2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid gets a fresh face, interior in L.A.

For the 2020 model year, Hyundai has decided to give its Ioniq hybrid a couple of electrifying upgrades. The updated model made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 

The Ioniq Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and full Electric models all receive refreshed exterior and interior designs, added infotainment technology, and new Hyundai SmartSense.

The SmartSense is a suite of active safety and driving assistance driving features that help make the vehicle easier and safer to drive. Standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, and a Drivers Attention Warning.

The Korean car manufacturer decided to add range to the plug-in and EV trims. The vehicle’s driving range increases from 200 kilometers to 273 kilometers. To support the added range Hyundai, bumped up the capacity of the battery pack. From 28kWh it is now at 38.3kWh. To complement the bigger capacity battery the built-in charger has also been upgraded. From a 6.6kW it has now been increased to 7.2kW. Fast charging using a 100-kW fast-charging station, now lets the new battery reach an 80 percent charge within 54 minutes.

Power has also been increased for the hybrid vehicle. From 118 hp it has now been bumped to 124 hp. That represents a 6hp increase. The vehicle still features the familiar 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine. The 1.6-liter produces 104 hp and 148 Nm of torque. The magnet electric motor found in the hybrid variant, on the other hand, produces 43 hp but makes 169 Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid variant’s electric motor produces more power coming in at 60 hp but still retains the same torque figures as the hybrid variant. 

The 1.6-liter GDI engine combined with an electric motor in Ioniq Hybrid delivers a total system output of 139 hp and up to 264 Nm torque. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid model delivers a total system output of 156 horsepower and 264 Nm of torque the same torque as the hybrid variant. 

Moving on to the car itself. The front of the vehicle gets a new mesh-type grille for the hybrid variants. The front and rear bumpers also get redesigns. The lights have also been updated, they now feature newly redesigned LED head, tail, and daytime running lamps. Not to be left out the wheels also new designs for the 2020 model year.  

On the interior a new infotainment option is available. The vehicle can be outfitted with a 10.25-inch wide screen navigation system accompanied by a new center LCD information screen. The upper and lower instrument panels also get a rework with a new dark chrome panel trim. The vehicle also features a new center console, with touchscreen heating and cooling controls. Controllable ambient lighting is also now available to add extra ambiance to the interior. 

Trim levels for the Hybrid have also been updated for the vehicle. The SE trim now replaces the older 2019 SEL trim-level, the newer SEL trim-level now replaces older Limited trim, the new Limited trim now replaces the ultimate package as the top trim-level. 

For the Plug-in Hybrid, the new SE trim replaces the old PHEV trim, the new SEL trim replaces the older PHEV limited trim, the new Limited trim replaces the Limited with Ultimate package trim, while the Electric SE replaces the older Electric trim-level.

The Hybrid Blue variant now gets the following, an 8-inch Display Audio infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto which replaces the old 7-inch, Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning added with SmartSense, and finally Regenerative brake level control paddles which aren't available on the older 2019 model. 

There is no news yet if Hyundai Philippines will bring in 2020 into the local market. But if the specifications of the new model are anything to go by, this would be a more than welcome addition to the Philippine market thanks to the uprated battery and extended range.