Hyundai Ioniq officially confirmed for India!

Hyundai, India’s 2nd largest automaker has mega plans for the car market here. The South Korean company is planning to significantly expand the Indian range, what with 10 new models. Of these, eight will be all-new models while two will be facelifts of the current models. One of the most interesting launches will be that of the Ioniq. Let’s find out all about the new car.

What is the Ioniq all about?

The Ioniq is an all-new car from Hyundai that was unveiled last year in many international markets. The new vehicle is built on Hyundai’s zero-emission platform, which is a newly developed platform by Hyundai. The car gets three variants of powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric. The Indian market, however, will most likely get the hybrid version of the vehicle.

The full-hybrid version of the car is powered by a 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine that churns out a maximum of 102 BHP and 147 Nm of maximum torque. The petrol engine is supported by an electric motor that adds 42.4 BHP of additional power and 169.4 Nm. There is a high capacity 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that supplies power to the electric motor and stores the charge. Together, the car gets a total of 144.2 BHP and 315 Nm of maximum torque.

The hybrid vehicle also gets a dual clutch 6-speed automatic transmission. There is no option for manual transmission with the hybrid model. Hyundai is unlikely to bring in the electric model in India due to lack of infrastructure in the country. However, the plug-in hybrid model could be launched at a later date.

Why is it being launched in India?

The decision to launch the Ioniq comes after extensive market research. Hyundai conducted an extensive customer feedback clinic about the Ioniq, which turned out to be quite positive. Hyundai wants to take on the likes of Toyota Prius in the Indian market. The Ioniq will be the first hybrid vehicle from Hyundai in India. Following that, Hyundai may launch mild-hybrid options.

As emission norms get stricter, Hyundai plans to launch more hybrid and electric vehicles in India.

What would be the price?

Hyundai has confirmed that the Ioniq will not be a Completely Built Unit (CBU). Rather, the car will be assembled in India and will be brought to the country as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units. The decision will make the Ioniq very viable in the market.

Being a hybrid vehicle, the Ioniq will also receive tax benefits handed out to locally produced hybrid vehicles. Hyundai is planning to put an ex-showroom price tag of Rs. 25 lakh on the Ioniq. On the other hand, the rival Toyota Prius is priced at Rs. 39 lakh, ex-showroom in India.

If Hyundai achieves to keep the cost low, the car can become major crowd puller for the brand. Hyundai plans to make Auto Expo debut of the Ioniq in India and plans to sell around 100 units per month to overcome the production cost of the vehicle. The Ioniq also looks unique and has a style-statement to it. Hyundai’s pricing will be a crucial factor in the success of this car in India.

Via AutoCar