Hyundai’s Sub-Prius Rivalling Model To Be Called Ioniq

Hyundai is set to introduce a dedicated alternative drivetrain-only model called the Ioniq in 2016. Like the Toyota Prius, the Ioniq’s body is not shared with any other regular internal combustion engine Hyundai model.

However the compact Corolla-sized Ioniq is likely to be slotted below the mid-size (D-segment) Prius but above the sub-compact (B-segment) Prius c.

The Ioniq will be available with either an electric, petrol-electric hybrid, or a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Hyundai says the Ioniq will be the first car from any manufacturer to offer these three powertrains in a single body type.

Woong-Chul Yang, Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, “Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles, so we are proud to advance our eco-friendly car line-up with the introduction of IONIQ. Our vision for future mobility focuses on choice, with a variety of powertrain options to suit customers’ varied lifestyles, without compromising on design or driving enjoyment. IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision to shift the automotive paradigm and future mobility; IONIQ is the fruit of our efforts to become the leader in the global green car market.”

Based on an exclusive new platform, made specifically for the car’s multi-powertrain options, Hyundai says the Ioniq’s chassis is optimized to deliver responsive handling while remaining efficient in each of its three powertrain configurations.

A concept version of the Ioniq was presented at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. A production version of the car is due to make its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March.