Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review | Sleek electric saloon
Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review: 2026 Facelift
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 was one of the best electric cars you could buy when it arrived in Ireland in 2023. It won awards, impressed with its long range and was one of the fastest charging EVs on the market. It was the follow up to the highly successful Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the same Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and part of the Korean car brand's burgeoning range of electric cars and SUVs.
Three years later, Hyundai has given its four-door electric saloon a facelift, along with a few other important updates.
So, having driven the original Ioniq 6 when it first arrived and now spending time with the facelifted version, is it still one of the best electric cars on sale?
Hyundai Ioniq 6: What's new for 2026?
The biggest change for the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the facelift that refines the styling, but Hyundai has also simplified the Irish range considerably since the car was first launched in 2023.
There is now just one battery available in Ireland, an 84kWh with range of up to 624km depending on specification. They are all rear wheel drive, with no all wheel drive versions available here.
There are also just two trim levels: N Line and Platinum.
The N Line is the sportiest of the duo and priced at around €42,085, in my opinion it represents particularly good value. The Platinum, at around €48,585, adds more equipment and gives the Ioniq 6 a more luxurious, executive feel.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Design
Like it or loathe it, the Ioniq 6 is a stunning and intriguing piece of car design. Hyundai pitched it as a 'streamliner' and it was inspired by Hyundai’s Prophecy Concept EV from 2020.
Ioniq 6 certainly bucks the trend for crossovers and SUVs with its low and sleek, coupé-like design, which also happens to pay dividends for aerodynamic efficiency. The Ioniq 6 is incredibly energy efficient. Active air flap, wheel air curtains, the rear spoiler and wheel gap reducers all contribute.
The facelift brings some significant changes to the front of the car, particularly the lights. The thin LED strip with pixel detail gives it a much sportier road presence. The front end has also been given a more pronounced shark-nose design, which makes it appear even more sophisticated. At the back, Hyundai has removed one of the spoilers for a smoother look.
Under the bonnet there's a frunk, which is handy for storing charging cables.
It's still a great looking car that can turn heads. The Ioniq 6 is incredibly sleek and aerodynamic, and that isn't just about making a statement because it also helps with efficiency and range.
All Irish versions get 20-inch alloy wheels.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Practicality
One thing the Ioniq 6 does extremely well is rear-seat space. The wheelbase is almost three metres in length giving the Ioniq 6 an incredibly spacious, lounge-like interior. Built on a bespoke electric vehicle platform, the floor is completely flat. There is almost limo-like legroom, making it a very comfortable car for carrying passengers. Headroom is not too compromised either for that gorgeous sloping roofline.
Heated rear seats are standard, while there's also a vehicle-to-load socket back here, so passengers can take advantage of the car's ability to provide power to external devices.
Being a saloon, the Ioniq 6 isn't quite as practical as an SUV or a hatchback such as the Ioniq 5. There's about 401 litres of space but it can be tricky to access it all because of the saloon opening.
A powered tailgate is included for a premium touch. The rear seats split 60:40, so you can increase the carrying capacity when needed.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Interior
I was always a fan of the cabin of the original Ioniq 6, particularly compared with the more open and airy interior of the Ioniq 5. The facelift thankfully keeps that more traditional, driver-focused feel.
The dashboard has a simple, horizontal design with beautiful ambient lighting adding upmarket style to this car, especially at night. The pronounced centre console between driver and passenger adds a sporty, coupé-feel to the cabin and differentiates the car considerably from the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
It feels modern and high-tech inside with a full digital driver display and a large touchscreen as standard with now wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over the air updates and a wireless smartphone charger. But there are still plenty of buttons so it's the antithesis of something like a Tesla Model 3. Rather than putting almost everything on one giant touchscreen, you have a relatively modest-sized display and plenty of physical controls.
The quality is good and Hyundai has added some more soft-touch materials to the doors as part of the update. There's also a redesigned leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Standard equipment is generous, with features including a heated steering wheel, as well as heated front seats with power adjustment and lumbar support.
Go for the Platinum and things get considerably more luxurious: leather seats that can fully recline, which is particularly useful if you want to relax while the car is charging, as well as a head-up display, a very useful 360-degree camera, Bose sound system and a sunroof.
It gives the Ioniq 6 a more executive feel and helps distinguish the Platinum from the already well-equipped N Line.
What's the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 like to drive on Irish roads?
All Irish versions of the facelifted Ioniq 6 are powered by a single electric motor driving the rear wheels. It produces 228hp and Hyundai quotes 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds. The power delivery feels a little more relaxed than a Tesla Model 3, but there's still plenty of performance when you need it. There's also loads of grip and the Ioniq 6 feels nicely connected to the road.
There are several driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Snow and Sport, as well as a customisable mode.
The paddles behind the steering wheel can be used to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking, and they're really nice to use.
Comfort is another big strength. Even on 20-inch wheels, the Ioniq 6 isn't too brittle over Irish roads. It's impressively refined and quiet, and that gives it a genuinely upmarket feel. If you spend a lot of time on the motorway, it has the relaxed, comfortable character you would want from an executive car.
The big battery also provides good range with efficiency: between 16-17kWh/100 kilometres during my summer test.
