Overview
The letters S, U and V tend to go together with the words electric and hybrid when it comes to new car models, but occasionally a manufacturer is prepared to do something different from the norm. Hyundai certainly did this with its IONIQ 5, a car that has become a firm favourite with Irish buyers as well as picking up some prestigious global wards.
Now the designers at Hyundai have gone even further left field with the IONIQ 6, a car that really is somewhat unique in the increasingly crowded EV market. On the face of it the IONIQ 6 is an all-electric four door saloon, set to battle the likes of the Tesla 3, BMW i4 and Polestar 2. This all sounds pretty normal, until you actually see the IONIQ 6 in person and get to grips with some bold curves and its unique aerodynamic shape.
So is this radical design going to change the way we looks at EVs? And does it have what it takes to tempt Irish buyers away from their SUV obsession?
Now the designers at Hyundai have gone even further left field with the IONIQ 6, a car that really is somewhat unique in the increasingly crowded EV market. On the face of it the IONIQ 6 is an all-electric four door saloon, set to battle the likes of the Tesla 3, BMW i4 and Polestar 2. This all sounds pretty normal, until you actually see the IONIQ 6 in person and get to grips with some bold curves and its unique aerodynamic shape.
So is this radical design going to change the way we looks at EVs? And does it have what it takes to tempt Irish buyers away from their SUV obsession?
Pros
- Running Costs
- 5 star safety rating
Cons
- Price range
Exterior
The saying goes that a picture paints a thousand words and this is certainly the case with the IONIQ 6. Indeed you could write a book on how it looks and still create the wrong picture in the readers mind. It is an unconventional mixture of saloon, sports and coupe. Stretch a modern Beetle and add some more style, would be one way of describing it and the result definitely will not please everyone. However, in a motoring world where it can be increasing difficult to tell cars apart without looking at the badge, the IONIQ 6 is both refreshing and unique and the to a good percentage of potential buyers it will be very pleasing on the eye.
The design and shape are far from just cosmetic. Back in the day one of the goals of going electric was energy efficiency and the IONIQ 6 has been built to be as aerodynamic as possible. This means the very low drag efficient makes better use of the battery power and as such the car has increased range.
Get up close to the car and it has plenty of road presence and there are some lovely styling touches such as a rear end with hints of Porsche 911, sleek LED daytime running lights and flush door handles. There are also plenty of colour options and even 2-tone combinations if you want to get away from SUV grey.
Looks wise, the IONIQ 6 certainly is a head turner. The only question is will the design become something of a classic, or will it be like those futuristic designs from the 1980s, which looked great on first viewing, but distinctly dated after 6 or 7 years?
The design and shape are far from just cosmetic. Back in the day one of the goals of going electric was energy efficiency and the IONIQ 6 has been built to be as aerodynamic as possible. This means the very low drag efficient makes better use of the battery power and as such the car has increased range.
Get up close to the car and it has plenty of road presence and there are some lovely styling touches such as a rear end with hints of Porsche 911, sleek LED daytime running lights and flush door handles. There are also plenty of colour options and even 2-tone combinations if you want to get away from SUV grey.
Looks wise, the IONIQ 6 certainly is a head turner. The only question is will the design become something of a classic, or will it be like those futuristic designs from the 1980s, which looked great on first viewing, but distinctly dated after 6 or 7 years?
Interior
Inside the IONIQ 6 things become a little more familiar. Similar to the IONIQ 5, the dash is dominated by 2 screens, one for the driver and the other for controls including the infortainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard. This is supplemented by useful manual controls for certain functions such as climate.
Generally the interior is smart, has a high quality feel and is uncluttered, which creates a good sense of space. Unlike in its sister model, the centre console in the 6 is fixed, but still contains plenty of storage options and connection points.
Despite the sloping roof, space in the rear is plentiful with excellent rear leg room for all but the very tallest. There are two sets of ISOFIX child seats mounts, if required, and an electric tailgate as standard. At 401 litres, plus some added under floor space, the boot volume is not class leading but is perfectly adequate for most needs.
Over all it is a pretty good interior package, although certain drivers may miss that SUV flexibility.
Generally the interior is smart, has a high quality feel and is uncluttered, which creates a good sense of space. Unlike in its sister model, the centre console in the 6 is fixed, but still contains plenty of storage options and connection points.
Despite the sloping roof, space in the rear is plentiful with excellent rear leg room for all but the very tallest. There are two sets of ISOFIX child seats mounts, if required, and an electric tailgate as standard. At 401 litres, plus some added under floor space, the boot volume is not class leading but is perfectly adequate for most needs.
Over all it is a pretty good interior package, although certain drivers may miss that SUV flexibility.
Performance
Performance, in terms of speed, acceleration and range, depends on which battery and motor combination is chosen. Top of the range is a dual motor all wheel drive version with a 77.4kWh battery. This produces 325hp taking the car from zero to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, with a restricted top speed of 185km/h.
The 74kWh battery, single motor, rear wheel drive version is a little more conservative on performance, although still highly respectable. It produces 228bhp, which equates to 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 185km/h. There is also a 53kWh battery pack, with 151bhp and a 0-100 acceleration of 8.8 seconds with the same regulated top speed. Each model also has different driving modes depending on the driver, type of journey or conditions.
When it comes to range it is the 74kWh rear wheel drive version that tops the distance charts with a highly impressive official claim of 614 km. The lower spec 53kWh battery pack offers 429km, while the higher performance all-wheel drive version sits in the middle at 519km.
