2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue. I had tested the Limited Plug-in Ioniq last year, but it is worth another look at Hyundai – this time the Blue, that is NOT a Plug-in. That’s just fine with me since I’m not thrilled with the plug in anything automotive, especially if it is All Electric.

Mark my words, all electric will not impress the world at large and they will not turn out to be the dominant mode of transportation, unless there is some miraculous breakthrough in battery technology. I repeat that Hybrid is, however, a good option. OK, but what about the fuel economy numbers of the Plug-in Hybrid? That is impressive for sure, but you must remember electricity at your house is NOT free. At least it isn’t at my house.

In the meantime, this Hybrid was easy to love. I took a trip up the coast of California from LA to Pismo beach to meet family and friends. At over 51 mpg that 400-mile round trip cost me about $25. Now that’s what I’m talking about. Two people with sleeping bags, tents (just in case), cooler with food and drink, suit cases, pillows, blankets, camp chairs etc. Trust me, we didn’t forget anything but it all fit easily in this hatchback with the rear seats folded flat. You gotta love it, especially when you fly by all those gas stations. It doesn’t get much better.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Ulsan, Korea; Parts- US/Canadian 1%, Korea 91%; Engine and transmission- Korea; Classification is- Midsize Cars; Cars from Hyundai- Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra GT, Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson and Veloster.

Handling & Performance:

Great handling size car and I’m impressed with the acceleration and highway speeds that is a very stable feeling ride. No complaints with this one.

Styling:

Styling is very commonplace in a computer design sort of way. It has simple lines that are easy on the eyes. Older folks will recall how radical designs were in the early years.

Fit and Finish:

Very good attention to detail in assembly.

Cost:

I mean, really, it is amazing that you can have a car like this so affordably. In a word it is an ‘offer you can’t refuse’. That’s how they put it in my family.

Conveniences and comfort:

The ride is comfortable, not lush, but as priced this is an impressive ride.

Consumer Recommendations:

In this very economical class there are very few players. In this case only Toyota and Hyundai. My vote is Hyundai because I never warmed up to the Prius. It was more interested in the technology rather than how it looked. Ever known a nerdy suitor like that?

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Economical, well priced, 5 passenger family car, handles well and is fast.

Bad News:

N/A.

Standard Equipment:

1.6 liter gas 4-cylinder engine, synchronous motor (32 KW), combined system power 139 horsepower, 6-speed automatic transmission, 240 volt lithium – ion polymer battery system and hybrid starter generator (lifetime Hybrid Battery warranty, stability management with traction control, 4-wheel disc brake with integrated regenerative braking, ABS electronic brake force distribution with brake assist, front, front side curtain airbags, rearview camera, tire pressure monitor, 16” alloy wheels, automatic headlights, bodycolor side mirrors with blind spot indicators, proximity key entry with push button start, 4.2” color trip computer display, power windows and locks, climate control, tilt and telescopic steering column and steering wheel with cruise, audio and phone controls, cloth seating with 6-way adjustable front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks, 7” color touchscreen audio display, AM/FM/MP3 audio system with USB and Aux input jacks, HD Radio technology, SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth hands free phone, emergency tire puncture repair kit (no spare tire).

Gas Stats:

$3.49-Gal avg. August 18, 2018g

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

57 City and 59 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $23,210.