With the Indian market gradually opening up to hybrid vehicles and the Government of India offering an incentive to manufacturers under the FAME scheme, Hyundai is considering the introduction of its Ioniq plug-in hybrid in India.
Unveiled earlier this year, Hyundai’s zero emissions Ioniq platform is available with three distinct electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric. Out of these, Hyundai is considering the Ioniq plug-in hybrid version for India with an estimated all-electric range of over 50km, powered by an 8.9kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The Ioniq’s estimated 45kW (60hp) electric motor is coupled with the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 105hp and 147Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Ioniq has a hatch-like profile similar to the Toyota Prius, wearing Hyundai’s fluidic exterior design. The car boasts of a 0.24 drag co-efficient, as a result of the aerodynamic efficiencies incorporated in the design. The front of the Ioniq Hybrid is characterised by Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille and vertical C-shaped LED daytime running lights. It also features low-beam LED headlamps, an integrated charging portal into the left front fender for the lithium-ion polymer battery and model-specific 16” alloy wheels.
Interiors of the Ioniq get an all-black theme with matte-silver highlights to break the monotone. Hyundai has used environment-friendly material inside the cabin. Raw materials extracted from sugarcane have been applied on the headliner and carpet. The interior door pads are made of plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone which appear like plastic-based materials. It also features a high-definition 7.0-inch 1280 x 720p resolution TFT information cluster that displays data like the speedometer, drive mode and fuel level.
The Toyota Prius did not meet with much success in the Indian market and has been discontinued. However, with increasing awareness of hybrids and incentives being offered by the governing bodies, times are changing. It will be interesting to see if the Ioniq can get a small foothold in the market.