Aussie input helps shape new Hyundai Ioniq 5

AUSTRALIA has played a crucial role in the development of Hyundai’s forthcoming all-new Ioniq 5, with local input in design and tuning that promises to make this EV crossover one of the most suitable for our conditions.

Ioniq 5 is by far the most important car in terms of brand image of the ‘18 new models in 18 months’ catch-cry from Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA), a flood of activity that will also include several N-badged variants and an all-new Tucson and iLoad van.

In an interview with GoAuto, HMCA general manager product planning Andrew Tuitahi revealed that Hyundai’s Aussie outpost has been involved with this striking electric vehicle from the start.

“We’ve participated in design reviews for Ioniq 5, (and) we just got our first prototype at the office recently,” said Mr Tuitahi. “We’ve been involved in the Ioniq program in terms of the planning process since it first came up as a concept.”

Previewed in 2019 by the Hyundai 45 EV concept, that vehicle recently took one step closer to reality when The Korean Car blog posted crucial Ioniq 5 details that had been previewed by Hyundai Austria on its website in the course of opening online reservations for Ioniq 5 ‘First Edition’ models.

Those details include its powertrain (230kW from a dual-motor set-up – one on each axle – with all-wheel drive), the WLTP range from its 58kWh battery (450km), claimed 0-100km/h performance (5.2 seconds) and its charging capability.

Thanks to an 800-volt super-fast charging capacity, the Ioniq 5 is capable of going from 20- to 80-per cent charge in 15 minutes.

The Korean Car blog also revealed that a larger 73kWh battery will be offered with a WLTP range of 550km, and that Ioniq 5 also features solar roof panels on the First Edition.

Mr Tuitahi alluded to Ioniq 5’s cutting-edge EV technology when asked about its market positioning: “We’ll be competitive [in terms of price] but that said, I think the product will justify consideration regardless of price.

“The style, the performance, the range, the charging technology that’s in the car will definitely be reason enough to shop an Ioniq 5 before anyone knows the price.

“I’m pretty excited about it, to be honest. It’s got this really nice blend of retro futurism – a throwback to the original Pony [coupe concept from 1974].

Dimensions were also revealed on the Hyundai Austria website, confirming Ioniq 5 is a true crossover EV thanks to its 1600mm height. In fact, its overall proportion will be quite dramatic – very wide (1890mm) and riding on a vast wheelbase (3000mm), yet only 4640mm in overall length.

Regarding the production car, “it’s so very close [to the concept],” said Mr Tuitahi. “They changed almost nothing. I think the wheel size dropped from 22s to 20s but other than that…”

HMCA will also provide input on the chassis tune of Ioniq 5.

“The first prototypes where you’d really start focusing on fine-tuning are only just coming to the different R&D centres now. So we’ll have a look at the car we’ve got, chat with our colleagues in Korea and we’ll work out a plan.

“I’m confident that the car will be pretty good from the get-go. Knowing the guys that are involved with the car at the moment, that have been working on it, I’ll think they’ll come up with something good.”

In order to secure one of the 150 Ioniq 5 Launch Editions on offer, Austrian buyers must make a €1000 ($A1604) down-payment by January 31, 2021.

The colour range will then be revealed on the website on February 2, with binding orders to be finalised by February 16.

Delivery is scheduled for June/July 2021 – around the same time Ioniq 5 is expected to land in Australia.