Suzanne Keane gets behind the wheel of Hyundai’s  sharply styled all-electric IONIQ5

Why you will like it? Family-sized crossover E.V. that has a range of up to 481km.

Is it a looker? The IONIQ 5 is certainly futuristic looking. Hyundai say it celebrates clean lines and minimalistic structures and there really isn’t anything unnecessary on the exterior. On first impressions, it appeared to look like an “Electric Car” from a Lego set (44143 if anyone’s interested) but it certainly attracts attention out and about. Not many people can pass an IONIQ 5 without having a second look and the E.V. geeks that I met at various charge points were drooling over its high-tech looks so it does seem to be a hit. Appearance aside, with a 0.288 drag coefficient it’s certainly aerodynamic.

On the inside? The test car came with a white interior (Full Eco Leather in Light Grey) – we had a family road trip planned so I was dreading handing the car back with grubby seats – but muddy footprints wiped off really easily. The IONIQ 5 is the first EV I’ve tested that really does pass the full family test. It took 2 adults, 2 children in ISOFIX rear facing seats and a weekend of luggage over 700km. However, the shape of the boot door impinges on the boot space and can make fitting a travel system or buggy a little awkward – we had to take the wheels off of ours. Official figures say that there is 527 litres of space rising to 1,600L with the seats down. There’s an additional 57 litres under the bonnet – ideal for keeping your charging cables out of the way.

The Eco credentials are what really makes the IONIQ 5 a winner though – the seats are made from leather which is dyed and treated with plant oil, headlining, carpet and seat covers are made from sugar cane materials and the poly yarns come from recycled plastic bottles. The teenagers that I dropped to school one morning compared it to a space ship and that really is an accurate description.

Under the bonnet? The IONIQ 5 has two battery pack options – 58kWh or 72.6 kWh (as tested). A 4 wheel drive version is also available that will do 0-100kmph in just 5.2 seconds. The standard IONIQ 5 has a range of 384km and the long range will do up to 481km.

On the road? The IONIQ 5 is smooth on both country roads and motorways and is well able to hold its own on city streets. Once you get out on the open road it’s really easy to switch on the adaptive cruise control or if you’re feeling adventurous there is a Highway Driving Assist II option on Premium models upwards which will keep you in your lane, following the vehicle in front and setting the speed limit based on GPS data. If you’re sitting in traffic the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert will give you a warning when the car in front moves off so no more excuses for holding up traffic!

What are my options? There are 4 trim levels available (Executive, Executive Plus. Premium and Premium plus). The 73kW battery is available from the second trim upwards and the AWD version is just available on Premium Plus.

How safe is the IONIC 5? The IONIQ 5 is equipped with a range of safety features including Forward Collision and Blind Spot Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Warning.

So what’s the verdict? The IONIC 5 is finally a realistic electric option for a family of 4 and with prices starting at €37,995 it’s one of the more affordable E.V.s of this size.

The Good: Spacious interior, eye-catching looks
The Gripes: A less sloped tailgate could have done wonders for boot practicality!

Vital Statistics
PRICE FROM: €37,995 including SEAI grant (as tested €53,495)
RANGE: 481 km
COMBINED POWER CONSUMPTION: 16.7 – 19.0kWh/100 km

Suzanne Keane

18th February 2022