Hyundai Ioniq5 – Very Impressive!
After driving several versions of the Kia EV6 in different countries I was left very enthusiastic about the Kia and thought that this was setting a new standard in EV’s. Based on the same platform, the Hyundai Ioniq5 was the down-market version of the Kia, so I kind of prepared myself to be less enthusiastic about it in comparison to the KIA. Was I wrong!!!
The Hyundai Ioniq5 left me overwhelmed. It seemed to me to be a modern version, an upgraded version even of the Kia. The fit and finish was of course at Hyundai quality level, where no Tesla have gone before, but the attention to detail was just stunning. There was not an inch on the Ioniq5 that was not well considered and subsequently executed.
The consistent detailing on both exterior and interior, the pattern carried through harmoniously on eye catching details, never in an over-abundance but rather delicately tasteful. With the white interior this came out exceptionally well, as it matched perfectly with the ocean aqua exterior. It was all just right. The attention to detail was abundant everywhere. It was striking and made me feel to be in a very much higher category of vehicle. I realize the Genesis version of this platform is higher situated, but I doubt it can beat this Hyundai Ioniq5.
The exterior design is clearly a continuation of what Hyundai had started with the Elantra and Tucson, this time in an almost retro 70’s Ital Design guise. It looks as fresh as the Golf 1 and the Lancia Delta looked when they came out, and the proportions are similar as well, although the Ioniq5 is much larger than either of those. It is large. It is called and SUV. It does offer All Wheel Drive. To me it defies the SUV category since it isn’t in my face 4WD tough off road, but rather looks sophisticated and elegant, and with the slanted tailgate angle is not about packing at much interior space inside, nor does it have a monstrous tail gate spoiler like the VW ID3. It is just right.
One of my favorite features remains the ability to move the car in and out of tight parking spots through the key fob. I know it is not new, but it was new to me, and in my case, with a tighter space in my garage, it came in very handy indeed. At a real world parking spot you would hope that the people you park next to are as considerate of your car, but this worked very well.