At launch in 2023, the Ioniq 6 was available with a 53kWh battery with range up to 429 kilometres and 77.4kWh with up to 614 kilometres (WLTP). Now there is just one battery for the Irish market, an 84kWh with up to 624 kilometres.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Charging
One of the biggest strengths of the Ioniq 6 has always been its charging technology. Hyundai's 800-volt charging architecture puts the Ioniq 6 among the fastest-charging EVs on the market.
At a 350kW rapid charger, Hyundai quotes 10-80% charging in around 18 minutes.
There is also 11kW AC charging, battery preconditioning and a heat pump.
The Platinum adds vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing you to use the car as a giant power bank to run or charge equipment.
Hyundai Ioniq 6: Verdict
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 was already one of the most impressive electric cars for long-distance driving when it arrived in 2023.
The 2026 car sharpens up the styling, brings a larger battery and more range, improves the cabin and simplifies the Irish line-up, while retaining the things that made the original so impressive: efficiency, comfort and ultra-rapid charging.
After driving the original in 2023 and now spending time with the facelift, I'd still put the Ioniq 6 high on the list for anyone looking for an electric car that can comfortably rack up the motorway miles.
Hyundai Ioniq 6: originally reviewed in 2023
I first reviewed the Hyundai Ioniq 6 when it arrived in Ireland in 2023. The original review has now been updated to reflect the 2026 facelift, with the latest model information and my up-to-date driving impressions.
You can still watch my original 2023 video review below for a look back at the first-generation car.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Hyundai Ioniq 3: New electric hatchback launching in October
Hyundai is preparing to expand its growing electric vehicle line-up in Ireland with the arrival of the all-new Ioniq 3, a compact electric hatchback due in showrooms this October and starting from under €30,000.
Positioned as a practical, family-friendly model in the B-segment but offering space closer to a larger C-segment car, the Ioniq 3 has been designed from the outset as an electric vehicle. It features a distinctive aerodynamic hatchback profile, with a low front end and a sharply defined roofline aimed at maximising efficiency and driving range.
Range up to 490km
Hyundai says the car will be available with two battery options. A Standard Range version is expected to deliver up to 344km (WLTP), while a Long Range model is targeting up to 490km, class-leading for its segment. Fast charging capability will allow the battery to charge from 10-80% in around 29 minutes, with AC charging up to 22kW available.
The Ioniq 3 will also feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing owners to power external devices directly from the car.
Inside, Hyundai is focusing on comfort and space. Despite its compact footprint, the Ioniq 3 offers five seats, a flat floor and a relatively high roofline over the rear passengers to improve headroom. The cabin design takes inspiration from 1970s Italian furniture, with soft, natural materials intended to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere. “Relaxation seats” that can fully recline will also be available.
Boot space is 441 litres, including additional storage under the boot floor.
New infotainment system
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3 introduces the brand's new infotainment system based on an Android operating system, with either a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch display depending on trim. A driver display positioned above the steering wheel and the retention of physical buttons aim to balance digital functionality with ease of use.
On the outside, Hyundai’s signature pixel lighting returns, this time featuring a four-dot motif representing the letter “H” in Morse code. Wheel sizes will range from 16 to 19 inches, with a sportier N Line version offered at the top of the range.
Five trim levels are planned, with a heat pump fitted as standard on all but the entry-level model - a move Hyundai says reflects its focus on real-world efficiency.
Hyundai leads EV sales in Ireland
The new model arrives at a time of strong momentum for Hyundai in selling plug-in hybrids and electric cars. The brand is currently the bestselling electric and plug-in hybrid manufacturer in the country, holding a 16.5% share of the PHEV market and leading EV sales ahead of Volkswagen and Kia.
Hyundai already has more than 8,000 electric vehicles on Irish roads, with models such as the Kona Electric, Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 contributing to its strong performance.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review | Is This the Best Large Electric SUV?
Read Caroline's Hyundai Ioniq 9 review for everything you need to know about buying Hyundai's electric seven seater in Ireland.
Hyundai has been steadily carving out a serious name for itself in the EV world, and the arrival of the Ioniq 9 marks another big step forward.
The new Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the Korean car brand’s first fully electric seven-seater SUV, and it’s aimed squarely at rivals like the Volvo EX90 and closely related Kia EV9.
It follows on from the launch of the new Santa Fe plug-in hybrid SUV last year, which is already selling well.
So if you're looking for a large seven-seater, is the Ioniq 9 the one to have?
Let's take a closer look.
Design
Looks can be polarising, but it's hard not to admire the Ioniq 9's generous proportions, smooth aerodynamic nose and distinct pixelated lights. In a dark colour, it looks very corporate and classy. At the rear, there is a dramatic sweep of more pixelated LED lights that mean the Ioniq 9 looks like nothing else on the road.
But make no mistake: this is a big car. Even bigger than a Santa Fe, at over 5 metres in length. This makes it ideal for carrying seven passengers and their things, but you might prefer a more compact seven seater like the Peugeot E-5008 or the Skoda Kodiaq.
In Ireland the Ioniq 9 is offered in one trim level called Platinum that includes 20-inch alloy wheels, flush door handles and silver roof rails.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Interior
The Ioniq 9 offers an excellent driving position and is very comfortable to sit inside. Hyundai hits the right note with a mix of up to date digital technology but also a plethora of buttons that make it easy to get to the controls you need. It's modern but intuitive. The dual 12.3-inch screens dominate the dash, while active noise control and sound-absorbing tyres ensure refinement.
