WHEN it comes to sleek and streamlined, you have to admit Hyundai have done a decent job with the IONIQ 6.
Since its launch early in 2023, it’s been picking up positive comments all over the place for its streamliner design and advanced electronic powertrain.

World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year awards have now been followed in recent weeks by the ultimate accolade by that discerning band of motoring journalists, the Scottish group who have voted it their Car of the Year.
So while the original IONIQ models were not really anything to write home about, the latest to bear the name certainly is.
Prices start at £47,040, and you get a choice of either a rear-wheel drive powertrain offering 225bhp and 258lb/ft or an all-wheel drive set up with 320bhp and 446lb/ft. The two versions available feature the long range 77.4 kWh battery, with the Electrified-Global Modular Platform’s standard 800v charging system providing 350kW ultra-fast charger compatibility.

It’s got a Porsche like rear end….

One benefit of the platform is an 800V charging system that allows the 6 to charge at up to 220kW, so a 10 to 80 per cent top-up from a suitable rapid charger takes just 18 minutes.
IONIQ 6 has a range of up to 338 miles, depending on the model, with the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
There are two trim levels for buyers to choose from: Premium and Ultimate. All models are very well equipped, with standard kit including 20-inch alloy wheels, two 12.3-inch displays, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights and tail-lights, heated front and rear seats, as well as a whole raft of safety features.
The steering is really light and the cameras – including a 360  degree overhead view – and parking sensors mean the car is easy enough to manoeuvre around town, and there’s certainly enough performance to impress just about anyone.
There’s plenty of room inside and it’s a comfortable and relaxing cruiser. There’s a decent sized storage space under the central console, as well as a useful cavity under the armrest, and an instrument display that is easy to rear and which doesn’t leave you short on information.
IONIQ 6 has marked similarities to the IONIQ 5 hatch.  It uses the same technology under the skin but with that sleeker, saloon shape and, if anything, slightly sharper handling than the hatchback.
The saloon also takes some of the 5’s design cues, such as the square pixel lights, and has an incredibly low drag coefficient of just 0.21Cd. It’s got looks that will turn more heads than some of the more exotic offerings on the road.
And while its bold looks might not be for everyone, its charging speeds, more than comfortable interior and excellent in-car tech mean it’s up there with the best electric cars out there.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 Ultimate

Price: £50,540
Engine: 77.4kWh Lithium-ion battery
Power: 225bhp
Torque: 258lb/ft
Transmission: single speed
Top speed: 115mph
0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
Economy: 338 mile range
CO2 emissions: 0g/km

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