From third left: Joonmo, Lau and Tan giving their thumbs-up as models look on during a photo call at the launching of IONIQ in East Malaysia.
KUCHING: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors’ (HSDM) locally assembled IONIQ Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), dubbed the ‘driving device’, has been launched here at an unbeatable price, making it accessible to every car buyer looking to buy either a hybrid passenger car or a mid-size sedan.
With a starting price of RM103,121 (without insurance and road tax), the IONIQ is available in two variants; the HEV and HEV Plus, with the Plus version offering more high-end safety features and convenience.
According to the managing director HSDM Lau Yit Mun, the IONIQ offers customers an uncompromised driving experience and a car that is equipped with the latest connectivity and safety technology.
“Hyundai Motor Company has a proven capability in electrified powertrains with their pioneering fuel cell electric vehicles and several hybrid and plug-in hybrid models sold around the world. Therefore, HSDM is confident that the IONIQ will be accepted in Malaysia,” said Lau at the launching of IONIQ at the Regas Hyundai showroom here on Wednesday.
Also present during the launching were deputy general manager of HSDM Joonmo Ahn and chief operating officer of Regas Automobile Sdn Bhd Wilson Tan.
In conjunction with the launch of the new IONIQ, HSDM is also introducing the Care Plus Programme.
The programme consists of a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) vehicle warranty, eight years of unlimited mileage warranty for the battery and a battery price below RM10,000 for the following eight years should the battery need replacement, and three years or 60,000km (whichever comes first) of free service that includes parts, labour costs and engine oil.
It also covers three years of Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) Insurance. Should the car be declared as a total loss within the first three years of ownership due to any untoward incident, customers will be reimbursed fully (100 per cent value of the car) as well as an interest rate as low as 2.28 per cent based on reducing balance calculation.
The IONIQ calls upon two key influences — efficiency and technology — in its design, which are combined to create a unique and futuristic-looking appearance.
Eco-friendly and high-tech features converge consistently throughout the IONIQ, including in the attractive styling of the car as form and function combine seamlessly.
The exterior of the IONIQ offers a sleek aerodynamic silhouette with a class-leading 0.24 Cd derived from carefully designed surfaces.
Its fluidic exterior shape and smooth air flow channels emphasise aerodynamic bodylines and design forms.
The front of the IONIQ Hybrid is characterised by the Bi-xenon headlights that are embraced by the C-shaped LED positioning lamps.
Hyundai Motor’s signature hexagonal grille and the vertical C-shaped LED daytime running lights further depict the design concept of the car. Contrasting colours at the base of the bumper add an individual character while seven exterior colour choices available are Phantom Black, Polar White, Platinum Silver, Aurora Silver, Iron Grey, Marina Blue and Phoenix Orange (applicable for HEV Plus).
The IONIQ Hybrid features specially-designed two-tone 15- or 17-inch wheels.
The IONIQ’s sleek, coupe-like silhouette and its simple, carefully wrought contours assist the efficient management of airflow around the exterior.
Features such as active air flaps, front wheel air curtains, a rear spoiler and diffuser, side sill mouldings, floor undercover and a closed wheel design all contribute to the car’s high aerodynamic efficiency.
Similar to the car’s exterior design, the interior of the IONIQ captures the model’s futuristic perspective and draws on the car’s eco-friendly and hybrid credentials. A ‘Purified High-Tech’ concept was established, which then evolved into the refined interior of the IONIQ.
A recurring smooth, elegant and clutter-free theme meets a warm feeling inside the IONIQ as efficient use of interior space complements a logical, structured approach applied to the layout of controls.
Eco-friendly materials are used to create a simple and clean look throughout the car, giving the interior a spacious, sleek, light and purified feel.
The IONIQ features significant weight reduction by using aluminium in the hood and tailgate, reducing the weight by 27 lbs (approximately 12.25kg) compared with conventional steel. Light-weight also extends to less obvious areas like the cargo-screen cover. With higher usage of lightweight components and a more compact build, the cargo-screen cover is about 25 per cent lighter than those used in other Hyundai models.
While the weight of the car is significantly reduced, it does not compromise on the rigidity and safety of the car.
The IONIQ’s light-yet-rigid body is the result of advanced design, construction methods and materials.
Featuring 53 per cent Advanced High Strength Steel, the chassis benefits from superior rigidity for responsive handling and safety, with high impact-energy absorption and minimised cabin distortion to protect passengers in the event of a collision. This rigid structure also leverages 475 feet of advanced structural adhesives in its design, simultaneously yielding both light-weighting and rigidity benefits.