Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has launched the Hyndai IONIQ Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) in Malaysia. The 'driving device' will be sold in two specifications - the IONIQ HEV and the IONIQ HEV Plus. The prices offered are surprising as their previous press release stated the car to be around the RM130,000 price range. Now at its launch, they've surprised us as the IONIQ HEV comes in at RM103,390.27 OTR with insurance and RM114,165.87 for the IONIQ HEV Plus.
This makes the IONIQ the most affordable hybrid electric car sold in Malaysia today. Affordable tech and performance actually as the specifications of the IONIQ is unbeatable for a C-segment car (same class as something like a Toyota Altis, Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Civic to name a few). And I don't remember seeing any of them with 265Nm of (combined) torque to play with. So the IONIQ has the potential to be an extremely fun car to drive rather than the usual fuddy duddy, let's hug a tree, save a sumatran rhino, kiss an orang utan type of straight laced econobox type of hybrid we usually see these days.
Why do I say so? Again its the very high torque engine. Or should I say engines. The combined horses of the 1.6 liter direct injection engine and the electric motor may only be 141PS but its that 265Nm of torque makes things interesting. And it does not have a CVT type gearbox but a sporty sounding dual clutch transmission unit instead. Anything with a CVT usually means a sportier, more traditional driving feel. Even though there is nothing traditional about the IONIQ's powertrain units in the first place.
I think this car can actually surprise many who think that it's some nerdy hybrid but when it actual fact it is not.These second or maybe third generation hybrids have made hybrid ownership something to consider. This isn't no dull vehicle. It has more torque than some larger cars sold here!
And then you add the equipment that Hyundai is giving us for the cars. Pretty impressive especially the HEV Plus which adds more active safety features like its Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), an advanced active safety feature that alerts drivers to emergency situations, braking autonomously if required.
I also have to add that the after sales package is quite impressive and should leave most of us worry free for quite a while. In conjunction with the launch of the new IONIQ, HSDM is also introducing the Care Plus
Programme which consists of the following five elements:-
i) Five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty of vehicle
ii) Eight years unlimited mileage warranty for the battery and a battery price below RM10,000
for the following 8 years should the battery needs replacement
iii) Three years or 60,000km (whichever comes first) of free service that includes parts, labour
and engine oil
iv) Three years Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) Insurance - Should the car be declared as
total loss within the three years of ownership due to any untoward incident, customers will
be reimbursed fully (100% of the value of the car)
v) Interest rate as low as 2.28% based on the reducing balance calculation
The 8 year unlimited mileage battery warranty is surely peace of mind for many people. Free service and parts for 3 years, 5 years warranty are all nice touches to make life better for IONIQ owners. I see Hyundai Sime Darby Motors putting up a lot on the table with this car. That price is also unbeatable for this type of car. I mean even with the EEV status placed on the car the price was a surprise. Hyundai Sime Darby Motors pulled some wool over our eyes with that earlier statement. But this is a very welcome surprise, yes?
The IONIQ Hybrid has both its powerplants in the front. The petrol engine to the left and the electric motor and control unit to the right with the geabox packages underneath the electrical systems. The lithium ion battery is that thingy in front of the rear wheels which makes the weight of the battery strategically placed for proper weight distribution (balancing the weight of the engine yet still within the boundaries of the four wheels. Note that the battery would sit under the rear seats.
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HYUNDAI’S ECO-FRIENDLY HIGH-TECH IONIQ LAUNCHED IN
MALAYSIA
The IONIQ Hybrid: Driving Device
(L to R) Mr Dennis HoManaging Director of Sime Darby Motors, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand, Yg Bhg. Dato’ Mohamad Madani Sahari - Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Automotive Institute, YBhg. Datuk Aishah Ahmad - President of Malaysia Automotive Association / Managing Director of Sime Darby Auto Imports ,Mr Park Sang-Min Director/Head of Regional Headquarters, Asia & Pacific Regional Headquarters, Hyundai Motor Company & Mr Lau Yit Mun - Managing Director of Hyundai Sime Darby Motor (HSDM)
PETALING JAYA, 29 November 2016 - The Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors’ (HSDM) locally
assembled IONIQ Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), dubbed the ‘driving device’ has been launched
at an unbeatable price, making it accessible to every car buyer looking to buy either a hybrid
passenger car or a mid-size sedan.
With a starting price of RM99,888 (without insurance and road tax), the IONIQ is available in
two variants i.e. the HEV and HEV Plus, with the ‘Plus’ version offering more high-end safety
and convenient features.
