Electric pace and quality of Hyundai IONIQ 6
There’s a good reason for the success of Korean cars. They are excellent vehicles and they look good. So good, they appear to ape the look of some high-end models. This one, the ultra-stylish Ioniq 6 reminded me of some Mercedes couple models, with its sleek swooping lines and aerodynamic profile. Well, they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
The model boasts a low drag coefficient of just 0.21, making it slip through the air most efficiently and increasing battery range - something nearly always in the back of the mind of EV drivers.
Hyundai is right up there in the EV stakes with long-range models, with the Ioniq 5 initially leading the way and the natural progression to the EV6.
The EV6 comes in three specs, the Premium, Ultimate and First Edition range-topper. There is no doubt it is a very good-looking vehicle with novel features like an array of light features that could rival a Christmas switch on.
It is packed with equipment as has always been the case, but the electrics and electronics are supplemented even in this so-called entry model by premium equipment like a reversing camera system, head-up display, fully adjustable, powered seats that are both heated, alloy pedals and powered boot lid
On the road, WLTP official figures suggest a range of 330 miles, enough to reach any part of the country unless you're driving from Cornwall to Scotland. They are keenly priced and this version is one of two models available, the rear-wheel drive with 228PS driven here and the all-wheel drive model with 325PS. In typical electric car style, they offer rapid performance and acceleration, with this model hitting 60mph in a smidge of five seconds. Borderline supercar territory.
Not only that, it is environmentally friendly, incorporating recycled and renewable materials throughout the smart cabin. As usual, standard equipment is comprehensive.
The cabin has a futuristic appearance, featuring a clutter-free design and high-quality materials, many of which are either recycled or sourced from renewables. There is ample space for up to five passengers, with lots of legroom in the front and rear.
It has an array of light features that could rival a Christmas switch on with over 700 parametric pixels, small, cubic light clusters, in various places, such as headlamps, rear lamps and centre console indicator. Additionally, there is dual colour-selectable mood lighting and speed-synchronised lighting that adjusts the interior lighting based on the vehicle's speed,
Central are dual 12.3-inch full-touch screens, one for Infotainment features such as a Premium Bose audio system, phone connectivity and navigation, while the other delivers real time driver information.
Both provide a lively performance and there is little or no range anxiety with the range aided by regenerative braking through the paddle shifters.
On the road, the car is agile and sure-footed. The E-GMP structure is specifically engineered for EVs, and supports both 400V and high-speed 800V charging infrastructures. It features a vehicle-to-load function that can power domestic electric devices.
The structure enables a low placement of the battery, which in turn delivers a low centre of gravity for improved performance with the car's dynamics adapting well to various road conditions. It is very quiet, making it a joy to drive in both city and motorway conditions.
Despite its slippery shape, it is reasonably practical, offering 401 litres of boot space, which is supplemented by an extra 45 litres in the so-called ‘frun'k' under the bonnet where the engine would have been.
Safety kit is comprehensive with a full complement of airbags, stability control, braking and anti-collision systems for both car and pedestrians. As a result, it has earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The battery has an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty, and there is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with Hyundai Roadside Assistance included.
Factfile
Hyundai Ioniq 6 Premium RWD
Price: £46,985
Mechanical: 77.4kWh lithium-ion battery and 228bhp electric motor driving rear wheels via automatic transmission
Max Speed: 115mph
0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
Range: 338 miles
Insurance Group: 36
C02 emissions: 0g/km
Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited miles
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