This car has an incredibly high specification with every luxury you could imagine: ambient lighting, heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, Bose stereo and more. The parking camera and surround view monitor are excellent. Both driver and passenger get 'relaxation seats' that can tilt back electrically and extend a leg support. The front and second row seats have heating and ventilation. It's a supremely comfortable cabin and very spacious.
The standard-fit panoramic glass roof gives the cabin a pleasant, airy feel. Altogether, it feels upmarket and well-built.
How practical is it?
Very! Unlike some seven seaters that compromise space for third row occupants vs luggage space, the Ioniq 9 delivers it all. It's a proper three-row layout, while still offering 338 litres of boot space with all rows in place. There are luxurious amounts of legroom in the second row and the flexibility to slide the bench forwards to give third row passengers more legroom.
Up front, you also get an 88-litre frunk that's really simple to open from a button on the key.
A six-seater will join the line-up in 2026, alongside an all-wheel-drive version with 600 km range and 21-inch wheels.
There are four Isofix points in total: two in the second and third row.
Battery and Range
The Ioniq 9 is powered by a 110 kWh battery, with up to 620 km range (WLTP). During my time with it, my average energy consumption was 22.2 kWh/100km, which is decent for such a big vehicle and included motorway driving.
Charging
The Ioniq 9 has 800 volt charging so is very quick to charge, with 10–80% possible in just 24 minutes at a suitably rapid charger. The DC fast charging rate is up to 250kW, while 11kW AC is included.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging allows you to use your Ioniq 9 like a gigantic power bank for tools, camping gear or even to charge another EV.
Driving the Ioniq 9
The Ioniq 9 is a really smooth and easy drive. Once you get your head around its massive proportions, it's actually very simple to place on the road and the controls are all well-weighted. It handles well for a vehicle of its size, with plenty of grip and strong performance. Far from being wallowy, it also offers a comfy experience for all onboard. Refinement levels are very good too.
At launch, it's available in a single motor, rear wheel drive layout with 214hp and 0-100 in 9.4 seconds. A dual motor all wheel drive with up to 600 kilometres of range is expected to join later with even greater performance. Driving modes include normal, sport, eco, snow and a customisable 'my drive'.
A heat pump is included as standard to improve cold weather efficiency and there is also battery preconditioning to help fast charging.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Price
The Ioniq 9 starts from €78,495 for the rear-wheel drive in Platinum trim. The AWD version will arrive in early 2026, estimated to be priced from €85,500.
Verdict
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a brilliant electric seven seater. It's not cheap, but feels truly upmarket with every luxury feature imaginable. It's a big vehicle to get around in, but if you are in need of a genuine seven seater with lots of space and comfort, whether for a family or business, this is a great option.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Hyundai Santa Fe Review (2024) | Boxy brilliant 7-seater
Read Caroline's Hyundai Santa Fe review for everything you need to know buying Hyundai's large seven-seat SUV in Ireland.
For a long time the Santa Fe has been a favourite among buyers looking for a large family SUV or seven seater. Now Hyundai Ireland has welcomed a brand new one and it's fair to say that it's Hyundai's biggest and best yet.
It's available now as a plug-in hybrid only and goes on sale priced from €66,995.
Let's take a closer look.
Design
The Santa Fe has been transformed for this fifth generation model. It's a much bigger vehicle now. It's longer by about 45 mm and wider too. It also has a longer wheelbase and shortened front overhang design. Combined with the high bonnet and boxy rear end, the Santa Fe's new utilitarian design is sure to turn heads.
At the front, there's a distinct H-shape illumination in the LED headlights. There are two trims for Ireland: Premium and Calligraphy. Both come with large 20-inch alloy wheels but the Calligraphy gets a more bling multi spoke set in black and more gloss black finish around the wheel arches, bumpers and sills.
Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
The Santa Fe is huge inside and feels properly stately from behind the wheel. The quality is excellent and there's a real upmarket feel to it. The roof and front pillars are even lined in suede.
The digital technology all sits very well in the car. At first there seems like a myriad of controls and buttons, but it's actually all very intuitive to use. There's an impressive 12.3" digital driver display and 12.3" panoramic curved display with navigation that feels very slick and premium. The driver also gets a handy head-up display that projects key information on to the windscreen.
There's an incredibly high specification list including heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment and memory function, dual wireless smartphone charging pad, BOSE stereo, surround view monitor and remote smart parking assist. The front seats can recline fully at the touch of a button and have their own integrated foot rest for ultimate relaxation if you stop for a break on a long journey. Calligraphy models add Nappa leather and even a UV sterilisation tray above the passenger glove box to sterilise items like smartphones and wallets.
Practicality
All Santa Fe models are seven seaters. There's a huge amount of space in the second row. The boxy shape means it's great for headroom too. Even the two extra seats in the third row are very accommodating so it's one of the best seven seat SUVs on sale if you regularly need to use the two extra seats.
In seven seat mode, there's not a huge amount of boot space left but enough for a few bags. When you do let down the third row seats, there's a whopping 621 litres! A powered tailgate comes as standard.
