Hyundai IONIQ 5
By Ian Strachan.
When it comes to good looks in an electric car, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 probably takes the prize. Its striking, angular design is a real head-turner.
My test car came in a semi-matt battleship grey, which made it look even more like a prop from a Mad Max movie. But there’s nothing mad about this stylish battery-powered hatchback.
I say hatchback, but it actually feels more like an SUV. Long and tall, it has bags of interior space, and the light beige seats and trim make it even more airy.
The Ioniq 5 has other attractions too. It’s packed with technology and has a range between charges of well over 250 miles.
It’s also quiet on the road, but still packs more than adequate power. The Namsan spec that I tested develops 217PS, has a top speed where allowed of 115 mph and will propel you from 0 to 60 mph in not much more than seven seconds.
If you take full advantage of the Ioniq 5s 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 time from zero to 100 per cent in 56 minutes.
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 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.
My test car also came with cameras instead of wing mirrors, linked to screens inside the doors. This is certainly a talking point and whizzy technology, but I’m not sure it adds value. Plus when it’s dark and wet the cameras steam up and the image is blurred. This could be a case of technology taken one step too far (although I said that about heated steering wheels a few years ago!)
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 £43,445 on the road, but you get Hyundai’s five year unlimited mileage warranty.
