2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Ltd
An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia
Overview:
This is the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Ltd. To sum up all information below, this is a not-to-miss option in your search for a good replacement for that worn-out car in your driveway. If your budget for transportation is stressed, this Ioniq will be a welcomed relief.
General Information: It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Korea 85%; Engine and transmission – Korea; Classification is Large Cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra GT, Equus, Ioniq, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson and Veloster.
Opinion:
Electric Cars – Bah, humbug. I must repeat my disdain for electric only cars. Do a little research and you’ll find that over 100 years ago, electric cars had a range of 100 miles. Of all the electric cars I’ve tested over the past 25 years they have not improved on that century old fact. The conclusion is, as GM has agreed, going down that Electric (only) propulsion system, road is not likely to bear good fruit.
Not only is today’s average range 100 miles, the frustration of planning a simple trip to the finding many hours and even days to fully charge those batteries. Ok, so you say what about Tesla. What about it? Just because they have a lot of money, you will have to pay up to $140,000 for the very expensive banks of batteries and still only get about 200-mile range. And you will always be sweating running out of charge as you climb uphill and watch the needle plunge perilously.
Handling & Performance:
This Ioniq is one of the best examples of the use of Hybrid technology. The power is so seamless it is nearly undetectable that it is, in fact, a hybrid. It was with reluctance that I felt I had to add gas as it just ran and ran and ran. Back and forth from Pasadena to Acton (100 miles) and then off to San Diego (200 miles down and back) for a little R&R (rest and relaxation) I knew the range was dependable. We were 4 total passengers and all our luggage and it purred like a kitten.
Styling:
Very Hyundai in look and is becoming more recognizable as it pops up on the highway like mushrooms in a moist forest. It is for good reason – just ask any owner and they will agree with me that it is still one of the best buys on the market – and good looking all at the same time.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Very Competitive in class.
Conveniences and comfort:
I’d prefer to be able to afford a Genesis, but for the economy afforded by this Ioniq, it is hard to beat all the comforts and features for the money.
Consumer Recommendations:
I give this a big encouraging rating of 10 – mostly because gas is always at a premium and can be a huge part of our budgets – Yours and mine. I hate ‘electric’ cars, as noted above, BUT, Hydrogen cars are still in development and eventually will win the war of technology, in my view. 10 years ago, I tested GM’s Hydrogen car and was promised it would be on the market in 5 years. Wasn’t going to happen, but it will. In the meantime, Hybrid is the best option and this Hyundai is surely at the top of my list of recommendations.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Ioniq $23,000, Toyota Prius C $23,000, Kia Niro $24,000, Toyota Prius Prime $28,000.
Good News:
One of the hottest products on the market, great fuel economy, priced well.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
1.6 liter gas injection 4-cylinder hybrid engine, 139 HP hybrid system power, permanent magnet synchronous motor (32KW), 240 V Lithium-ion Polymer Battery & hybrid starter generator, 6-speed Eco dual clutch automatic transmission, stability management and traction controls, 4-wheel ABS electronic with Brake force distribution and brake assist, with integrated regenerative braking, Blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert and Lane Change Assist, rearview camera, front, side and side curtain airbags and driver knee airbag, 17” Eco-spoke alloy wheels, high intensity headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, power tilt and slide sunroof, proximity key entry with push button start, 7” LCD instrument cluster display, climate control and heated front seats, leather seating, with power driver’s seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split folding rear seat with rear center armrest, 7” color touchscreen audio display, AM/FM/MP3 audio system with iPod USB and Auxiliary input jacks, HD radio technology, Sirius XM, Android Auto and Apple car Play integration, BlueLink telematics system, Blue link connected care and remote package, emergency tire puncture repair kit in lieu of spare tire.
Gas Stats:
$2.95-Gal avg. September 2, 2017
for more information.
55 City and 54 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $27,500.