Hyundai Ioniq hybrid likely to be launched in India next year, to rival Toyota Prius

The Ioniq, the first dedicated hybrid car from South Korean car-maker Hyundai Motor, appears to be India-bound. Emerging reports indicate that Hyundai India is actively considering the launch of the Ioniq sometime next year. The car, which was unveiled in January this year, will be pitted against the Toyota Prius.

Ioniq has been introduced in fully-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains, and is available in a single body type. Out of these, the plug-in hybrid is the most probable version to be made available in India. The Ioniq plug-in hybrid is powered by 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder petrol engine producing 105bhp and 147Nm of torque in tandem with 60bhp electric motor. The hybrid powertrain is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The car also features an 8.9kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Hyundai claims the Ioniq plug-in can travel up to 50 kilometres using the battery alone.

Breaking the stereotype of hybrid cars that are not good-looking, the Ioniq comes with cohesive design. The face of the zero-emission vehicle features a hexagonal grille, vertical C-shaped LED daytime running lights and low-beam LED headlamps in sweptback style. The design does not depart from the fluidic theme of Hyundai, and yet it features its own identity. The rear of the car features slim window panels and a high-positioned rear end that gives it a coupe kind of look.

Depending on the exterior colour, blue or silver character lines below the front and rear bumpers have been added. Silver accents will be included for exterior colours Marina Blue and Phoenix Orange while the other exterior colours would feature the blue character line.

When launched, the Ioniq will go up against Toyota Prius hybrid that has a decent customer base. Hyundai's hybrid model is expected to be priced at around Rs. 30 lakh. Being a hybrid model, the Ioniq will also benefit from the FAME scheme of the Union government that promotes eco-friendly vehicles by offering incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles of up to Rs. 29,000 for bikes and Rs. 1.38 lakh for cars.