Owner Review: My N-Line IONIQ that never existed- 2016 Hyundai IONIQ 1.6 GDI Hybrid

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Basic information about my car:

One of the cars I currently own is the Hyundai IONIQ 1.6 GDI Hybrid, a pre-registered 2017 car from the HSDM, of the HEV variant. I bought it at a very attractive price of RM69,990 in 2019.

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

I am due to change my company car, which was a 2008 Mercedes C-180 Kompressor, which I had for 6 years. I have always wanted a sedan because I already have a CUV for family use. This will be my daily ride for both work and play.

Car Selection Process

• I had a budget of RM150,000
• Models that I have considered include: Mazda 3, Toyota GT-86/BRZ (Import) , Citroen DS5 (pre-owned)

I have owned many cars in the past, and I love driving. Any car I choose must fulfill a few key criteria, namely, handles well, balanced performance and low cost of ownership. When I test drove the car, it presents a very balanced composure, handles great and confidently especially on B-roads around the Glenmarie area, and corners impressively without excessive body rolls, while sipping very little fuel due to the hybrid powertrain which powers the car effortlessly switching seamlessly between engine, battery or both depending on engine load and driver’s input.

It punches beyond its 1.6L engine with a very linear output and high torque from the electric motor. It also matches perfectly to a highly efficient 6-speed dual clutch transmission which has a Sports Mode that hides its “ECO”-friend demeanor, allowing the RPM to stay longer and higher in the power band. Having owned a couple of turbocharged cars in the past, this is a very satisfying driving experience, having instantaneous torque on demand without any lag.

The ride and handling are way above its class, as it instills and inspires confidence for spirited driving while maintaining composure and comfort on most road surfaces within the Klang Valley. The initial feeling and driving sensation of the IONIQ is very positive, and it seems to be over-engineered to impress, and it sure does.

The driving experience is how one would drive a sedan, without having to think too much into the ECO part of the design. During the test drive, I drifted the car, one that was progressively induced, and the chassis responded admirably despite it being on Michelin Primacy 3 tyres.

The advanced Lithium-Polymer hybrid batteries are used in favour of older technologies like Ni-Mh, and while they add extra weight to the car, it is placed under the rear seats which is well within the axles. This further improves the handling of the car, providing rigidity and a lower center of gravity.

User Experience

• I have already done beyond 60,000kms since I took the car in April, 2019. 
• My average fuel consumption is between 4.8-6.0L/km depending on how heavy footed I am. The overall mileage I can get out of a full refilled tank (~38L per refill) is close to 650-680kms.  

1.The car is very well built There are no compromises. 

The engine, DCT transmission, and suspension are all designed and manufactured to the highest standard for efficiency for performance. The Atkinson-cycle engine mated to the electric motor provides a very responsive and linear power delivery while maintaining a very high thermal efficiency of 40% which translates to much lower fuel consumption. 

The aerodynamic efficiency is also class-leading which reduces drag and improves high speed stability especially on highways. Wind noise is nonexistent. The fit and finish are commendable, and there is nothing to complain about even after a long period of ownership.

The aerodynamic efficiency is also class-leading which reduces drag and improves high speed stability especially on highways. Wind noise is nonexistent. 

The fit and finish are commendable, and there is nothing to complain about even after a long period of ownership.

2.Balanced performance and great handling

Even without a turbo, the engine is not lacking in power. For daily driving, even with occasional spirited runs and tackling corners at high speed or even drifting, it is more than what you would expect, more so from a hybrid. I have also done some modifications to the chassis, and suspension system to further elevate the handling and performance to match my style of driving while further increasing the limits of active safety. With its near 50:50 weight distribution, and after the mods and tuning, it corners with very minimal understeers and without pitch (dive and squat) excessively when braking hard. Trail braking induced drift is very controllable and it breaks traction predictably and progressively. No drama.  

The rear multi-link suspension further elevates the handling department, and as far as I know, it shares some of the parts from the high performance models such as the Veloster and the i30N! Hyundai could have opted for a cost-saving torsion beam rear suspension as with most other hybrid cars, but in this case, it is a decisive choice and a wise one, again, without compromises.

3.Low Cost of Ownership

Even after the period of free service, the cost of maintenance is very low compared to all my previous cars. The standard warranty is 5 years, and the battery is 8. So, it’s really worry-free for me. The parts are relatively very affordable when a change is required.

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

1. Great handling, balanced ride comfort.
2. Linear power delivery with instantaneous torque especially in Sports Mode.
3. Seamless and responsive gear shifts . 
4. Good technology, no compromised design and manufacturing. 
5. Low fuel consumption. 

Cons

1. No user-selectable EV mode.
2. The Hyundai brand image is still not well accepted in Malaysia.

Total Score: 4.6/5.0

Performance: 4.5

Quality & Features: 4.5

Space: 4

Ride comfort: 4.5

Fuel Economy: 5

Price & cost: 5

Summary:

The IONIQ was a surprising choice although I never thought about owning one initially. However, it turns out to be one of my most likeable cars with an equally good ownership experience. I see myself keeping it for years until the full EV IONIQ 5 is here. While this is not the first Hyundai I owned, I have grown to be very fond of the brand due to its innovations, technology and value propositions which fits my requirements.

Lastly:

As mentioned, I have done some modifications to the car. More interestingly, I have also taken the liberty to rebadge my IONIQ to be an unofficial “N-Line” variant. It does not exist, but the philosophy behind every Hyundai N-Line and N Performance vehicle is “Never Just Drive. Enjoy every minute of it”. This is what I have done to my car, to the specifications of how I would enjoy it without excessive mods and costs because it is already very good to start with.

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