Hyundai’s IONIQ Hybrid with 22.4 km/l mileage is introduced to media before its release.
IONIQ Hybrid is Hyundai’s first vehicle that has a Hyundai’s recently-developed platform exclusively for purpose of eco-friendly. Hyundai is going to release this model on the 14th and introduce electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid sequentially as this year goes on.
Hyundai held media briefing session for ‘IONIQ’ at Namyang Laboratory’s Design 1-dong Exhibition on the 7th.
IONIQ Hybrid has maximum output and maximum torque of 105ps and 15.0kgf•m respectively and also has new Gamma 1.6GDi Engine, highly-efficient permanent magnet-type motor with maximum output and maximum torque of 43.5ps (32kW during conversion) and 17.3kgf•m respectively, 6-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) exclusively for hybrids and others. Because Gamma 1.6GDi Engine lengthens explosion stroke rather than intake stroke, it achieves heat efficiency of 40% through Atkinson Cycle that utilizes explosion pressure to maximum and large-capacity exhaust gas recycle system. Because IONIQ uses rectangular section coil onto an electric motor, it achieves high efficiency of at least 95%. 6-speed DCT brings an effect of improving mileage with its low-friction bearing and oil with low viscosity. Hyundai was able to decrease overall weight of IONIQ by using aluminum material for hood, tailgate, back-beam and chassis parts and manufacturing fuel tank with tempered plastic material.
Through these technologies, IONIQ is able to achieve 22.4 km/l mileage, which is the highest level out of other cars that are on same level as IONIQ. A person related to Hyundai is confident that IONIQ’s mileage will be higher than new Prius. Other than these, Hyundai used a method that notifies drivers to let go of an accelerator in advance by detecting situations that are ahead to improve actual mileage of IONIQ.
Hyundai was also able to solve a problem regarding sense of initial speed, which was seen as one of current hybrids’ disadvantages, by having a motor come into effect immediately while IONIQ is being driven and putting out high torque at early on.
Hyundai designed outside of IONIQ by getting a hint from a sense of volume of a killer whale, which expresses flow of water and material most naturally. Hyundai made indoor design look very slim and implemented a sense of wide space in front seats by using a long dashboard. However roof on top of back seats is low so that a head of a tall person might touch roof.
Hyundai installed a battery below of rear seats to increase trunk space. It also chose rear-wheel multi-link system along with this to implement a sense of safe and quick driving.
Price of ‘I’ model will be between $19,121 and $19,371 (22.9 million and 23.2 million KRW) while price of ‘I+’ model will be between $19,956 and $20,206 (23.9 million and 24.2 million KRW). Price of ‘N’ model will be between $20,791 and $21,041 (24.9 million and 25.2 million KRW) while price of ‘N+’ model will be between $21,876 and $22,126 (26.2 million and 26.5 million KRW). Price of ‘Q’ model will be between $22,961 and $23,212 (27.5 million and 27.8 million KRW). (Standard price after tax benefits. Special consumption tax of $835 (1 million KRW) and educational tax of $250 (300,000 KRW) are exempted.)
“IONIQ is a vehicle that has Hyundai’s new thinking and bold aspirations regarding the future.” said Vice-President Jung Rak of Hyundai’s R&D Headquarters. “While being the best eco-friendly vehicle in the world, IONIQ will be a starting point for changes in Hyundai’s future mobility that is about to take place from here and on.”
Hyundai is planning to introduce IONIQ electric vehicle model in March and release hybrid model in American markets during second half of 2016.
Staff Reporter Mun, Bokyung | okmun@etnews.com