Hyundai Ioniq hybrid coming to the UAE and GCC

Hyundai plans to begin Middle East deliveries of its new Ioniq hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars by the end of 2016, according to a statement from the company.

The two hybrid Ioniq models both feature Hyundai’s 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine mated to a 32 kW electric motor, with the system delivering a combined 103.6 kW of power and up to 265 Nm of torque, while a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery positioned under the rears seats enables pure electric driving.

The full electric model ditches the petrol engine, and offers a 28 kWh battery for an estimated 250 km range before it needs recharging. Power is lower than for the hybrids at 88 kW, but torque is higher at 295 Nm. Full electric batteries can be recharged from a standard household socket, and Hyundai has also unveiled a fast charger that can top up the battery to 80% in about 20 minutes.

The GCC region will be the first in the Middle East to get the Ioniq, although it remains to be seen if the dealers here respond favourably when it comes to offering these unique models. Previously, direct-injection and turbo models were announced years before local dealers actually offered them on the showroom floor.