2016 Hyundai Ioniq HEV Premium SE review

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. 

Viewed next to rival family hatchbacks powered solely by combustion means, the Ioniq - like the Prius - fails to stir us enough to give it class honours. There are diesel alternatives that offer competitive running costs for private and company buyers while riding and handling more competently and ticking the space and practicality boxes at the same time.

A Prius running on 15in wheels sits a tax band lower, will officially use less fuel and feels more agile, but it costs more to buy in the first place and plays second fiddle to the Hyundai's preferable gearbox, better interior quality and slicker infotainment. It'll be an intriguing group test back on UK roads, but at this stage, the Ioniq deserves to be recognised as a sound hybrid family hatch choice.