ATArrived at the head of the design of Hyundai at the end of 2015, Luc Donckerwolke has since completely redefined the aesthetics of the Korean brand, or rather that of each of its models. Because the originality of the Belgian designer’s approach was precisely not to seek to create a brand identity, but rather to endow each model in the range with its own personality, without resemblance to each other.
Inspired by the 1970s
So while the recent Hyundais sport a resolutely modern design, the Ioniq 5 is inspired by the angular style known as “folded paper” popularized by Giorgietto Giugiaro, to whom we owe the original Golf (1974), the Lancia Delta (1979)… or the Hyundai Pony in 1975! A return to basics therefore, but which should not be schooled at Hyundai. To illustrate his “one style, one car” principle, Luc Donckerwolke has already announced that he will take a completely different aesthetic path with a rounded design for the future Ioniq 6. The other originality of the Ioniq 5 lies in the use of proportions close to those of a compact sedan, but applied here to a large crossover. Thus, you have to approach this Korean to take the measure of its imposing size (LxWxH: 4.63 x 1.89 x 1.65 m) close to that of a Peugeot 5008.
Habitable and modular
Measurements that allow the Korean to offer very generous roominess, in the service of an unusual modularity in this segment, with a sliding rear bench seat like on a minivan, and front seats that can be reclined like a chaise longue. Being a 100% electric model like the Ioniq 5, its designers wanted to guarantee its occupants maximum comfort, for example to take a short nap when the car is recharging. But not too long, because thanks to its voltage of 800V, the Ioniq 5 offers very fast recharges. Clear and uncluttered, the interior illustrates the Korean brand’s efforts to preserve the environment with recycled plastic (PET) seat trim, wool yarn for the dashboard, or paperette door trim. 100% recyclable printable fiber.
Three versions are offered today, an entry-level 170 hp (125 kW) with a small 58 kWh battery for an announced range of 384 km, an intermediate 218 hp (160 kW) with a long range (up to to 481 km) thanks to an increased capacity of 72.6 kWh, and its 4-wheel drive version of 306 hp (460 km).
Sports car acceleration
Very powerful, the latter strangely combines sports car acceleration – it is able to go from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.2 seconds – and flexible suspension promoting comfort. But the latter tends to disunite on bad coating. Thus, it is possible to see the appearance of oversteering attitudes when accelerating on a deformed or slippery road surface, which are however effectively suppressed by the electronic stability control system. The paddles on the steering wheel allow modulating the regenerative engine brake, from 0 (freewheel) to 3, while the last level “I-Pedal” allows with a little anticipation to no longer have to use the brakes, the Ioniq 5 slowing down gradually to a stop without jerking, which is very pleasant in town. The soundproofing is also very effective up to high speed. On the other hand, the electricity consumption is higher than expected, oscillating between 24 kWh in the city and 32 kWh/100 km on the highway. Fortunately, the 72.6 kWh capacity of the large battery allows you to see ahead, and fast charging allows, in the best case, that is to say when the battery is almost completely discharged, and programmed charging via navigation, to restore up to 100 km of range in just 5 minutes of connection to an ultra-fast terminal, that is to say here more than 230 kW. The prices of the Ioniq 5 range from 43,600 to 59,900 euros, from which 6,000 euros in bonuses must be deducted for the entry-level, 2,000 euros for versions over 45,000 euros.