According to Mr. Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of HSDM, the IONIQ offers customers
uncompromised driving experience and a car that is equipped with the latest connectivity and
safety technology. “Hyundai Motor Company has a proven capability in electrified powertrains
with their pioneering fuel cell electric vehicle and several hybrid and plug-in hybrid models sold
around the world. Therefore, HSDM is confident that the Ioniq will be well accepted in Malaysia.”
said Mr. Lau.
In conjunction with the launch of the new IONIQ, HSDM is also introducing the Care Plus
Programme which consists of the following five elements:-
i) Five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty of vehicle
ii) Eight years unlimited mileage warranty for the battery and a battery price below RM10,000
for the following 8 years should the battery needs replacement
iii) Three years or 60,000km (whichever comes first) of free service that includes parts, labour
and engine oil
iv) Three years Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) Insurance - Should the car be declared as
total loss within the three years of ownership due to any untoward incident, customers will
be reimbursed fully (100% of the value of the car)
v) Interest rate as low as 2.28% based on the reducing balance calculation
What’s Unique about the IONIQ?
The IONIQ calls upon two key influences – efficiency and technology in its design, which is
combined to create a unique and future-looking appearance. The eco-friendly and high-tech
features are met consistently throughout the IONIQ, including the attractive styling of the car as
form and function combine seamlessly.
On the exterior, The IONIQ offers a sleek aerodynamic silhouette with a class-leading 0.24 Cd
derived from carefully designed surfaces. Its fluidic exterior shape and smooth air flow channels
emphasize aerodynamic bodylines and design forms.
The front of the IONIQ Hybrid is characterised by the Bi-xenon headlights that are embraced by
the C-shaped LED positioning lamps. Hyundai Motor’s signature hexagonal grille and the
vertical C-shaped LED daytime running lights further depict the design concept of the car.
Contrasting colours at the base of the bumper add an individual character while seven exterior
colour choices available are Phantom Black, Polar White, Platinum Silver, Aurora Silver, Iron
Grey, Marina Blue and Phoenix Orange (Applicable for HEV Plus). The IONIQ Hybrid features
specially-designed two-tone 15- or 17-inch wheels.
The IONIQ’s sleek, coupe-like silhouette and its simple, carefully wrought contours assist the
efficient management of airflow around the exterior. Applications like active air flap, front wheel
air curtains, a rear spoiler and diffuser, side sill moldings, floor undercover and a closed wheel
design all contribute to the car’s high aerodynamic efficiency.
Similar to the car’s exterior design, the interior of the IONIQ captures the model’s futuristic
perspective and draws on the car’s eco-friendly and hybrid credentials. A ‘Purified High-Tech’
concept was established, which then evolved into the refined interior of the IONIQ.
A recurring smooth, elegant and clutter-free theme meets a warm feeling inside the IONIQ as
efficient use of interior space complements a logical, structured approach applied to the layout
of controls. Eco-friendly materials are used to create a simple and clean look throughout the car,
giving the interior a spacious, sleek, light and purified feel.
The IONIQ features significant weight reduction by using aluminium in the hood and tailgate,
reducing the weight by 27 lbs. compared with conventional steel. Light-weight also extends to
less obvious areas like the cargo-screen cover. With higher usage of lightweight components
and a more compact build, the cargo-screen cover is about 25 percent lighter than used in other
Hyundai models.
While the weight of the car is significantly reduced, it does not compromise on the rigidity and
safety of the car. The IONIQ’s light-yet- rigid body is the result of advanced design, construction
methods and materials. Featuring 53 percent Advanced High Strength Steel, the chassis
benefits from superior rigidity for responsive handling and safety, with high impact-energy
absorption and minimised cabin distortion to protect passengers in the event of a collision. This
rigid structure also leverages 475 feet of advanced structural adhesives in its design,
simultaneously yielding both light-weighting and rigidity benefits.
Powertrains - Efficient and Ultra-low Emission
Developed to strive for the world’s highest hybrid fuel efficiency without compromising the
driving performance, the IONIQ Hybrid is equipped with a newly developed, dedicated Kappa
1.6 Atkinson GDI four-cylinder engine. With a class-leading thermal efficiency of 40 percent, the
1.6 GDI powerplant delivers 105PS at 5,700rpm while providing maximum torque of 147Nm at
4,000rpm. It is combined with a newly developed, very efficient six-speed dual-clutch
transmission (6DCT) and, in collaboration with the 32kW (43.5PS) electric motor, offers a
maximum output of 103.6kW (141PS) at 5700rpm and 27.0kg.m (265Nm) of torque in first gear
and 24.0kgf.m / 235Nm in second to sixth.
