5 days ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Hyundai Ioniq 5 is powerful and practical
A spacious, plush and practical interior further adds to the appeal of this family SUV.
Last year's mild facelift was more about evolution than revolution, bringing about bigger batteries, an uptick in standard equipment, better sound insulation, and a heat pump on all variants.
There are some aesthetically-pleasing changes too, such as a larger roof spoiler and some new wheel designs. The funky 20-inch alloy wheels were created exclusively for the new N Line version, tested here, to make a powerful statement.
Hyundai offers plenty of choice within the Ioniq 5 range, with buyers able to choose between two battery sizes, rear or four-wheel drive and five trims.
The car looks distinctive from all angles At the top sits the AWD 325. It has an 84kWh battery and adds a second electric motor on the front axle, making it four-wheel drive and giving a total of 321bhp.
The 0-62mph time is 5.3 seconds, which feels pretty swift for a vehicle of this size, meaning straight line performance is a match for the dual-motor Kia EV6. You also get a fair old slab of torque, measuring in at a beefy 605Nm.
However, the Ioniq 5 doesn't provide as sharp a driving experience as some key rivals when trying to progress along twisty and undulating B-roads.
When cornering briskly, body control isn't the best and you're generally aware of the vehicle's weight when slowing and trying to set the vehicle up for a sharp turn, with the Ioniq 5 feeling a bit reluctant to make sudden changes of direction.
Range-wise, the new batteries have added an extra layer of practicality.
The interior is well laid-out Depending on the version you opt for, the official stats suggest you'll get suggest you'll get 273 miles for the RWD 170, up to 354 miles for RWD 228 and 311 miles for the AWD 325.
In real-world driving conditions and admittedly making little attempt to preserve charge, the N Line S returned figures of between 220 and 250 miles between charges.
When you do run low on battery, you'll find that charging speeds are pretty quick.
With speeds of up to 260kW, a DC charger will take the battery from 10-80 per cent in a mere 18 minutes.
One of the most appealing things about the Ioniq 5 is its stand-out looks which, four years after launch - still make you turn round for a second look.
The N Line's distinctive pixel design on the front - featuring rectangular LED lights - makes a bold statement, as does the rear spoiler, prominent rear diffuser, and a strip of LED lights that run right across the back.
The side of the vehicle features sharp creases
Viewed from the side, the eye is drawn to the sharp crease that starts low in the rear door and works its way up through the front doors towards the wing mirror. That crease perfectly matches the angle of the rear end of the vehicle, creating a feel of uniformity.
The overall effect of such sharp styling is to make a fairly bulky vehicle look more akin to a hot hatch.
Once you step inside, it's a pleasant cabin in which to relax and spread out. Indeed, there seems to be oceans of space for both front and rear seat occupants. That space, combined with smooth cruising manners, mean longer journeys feel like a doddle.
In this version, the high-performance sport seats keep you in control and comfortable. They feature the exclusive N Line embossing, red contrast stitching and red piping.
The redesigned centre console enhances the in-cabin experience by relocating the charging pad, cupholder and the buttons for seat heating and parking cameras close to the hand of the driver and passenger.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Line S AWD
PRICE: N Line from £47,410
POWER: 84kWh 325PS
TOP SPEED: 114mph
0-62MPH: 5.3 seconds
TORQUE: 605 Nm
BOOT SPACE: 520-litres
CHARGING RATE: 260kW
CHARGE TIME: 10-80% charge in 18 minutes
