2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Limited

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Limited

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Limited. Although I believe All Electric is not a viable power plant solution (for the next several years, if ever) Hybrids, like this Ioniq, are here, now and available at reasonable prices to buy or lease and economical to operate. The important thing to consider between all electric and hybrid is which one is a more reliable option. Well, with the Hybrid your chances of being stranded are far less likely than electric only battery powered cars. Further, I have not seen or heard of any significant negative press on Hybrid technology over the many years they have been on the market. (if you have had a different experience please write and tell me your story).

I have driven several ‘all-electric’ or ‘electric only’ cars over the past 20 years when they first came on the scene with a range of 25 miles. Whoopie ! I’ll remind you that electric cars were tried well over 100 years ago and never caught on, even though they had a range of 100 miles back then. I have a keen sense of the obvious that the Tesla crowd fail to exercise. History simply does not bear out electric only technology. OK, so it is possible there will be a breakthrough that will change the narrative. Until then, my recommendation is to stay clear of ‘electric only’ propulsion systems.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Montgomery, Alabama, USA; Parts- US/Canadian 1%, Korea 98%; Engine and transmission –Korea; Classification is- MidsizeCars; 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:

When I look at the fuel economy numbers my interest perks up. But even though you don’t expect a rocket ship for such low horsepower performers this ride is no slouch. It has good power and generally OK handling. Most often lighter, lower cost cars are not as solid handling as the big boys or small super sport cars. If I were commuting coupled with mostly local driving needs, this is the ticket. If I put on a lot of long highway / road mile trips I would opt for larger models. Need over want applies here.

Styling:

Hyundai has maintained a conservative approach in design and that suits me just fine. I like the overall look of Hyundai.

Fit and Finish:

Good attention to detail, especially at this price point.

Cost:

Well, this is a car I would hope my kids would embrace, especially as we watch gas prices soar.

Conveniences and comfort:

The listing of standard features noted below is quite good and includes a fair compliment of safety assist features for the money. Moderate comfort level for a midsize car.

Consumer Recommendations:

If you are looking for a good all-around economical 5 seat sedan in this price range, I believe this covers your need very well. It is curious why there aren’t more players in this category. It is a great commuter, but not so great for long hauls. If you are looking for a little heavier model and want the plug-in hybrid design, I suggest you look at the Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, that will cost about $10,000 more.

Recognised Competition:

Good News:

Economical commuter and fine example of a young family starter car.

Bad News:

No bad news that comes to mind.

Standard Equipment:

1.6 liter gas 4-cylinder engine, synchronous motor (44.5 KW), combined system power 139 horsepower, 6-speed automatic transmission, 8.9 kw/hour lithium – ion battery system, 120 volt charge cable, 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, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist, rearview camera, 16” alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, heated power side mirrors with turn signal indicators, proximity key entry with push button start, 7” color display, leather seating with power driver seat with memory system, 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest, climate control, heated front seats, AM/FM/MP3 audio system with iPod/USB and Aux input jacks, HD Radio technology, SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth hands free phone.

Gas Stats:

$3.63-Gal avg. May 7, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

52 City and Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $29,185.