The headline here is value because Hyundai have pulled a proverbial rabbit from their proverbial hat pricing their new IONIQ 6 from £33,240, significantly undercutting many combustion rivals as well as EV rivals. But the good news doesn’t end there, because for that £33,240, Hyundai includes their larger 84 kWh battery, meaning even the entry spec IONIQ 6 can go for 422 miles on a single charge. This is an 84 mile improvement on range vs the outgoing model.
There is one caveat to achieving that low price, and that’s assisted by the Band 1 Electric Car Grant qualifying the new IONIQ 6 for the full £3,750 discount, but this is only applied to the Premium RWD and N Line RWD models. Higher spec models do not qualify due to their higher starting price that exceeds the ECG limits.
Updates
The new IONIQ 6 features an evolved design with a cleaner front end. Around the back and it’s still the same as before with some minor tweaks to the design. And this is Hyundai’s challenge, convincing people to part with their money for a car that is compromised around the rear end, with an awkward saloon boot offering a compact opening with space short vs some of its rivals and an estate, or shooting brake, version is not planned. Boot space is below average at 401 litres, but it is offset with a 45 litre front trunk, or frunk. Where Hyundai does score big is with rear legroom which is extremely generous.
However, Hyundai has softened the rear by replacing the previous-generation model’s prominent spoiler with an extended ducktail design. This helps visually, but it also maintains aerodynamic efficiency which is important for extracting that headline range from the car.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK said “The new IONIQ 6’s electrified streamliner look is more dynamic than ever, while enhanced specification and realigned pricing strengthen its appeal for customers seeking style, technology and value. The addition of the Government’s Electric Car Grant to IONIQ 6 makes this compelling package even more accessible.”
Performance, Efficiency and Charging
The IONIQ 6 gets one battery option and its the groups latest 84 kWh NMC pack. In the Premium RWD trim Hyundai has given its entry-level IONIQ 6 its 229 PS rear-wheel drive powertrain Efficiency is said to be around 4.6 miles/kWh, which is impressive, and that 229 PS motor delivers a 0-62mph sprint in a respectable 7.4 seconds.
The top-spec AWD IONIQ 6 will complete the same 0-62 MPH sprint in a very agreeable 5.1 seconds.
And the good news keeps coming because for the £33,240 customers get a car sitting on 800v architecture that will charge from 10-80% in just 18 mins at a compatible 350kW rapid charger.
Prices and Trims
The entry Premium trim should not be considered a poverty spec because it includes 18-inch alloy wheels, flush auto door handles, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, heat pump (yay), smart regenerative braking, 12.3-inch navigation and infotainment, wireless phone charging, over-the-air updates and the full suite of key safety systems including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Highway Drive Assist 2 and Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist. It really is all the car that’s needed.
However, for those looking for my dynamic styling, the IONIQ 6 N Line 84kWh RWD is priced from £36,240 including ECG and adds an N Line exterior and interior details while retaining the same 229PS output and 7.4-second 0-62mph time as Premium.
Step up to the N Line Evo and the price jumps by a huge £7,030 as this trim doesn’t qualify for any ECG. For that price customers can expect a significant drop in range to 364 miles, with the same power output as the two lower trims. However, for the extra £7k the N Line EVO is fitted with leather and suede seat trim, suede headliner, driver's seat memory, front relaxation seats, ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, head-up display, Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Digital Key 2, Walk-Away Lock, exterior Vehicle-to-Load adaptor and BOSE premium audio.
The N Line Evo AWD adds 325PS and all-wheel drive performance with 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and up to 354 miles of range and priced from £46,770.
Trim Level and Pricing
This is where the line up stumbles because the higher the spec the worse the driving range. Simply spend much more and get much less range.
The sweet spot really is the Premium or N Line trims if customers forgo luxuries.
