Hyundai is gunning for the Toyota Prius with its new
Ioniq, and it's doing so with a more varied range of powertrain options.
Already offered in standard hybrid and all-electric
variants, the Korean automaker is now rolling out its dedicated electrified
vehicle as a plug-in hybrid as well.
The PHEV packs the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder
engine as the plug-less version, Rated at 104 horsepower, it comes mated to a
six-speed dual-clutch transmission and paired with an electric motor good for
another 60 hp or so – a significant increase over the existing hybrid's 43-hp
electric motor.
Exact specifications are apparently still to be
confirmed, but Hyundai has already released pricing and energy ratings for the
US market. The Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid starts at US$ 24,950 and peaks at US$ 28,300 for
the Limited version. (For reference, the standard Ioniq Hybrid started the 2017
model year at US$ 22,200, and the Ioniq Electric at US$ 29,500.)
Regardless of trim level, buyers can expect 29 miles
of all-electric range, 650 miles of combined range, and EPA-estimated ratings
of 52 miles per gallon (using both motors) and 119 MPGe on electric power
alone.
