Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016) Review

2017 Hyundai Ioniq 88kW Electric Premium SE 28kWh 5dr Auto

Hyundai Ioniq
2017 88kW Electric Premium SE 28kWh 5dr Auto
£18,000

Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016) At A Glance

Updated for 2019 with bigger battery providing 182 miles of range.

On sale late 2019.

Insurance Groups are between 16–17

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric has been updated for 2019 - with the big news being an upgrade in battery size from 28kWh to 38.3kWh, boosting range to 182 miles.

Its electric motor provides 136PS and 295Nm of torque and is fitted standard with a 7.2kW on-board charger - an upgrade from current 6.6kW – for Type 2 AC charging. Using a 100kW fast-charging station, the battery can reach 80% charge in around 54 minutes.

Added technology includes Hyundai Blue Link, a connected vehicle system which allows drivers to remote start and stop their Ioniq Electric. It can also remote lock or unlock the vehicle and control air conditioning via a smartphone app, as well as allow drivers to check the status of their battery remotely.

With the updated Ioniq, Hyundai is also introducing eCall, automatically phoning emergency assistance if airbags are deployed or the call button located above the rear-view mirror is pressed. Relevant information (car information, time of accident, driving direction, airbag and impact sensor information) is sent to the local emergency services.

Further updates include Live services available as part of a five-year free subscription, providing up-to-date navigation information on weather, traffic, speed camera warning, nearby dealers and nearby charging stations.

An improved 10.25-inch infotainment system can be customised with widgets and icons, while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.

Externally, the Ioniq Electric has been updated with a new distinctive pattern on the closed grille. It also features an updated front bumper design, while the LED head and taillights have been updated. The 16-inch alloy wheels have also been updated.

What do owners think of the Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016)? Check out our Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.

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Child seats that fit a Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016)

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Satisfaction Index

What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

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Ask Honest John

What's the best used, small hatchback for low mileage use?

"We are both recently retired and found that having just one car (the brilliant Volvo XC40 T3) is proving inconvenient, so we want a small used car for running around and short trips. Current thoughts are Audi A1, Fiat 500 or MINI. Prices seem fairly equal for recent models and running costs about even, but it's difficult to find information on reliability. It will probably only be doing 5000 miles per year. From those above, what would be the least likely to cause problems and prove not overly expensive? What other makes/models would you suggest in 3 to 4-year-old cars? Thanks in anticipation."

Our Satisfaction Index is a good indicator of reliability: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2020/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2020-the-results/ As a guideline, Audi owners are generally fairly satisfied. MINI and Fiat actually perform pretty poorly. We also list common issues under the 'good/bad' section in our reviews. Have you considered an electric vehicle? If you can charge a car at home, it sounds like one would suit your requirements well. Something like a Volkswagen e-Golf, Hyundai Ioniq or Kia Soul EV could be a good option. A little more expensive to buy but you'll save money in running costs. If you'd prefer to stick to petrol, consider a Ford Fiesta Vignale. It's essentially a posh Fiesta with a luxurious interior but low running costs.

Answered by Andrew Brady

What's the best value, used electric car?

"Is the Volkswagen e-Golf the best value, used electric car?"

The Volkswagen e-Golf is certainly an excellent introduction to electric vehicles. We ran one for six months and rated it highly: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/our-cars/volkswagen-e-golf/ You might find a Nissan Leaf to be a better choice, however. The 40kWh model can travel 168 miles on a charge (compared to the e-Golf's 144) and, as it sold in bigger numbers when new, there are more to choose from on the used market. We'd also recommend the Hyundai Ioniq Electric which has a range of up to 183 miles.

Answered by Andrew Brady

I'm looking to trade in my car when the scrappage scheme is announced. What electric hatchback do you recommend?

"I currently have a 2004 Citroen C4 - which I'll part exchange when the new scrappage scheme is announced. I'm looking for a similar-sized car, automatic, and either petrol, PHEV or electric, depending on the the scrappage scheme details. What cars would you recommend in each of the three categories? Kind regards."

How about a Hyundai Ioniq? It's a really good hatchback that's available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric power - so you can decide which suits you best. If you fancy a hybrid (which is a good introduction to 'alternative' power), we'd also suggest looking at the Toyota Corolla. If you'd like an electric car, the upcoming Volkswagen ID.3 could be a good option. You could save £3000 on an Ioniq with Hyundai's scrappage scheme. Details here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/car-market-1/2020-06/your-guide-to-the-best-2020-scrappage-schemes/#hyundai Or £2000 on the Toyota Corolla: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/car-market-1/2020-06/your-guide-to-the-best-2020-scrappage-schemes/#toyota

Answered by Andrew Brady

Should I replace my diesel car with a hybrid or electric vehicle and, if so, which one?

"I own a Skoda Yeti diesel, which I have used for towing a caravan for the past six years. Due to our advancing years, we have decided to give up caravanning and no longer need a diesel car. We will probably pass the Yeti onto a family member and are now in the position of trying to decide on a replacement, but there is no rush. In the electric car range, the Kia e-Niro looks to be the front runner, but are like the proverbial hen's teeth. The Jaguar I-Pace is lovely but out of my price bracket. We need a car that can do mainly local journeys but can also cope with a regular 130 mile trip to Cumbria but (hopefully) without an hour's stop to charge it. Should I hang onto the Yeti for a while and wait for a wider choice of electric cars or can you suggest a suitable alternative such as a hybrid?"

A Kia e-Niro sounds like a good choice and should easily be able to cover a 130 mile trip to Cumbria but, like you say, actually getting one is tricky. A Hyundai Ioniq Electric would be another strong choice, with an official range of 194 miles. Also consider the MG ZS EV - it's an affordable electric crossover, officially capable of covering 163 miles on a full charge. Alternatively, it might be worth waiting for the new Volkswagen ID.3, which will go on sale next year: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/new-cars/2019-09/volkswagen-id3-electric-car-revealed/

Answered by Andrew Brady