Hyundai Shows Off a Redesigned Electric IONIQ at the Los Angeles Auto Show

author: FutureCar Staff    

The redesigned fully-electric Hyundai IONIQ

Electric vehicles are once again in the spotlight at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. The latest automaker to show off a refreshed electric model is Hyundai. The automaker debuted a redesigned IONIQ lineup, giving a boost in range to the fully-electric IONIQ.

At a packed press event this morning, Hyundai unveiled its redesigned eco-friendly IONIQ car lineup. The lineup includes the IONIQ Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, which both include a refreshed exterior and interior. Hyundai added new infotainment technology and new Hyundai SmartSense active safety features and driving assistance systems. 

Drivers of the new 2020 IONIQ Electric can also enjoy 170 miles of range thanks to an upgraded 38.3-kWh battery— a 36% increase over the previous model.  Its electric powertrain delivers 134 horsepower and 218 lb.-ft. of torque. Using a 100-kW fast-charging station, the battery in the IONIQ can reach 80% charge in as little as 54 minutes. 

The IONIQ Hybrid has an EPA estimated 58 combined MPG, the highest for a non-plug in hybrid production vehicle. 

The new IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid both feature Hyundai's 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine delivering 104 horsepower and 109 lb.-ft. of torque. IONIQ Hybrid's permanent magnet electric motor delivers 32 kW with maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft., powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.56 kWh of capacity.

Hyundai offers a Lifetime Hybrid/Electric Battery Warranty that covers replacement costs, If the IONIQ's lithium-ion-polymer battery ever needs replacement, Hyundai will replace the battery and cover recycling costs for the old battery pack free-of-charge to the original owner.

The plug-in version's electric motor delivers 45 kW (60 horsepower) with maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft., powered by an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery. The 1.6-liter GDI engine combined with an electric motor in IONIQ Hybrid delivers a total system output of 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb.-ft. of torque. While the IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid model delivers a total system output of 156 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.

Drivers choosing IONIQ Plug-in can safely rely on 29 miles of pure electric driving range powered by its 8.9 kWh battery pack.

IONIQ Hybrid Blue model still has an EPA-estimated 58 MPG combined rating, the highest rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the U.S. market, according to Hyundai. 

The new IONIQ lineup features Hyundai's Blue Link connected-car system, which allows drivers to remote start their vehicle and control air conditioning using a smartphone app. 

The app also allows users to remote lock or unlock their doors and remotely turn on the lights. Blue Link also allows owners of the plug-in or electric model to remotely check the status of their battery so they know when they need to recharge the vehicle. Charging can also be controlled remotely.

In addition, Blue Link in the new IONIQ arrives with cloud-based navigation, which offers free up-to-the-minute traffic information, point-of-interest searches, as well as the ability to locate a nearby EV charging station.

The optional Audio Video Navigation system includes a 10.25-inch split touch-screen mounted in the center of the dash with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Hyundai offers a new Multi-Bluetooth function for the optional system that can connect two phones at the same time and even allow users to listen to each phone's music via Bluetooth streaming.

Advanced Safety Features

The IONIQ's safety package includes Front Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, Pedestrian Detection with new Cyclist Detection ability standard. Available options also include Lane Following Assist, which helps keep the car planted in the middle of a road lane.

Using the radar sensor to detect the distance from the car in front, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go maintains a preset distance to automatically stop and go at the current speed of traffic, making a commute during rush hour much easier for the driver. Additional options include Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.

The new IONIQ models are available at dealers now.

FutureCar Staff