Hyundai’s future glows bright with IONIQ Electric and Kona Hybrid
On track to achieving a 75 per cent electrified fleet by next year – Hyundai is accelerating into the future with two new variants of their IONIQ and Kona models
![Hyundai IONIQ Electric and Hyundai Kona](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YNNprXANN8um6qmvJWdnKQ-415-80.gif)
Hyundai’s burgeoning image as a manufacturer of desirable, practical and stylish cars has taken another step forward with two new variants of their IONIQ and Kona models. Both further the Korean giant’s ambition to have 75 per cent of its fleet electrified in some way by next year. The two cars also cement the carefully crafted image that has been built up slowly and steadily since the carmaker entered the European and American markets in the 1980s.
Now the epitome of a modern car company, Hyundai began life as a construction firm back in 1947. These days, the various Hyundai businesses, including shipbuilding, shopping malls, robotics and heavy engineering, add up to the largest corporate entity in Korea, a technological and industrial behemoth in one of the world’s most sophisticated economies.
IONIQ Electric epitomises the marque’s modern image
Hyundai was relatively late in its adoption of branding and marketing. Once known for efficient but unexciting cars, it has worked hard to turn things around. These days, epic cinematic ad campaigns make a credible stab at presenting Hyundai as a caring, sharing multinational. More importantly, its automotive offerings are consistently excellent. All that’s missing is the heart-tugging emotions deployed so effectively by the heritage brands. But as the industry transitions to zero-emissions, the touchstones of traditional heritage are becoming less and less desirable.
Together, the IONIQ Electric and Kona Hybrid aren’t offering anything particularly new in terms of aesthetics and both already exist with other powertrains. The IONIQ is the larger of the two, a quietly well put together large hatchback in the Prius mold; this could be your next Uber ride. The Kona is pitched at private buyers, a modestly sized crossover with a modishly rugged exterior. Both cars are well equipped, functioning seamlessly and effectively without troubling the eye or impeding the mind. The IONIQ’s drivetrain is silent and silky smooth, as an EV should be, while the Kona’s hybrid system also does a great job of concealing the electronic back and forth between the battery, motors and the 1.6 litre petrol engine. Hyundai are pushing their new Bluelink technology, which effectively tethers the car to your smartphone, updates you on charge, unlocking, cabin temperature, etc. It’s not a new idea, but it’s rare to find this level of connectivity at this price.
Kona Hybrid can swap between an electric battery and a 1.6 litre petrol engine
Hyundai’s electrification strategy was recently given a boost when the company joined IONITY, a fast-charging network across Europe that was set up by BMW, Daimler AG, Ford, VW and Porsche as a riposte to Tesla’s Supercharger system. Although the newly unveiled i10 city car offers even more of the refined, planted and safely civil design the company has become known for, there’s a strong hint that aesthetic change is on the way. The new 45 EV concept car shown at this year’s Frankfurt Show indicates a radical swing away from flowing Far Eastern curves towards a more hard-edges, retro-futuristic angular look. Sources say it doesn’t preview a specific model but is instead indicative of shapes to come.
IONIQ Electric’s larger proportions are reminiscent of Toyota’s Prius
The hatchback makes its electric debut, and is also available in hybrid and petrol alternatives
Hyundai’s Bluelink technology also features in the new Kona Hybrid, a surprising inclusion for a car in its price bracket
Kona Hybrid is a modestly-sized crossover, featuring an exterior design akin to its previous iterations
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
Commune’s sustainable personal care products look ‘quite unlike anything else’
Commune’s Somerset-made products stand out in the sustainable skincare crowd. Madeleine Rothery speaks with the brand’s co-founders Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux
By Madeleine Rothery Published
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
Cadillac SOLLEI Concept journeys on to the higher reaches of the auto market
Cadillac describes its all-electric four-seater convertible concept as an ‘ode to the sun’ as it moves even further upmarket
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Hongqi’s Giles Taylor on the Chinese car maker's imminent arrival in the UK
Hongqi makes China's state limousines. By 2026, it'll have a pair of premium EVs on UK roads. Giles Taylor, its VP of design, tells us about its design approach, and ambition in Europe
By Aysar Ghassan Published
-
We sample the world’s first all-electric DeLorean, a stainless steel marvel for the modern age
Electrogenic brings its brilliance with batteries and motors to bear on the iconic DeLorean DMC-12, giving this classic design the futuristic feel it deserves
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The pure electric Lotus Emeya GT looks and drives like a modern Lotus should
Lotus finds its groove with the elegant Emeya, a true 21st-century grand tourer
By Guy Bird Published
-
Paolo Dellachà, CEO of Automobili Pininfarina, takes us through the hypercar company’s plans
Automobili Pininfarina produces a select portfolio of one-of-a-kind hypercars. Next up, a ‘Luxury Utility Vehicle’. CEO Paolo Dellachà takes us into the future
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera is an esoteric Spanish hypercar
The reborn Spanish car brand continues to forge a unique path with the striking all-electric Carmen Sagrera, a celebration of 120 years of the Hispano Suiza name
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
A unique electric Maserati marks a long-standing partnership with a legendary winery
The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello Edition is a one-off celebration of Maserati’s bespoke division and the half century of Tignanello
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Croatian start-up Verne wants its svelte robo-cabs to reshape urban travel
Can the creators of Rimac’s electric hypercar transform urban mobility with Verne, their new autonomous start-up?
By Jonathan Bell Published