Hyundai IONIQ 6 car review

Model: Hyundai IONIQ 6
Engine: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Power: 111kW and 350Nm of Torque
Price: $79,990 plus ORC (Eligible for $8,625 rebate)
0-100KM/H: 5.1 sec

The sun was shining, and the traffic was light…two notions not often discussed by an Aucklander, but both arrived in unison for the Hyundai Ioniq 6 launch held in the picturesque setting of Tapapakanga Regional Park on Auckland’s East Coast.

The Ioniq 6, nicknamed the Electrified Streamliner (inspired part by the art deco streamliners of the 1930’s) will add another BEV to the Hyundai family alongside the popular Ioniq 5 (2021 AA Driven NZ Car of the Year winner) and share Hyundai’s electric global modular platform (E-GMP). Further BEV additions to utilise this platform next year are expected to be the ‘N’ (sports) version of the Ioniq 5, as well as Hyundai’s first large SUV BEV, named the Ioniq 7 (think a futuristic looking 7 seater with swivelling rear seats) a seriously cool SUV, even if half of the concept features make it into production phase.

The word Ioniq was introduced to kiwis in 2016 and the name is inspired by the fusion of two words “Ion and Unique.” Hyundai is clearly serious about fast tracking sustainable mobility, claiming 38% of total Hyundai model sales now come directly from Battery (BEV) or Light Emitting (LEV) vehicles. Sales leadership in this segment is currently dominated by low price Chinese mass-produced SUV vehicles, however, the Korean manufacturer has not been tempted to chase that approach with the Ioniq range, opting instead for an entrant into the BEV luxury segment that will suit buyers contemplating a new Tesla Model 3 or Polestar.

Exterior

Design innovation in EV aesthetics is getting bold, and styling differences that set manufacturers apart are frankly long overdue. The Ioniq 6 exterior couldn’t be more of a departure from the boxy Ioniq 5 and we loved the classy look. This is also an example of style meeting efficiency, the Ioniq boasts a class leading drag coefficient of 0.22, which pips the Tesla Model 3 with a coefficient of 0.23. What this means is that battery range is extended through aerodynamics rather than larger batteries.

A nice touch is the Hyundai-developed Parametric Pixel theme, which basically means patterns of repeating squares throughout the design dna, visible on the steering wheel (doubling as charging status leds and warning indicators), door sills, taillights etc. In fact, you can make a game of it with the kids finding the little parametric squares everywhere. The Ioniq has nine colour options, although at time of launch only two were available (Serenity White Pearl and Abyss Black Pearl). Hopefully, Hyundai NZ will secure some inventory of the stunning Byte Blue Pearl and Ultimate Red Metallic soon.

Running external 240v appliances inside and out of the car are a breeze with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system. The launch presentation big screen TV and various other appliances were catered for easily from the Ioniq 6.V2L External Adaptor, whichallows you to use the stored energy from the IONIQ 6 to recharge or power other electrical items. Recharge your e-bike, power electrical camping equipment, or even some domestic appliances. This is even possible when the vehicle is turned off.

The V2L system can supply AC power of 230V / 50 Hz which is the same as a standard wall socket. Drawing a maximum of 3.6kW (or 15 Amps) of power consumption.

Interior

As you get in the front seat, the first thing you notice inside is the dual 12.3-inch integrated displays. The interior lines are smooth & clean, plus leg room is more than adequate, even for a tall person (writer is 6’ 5”).However, I wouldn’t want to spend a long journey in the rear seat with my head touching the hood lining, although at my height, any rear seat comfort is challenging. Technology was impressive and intuitive with wireless charging, ambient lighting and heads up display (Ltd version). A new feature for Hyundai, zero gravity ‘relaxation’ front seats mean charging stops can now double as a quick power-nap, presuming you don’t have the kids climbing over you!

The IONIQ 6 comes equipped with an advanced infotainment system, featuring a large touchscreen display mounted on the centre console. This system offers a variety of functions such as navigation, media playback, connectivity options, and access to various vehicle settings. This digital display provides essential driving information, such as speed, range, battery level, and various driving modes. It can be customisable to suit the driver's preferences.

The IONIQ 6 is has seamless integration with smartphones, allowing users to access their favorite apps, make hands-free calls, and stream media through the vehicle's infotainment system. Additionally, voice control and advanced driver-assistance systems are becoming standard features in modern electric vehicles.

Performance

The drive from central Auckland around the Pohutakawa Coast was effortless. Ride quality is excellent, and handling was comfortable. The Elite and Ltd spec comes with 20” wheels which gave the suspension a sportier handling feels than the standard range version with 18” wheels. Adjustable regenerative braking has six levels, however, after playing with the different levels for 5 mins, we switched back to auto mode and let the car make better decisions than we could on the winding roads. The 6 is very quiet, with only a hint of tyre noise, easily drowned out by the Bose 8-speaker system on the Ltd version.

IONIQ 6 will be offered in three variants with two battery sizes, a 53 and a 77.4 kWh, with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive powertrains.

The entry level variant in the range, the IONIQ 6 Standard Range, includes a 53-kWh battery and 111 kW of power. This results in a driving range of up to 429 km. There is also an Extended Range 77.4 kWh model which provides 168 kW and a driving range of up to 614 km. Both are equipped with 18" wheels and low rolling resistance tyres.

The rear-wheel drive IONIQ 6 Elite features a 168kW, 350Nm rear electric motor and a 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides a range of up to 545km and is equipped with 20" alloy wheels.

The all-wheel drive IONIQ 6 Limited features an HTRAC all-wheel drive system comprising a 74 kW, 255Nm front motor and a 165kW, 350Nm rear motor, and a range of up to 519km.

Specs and Cost

The standard price for the IONIQ 6 is from $79,990 with the 53kWh battery, the 53 kWh is also eligible for $8,625 Clean Car rebate and the 77.4kWh is priced from $94,990 no Clean Car rebate included.

The IONIQ 6 also includes advanced safety features like Level 2 autonomous driving, Safe Exit Assist (SEA), seven airbags, Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Smart Cruise Control with SOP and Go (SCC w/ S&G), Intelligent Speed Limit Asst (ISLA), Navigation-based smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Driver Attention warning (DAW), and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.

Conclusion

The Ioniq 6 is an elegant sports sedan coupled with graceful handling and impressive build quality. Arguably the new frontrunner for BEV sedan styling, the Ioniq 6 will appeal to those who seek a BEV with the aesthetic ability to turn heads. As BEV’s become first choice for consumers trading up from fossil fuel powered vehicles, the Ioniq 6 will be a difficult proposition to pass up.

Pros

• Impressive range
• Intuitive features
• The sports sedan returns

Cons

• Limited headroom in rear
• Colour availability issues for NZ

Safety systems

• ABS braking with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) 
• Blind-spot Collision Avoidance assist (BCA)
• Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM)
• Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance assist (RCCA)
• Forward Collision Avoidance assist (FCA 1.5) with Junction Turning (JT)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop & go
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist
• High Beam Assist
• 7 Airbags (dual front, side, curtain & front seat centre airbag)
• Front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters
• ISOFIX child seat anchor points
• Height adjustable seatbelts (front)
• Child safety rear door locks
• Electro Chromatic rear-view Mirror (ECM)
• Automatic dusk sensing headlights
• Rain sensing wiper system
• Rear park assist system
• Front park assist system
• First aid kit

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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