Close X
Sunday, October 6, 2024
ADVT 
Auto

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Age of the streamliner

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 24 May, 2023
  • 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Age of the streamliner

Looking for the most efficient mid-size zero emissions car sold in Canada? Look no further — it’s the new 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 available now. And the EV’s interesting appearance is a large part of why the model is so aerodynamic and easy on energy.

“We call this design concept electrified streamliner, referring to the very aggressive roof line which is efficient but at the same time very attractive, sleek and simple. So, there is a dramatic departure from what you've seen on the [IONIQ] 5. But this intentional — what we are trying to do is to build cars that attract different customers with different needs and lifestyles,” said Ricardo Chan, senior manager of product marketing, during a presentation in Vancouver where the automaker recently held a national launch event.

The sloping rear window and mini whale-tail-esque spoiler have drawn comparisons by some to a Porsche. Rather fitting, as such attributes, among many others, give the sedan an ultra-low 0.22 coefficient of drag putting it in Taycan territory. To give some perspective, the aforementioned IONIQ 5, built upon the same E-GMP platform, possesses a 0.29 Cd. 

So, what does the above all translate to? Journalists had an opportunity to test the grade-toping Preferred AWD Ultimate variants boasting a front 74/rear 165 kilowatt electric motor and 20-inch alloy wheels. The package yields a maximum drive range of 435 kilometres on a full charge. Drop down to the standard trim wearing 18-inch wheels and range goes up to 509, or choosing the entry level rear-wheel single 168-kilowatt motor provides an impressive 581 kilometres of travel distance. 

In Canada, all utilize a big 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack mounted underneath the floor for a low centre of gravity, and an independent front and multi-link rear suspension setup helps the vehicle feel much more composed in the corners compared to the 5. Especially in Sport mode, which tightens up steering and redistributes torque, among other things, the full 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of combined torque can really be experienced in near-silent glory.

On a route taking participants from the downtown core to Fort Langley, Cypress Mountain, Squamish and then back downtown, the IONIQ 6 I piloted still had at least 30 per cent energy remaining — despite the significant elevation changes, winter comfort electronics activated and being fairly aggressive on the accelerator — assisted by four levels of regenerative braking controlled via the paddle shifters. Compatible with both 400 and 800-volt infrastructure, charging 10 to 80 per cent takes under 20 minutes using a 350-kilowatt Level 3 source. 

Due to a generous 2,950-millimetre wheelbase, the cabin is spacious making our all-day adventure a comfortable one. Dual floating 12-inch displays stretch out across the dashboard integrating an instrument cluster and infotainment screen, and there’s no shifter taking up space on the centre console as a steering-column-mounted lever assumes gear selection duties. The signature playful Parametric Pixel lighting styling language is subtly found throughout the cabin, as well as exterior, totalling 700 examples (!) in all. 

Speaking of design, sustainability plays a big part. The seats are constructed out of plant-based leather and recycled PET fabric, carpets out of recycled fishing nets and the door panels are coated in bio-paint featuring rape flower and corn extracts. Even the exterior colours, like the greyish Transmission Blue Pearl we tested,  are derived from bamboo.  

Starting at MSRP $54,999 (Preferred RWD), the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 may be eligible for both the federal Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (up to $5,000 rebate) and provincial CleanBC Go Electric incentives (up to $4,000) depending on trim level. Visit the corresponding government websites for more information. 

Highlights (as tested)

MSRP (base): $63,999  

Motor: 74-kilowatt front/165-kilowatt rear electric

Horsepower: 320 (net)  

Torque (lb-ft): 446 (net)

Gearbox: one-speed automatic   

Layout: dual motor   

MORE Auto ARTICLES

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring, Sixth-Gen crossover gets partially electrified

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring, Sixth-Gen crossover gets partially electrified

For the first time in Canada, Honda is offering the CR-V in hybrid form. And the all-new Compact Recreational Vehicle is showcasing a huge design change as well, doing away with the rounded shape consumers have grown accustomed to and now mimicking the Passport’s tougher upright profile and squared off features. 

2023 Volvo C40 Recharge: Electric trailblazer

2023 Volvo C40 Recharge: Electric trailblazer

As Volvo continues to electrify its offerings, one of the more recent entries is the C40 Recharge that represents the first model in the lineup to be manufactured purely as an EV with no internal combustion variant. Built on the same platform as the popular XC40 Recharge but boasting a coupe-style rather than conventional roof, read on to find out what separates this derivative apart.

2023 Toyota Mirai: Making hydrogen great again

2023 Toyota Mirai: Making hydrogen great again

After a successful, ground-breaking run with the first-generation Mirai, Toyota is doubling down on a hydrogen-powered future and is introducing an all-new model. This time built on the same global GA-L rear-wheel drive underpinnings shared by the Lexus LC and LS, the environmentally-friendly four door is totally reimagined. 

Genesis Electrified G80: Zero emissions twinning

Genesis Electrified G80: Zero emissions twinning

Designers have cleverly left signature styling cues intact like the Crest Grille, which is completely solid since there’s no radiator behind to feed with fresh air. Instead, the charging port is cleverly concealed in the upper right corner behind a one-touch-open panel.

2023 Cadillac Escalade Platinum: Benchmark for full-size premium motoring

2023 Cadillac Escalade Platinum: Benchmark for full-size premium motoring

Cadillac sets a new benchmark in terms of cabin comfort and convenience. The Whisper Beige interior is beautiful, the caveat being after only half a winter of use the semi-aniline leather upholstery and carpeting was already looking worn. 

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

The 10-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive and for 2023 a next-generation Toyota Multimedia infotainment system is standard showcasing an eight-inch touchscreen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. While an improvement over the outgoing technology it’s not the most intuitive offering on the market. 

PrevNext