The second row seats fold forward at the touch of a button to make access into the back seats easier. They can also be folded flat easily from buttons in the boot and split fold 60:40. There's also separate ventilation, USB ports and cupholders for every row of seating and four Isofix child seat fixtures: two in the second row and two in the third - ideal for family buyers.
Driving the Santa Fe PHEV
The Santa Fe has been tuned for comfort and dynamic ability. New Frequency Sensitive Control (FSC) dampers improve the ride comfort while keeping body control in check. For such a big vehicle, it handles the road with real elegance and is enjoyable to drive. The ride quality is excellent, as are refinement levels.
In Ireland, the Santa Fe is sold as a plug-in hybrid only with a total of 253hp and 367Nm from its 1.6 petrol engine and electric motor combined. It accelerates like a boss, with the 0-100 km/h sprint done in 9.3 seconds. It's a smooth delivery of power when you're ambling along. Out on the motorway when you put your foot down hard to overtake, there is a moment of hesitation from the six-speed automatic transmission before the power comes in.
The plug-in hybrid has an EV driving range of up to 54 kilometres from its 13.8kWh battery, which will allow you to complete some journeys without calling on the petrol engine. It's an okay range but some seven seaters like the upcoming Peugeot 5008 plug-in hybrid have a longer EV only range. The Santa Fe is at its best with regular charging and keeping the battery topped up as fuel consumption will take a hit otherwise. But even on that score, it does pretty well for such a big SUV - my average consumption was 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres over a few days driving. The charging rate is modest enough at 3.6kW, but being a small battery it will charge in a few hours at home.
Four wheel drive as standard
The Santa Fe plug-in hybrid comes with four wheel drive as standard. It can adapt to trickier surfaces thanks to the Terrain Mode Selector, which allows you to select specific settings easily for better traction on snow, mud, and sand.
Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing
The new Santa Fe is available from €66,995 in the Premium trim and from €69,995 in the Calligraphy trim.
Verdict
There's an astounding amount of features and equipment to unpack with the new Santa Fe! Not only has this car got far more visual appeal than it did before, but inside it's hugely practical with so many family-friendly features. The plug-in hybrid's EV only range is quite modest now these days, but otherwise it's a quiet and refined driving experience that feels ultimately very upmarket. The Santa Fe sits at a mid-point between some more affordable seven seaters like the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008, and more expensive ones like the Kia EV9 and the Volvo XC90. When it comes to space and equipment where it sits, it's quite unbeatable and definitely worth a look.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Hyundai Kona Hybrid Review (2023)
Read Caroline's Hyundai Kona review for everything you need to know about buying Hyundai's compact crossover in Ireland.
The second generation Hyundai Kona has just gone on sale in Ireland, priced from about €30,895.
At launch, buyers can choose between a simple 1.0-litre petrol engine or a hybrid.
A new all-electric Kona is expected to go on sale before the end of the year with a range in the region of 500 kilometres.
What's so special about the Hyundai Kona?
The Kona is a small SUV-style vehicle that slots into the Hyundai range between the Bayon and the Tucson. It has been a big success for Hyundai Ireland since it launched here in 2017. Kona is a consistent bestseller, only outsold in the Hyundai range by the mighty Tucson.
Now Kona has grown up. The second generation Kona is a significantly bigger car than before - it's longer, wider and taller - which makes it a lot more spacious and practical than the previous version. It should perform now better as a small family car.
The styling is quite a radical evolution, taking inspiration from the brand's latest models with dramatic lighting and even more pronounced squared-off wheel arches finished in thick cladding for a classic crossover look. It certainly commands attention on the road and there's a premium touch to how K-O-N-A is spelt out across the boot lid.
There are three trim levels available for the petrol Kona - Signature, Elegance and a sporty N Line. There's just two for Kona Hybrid - Signature from about €34,000 and Elegance from about €36,000.
Wheel sizes vary from 16- to 18-inch, depending on trim level.
Inside the Kona
The new cabin also shows Kona's maturity and growing stature within the Hyundai range. The cabin feels more upmarket than before with a focus on improving the cabin quality, design and technology. The finish is excellent with a leather wrapped steering wheel as standard and plenty of soft touch materials, including nice fabric panels in the doors.
There has also been an upgrade in the digital tech. Kona gets a new touchscreen with intuitive design, modern graphics and over-the-air updates. It's easy to sync with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A full digital driver display comes as standard on all but the entry model.
The shift-by-wire gear selector has been moved to a stalk behind the steering wheel, creating more space in the centre console.
All Konas come very well equipped. Standard features include automatic climate control, cruise control, high beam assist and a parking camera.
Elegance models add features like heated front seats, heated steering wheel, driver lumbar support and wireless smartphone charging.
Is it practical?
Yes, the cabin is much more spacious than before. There's a longer wheelbase so legroom has improved a lot. It's also a bit wider so even seating three across the rear bench from time to time should not be a problem. There's a centre armrest, USB ports and separate vents for rear seat passengers.
Hyundai has also improved the boot space on offer. The volume has increased from about 361 litres to 466 litres in the new version. That makes the Kona now one of the best of the segment for boot space. There's also a false floor that can be used to create a flat loading sill.
Driving the Kona Hybrid
The entry into the range is a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 120hp and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Then there's the Kona Hybrid, which is a 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. It's a standard hybrid so does not need to be plugged in to get the best efficiency from it. With 141hp, it offers more power than the petrol Kona and the smoothness and ease of use of an automatic, which is very useful in traffic or town driving.
