Hyundai Ioniq revealed – New pics of Toyota Prius rival

As spied before, the Toyota Prius-fighter features a relatively conventional look for a modern and electrified vehicle.

Under the hood sits the new 1.6-liter Kappa GDi engine that, combined with the permanent magnetic electric motor, delivers maximum outputs of 105 ps and 47 ps, engine and motor respectively. The batteries will be used to save fuel in the hybrid models which will get a 1.6-litre petrol engine, and of course, provide all the power to the electric motors that drive the wheels in the fully-electric version. Hyundai is likely to give the cabin a premium feel to justify the higher price tag typically associated with hybrid and electric vehicles.

Built on a chassis created specifically to carry the world’s first choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrains, the IONIQ boasts 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined cleverly with lightweight aluminum.

All three variants of the Ioniq line will employ lithium polymer batteries from LG Chem – which are apparently better than anything used by the competitors as the polymer structure is safer than a regular lithium-ion.

Hyundai has released new images of its electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid model called the Ioniq, revealing the rear of its exterior and its new interior.

Hyundai says the Ioniq “breaks the mold for hybrid vehicles. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility”, stated Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai Motor R&D Center.

What do you think of the Hyundai Ioniq? It works together with an electric motor generating 43 hp (32 kW) and 125 lb-ft (170 Nm).

The new alternatively fuelled Ioniq will also offer “class-leading aerodynamics”, according to the Korean manufacturer. Class-leading power transmission efficiency of 95.7% delivers a prompt response, acceleration performance and smooth gear changes to delight drivers with handling alongside the hybrid’s efficiency.

Those in other parts of the world will have to wait though as the earliest the vehicle will be travelling out of its home market is in March when it will be debuting at the Geneva Motor Show.