Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has unveiled its latest electric model, the IONIQ 5 Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), with what they say are innovative and sustainable features that are set to redefine the electric mobility lifestyle in Malaysia. There will be three variants with prices starting at RM199K. The launch seems to say that HSDM is pushing foward with making Hyundai a niche player with unique vehicles that aren't just the norm as well as paving the way for the future.
I must say that the Ioniq 5 hits the spot in terms of how a modern hatchback should look. Styling alone makes it look even more Germanic than the current favourite hatchback that is named after a sport. In fact I think that it looks like an evolution of that car (In case you cannot guess - GOLF) and also has touches of the classic Lancia Delta from the 1980s. I do think the designer of the Ioniq 5 took out a book of all the classic hatchbacks and moulded it into this car. It is fresh as heck in terms of styling on the outside. While looking backwards in my opinion.
Inside, the Ioniq 5 takes clean and simple lines to the maximum. There are simple retro touches here and there mixed together with the twin screens on the dashboard. The plastics do betray its C segment category but space and layout is hardly C segment. It feels as large as a D segment with even more legroom due to the long wheelbase and tyre at each corner setup. Definitely a 'Living space on Wheels' as claimed by Hyundai. Even the rear seat back rest can be reclined as you can see in the pic below. The front seats, even more unique as the top model has an ottoman calf/under thigh support. Like even if you have a driver, you should seat in the front passenger seat.
The two, more affordable IONIQ 5 Lite and Plus 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) variants are equipped with a 58 kWh battery pack while the range topping IONIQ Max All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant provides a longer range with a 72.6 kWh battery pack. The claimed range for the 58 kWh variants is 350km and 450Km for the larger Max variants. The cars are also fast in terms of acceleration - 5.2seconds approximate from zero to 100kmh. Impressive, although the maximum speed is limited to the single speed transmission to 185kmh. You basically can't win 'em all.
As for charging, I think you would need to own the dedicated wall charging unit to ensure that you charge as efficiently and as fast as possible when you are home. Using the ';travel' charging cable would mean that like the Kona EV, it would take a whole day to do so and should be used just to top up the Ioniq 5 on trips rather than to charge it up. With a 50-kW DC charger, the IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 47 minutes. A standard 11 kW home AC charger can charge from 0% to 100% in 6.1 hours. But mind you this is with the specific charger setup.
HSDM plans to rollout more electric vehicles in the near future and in conjunction with the launch of the IONIQ 5, HSDM is collaborating with Mecomb, a subsidiary of Sime Darby Industrial in providing home charging product and installation solutions, as well as with Yinson GreenTech to offer access to the chargEV network which has over 400 charging stations and growing, nationwide.
I believe that HDSM intends to make Hyundai a pioneer player in the field of electric vehicles. Note that aside from the premium brands, like BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz no other non-premium makers have seriously invested in selling and marketing fully electric cars here. I think the long term goal is in place and Hyundai cars are actually extremely good in terms of build quality and how they drive.
Now while I have not had a chance to drive their fully electrified cars as yet, I have been thoroughly impressed by their petrol powered SUVs like the Kona and Tucson as well as very impressed by the performance given by their Hybrid Ioniq hatchback. Hyundai cars are impressive and I give them credit for being at the forefront of new technology these days.
This could be quite an uphill climb for this fully electric technology. it may be due to the Malaysian government not really sure of how to actually implement sensible road taxes for these EVs - eg, over RM1,500 per annum for a Kona EV after a 4 year tax exempt period vs RM90 per annum for a 1.6liter Kona Turbo is crazy.
There are more facts, but that said, the IONIQ 5 is heck of a vehicle in terms of what it offers. Yes, it does come with a premium price here but this is partly due to the fact of our import car taxes - the car is fully imported from South Korea and the fact that our Ringgit simply sucks in terms of its value. So, its RM199K onwards for the impressive Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Official Press Release is down below.
Official Press Release
THE ALL-NEW HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 LAUNCHED
Redefined Electric CUV with Sustainable and Innovative Features
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 March 2022 – Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has unveiled its latest electric model, the IONIQ 5 Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), with innovative and sustainable features that are set to redefine the electric mobility lifestyle in Malaysia.
The new all-electric CUV comes in three variants, namely Lite, Plus, and Max. All three variations of the IONIQ 5 provide outstanding range, fast charging and a top speed of 185 km/hr. It is the second electric vehicle (EV) to be rolled out in Malaysia by HSDM, after the successful debut of the Kona Electric last year.
Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail and Distribution of Sime Darby Motors Malaysia, said, “Hyundai is paving the way for affordable EV ownership. There will be more EVs in the line-up by various brands under Sime Darby Motors as we aim to lead in Malaysia’s push towards low carbon mobility with a suite of products,services and capabilities across the automotive value chain to support the country’s electric vehicle (EV) plans.”
According to Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM, “The IONIQ 5 is selling very well in most countries and we are confident that this futuristic-designed all-electric CUV will appeal to Malaysians too. It is definitely the ultimate electric CUV to own with its best-in-class performance, range, complete safety features including the Smartsense suite and an ultra-fast charging speed.”
The IONIQ 5’s Lite and Plus 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) variants are equipped with a 58 kWh battery pack while the Max All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant provides a longer range with a 72.6 kWh battery pack.
Built on Hyundai’s dedicated Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) architecture – Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the IONIQ 5 supports both 400-V and 800-V charging infrastructures. The platform offers 800-V charging capability as standard, along with 400-V charging, without the need for additional components or adapters. With a 50-kW DC charger, the IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 47 minutes. A standard 11 kW home AC charger can charge from 0% to 100% in 6.1 hours.
The IONIQ 5 offers an innovative ‘Living Space’ themed interior design with eco-friendly materials in many touchpoints, strong performance mated with ultra-fast charging and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function thatcan supply up to 3.6 kW of power. It also comes with advanced connectivity and driver assistance features that will offer the ultimate in-car experience while ensuring optimum safety.
The IONIQ 5’s unique exterior design is a redefinition of the Hyundai Pony’s timeless design, that has a profile of over a 3,000-mm wheelbase. The auto flush door handles provide clean surface styling and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The front and rear forms of the vehicle merge together at its doors, offering another example of Hyundai’s ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design.
The starting price for the IONIQ5 is RM199,888 (On-the-road without insurance – fully exempted from import and excise duties, sales tax as well as road tax as announced under Budget 2022).
Booking of the IONIQ 5 can be done online via Hyundai’s online shopping platform, Cl!ck to Buy(www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/) or visit any of Hyundai’s authorised showrooms. Customers can also call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1300-13-2000 or log on to www.hyundai.com.my. for more information and enquiries.
With plans to rollout more electric vehicles in the near future and in conjunction with the launch of theIONIQ 5, HSDM is collaborating with Mecomb, a subsidiary of Sime Darby Industrial in providing home charging product and installation solutions, as well as with Yinson GreenTech to offer access to the chargEV network which has over 400 charging stations and growing, nationwide.
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