The refinement of the hybrid is excellent, aided by the dual clutch transmission that keeps everything very smooth and quiet. The driver is barely aware of any transitions between the EV and hybrid drive.
There are a few driving modes like Eco for the best efficiency, Sport for livelier acceleration and Snow mode for extra traction in low grip conditions.
The Kona Hybrid returns excellent economy, with my fuel consumption averaging at about 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres during my time with the car.
The Kona is smooth and easy to drive, with the compact dimensions and light steering making it feel very agile. It handles the road well, feeling secure and planted. It's comfortable by class standards with just more audible road and wind noise at high speeds on the motorway.
Did you like it?
Hyundai has made a very popular model more practical and upmarket than before. This car has seriously grown up and will now function very well as a small family car.
Elsewhere, the new styling is futuristic but might be a little divisive. Yet it's a car that really makes a statement.
The hybrid is a smooth and agile drive that consistently delivers good fuel economy - without trying too hard. For that, it remains a very good choice in the market and offers customers real options when it comes to finding the best power option - whether that be petrol, hybrid or the forthcoming electric model. It is a brilliant all-rounder that still manages to offer good value in the market.
Model tested: Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elegance
Price: €36,545
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid
Power: 141hp
Torque: 265Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 11.2 seconds
Motor Tax: €140 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review
Read Caroline's Hyundai Santa Fe review for everything you need to know about buying Hyundai's flagship SUV in Ireland.
In 2021, Hyundai launched a new version of the popular Santa Fe seven seat SUV in Ireland.
The big news for the launch of this new model is the arrival of a new plug-in hybrid to the Santa Fe range.
With pricing starting from €56,445, the Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid is now the entry into the Santa Fe range. The Premium trim version with more equipment is available from €60,445.
Hyundai will also sell you a diesel Santa Fe from €64,895, with diesel four wheel drive models priced from €69,995.
What's so special about the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is following the move in the industry towards electrification. Hyundai's largest SUV is now available for the very first time as a plug-in hybrid on the Irish market.
But for drivers where diesel still makes a lot of sense, that's available in the range too.
All models for the Irish market come with 7 seats.
The big Hyundai has had some work done beyond powertrain in the latest series of improvements. Everything has been done with the aim of making this popular SUV more premium.
The profile and rear remain almost identical to the generation of the Santa Fe that launched in 2018. But the front end has a new look that is more bold and distinctive than what has come before.
At the rear, there's a new taillight design and a red reflector band has been added to connect the taillights. The rear bumper has also been gently reshaped for a more sophisticated design. The car looks great, with a substantial presence for a flagship SUV.
19" alloy wheels, roof rails and chrome door handles come as standard for the Santa Fe plug-in hybrid.
Inside the Santa Fe
Inside, the interior of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe has also been significantly updated for a more premium feel.
It works well. There's a new lower dashboard design, a redesigned centre console and a new 10.25-inch touchscreen. There are new shift-by-wire buttons for the automatic transmission. For the first time, the new Santa Fe comes with a Terrain Mode selector in the centre console to switch between different drive modes. There's also a new 12.3-inch fully digital cluster for the driver.
Leather upholstery, parking camera, wireless phone charging, heated steering wheel and heated seats come as standard. The Premium model gets a powered tailgate, around view monitor and panoramic glass roof.
All cars come with a suite of safety equipment including adaptive cruise control and lane follow assist.
In terms of practicality, the Santa Fe has seating for seven, with two extra seats in the third row. The battery pack for the hybrid is positioned beneath the driver and passenger seats, with no impact on cabin or boot space.
As a result of the platform update, the new Santa Fe has 3 cm more leg room in the second row. While there is 4 cm more leg room for passengers in third row. Boot capacity has been increased too, with a total of 571 litres in 5 seat mode.
The cabin is huge, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the second row. The seats in the third row are ideal for children and can be folded down and stored neatly when not in use.
Driving the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The new Santa Fe is the first Hyundai model in Europe to be based on the brand's new, third-generation vehicle platform. The new platform allows for significant improvements in performance, handling, efficiency and safety for the latest version of the Santa Fe.
Steering has been altered for more agile handling. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance is improved through reinforced sound-absorbing systems in vibration-sensitive parts of the body.
On the road the Santa Fe is every inch the premium SUV with a smooth and refined drive, no matter the road surface. It handles well for a large SUV, with great visibility all round.
The Santa Fe plug-in hybrid uses a 1.6-litre T-GDi ‘Smartstream’ petrol engine paired with a 66.9 kW electric motor drawing its power from a 13.8 kWh battery. It's available with four-wheel drive and the total power output is 265 PS, while combined torque is 350 Nm. It's paired to a newly-developed 6-speed automatic transmission.
Plug-in hybrid happens to suit the Santa Fe very well, with plenty of power available and a serene cabin experience. This model has the advantage of allowing you to charge the Santa Fe at home for example, and then drive it electric for a range of up to 58 km. This is ideal for drivers who have a short commute perhaps or spend a lot of time driving in and out of town.
Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 6.8 litres per 100 km, so with regular charging the Santa Fe will really come into its own.
Did you like it?
Hyundai brings the Santa Fe into the big time.The Hyundai Santa Fe is a salubrious and well-kitted out car that feels like a flagship from behind the wheel.
