Hyundai Ioniq 6

Brought an Elegance 77.4kWh Ioniq 6 for a good run this morning from Hyundai Waterford. The red really suits it, imo, especially with the light interior. Priced at about €65K.

First impressions, I thought it looked really well, but then again I always prefer the looks of a lower car over a tall one.

I have a Tesla Model 3 RWD, so was interested in a comparison. I would say the Ioniq is slightly bigger externally, haven't checked any actual dimensions. Would have liked to park the two cars together, but wasn't possible due to the garage being packed up. I had to park over in the BMW part. Internally there is little in it, both roomy for their size. Boot and frunk both smaller than my Model 3.

Drove the car on a variety of roads. Base Tesla feels a lot more powerful and sportier. Preferred Tesla steering, Ioniq was very light, as is the norm with Hyundai. Some will prefer, but not me. Tried all the modes but little difference except for throttle response. Ioniq 6 perhaps slightly more refined, both in noise and suspension. But not much in it either way. Anyone used to the UI of Hyundai or Kia will find it an easy car to drive, but a lot more buttons and beeps and bongs compared to Tesla.

Had a look at cheaper version in show room. The Signature 77kWh. Should just squeeze in under grant at €55K, but interior looked a bit miserable. All dark grey, basic cloth seats, hard plastics everywhere. Felt cheap compared with the Elegance. I think the base Ioniq 5 feels better, at least a bit of contrast inside.

The 53kWh base Ioniq 6 comes in at about €50K, with further reduced power.

I feel the base Ioniq 6 will be a difficult sell against the Tesla Model 3 RWD which is a lot better equipped, with much more performance and range. And likewise the Elegance i6 against the Tesla M3 LR.

Overall first impressions, I loved it, including the looks. But price is going to be a problem

You know the red don't look half bad maybe suits the car. Same with others M3 (red) MY (black hides the bulges and curves), I5 (white) I think look best.

Yeah deffo not a fan of the white. Red or nothing 😁.

Bang per buck, Mark. I suppose it's an issue with all EVs. Love the styling but, at the end of the day, not very spacious, especially in boot. Might make a great estate some day though. Price is the thing though.

E.g. I have a great (imo) reasonable-spec, all-rounder ICE estate. I'm low mileage though so there's no financial gain for me to go EV even though I'm not opposed to the idea. The ROI timeframe in years is probably into double figures on a car like the Ioniq 6 and even then I'd be compromising on boot space/practicality (and I NEVER want to own an SUV). There's nothing out there to make me change and, despite the years we've been told of inflation in the second-hand market, dealers are still low-balling on trade-in prices while being well able to price their second-hand stock to match the media stories (all the while coming to the government with the "béal bocht"). Their own worst enemies as always ...

Then there's the example of your recent Ford Dublin-Cork EV video ... Not to pick on Ford particularly as it's not only them but why would anyone with a half-decent car now pay tens of thousands to "upgrade" to a new EV that has all those long-distance compromises as well as other trade-offs (e.g. no spare tyre, etc).

If you're high mileage and you need to change then it's a probably a no-brainer in financial terms (provided your mileage fits the available range) especially as new ICE prices rise to meet EV prices but I find it difficult to see how I could ever personally justify paying €54k for a reasonable one of these, or €46k for Megane E-Tech of reasonable spec and so on (again, compromising on some areas, not to single out these marques or models, just examples).

What I must applaud Hyundai on is that this is a low-slung, proper car and not just another bloody SUV/crossover/etc. I do appreciate the efforts being made here in terms of aerodynamics and efficiencies and hope that this is a sign of things to come from all auto makers as energy-efficiency comes slowly once again you the fore🤞

Love it, just don't see myself stumping up for it.

Think it looks great in darker colours with the lighter interior. But imo you need the Elegance (Starts at €65k 😯). Signature a bit bare and basic.