Hyundai Motors has announced the name of its alternative-fuel compact vehicle due for launch in 2016, the Ioniq. The hybrid car will be available with electric, plug-in petrol/electric hybrid, or petrol/electric hybrid powertrain – the first car from Hyundai to offer three powertrain options in a single body type.
The teaser image released with the company statement indicates that the car will be a five-door hatchback. The car comes with sleek body lines and shoulder line is prominent. The picture also indicates that the design of the car will take inspiration from the Fluidic theme of the company.
Based on a new platform, the Ioniq in its fully-electric (EV) form is powered by a high capacity lithium-ion battery. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version combines the fuel-efficient energy with battery power. The hybrid (HEV) utilizes the petrol engine and motion of the car to charge the on-board battery.
The company also gave clarification for the name -- "An ion is an electrically-charged atom, linking to the car's clever combination of electrified powertrains". The second part of the name refers to the "unique offering it brings to the Hyundai range" and the Q depicts the fresh new approach of this advanced, low-emission model.
Following its world premiere in Korea in January, the Ioniq is due to be shown at the Geneva International Motor Show and the New York Auto Show, both in March 2016.
