This week driving perhaps one of the most interesting and technically impressive new models to arrive this year – Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 pure electric SUV.

Introduced several months back – the initial allocation of 400 selling exclusively on-line almost overnight. It comes as a rear wheel drive at $71,900 or as an all-wheel-drive at $75,900 – both with the same trim and feature level, both utilising a 72.6kWh lithium-ion battery powering their axle-mounted electric motors– the rear drive single motor developing output of 160kW of power, 350Nm of torque, the all-wheel-drive dual motor developing 225kW of power,605Nm of torque.

I had admired the IONIQ 5 on several occasions at Hyundai, eye catching in every sense. And I had only driven several hundred metres this week when it was obvious this innovative new car was the centre of attention. Its futuristic style, different, sitting on a long three-metre wheelbase with short overhangs and distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels – step inside to a spacous cabin with flat floor with a space age feel. Opening the sunroof blind exposes a full-length glass ceiling that provides a great interior environment.

Overall, it feels so modern and cutting edge to be almost conceptual and futuristic in appearance. Sadly, current EV subsidies in NSW do not reach to the IONIQ 5’s high pricing point. Performance and range expectations in my next segment.

I’m David Berthon.

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