With a well-appointed cabin featuring the latest digital technology features, Hyundai delivers on its ambition to move Santa Fe upmarket. The new interior design is a big improvement over the previous version of the Santa Fe.
Large family seven seat SUVs like this one don't come cheap, but in return the Santa Fe offers fabulous interior space and practicality.
Interestingly the petrol plug in hybrid is now the most affordable entry into the Santa Fe range. With four wheel drive and a healthy power output, it's a feasible alternative to a diesel SUV.
On the road the Santa Fe is smooth and refined, with the hybrid adding a serene quality to this car. For urban drivers, it's a large SUV with a conscience, running happily on electric power for a range that is ideal to exploit in low speed driving situations around town for example.
The brand is on a roll here with the new generation Tucson still Ireland's bestselling car so far this year and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the bestselling electric car. With seating for seven, the Santa Fe offers even more flexibility in a hotly contested segment of the market.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Executive Plus Auto 4WD
Price: €56,445
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid
Power: 261 hp
Torque: 350 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.8 seconds
Top speed: 187 km/h
CO2 emissions: 37 g/km
Motor tax: €140 per year
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review
Read Caroline's latest Hyundai IONIQ 5 review for everything you need to know about buying Hyundai's exciting new electric car in Ireland.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5, the first model from Hyundai’s new IONIQ electric vehicle-exclusive brand, arrived in Ireland in 2021. The IONIQ 5 goes on sale priced from €37,995, with two batteries available - a 58 kWh with up to 384 km of range and a 72 kWh with up to 481 km of range (WLTP).
With striking good looks, revolutionary Hyundai interior, long range and fast charging, the IONIQ 5 makes a dramatic debut!
Hyundai as a brand has an impressive pedigree in electric vehicles already with the Hyundai Kona Electric being one of Ireland's most popular compact electric vehicles. The small crossover was a game changer when it arrived in Ireland at the end of 2018, with an electric range in excess of 400 km.
Since then the electric vehicle market has got even more competitive, but Hyundai strikes back with the launch of the IONIQ 5. It's a larger car than the Kona Electric. In fact the space inside is more comparable with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai's large family SUV. Let's take a closer look.
What's so special about the Hyundai IONIQ 5?
The IONIQ 5 marks a new direction for Hyundai in design. It is built on Hyundai Motor Company’s dedicated battery electric vehicle architecture called Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which allows it to have unique proportions on an elongated wheelbase.
The IONIQ 5 looks like a concept car. It's a fresh new look for the Hyundai brand, with a futuristic presence on the road. The front of the car has Hyundai’s first clam shell bonnet that minimises panel gaps for the best aerodynamics.
The front bumper has an eye-catching V-shape incorporating distinctive daytime running lights that provide an unmistakable light signature unique to IONIQ 5. Small pixel-like light clusters also appear at the rear of the vehicle. Auto flush door handles provide clean surface styling and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. It's a beautiful car that really makes a statement.
Inside, the IONIQ 5 has a lounge-like feel. The dedicated electric vehicle platform has allowed for an innovative use of space inside the vehicle. There's great width to the cabin and loads of space beneath the dashboard and where a centre console traditionally lies.
It's a new interior design concept for Hyundai - futuristic but functional. Yet it's easy to get comfortable in here. The controls are all intuitive to use. The quality is worth a mention too. It's truly excellent. Everything feels good to touch from the dials and switches, to the inside surfaces of the doors.
Digital technology is on point as you would expect from a trendsetter like the IONIQ 5. Two 12.3” LCD screens give an almost widescreen effect - one for the driver information display and one for multimedia. There's also wireless phone charging for compatible devices, a rear view camera and smart navigation-based cruise control.
Is it practical?
Hyundai pitches the IONIQ 5 between the Tucson and Santa Fe in size. In fact space inside is more comparable to the Santa Fe. There's loads of room in the front of the cabin.
Hyundai has reduced the thickness of the front seats by 30 percent, providing more space for those seated in the second row. You can also recline almost flat in those front seats!
Rear leg room is really excellent because of the stretched wheelbase. The rear seats split fold 60:40 and also slide as standard. There's a flat floor too making it more comfortable for a middle passenger.
The boot has over 500 litres of space and a traditional hatchback-style opening. There's also a handy space under the boot floor to store charging cables away cleanly. There is a small amount of extra storage under the bonnet too.
What's available in the IONIQ 5 range in Ireland?
In Ireland there is a choice of three battery and drive types for IONIQ 5: a 58 kWh, single motor, rear wheel drive; a 72 kWh, single motor, rear wheel drive; or a 72 kWh dual motor all-wheel drive model.
The 58 kWh model on test for Changing Lanes is single motor and sends 170 hp to the rear wheels. There's 350 Nm of torque available, with 0 to 100 km/h achieved in 8.5 seconds. The electric range of this model is up to 384 km (WLTP) and it's priced from €37,995, including all relevant grants and reductions.
The 72 kWh, single motor IONIQ 5 starts from €44,995. The same car with all wheel drive is available from €64,995 with the best performance of the entire range - 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds.
