Hyundai Ioniq revealed further in new sketches

The first image gives us our clearest look yet at the exterior styling of Hyundai’s Prius-fighting alternative fuel vehicle, while the second provides an initial peak inside its cabin.

The exterior image uncovers the Ioniq’s profile, revealing a coupe-inspired roofline, a strong shoulder line, tall day light opening, low wind-resistance alloy wheels, and angular buttress-style front and rear bumper lines common to many super-frugal vehicles.

Hyundai claims the Ioniq will offer “class-leading aerodynamic performance”, yet the images suggest it’s styling will be less polarising than that of the new, fourth-generation Toyota Prius.

The sketch reveals flowing headlights with boomerang-shaped LEDs that sit atop vertically positioned LED running lights/fog lights, and high-mounted, narrow tail-lights.

The cabin is clean and clutter-free, incorporating a large screen into the top of the dashboard, and featuring an instrument cluster that appears to be completely digital. Hyundai claims the interior makes use of eco-friendly materials.

The Hyundai Ioniq will become the world’s first car to offer the choice of three alternative energy powertrains: petrol-electric hybrid, petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, and pure electric.

The regular hybrid will go on sale in Australia in the second half of 2016, when it will take the fight up with the Prius directly. And while they’re less likely for our market at this stage, Hyundai Australia is looking closely at the pair of plug-ins too.

Stay tuned for more details of the Hyundai Ioniq in the lead up to its January unveiling.