On the move

Tim Barnes-Clays' Verdict on the

Hyundai Ioniq Electric Premium SE

ProDriver Tested 45.6mpg / 32mph Aug.2020

Hyundai launched the ioniq back in 2016. It came in three flavours: allelectric, a plug-in hybrid and a regular – or “self-charging” hybrid. That was a smart move, and still is. Having different power units in one body makes sense, and Ioniq started taking sales from its clearest rival, the Toyota Prius – especially as the Prius didn’t have a pure EV version.

But you can’t stand still in the EV market. Stand still long enough, and the competition will catch up with you – and then overtake you if you’re not careful. The Ioniq was starting to be outdone by other EVs – especially in terms of range. But spurred by new EV market entrants such as Peugeot’s e-2008 and e-208, the Vauxhall Corsa-e and VW’s e-Golf, Hyundai has given the Ioniq Electric, a boost in power and smart regenerative braking. It has also had an aesthetic tweak here and there.

The Ioniq Electric is a pleasant-looking, inoffensive, five-door hatchback. Up front, the model has been updated with a pattern on the closed grille and a new bumper design, creating a more dynamic appearance. The car has also been fitted with new LED lights that make the Hyundai stand out from the crowd at night.