Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid set to go on sale in 2nd half of 2016

The Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid will break "the hybrid stereotype" when the first of the three electrified IONIQ powertrain choices hits the market.

"The launching event announced to the world the start of new future mobility and our will for technological innovation," Hyundai Motor R&D Centre vice-chairman Moon-Sik Kwon said in a statement.

"IONIQ has been developed incorporating all of our technological capacities. The hybrid, pursuing the highest efficiency in its class, is economically efficient and stays true to the fundamentals of a car by delivering fun to drive through a modern design and dynamic driving performance."

Based on an exclusive new platform, the IONIQ Hybrid "offers class-leading fuel efficiency" and "a fun, responsive drive," and is powered by a newly developed 1.6-litre direct-injected four-cylinder Kappa engine that makes 96 horsepower and a 32-kW electric motor.

Hyundai says the hybrid's total system output is 139 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, while a lithium-ion polymer battery stores electric power.

A six-speed dual-clutch transmission puts the power to the wheels.

Inside, the IONIQ "offers a host of advanced comfort, convenience, safety and connectivity features," including smart device connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a seven-inch digital information cluster behind the steering wheel.

The list of advanced safety features includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert.

The IONIQ Hybrid variant will be the first of the three to hit the European market when it goes on sale in the second half of 2016.

Hyundai did not indicate when and if it would make its way to this side of the Atlantic.