There are four trim levels in Ireland: Executive, Executive Plus, Premium and Premium Plus, with high levels of equipment across the range. Standard equipment includes 19” alloy wheels, interior mood lighting, 12.3” LCD audio, visual and navigation system with DAB, Apple Car Play™ and Android Auto™, LCD drivers instrument cluster, and wireless phone charging for compatible devices. There's also a rear view camera, LED Multi-Faceted Reflector headlamps, LED stop, tail and turn lamps, rear parking sensors. Highway Drive Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Following Assist.
Driving and charging the Hyundai IONIQ 5
On the road, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 58 kWh is swift and supple. There's a natural feeling to this car on the road that is very pleasant; it doesn't feel too heavy. It's not designed to be sporty but it is still agile and well-balanced through corners.
The transmission is very refined. The IONIQ 5 is quiet and comfortable on the move with little transmission noise entering the cabin. It's capable of driving long distances on one charge, while being comfortable too for an electric car with a balanced ride quality.
IONIQ 5 features 800V charging as standard, which makes it one of the best EVs on the market right now for charging. Of course this depends on the infrastructure available to you but the IONIQ 5 has a lot of things in its favour. If you can find an IONITY station, you can charge at the IONIQ 5's maximum charging rate of 220 kW, and get 80% battery charge in just 20 minutes.
There is also a powerful 11 kW on-board charger with more flexibility for AC charging. It allows the IONIQ 5 to charge almost twice as fast as a lot of other EVs on the market using those 22 kW public chargers in Irish cities and towns.
WATCH MY VIDEO OF THE NEW IONIQ5 !
Did you like it?
Hyundai has already proven itself as a front runner in the race to electric with the launch of the Kona Electric back in 2018 and its stellar electric range for a sub-premium compact.
But IONIQ 5 brings the game on again for the Korean car brand. The IONIQ 5 feels fresh, new and a generation ahead with its innovative design and 800V fast charging capabilities.
The 11kW on board charger brings even more flexibility in AC charging and is a great feature to have as standard.
It's no doubt an unusual car, more a hatchback than an SUV. Though the raised ride height will make it popular among drivers seeking a more crossover-style vehicle.
The IONIQ 5 deserves to draw attention to itself with its futuristic design, considering what Hyundai has packed into this car. All things considered, the IONIQ 5 58 kWh is well-priced, loaded with equipment and technology, and a sound buy. The 72 kWh version will bring even more comfort when it comes to range, with over 400 km available on a full battery charge.
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 is just one more reason why electric is closer than you think.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Hyundai Ioniq 5 58 kWh Premium
Price: €44,995
Battery: 58 kWh
Power: 170 hp
Torque: 350 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds
Top speed: 185 km/h
Motor tax: €120 per year
Hyundai Bayon Review
Read Caroline's Hyundai Bayon review for everything you need to know about buying Hyundai's small crossover in Ireland.
Hyundai broadens the appeal of the brand's small car line-up with the arrival of the new Hyundai Bayon in 2021.
It has been designed for Europe and has been given a European name to reflect that – Bayon is inspired by ‘Bayonne’, the capital of the French Basque Country. With on-trend crossover styling, it is now the most compact of Hyundai’s SUV family – joining the popular Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe.
Responding to trends in the market for crossover-style vehicles, the brand launched the Kona compact crossover in Ireland back in 2017 and it has been a great success with electric, hybrid and petrol variants, starting from €24,395. Hyundai now has a young range of compact cars with the new Hyundai i10 and Hyundai i20 on sale here since just 2020.
Where does the Bayon sit in the Hyundai range?
The Bayon now slips in to the Hyundai range just below the Kona, offering a more crossover-inspired design to traditional small cars like the i10 and the i20, with an attractive entry price of €20,795.
Though based on the i20 supermini, the Bayon looks like a more substantial car in the metal with a slightly raised ride height and some characteristic new generation Hyundai design cues like slim headlights and arrow-shaped lights at the rear. It's longer and higher than an i20 with roof rails giving the required injection of attitude for the urban crossover.
Keeping things simple is the order of the day with just petrol power for the new Bayon - a choice of a 1.2-litre petrol manual or a 1.0-litre automatic. There are two trim levels - Comfort Plus and Executive - with a two tone roof option available for Executive models.
Inside the Hyundai Bayon
Inside the Bayon has a simple cabin design that's easy to navigate. There is lots of hard plastic but at this price that goes with the territory and it feels solid and well made throughout. Simple and functional, drivers will enjoy a slightly elevated ride height behind the wheel.
The instrument cluster is fully digital (10.25") while Executive models (from €22,795) come with an 8" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The interior of the new Bayon has been designed to be clean, roomy, and well-lit with ambient lighting available as standard on Executive models. This is a small car but there is a good use of space inside the vehicle with rear legroom and headroom decent for a compact. There has been a focus on maximising front and rear passenger comfort and increasing boot space, with 411 litres available, excellent for a car of this size.
Standard equipment includes roof rails, air con and Bluetooth, while the Executive model adds 16″ alloys, heated from seats, automatic air con, 8″ touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger and digital instrument panel.
In Ireland, the new Bayon launched with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 84 hp and a 5-speed manual gearbox. Motor tax is €200 per year for the Bayon 1.2 manual. The 1.0-litre automatic joins the range in time for January 2022. Motor tax is €210 per year for the Bayon 1.0 automatic.
Driving the Bayon
On the road the Bayon feels light and easy to drive. It provides comfort for passengers over a variety of roads and road surfaces.
