Hyundai Ioniq blends familiar cues with futuristic design

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Hyundai is preparing to unveil its first dedicated electrified vehicle. Called the Ioniq, it’s set to launch at the Geneva Motor Show this March. Now, the Korean automaker is giving us an idea of what to expect with a series of teaser renderings.

As you can see from the first image in the slideshow above, the exterior design of the Ioniq announces the environmentally friendly powertrain at its heart. That means an aerodynamically optimized shape to cut through the wind with a minimum of interference. The greenhouse tapers off to a high tail not unlike those seen on the Toyota Prius and Chevy Volt – whose drivers Hyundai will seek to attract with this new model. The wheels also appear to adopt an aero-focused design, but signature Hyundai design traits are still evident, from the hexagonal grille to the upward kink in the C-pillar.

Inside the cabin promises a forward-looking but comfortable space with simple rounded surfaces. Cool blue trim sets the mood, and screens in the instrument cluster and the center of the dashboard reduce clutter and display vital information. The manufacturer says it’s using “eco-friendly materials to convey a futuristic yet warm cabin ambiance that will appeal to a new generation of motorists.”

The Ioniq will offer a choice of three powertrain options with varying degrees of electrification: a gasoline-electric hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and full electric propulsion. It’s rare for an automaker to offer all three choices. Most electrified vehicles come in conventional and hybrid versions (like Hyundai’s own Sonata), hybrid and plug-in hybrid (like the Prius), or even plug-in or fully electric variants (like the BMW i3). Hyundai is slated to unveil the Ioniq in Korea next month ahead of its auto show tour, so watch this space for more.

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CLASS-LEADING AERODYNAMICS AND STRIKING DESIGN DETAILS FOR HYUNDAI MOTOR’S NEW ALTERNATIVE-FUEL IONIQ

– Teaser rendering highlights eye-catching silhouette and design details

– Sleek and simple exterior reduces aerodynamic drag for greater efficiency

– Elegant interior combines environmentally-friendly materials and flexible space

December 16, 2015 – A new rendering of Hyundai Motor’s all-new IONIQ hints at how the innovative, alternative-fuel compact vehicle, which is due for launch in early 2016, will combine head-turning good looks with class-leading aerodynamic performance.

Hyundai Motor has confirmed that the IONIQ will be the world’s first car to offer a choice of three efficient and ultra-low-emission powertrains: full electric, plug-in gasoline / electric hybrid, or gasoline / electric hybrid. With a sleek, coupe-like silhouette and numerous eye-catching details, its confident design is a match for its bold environmental credentials.

The IONIQ will deliver a fun and responsive driving experience, while also meeting the needs of those wishing to reduce the impact their motoring has on the environment. Hyundai Motor’s designers have therefore created an exterior design that is rich in emotional appeal, as well as making a significant contribution to meeting the car’s environmentally-focused brief.

Simple, carefully wrought contours minimize wind resistance and assist the efficient management of airflow around the exterior. At the front, familiar Hyundai design themes are evident notably the signature hexagonal grille, which is also topped by an attractive gloss-black element that extends outwards to meet distinctive new headlamps featuring integrated ‘C’-position lights. The exterior color choice adds to the car’s allure, formulated to be evocative of fog about to lift.

Inside the IONIQ the smooth, elegant and clutter-free theme continues. There is efficient use of interior space and a clear, logical approach is applied to the layout of control functions. Simple and stylish surfaces make use of eco-friendly materials to convey a futuristic yet warm cabin ambience that will appeal to a new generation of motorists.

Even before the arrival of the IONIQ, Hyundai Motor is already one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hybrid and low- or zero-emission vehicles. In 2013, the company became the first car manufacturer to mass-produce a hydrogen-fueled vehicle, the Tucson Fuel Cell (ix35 Fuel Cell in some markets).

The IONIQ’s name references elements of its creation. An ion is an electrically-charged atom, linking to the car’s clever combination of electrified powertrains. The second part of the name references the unique offering it brings to the Hyundai range, demonstrating the brand’s environmental commitment and willingness to maximize choice for its customers. Finally, the Q is depicted in the car’s logo as a visual breakthrough, acknowledging the fresh new approach of this advanced, low-emission model.

Following a world premiere in Korea in January, the IONIQ is due to be shown during March 2016 at the Geneva International Motor Show and the New York Auto Show.

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430 3 minutes read