Brief Test: Hyundai Ioniq HEV 1.6 GDI Premium 6DCT (2020) // Korean Intermediate Between Present and Future

I confess, it's hard to find anyone among automotive reporters who defends the electric drive more than I do. I am probably one of those who will be absolutely loyal to gasoline and diesel fuel to the last drop of black gold from the ground. Moreover, I seriously think it's time to finally buy an oversized V8.

And then the editorial team will drive on the Ionik-Tomazhich hybrid. Okay, hybrids are also meant to be a smoother and more gradual transition to all-electric drive, among other things. Convince the convinced. However, the thought of a hybrid saving me from greed seemed very amusing to me.

Just 14 days later, the Hyundai Ioniq HEV seriously kicked off my petrol-diesel design.

I used to drive hybrids, even those that belong to a class or even two, but my communication with them was short or limited to a very short distance. I wasn't particularly impressed, but it's true that hybrids didn't even disappoint me when compared to classic gasoline cars. But before I start reviewing the Ioniq HEV, there are two things you need to know.

First of all, I will focus on the transmission. This is the essence of this car, you can read about everything else in our online test archive. Secondly, the essence of a hybrid powertrain is not only about running on electricity, but also a combination of two powertrains, in which the electric motor assists the combustion engine.

In terms of basic technical specifications, each kit by itself, i.e. gasoline or electric, does not reflect everything that the automotive industry has to offer. The 105-horsepower petrol "horsepower" from the 1,6-liter engine was produced by the serial Alfa Romeo back in 1972, but on the other hand, even 32 kilowatts does not promise miracles.... But as I said, the power of the system matters for hybrids, in which case it is enough that the Ioniq HEV has enough sparks and a lively car at the expense of a good dual-clutch drivetrain.

Thus, on paper and mostly in real life, it is equivalent to cars with a modern and equally powerful internal combustion engine. But even more than that, I would like to note the fact that this car is an almost perfect symbiosis of a classic gasoline engine and an electric drive. With it, you will be in vain to look for a switch or function that would allow you to select only electric or only gasoline drive.

For those who want to challenge my position on the superiority of the combination of both power units, I partially confirm their right in advance. Namely, if the driver so desires, the Ioniq HEV can be left without electric "breathing" for a moment at excessive acceleration, since the 1,56 kWh battery is quickly discharged.... In practice, this means that you will reach the top of a long highway in fourth gear and at high revs.

However, Considering that hybrids are mostly chosen by customers who are not looking for a distinctly sporty ride, I responsibly and calmly came to the conclusion that the Ioniq powertrain lived up to expectations.... A very similar situation with the chassis. Despite its low center of gravity (battery location) and a highly communicative steering wheel, the Ioniq invites you to drive smoothly and calmly rather than thrilling dynamics.

Despite the fact that the battery capacity is relatively small, with a calm right foot, you can drive almost every entrance to Ljubljana almost along the entire length only on electricity. with an electric motor, in ideal conditions, you will be able to drive a kilometer or two on the motorway at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour.

The exemplary interaction of two power units - switching between different driving modes is so imperceptible that the driver only knows about it from the indicator on the dashboard.

The driver can influence the battery charge by his actions, and he is also assisted by an adjustable energy recovery rate during braking. In the test, consumption ranged from 4,5 to 5,4 liters.while the Ioniq HEV also proved to be economical on the motorway within the speed limit.

So below the line, a hybrid takes time to convince him. Well, in fact, it does not even convince, but rather proves that in terms of ease of use it is equal to the classics and is more economical in terms of fuel consumption and ecology. Therefore, the arguments are on his side.

Hyundai Ioniq HEV 1.6 GDI Premium 6DCT (2020) – price: + XNUMX rubles.

Basic data

Sales:	Hyundai Auto Trade Ltd.
Test model cost:	31.720 €
Base model price with discounts:	24.990 €
Test model price discount:	29.720 €
Power:	77,2kW (105 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	10,8 with
Maximum speed:	185 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	3,4-4,2l / 100km

Costs (per year)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - in-line - petrol - displacement 1.580 cm3 - maximum power 77,2 kW (105 hp) at 5.700 rpm - maximum torque 147 at 4.000 rpm; electric motor 3-phase, synchronous - maximum power 32 kW (43,5 hp) - maximum torque 170 Nm; system power 103,6 kW (141 hp) - torque 265 Nm.
Battery:	1,56 kWh (lithium polymer)
Energy transfer:	front-wheel drive - 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Capacity:	top speed 185 km/h - acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10,8 s - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 3,4-4,2 l/100 km, emissions 79-97 g/km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.445 1.552–1.870 kg – permissible gross weight XNUMX kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.470 mm - width (without mirrors) 1.820 mm - height 1.450 mm - wheelbase 2.700 mm - fuel tank 45 l
Box:	456-1.518 l

evaluation

• For all those who look to the future but feel more secure in the present, the Ioniq HEV may be the right choice. All cards are on his side. Economy and ease of use are proven facts, and the 5 year unlimited mileage warranty is a promise that speaks for itself that the Hyundai Ioniq HEV should be a damn well made car.

We praise and reproach

quiet operation of the transmission at low revs

Equipment

alignment of engines and transmissions

appearance

spaciousness, well-being inside

battery capacity

the edge of the door wallpaper shows signs of rapid wear

seat length, front seats, cushion