The 1.2-litre engine is a simple naturally aspirated affair with 84 hp, while 0 to 100 km/h is 13.5 seconds. This makes it ideal for driving around town where it is smooth and free-revving.
The Bayon feels less at home out on larger roads where the revs run high at cruising speeds on the motorway. It is a four cylinder engine so the refinement is good inside the vehicle with not too much intrusive engine noise. It is a cheap car to run. My fuel consumption averaged at about 5.3 litres per 100 km during my time with the car.
Did you like it?
Hyundai has had a busy year with a number of new product launches including a facelifted Hyundai Kona, new Tucson and Santa Fe. There was also the arrival of the all-electric IONIQ 5.
New Bayon strengthens the compact portfolio while meeting consumer demand for more crossover-inspired vehicles.
The Bayon surprises with its practicality and comfort. It is a simple and straightforward motoring experience in these days where everything seems to be either hybrid or electric.
While those needs are catered for elsewhere in the Hyundai range, the Bayon offers a practical and comfortable small car at just over €20,000. Executive models offer the full digital experience, with even wireless smartphone charging included.
Cheap to run, Bayon is an ideal city car with a little more crossover style!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Hyundai Bayon Executive
Price: €22,795
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
Power: 84 hp
Torque: 118 Nm
Top speed: 165 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 13.5 seconds
CO2 emissions: 128 g/km
Motor Tax: €200 per year
Hyundai Bayon Pricing For Ireland
The Hyundai Bayon has arrived in Ireland and goes on sale priced from €21,645 rising to €24,245.
It has been designed for Europe and has been given a European name to reflect that - Bayon is inspired by 'Bayonne', the capital of the French Basque Country.
With on-trend crossover styling, it is now the most compact of Hyundai's SUV family - joining the Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe. Bayon is the latest model from Hyundai to showcase the brand's “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, with strong lines, slim headlights and arrow-shaped lights at the rear.
In Ireland the new Bayon goes on sale with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 84 hp. It's available from launch with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with an automatic to join the range in January 2022. Motor tax is €200 per year for the Bayon 1.2 manual.
The interior of the new Bayon has been designed to be clean, roomy, and well-lit with ambient lighting available as standard on Executive models, which also get the full digital look with touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster for the driver.
There has been a focus on maximising front and rear passenger comfort and increasing boot space, with 411 litres available.
New Bayon goes on sale in Ireland in two trim levels - Comfort Plus and Executive - with a two tone roof option available on the Executive model.
Standard equipment includes roof rails, air con and Bluetooth, while the Executive model (from €23,645) adds 16" alloys, heated from seats, automatic air con, 8" touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger and digital instrument panel.
The launch of the new Bayon means Hyundai has now launched or enhanced seven new models in just 12 months.
The Bayon is in Hyundai dealers around Ireland now.
New Car Registrations For Ireland April 2021
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry has released the latest vehicle registration data for Ireland in April 2021.
7,166 new cars were registered for the month of April compared to 343 in April 2020 and 8,904 in April 2019.
55,207 new cars have been registered year to date compared to 50,138 for the same period in 2020 (+10.11) and 73,030 in 2019 (-24.41%).
For the month of April, 596 new electric vehicles were registered. So far this year 3,414 new electric cars have been registered in Ireland.
Electric Vehicle, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with their combined market share now over 22.61%. Diesel now accounts for 36.86%, Petrol 32.06%, Hybrid 16.66%, Electric 6.18% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 5.95%
The top five bestselling car brands in April were: 1.Toyota, 2.Volkswagen, 3.Hyundai, 4. Skoda and 5. Ford. The bestelling car models were 1.Hyundai Tucson, 2.Toyota Corolla, 3.Toyota RAV 4, 4. Ford Focus and 5.Volkswagen Tiguan.
The bestselling car in Ireland in April was the Hyundai Tucson.
Light Commercials Vehicles (LCV) saw an increase of 2,385 registrations compared to April last year 231 and 1,798 for the same month in 2019. Year to date 13,722 new LCVs were registered an increase on last year’s 9,500 (+44.4%) and 12,853 on 2019 (+6.67%).
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) saw 325 registrations in April when compared to 96 in April 2020 and 305 April 2019. Year to date HGV's registrations total 1,223 compared with 1,004 in 2020 (+21.81%) and 1,189 in 2019 (+2.86%).
5,676 used cars were imported in April 2021, compared with 200 imports in April 2020, a decrease on the 8,887 imports in April 2019. Year to date used imports are up 36.4% (24,095) on 2020 (17,666) and down 32.54% on 2019 (35,719).
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:
“While new cars sales to the end of April have now overtaken sales for the same period last year, they are still over 24% behind pre-COVID 2019. The investment in on-line selling platforms over the last year and the ability to offer a click and deliver service to car buyers has been a lifeline to the Industry during this difficult time. The phased re-opening of showrooms announced by Government last week has been welcomed by the Industry, and retailers are cautiously optimistic about car sales, both new and used, in the weeks and months ahead. It is hoped that pent up demand allied with the increase in personal savings will see customers returning to showrooms. It should be underlined that car retailing operates in large open spaces, and with low footfall and the ability to social distance well beyond the recommended two metres, showrooms are a safe environment for customers.”.