ, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors is also introducing the Care Plus Programme which consists of the following 5 elements:
1. 5 year or 300,000km(whichever comes first) warranty of vehicle
2. 8 years unlimited mileage warranty for the battery and a battery price below RM10,000 for the following 8 years should the battery needs replacement
3. 3 years or 60,000km (whichever comes first) of free service that includes parts, labour and engine oil
4. 3 years Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) Insurance – Should the car be declared as total loss within the first 3 years of ownership due to any untoward incident. Customers will be reimbursed fully (100% of the value of the car)
5. Interest rate as low as 2.28% based on the reducing balance calculation
For more information on the new IONIQ Hybrid, forward your inquiries to the HSDM Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 or log on to the Hyundai website today.