Of course the claimed range might not be completely achievable in normal driving conditions, but the indications are that if you are driving the IONIQ 6 sensibly then you can get pretty close. Particularly with the 600km plus mid range model, this could be significant. EV designers take note, good aerodynamics really can make a difference.
Hyundai say that it is possible to add 351 km of range in just 15 minutes at an ultra-fast (350 kW) charging station. Indeed it is the type of charging options chosen, or that are available, rather than the car itself that really dictate how quickly you can get back on the road. With the 53kWh at a 50 kW charger, you could get from 10% power to 80% in 58 minutes, while the 77kWh battery will take 73 minutes. For the same boost on an 11kW home charger the corresponding figures are 5 hours 25 minutes and 7 hours 10.
The 74kWh battery, single motor, rear wheel drive version is a little more conservative on performance, although still highly respectable. It produces 228bhp, which equates to 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 185km/h. There is also a 53kWh battery pack, with 151bhp and a 0-100 acceleration of 8.8 seconds with the same regulated top speed. Each model also has different driving modes depending on the driver, type of journey or conditions.
When it comes to range it is the 74kWh rear wheel drive version that tops the distance charts with a highly impressive official claim of 614 km. The lower spec 53kWh battery pack offers 429km, while the higher performance all-wheel drive version sits in the middle at 519km.
Of course the claimed range might not be completely achievable in normal driving conditions, but the indications are that if you are driving the IONIQ 6 sensibly then you can get pretty close. Particularly with the 600km plus mid range model, this could be significant. EV designers take note, good aerodynamics really can make a difference.
Hyundai say that it is possible to add 351 km of range in just 15 minutes at an ultra-fast (350 kW) charging station. Indeed it is the type of charging options chosen, or that are available, rather than the car itself that really dictate how quickly you can get back on the road. With the 53kWh at a 50 kW charger, you could get from 10% power to 80% in 58 minutes, while the 77kWh battery will take 73 minutes. For the same boost on an 11kW home charger the corresponding figures are 5 hours 25 minutes and 7 hours 10.
Reliability
The IONIQ 6 is too new to be included in any reliability surveys, but its stable mate the IONIQ 5 has generally fared well in terms of driver reports on early problems. As a manufacturer Hyundai recently finished an impressive 5 th out of 32 manufacturers in a reliability poll. The model also comes with the peace of mind of a 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, which includes, 5 years roadside assistance and 5 years of free vehicle health checks.
Running Costs
One refreshing aspect about the IONIQ 6 is that it is designed to be efficient, with its aerodynamic design and emphasis on added range. Add to the its fast charging capability and drivers will find that this is a more economical model than bigger and bulkier SUV EV alternatives. The IONIQ 6 is also a low tax vehicle and has the support of a comprehensive and geographically well spread dealer network across Ireland.
Handling
If are thinking that the coupe like looks of the IONIQ 6 might suggest sporty and agile handling, then think again. However, this is not a criticism of the model, as it is clearly set-up with refinement in mind. This is an ultra comfortable cruiser, especially on motorways, where its sleek shape helps it cut effortlessly through the air. It is smooth and ultra quiet, with a good balance through corners and a chassis that delivers control at all times.
Like any EV the IONIQ 6 is a little less refined on bumpy roads, although its low speed ride is better than most. There are different settings to adjust the steering feel, so drivers can find the feedback that best suits them.
If it is refinement you are looking for rather than speed or agility then the IONIQ 6 delivers this to a level you may usually only find higher up the premium price ladder.
Like any EV the IONIQ 6 is a little less refined on bumpy roads, although its low speed ride is better than most. There are different settings to adjust the steering feel, so drivers can find the feedback that best suits them.
If it is refinement you are looking for rather than speed or agility then the IONIQ 6 delivers this to a level you may usually only find higher up the premium price ladder.
Safety
The IONIQ 6 comes with a 5 star safety rating from Euro NCAP, with an impressive 97% score for adult occupant protection and a 90% score for safety assist systems. These systems full under the title of the Hyundai Smart Sense Advanced Driver Assistance System and include; Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control to help maintain distance from the vehicle ahead and drive at a speed set by the driver by reflecting the learned driving style of the driver, Forward Collision-Avoidance, Evasive Steering Assist and Driver Attention Warning. There is also a Blind Spot viewer and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist which helps avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles on the left or right side of the vehicle while reversing. Although some of these features are only available on higher spec models, even on the base Signature version, the IONIQ 6 offers a very commendable safety package.
Summary
- Exterior
- 80%
- Interior
- 80%
- Performance
- 80%
- Reliability
- 80%
- Running Costs
- 100%
- Handling
- 80%
- Safety
- 100%
With the recent €1500 reduction in SEAI grants, IONIQ 6 prices now range from €49,795, for the base Signature model, to €72,750 for the all-wheel drive Finesse. This means it is relatively expensive, even by competing EV standards, although that said, you do get a lot of car for the money. The IONIQ 6, is refined, well specified and very comfortable. It also offers its own unique benefits in terms of fast charging and extended range.
However, ultimately the deciding factor for buyers when it comes to the IONIQ 6 will boil down to one simple question – “Do you like the way it looks?” If like many first time viewers you think the IONIQ 6 looks a little odd then you will pass, but if you are a buyer that falls in love with its sleekshape then this could be the car for you.
However, ultimately the deciding factor for buyers when it comes to the IONIQ 6 will boil down to one simple question – “Do you like the way it looks?” If like many first time viewers you think the IONIQ 6 looks a little odd then you will pass, but if you are a buyer that falls in love with its sleekshape then this could be the car for you.