What makes the Hyundai IONIQ 6 such a groundbreaking EV in the Philippine market?

Hyundai has been looking forward far into the future with its recent releases of electric cars under the IONIQ sub-brand. Although there are only two cars in it for now, they have been massive hits throughout the globe. The latest of the duo is the IONIQ 6, a mid-size fastback sedan launched in 2022. Since then, the IONIQ 6 bagged multiple awards with World Car of the Year 2023 and World Car Design of the Year 2023 being one of them. Here in the Philippines, the IONIQ 6 made its debut in mid-2023, in its rear-wheel drive Long Range trim.

Now that it’s been in the country for a few months, the question many people are asking is “Does the IONIQ 6 make sense in the Philippines?” Our answer to that question is yes, and we think it's a groundbreaking EV in more ways than one.

It’s characteristic of modern electric cars nowadays to have a sleek and futuristic look to drive home the message that it is the car of tomorrow. The IONIQ 6 does have these characteristics but Hyundai has taken it a step further by giving it its own take on what the car of the future should look like.

The IONIQ 6’s shape and design, surprisingly, come from the past. Hyundai Vice President of Styling, SangYup Lee.has said that the IONIQ 6 draws inspiration from a plethora of influential vehicles, including the Stout Scarab, Phantom Corsair, Tatra 87, and Saab 92. The influences of these historic models can be seen when you look at the IONIQ 6 from the side, where you’ll see the IONIQ 6’s swooping roofline which blends seamlessly with the rear end. 

Giving the IONIQ 6 its Hyundai identity are the parametric pixel lights found on the headlights, taillights, and repeaters. Blending old design with new age style is a daring move for sure but Hyundai with the IONIQ 6 has definitely pulled it off. From any angle, the IONIQ 6 looks like a car that will not only age gracefully but may also become a classic in the future.

Inside, the IONIQ 6 is a haven for tech-savvy drivers. For starters, the IONIQ 6 is equipped with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display accompanied by an eight-speaker BOSE sound system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offer seamless connectivity, enabling users to plug in and enjoy their curated playlists. The vehicle is equipped with multiple USB-C charging ports, 12V sockets, and even a wireless charging pad for convenient cell phone charging.

On the safety side of things, the IONIQ 6 is also loaded with the full array of Hyundai’s Smartsense technology suite. Features include but are not limited to Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward, Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA2), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Parking Distance Warning (PDW), Reverse Parking, Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA), and Hyundai’s Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function, allowing you to relax a bit during long journeys. 

While it's true that many electric vehicles and high-end internal combustion-powered vehicles already incorporate much of the technology found in the IONIQ 6, only a select few of its competitors offer the same level of refinement. Driver aids are meant to make driving easier, so having a refined system is vital if you want it to help you on your drive instead of turning you into a raving, angry driver.

At the heart of the IONIQ 6 is a single permanent magnetic synchronous motor that drives the rear wheels. This configuration delivers an impressive output of 226 hp and a formidable torque of 350 Nm. Supporting this power is a 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, ensuring the electric vehicle maintains an estimated cruising range of 545 kilometers. 

As we discovered in our review of the IONIQ 6, the delivery of torque and power is instantaneous and comes in as soon as you put your foot hard down. The sensation of speed is compounded by the quiet cabin of the IONIQ 6 giving drivers a wholly different experience. Plus, the IONIQ 6’s lower center of gravity allows it to hug the road and give drivers a planted feel through corners making it a fun and stable car to drive quickly. 

Moving to the topic of comfort, the IONIQ 6 also excels in that area as well. Driving the IONIQ 6 on the notoriously bumpy roads of Metro Manila is surprisingly comfortable and pleasant. The suspension and chassis soak up the bumps quite well while the cabin insulates you and your passengers from outside noise completely. As a car then, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 can take on the roads of the Philippines with ease, surpassing even some premium offerings on the market today.

Now, when you keep in mind that all this power and fun comes at no cost to the environment, driving the IONIQ 6 is not only fun but also guilt-free. All that it really needs, like with other EVs in the Philippines, is for the charging infrastructure to catch up.

Has the IONIQ 6 opened you to the possibilities of owning an EV? Check out the IONIQ 6, other EVs, and hybrid vehicles available on the Philippine market on AutoDeal.com.ph. Discover a more eco-friendly way to travel today.