The driving performance of the IONIQ line-up is among the best in its segment, thanks to a
powertrain which is specially adapted to deliver efficient mobility without compromise. Ride and
handling, as well as noise, vibration and harshness levels, are tuned to contribute towards
superior ride quality, while insulation in the dashboard minimises engine noise. Damping in the
floor panels as well as enhanced A and B pillar fillings, thicker window glass and noise
cancelling film on the windshield further improve the quiet and comfortable ride.
Six-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
The IONIQ Hybrid features a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT), which boasts best-in-
class transfer efficiency through the use of low-friction bearings and low-viscosity transmission
oil. Capitalising on the latest generation of transmission technology, the IONIQ achieves its
unique mix of driving performance and excellent fuel efficiency through intelligently set gear
ratios combined with a sophisticated shift strategy, which transfers power smoothly from gear to
gear.
Differentiating itself from other hybrid cars, which are often criticised for ‘rubber band-like’
acceleration, the sporty and fun to drive IONIQ uses its 6DCT to engage the driver and harness
the electric and combustion technologies to the best effect. The chassis with rear multi-link
suspension further enhances the driving dynamics.
Enhancing further the car’s fuel efficiency and dynamic driving characteristics, the driver can
also select SPORT or ECO modes. The SPORT function holds lower gears longer and
combines power from the engine and electric motor to reward the driver with maximised
performance. In ECO mode, the 6DCT optimises the gear selection for fuel economy, shifting up
earlier to higher gears to achieve class-leading fuel economy.
Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery
Hyundai Motor engineers decided to use a Lithium-Ion polymer battery pack for the IONIQ
Hybrid - which is 23-25% more efficient than a conventional nickel-metal- hydride battery. This
provides lower memory sensitivity, excellent charge / discharge efficiency and an outstanding
maximum output.
Safety features such as the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Front and Rear Parking
System, seven-airbag system and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are standard
with both the HEV and HEV Plus variants.
The HEV Plus is upgraded with a host of other security and convenient features such as the
Wireless Charging System for Smartphones, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Keeping Assist
System (LKAS), Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB), Smart Cruise Control System
(SCC), and a Rain Sensor.
The Blind Spot Detection works directly alongside Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic
Alert to warn the driver of any surrounding vehicles, passengers or other objects that may lead
to a collision if unnoticed while the car is in motion.
A Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) are
useful when driving. The systems alert the driver if unsafe movements are made while the car is
driving over 60km/h by sensing the car’s position. The LDWS sounds an alarm before the car
moves over white, grey, yellow lines as well as Bott’s dots on the road, while the LKAS warns
the driver acoustically and visually before inducing corrective steering to guide the driver back to
a safe position.
The IONIQ HEV Plus is also fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), an advanced
active safety feature that alerts drivers to emergency situations, braking autonomously if
required. Using front radar and camera sensors, AEB operates in three stages. Initially warning
the driver visually and acoustically, it controls the brake according to the collision danger stage,
and applies maximum braking force right before the moment of collision. When a vehicle or
pedestrian is sensed in front of the car, the system is activated, operating at speeds of 10 km/h
or above and minimises damage when a collision is unavoidable.
Using front radar sensors, the Smart Cruise Control allows a constant speed and distance to be
maintained from the vehicle ahead without depressing the accelerator or brake pedals; it is
automatically cancelled when speed drops to 10 km/h or below. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System ensures tires are always suitably inflated.
Comfort and Convenience
To provide a pleasant, comfortable and refreshing climate in the car without using unnecessary
amounts of energy, the IONIQ’s climate control can be switched to an efficient operation mode.
Due to a maximum utilisation of the inside air when turning on the air-conditioning or heating,
ventilation loss can be minimised and the overall efficiency of the system increases. Also, the
dual-zone climate control can be set to ‘driver only’ mode, reducing the load of the air-
conditioning and heating to work more efficiently.
To suit customers’ varied lifestyles, the IONIQ features state-of- the-art infotainment and
connectivity features. It is equipped with a new generation high-resolution 7-inch TFT
information cluster. With a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, it displays all types of gauges
(speedometer, ECO, state of charge, fuel etc). Depending on the selected drive mode,
background colour and gauges are adapted to always provide the most important and useful
information as well as a relaxed or sporty atmosphere by means of the colours used. Within
SPORT mode, the display changes into a revolving digital speedometer that is surrounded by
an analogue style tachometer, showing the engine’s rpm on red coloured ground. When
choosing ECO mode the TFT-information cluster simulates the familiar speedometer needle. To
ensure occupants’ phones are always charged, IONIQ also offers a wireless inductive charging
pad (Qi standard) for mobile phones.
For further information on the new IONIQ Hybrid, Malaysian motorists can call HSDM Customer
Careline at 1-300- 13-2000 (office hours) or visit www.hyundai.com.my
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