Electric Hyundai Ioniq unveiled in NZ

Hyundai New Zealand announced further details for its brand-new EV, the Ioniq, at a media briefing in Queenstown on Wednesday. The Ioniq will come with three different powertrains – a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a fully-electric model, with a real-world range of 200km, according to Hyundai. Pricing for the five-door liftback, roughly the same size as the Hyundai Elentra, will begin at $59,990 for the fully electric model, with a high-spec Elite available at $65,990. A hybrid version will start at $46,990, and an Elite variant is priced at $52,990. More details for the plug-in hybrid are forthcoming. The combined CCS system allows for fast DC charging, which will be compatible with NZ's coming 'electric highway'. The Ioniq will also contain various safety features, such as lane departure warning system, tyre pressure monitoring system, autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control and blind spot detection. The hybrid model is powered by a 1.6-litre direct-injected Atkinson Cycle engine attached to an electric motor for a total 104kW of power and 265Nm of torque. The fully electric model will produce 88kW of power and 295Nm of torque, with a range of 200km on a full charge. A launch date has not yet been announced, but buyers can register their interest on the Hyundai New Zealand website for further details.