Not surprisingly, you don't come away from driving the Ioniq dumbfounded by scintillating dynamics, but then, that's not the point, and the same can be said of Toyota's Prius. For what it's worth, it is about as quick as a Prius on paper and probably just about feels so from behind the wheel.
Of greater note is the more agreeable way in which its power is delivered, via six ratios rather than via one continuous stream. It makes the Ioniq feel more responsive and does a better job of keeping its comparably whiny petrol engine in check under heavy throttle applications. Knocking the gear selector left into Sport mode forces it to hold on to low ratios for longer, causing more din.
There's very little enjoyment to be gained from the Hyundai's steering, though. There's a large dead patch around the straight-ahead to which a distinct weight is applied soon after - too much if Sport mode is engaged. Turn-in is relaxed and the rack's speed has clearly been designed to cope with city driving first and foremost, although there's no obvious shortage of grip at the front axle and the Ioniq's body remains nicely upright unless really hustled.
Again, the fact that the Ioniq isn't the last word in handling prowess comes as no surprise, but its ride quality has to be nearer the mark. Remember, thanks to firms such as Uber, more and more people are experiencing Toyota's Prius from the back seats - a more comfortable experience since Toyota's latest effort hit our roads.
The HEV Ioniq gets more advanced multi-link rear suspension than its pure EV stablemate, perhaps because Hyundai realises the rear seats will be used more often. The result is a largely compliant ride, both in the speed-bump primary sense and over broken asphalt. That said, hitting sharp expansion joints at speed causes obvious noise and slightly instability in the body at times.
The cabin space race probably goes to the Toyota - just. Both cars cater for a couple of tall adults well, and the same can be said of the rear seats, but the Toyota's slightly more generous knee room edges it the win. Boot space is a different story; the Hyundai offers more than 100 litres extra on paper, even if the space is rather shallow in reality. At least its rear seats split 60/40 and fold to give you the option of a deeper rear cabin.
When it comes to quality and infotainment, though, the Hyundai looks the stronger. In range-topping trim, its dash plastics and switchgear look and feel more consistent, while its bright, responsive 8.0in touchscreen with TomTom sat-nav looks the part and is easy to follow. Standard kit includes climate control, a rear parking camera with sensors, DAB radio, Bluetooth and adaptive cruise control.
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winniethewoo
Would be good to see it
xxxx
Emmm
The Apprentice
As you say, taxi driver
LP in Brighton
Or the best compromise?
HiPo 289
Don't understand why Autocar recommends diesel over hybrid here
Toxic emissions and noise are major drawbacks of diesel and this technology is set to decline as a power source for light vehicles like cars and vans. Depreciation alone is going to become a major problem, because who will want a diesel car that you can't drive into your nearest city?
So buying a new diesel car in 2016 is a mugs game, surely.
Campervan
There are zero planned bans on diesel cars in cities
To date no city in Europe has any plans to ban diesel cars except for plans to ban older petrol and diesel cars.
Your opinion that diesel cars produce toxic emissions without mentioning the fact that direct injection petrol cars produce lots of particulates and deadly poisonous carbon monoxide in large quantities plus use far more fuel is just that your opinion not fact.
As is shown by tests published online cars like the Prius fail to match the economy of diesel.
As for buying a diesel car in 2016 bring a mugs game, exactly which car did you buy with your own money? And what business is it if yours to offer advice to car buyers?
scrap
Campervan
TegTypeR
Not really a rational
On a technical level, I am not a fan of CVT transmissions, so if I were in the market for this sort of vehicle, just that small fact would probably swing it for me.
Just as a side note, Autocar, you commented on the rear seat space and passenger carrying capacity (justifiably so, considering as you suggested most will end up as mini cabs) but you show no picture?
TegTypeR
Not really a rational
On a technical level, I am not a fan of CVT transmissions, so if I were in the market for this sort of vehicle, just that small fact would probably swing it for me.
Just as a side note, Autocar, you commented on the rear seat space and passenger carrying capacity (justifiably so, considering as you suggested most will end up as mini cabs) but you show no picture?
sierra
Not a true comparison
As ever, road testers comparing a petrol automatic with a diesel manual
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