FORWARD THINKER

KOREA’S LARGEST CARMAKER GOES ALL-IN FOR ITS FIRST EV ON A DEDICATED PLATFORM. THE RESULT IS A KNOCKOUT

- JAKE GROVES

IT’S CLEAR THAT Hyundai’s mantra must be ‘speak softly and carry a big stick.’ Being among quiet pioneers of family-friendly electric cars already with the original Ioniq and Kona, the brand is about to smack us across the chops with a whole new range of EVs under the Ioniq sub-brand, starting with this: the Ioniq 5.

We’ve driven a near-finished prototype in the UK for our first whack. So does Hyundai advance the EV cause? Actually, yes...

Hyundai says the exterior design is inspired by the Pony Coupe of the ’70s but, unlike so many car brands looking to its past to guide its future, design-wise, this is no slavish pastiche. It’s an eye-popping piece of design, shaped as a family crossover hatch, with pixelated lighting front and rear and super-crisp lines.

Interestingly, though, the Ioniq 5’s dimensions are much larger than you might think. This design masterstroke actually hides the car’s size: it’s longer than the (currently not-for-Australia) VW ID.4 in both overall length and wheelbase, and about 40mm taller than a Jaguar I-Pace.

Speaking of the I-Pace and ID range, we conveniently managed to park next to Jag’s EV and an ID.3 – both look instantly dated compared with this.

Inside, the cabin takes full advantage of the new e-GMP platform that underpins the Ioniq 5. A flat floor means no fixed centre tunnel, with a movable centre console that provides cupholders, cubbies and a wireless phone charger. (Slide it back and you could slip from the front passenger seat into the driver’s seat without exiting the car.) You’re also greeted by thick padded seats, two massive screens and a quirky two-spoke wheel like you find in a Honda E.