New Delhi: EVs have changed the definition of cars and how they are made along with being kinder to the environment. Currently, EVs have made a bigger impact at the premium end and that is where Hyundai is focusing right now but with a twist.

The car-maker for its second EV tapped the Rs 40-50 lakh space as being a potential segment for a premium EV while rivals are priced higher. The Ioniq 5 is assembled in India and that brings the price down toRs 44.95 lakh and that makes it have virtually no rivals. But is it any good? We had a brief drive to find that out.

There is no doubt that the Ioniq 5 looks futuristic and unlike any other Hyundai that we have seen or any other car that we have seen. It is an SUV but looks cool with plenty of interesting details. It might not look in the images but the Ioniq 5 is quite big in terms of being a large premium SUV of sorts. The look on the other hand is completely different with 'Parametric pixels' as lights at the front as well as at the rear.

The lines are smooth and aerodynamic along with those aero optimized 20 inch wheels too. Elsewhere, you get flush door handles and generally a smooth surfacing with no needless design elements. There are some sharp lines which merge while the overall look is more concept-like. Hence, the car gets a lot of looks on our roads and it does stand out. Inside, it is even more impressive with dual 12.3-inch screens and a minimal interface along with a modular cabin. Being based on an EV platform, the Ioniq 5 has a flat floor and the interior feels airy as well. The centre console is sliding and can be moved along with the glove box too. The whole cabin feels large and spacious while the quality itself is the best that we have seen on a Hyundai although with a twist since it is made from sustainable materials. It uses eco-processed leather, paint using oil extracted from pants, fabric from recycled bottles and more.

The large touchscreen is intuitive to use and and again with the icons/design, it feels premium and again according to the price or even higher. Hyundai have also stuffed the car with a lot of features including an 8-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, 60 plus connected car features, front heated/ventilated seats and power adjustment along with having the 'relaxation seat' too.

The rear seats have a power sliding and a manual reclining function and heated function. All seats have a memory function too. There is also a large moon roof, a virtual sound and 21 ADAS level 2 features. Like premium EVs, there is the V2L function where you can use the car to charge other gadgets.

ALSO READ: More Affordable Ola S1 Air Priced At Rs 84,999. Check Out Range Space at the rear is huge too with again a flat floor which means three passengers can fit easily. There is even a front frunk or a luggage space.

The Ioniq 5 in India has a rear motor which means it is rear wheel drive and generates 217PS along with 350Nm. The 72.6kWh battery pack has a claimed range of 631km. Hyunda will provide two chargers (incl 11 kW AC) while a fast DC charger will juice up the car in just 18 minutes.

We had a very short drive but just about enough to gather a good enough impression regarding the car. The narrow and bumpy roads of Goa also served as an instant test regarding the 163mm ground clearance and we have to say that the Ioniq 5 handled the poor roads with ease along with large speed breakers. The ground clearance is an important factor regarding EVs and that is where the Ioniq 5 scores.

Performance is linear and smooth along with being tapered down.

It is very easy to drive with a light steering and good visibility as well. There is regenerative braking via paddles and it also helps modulate the regen well. It feels like a competent SUV with very good ride along with optimum handling while the performance is smooth while not having the usual acceleration drama which an EV brings to the table. In terms of real world range, the Ioniq 5 will easily give around 400km plus while a proper range test is coming soon.

The brief experience left us wanting for more but no doubt the Ioniq 5 is excellent value at this price with so many features which SUVs costing double do not have along with space and cool styling. It is different and wonderfully so with no rivals in sight.

What we like - Styling, value, features, tech, ride quality What we do not - Dual motor version not available


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