Hyundai Ioniq review

The EV is doesn’t really move the game on so far as EVs are concerned, but the hybrid really does, so we’ll focus on that. The key reason the Ioniq’s a far more pleasant traveling companion than a Prius is its gearbox. It has one! No droning, lethargic, unresponsive CVT here, but rather a dual-clutch unit that’s been specifically developed for low friction and optimum economy. Our test drives have shown an easily achievable 65mpg in normal driving, but the powertrain’s directness also means you’re just more relaxed, more in control than you are in the obvious rival. The steering’s pretty elastic and eco tyres aren’t blessed with big grip, but for town tooling around, it’s fine, thanks to a well-judged ride. On the down side, like most mild hybrids it’s extremely tricky to make decent progress in purely electric power without provoking the 1.6-litre petrol engine to cut in and assist.