Hyundai has launched the IONIQ in the UK and has priced it at Rs 17.76 lakh (19,995 GBP). It will be sold from October 13 in the hybrid and full electric variant while the plugin hybrid model will go on sale in 2017.
Unveiled last year, the IONIQ is Hyundai’s first dedicated entry into the hybrid car market. The hybrid and plugin hybrid versions are offered with a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motors. They will be offered in the SE and premium variants for both powertrain setups. As is expected from a car like this, the list of the standard features includes climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats, drive assists and a multitude of safety options.
The base Hybrid SE variant is priced at 17.76 lakh (19,995 GBP) while the top-of-the-line electric premium SE variant is priced at Rs 27.49 lakh (30,975 GBP). The arrival of the IONIQ in the UK indicates that Hyundai has begun or will soon production of the vehicle in RHD format indicating that it will soon arrive in countries like South Africa and Malaysia.
We are still a long way off from getting this car in India as we are not a market completely open to the concept of hybrid vehicles thanks mostly to the high maintenance costs. If and when launched here, it will rival the likes of the Toyota Prius but is likely to do so only if it arrives here through the CKD route.
