By Ian Strachan.
Hyundai’s eye-catching IONIQ 5 N is proof that you can save the planet and drive a stunning car with neck-snapping performance at the same time.
This 650 horsepower beast is, in anybody’s book, a hot hatch. But it comes with an 84 kWh battery driving power to all four wheels. If you thought zero emissions meant zero fun you’d be wrong. And it even has an artificial engine noise to underline its powerful credentials.
If you want to do the full Formula One bit you can use the steering wheel mounted shift paddles. Although the IONIQ has a single speed transmission, the paddles simulate gear changes on an eight-speed box, making you feel i bit more involved in the car’s awesome power.
When it comes to good looks in an electric car, the Ioniq 5 N 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, particularly for back seat passengers. My test car came in a head-turning semi-matt Performance Blue with orange and black trim and orange brake calipers – just in case anyone mistook this car for something ordinary!
The IONIQ 5 N has other attractions too. It’s packed with technology and has an impressively high specification. This is a car that, as well as developing 650PS, will propel you from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.4 seconds. You can knock a bit more of that time if you use the F1 style launch control. There are lots of other performance variables, but to be honest some of them would be more at home on a race track.
If you take full advantage of the Ioniq 5 N’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 estimated range on a full charge is 278 miles.
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, which it does automatically if you have the key with you. The side view is enhanced with impressive 21-inch forged alloys. The windows are large, giving great all-round visibility, helped by a good seat position. The rear view mirror can be converted into a camera view if you prefer.
The interior is modern and well laid out. You get pleasant trim and seat materials, a large central armrest in the front, Alcantara leather-faced bucket seats in the front which are heated and ventilated (along with the rear seats) an impressive leather- multifunction heated steering wheel, and plenty of storage spaces.
Specification on the technology-laden Ioniq 5 N is good, with two-zone climate control, 12.3-inch colour touch-screen navigation and an excellent BOSE media system with DAB seven-speaker sound 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 a 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. There’s a heat pump to prevent the air conditioning system taking too much out of the battery.
Handling on the IONIQ 5 N is sure-footed and composed. Suspension is firm without being uncomfortable.
The IONIQ 5 N is a good choice for anyone looking to buy a fully electric vehicle but doesn’t want to sacrifice performance. It’s not cheap, at £65,800 on the road, but you get an extraordinarily powerful car with explosive performance spacious interior, a high spec, Hyundai’s five year unlimited mileage warranty and a clear conscience. Plus it’s a lot of fun.
