By Ian Strachan.
No one can accuse Hyundai of standing still when it comes to their range of all-electric cars. It seems like five minutes since the stylish Ioniq 5 was launched, to considerable acclaim, and now it’s already had an update, with more power, bigger battery availability and fast charging.
When it comes to good looks in an electric car, the Ioniq 5 is a serious contender. Its striking, angular design is a real head-turner. It’s also bigger than it looks – something you really appreciate when you get inside. There’s serious space here.
The Ioniq 5 may be a hatchback, but it actually feels more like an SUV. Long and tall, it has bags of interior space. The Ioniq 5 has other attractions too. It’s packed with technology and has an impressively high specification.
It’s also quiet on the road, but still packs more than adequate power. The Ultimate spec that I tested develops 228PS and will propel you from 0 to 60 mph in not much more than six seconds.
If you take full advantage of the Ioniq 5’s sparkling performance there will be a range penalty. But you’ll still get sufficient range for most journeys and this car has a super-fast charge, depending on the charging equipment you are attached to.
The Ioniq 5 is a good looker from all angles. The body-coloured door handles sit flush with the body, only projecting when the car is unlocked. The side view is enhanced with impressive 20-inch alloys and side body mouldings and a rear spoiler complete the look. The windows are exceptionally large, giving great all-round visibility, helped by a good seat position.
The interior is modern and well laid out. You get pleasant trim and seat materials, a large central armrest in the front, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, ambient lighting and plenty of storage spaces.
Specification on the technology-laden Ioniq 5 is good, with two-zone climate control, 12.3-inch colour touch-screen navigation and BOSE media system with DAB seven-speaker radio plus Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, head-up display and a range of safety technology including lane keeping aid, distance monitoring, cross traffic alert, speed limit assist, blind spot monitor and forward collision avoidance alert.
You also get electric seat and lumbar adjustment, split folding rear seats, smart powered tailgate, automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor, daytime LED running lights, smart high beam, privacy windows, all-round electric windows, smart cruise control and a wireless phone charging pad.
Handling on the Ioniq 5 is sure-footed and composed. A sport mode gives you stiffer suspension and sharper throttle response.
The Ioniq 5 is a good choice for anyone looking to buy a fully electric vehicle for the first time. It’s not cheap, starting at £48,620 on the road, but you get an extraordinarily spacious interior, a high spec, Hyundai’s five year unlimited mileage warranty and a clear conscience.
