Featured Saw an Ioniq today

I've seen two, and had to have second looks at some Elantras. Same design language with nearly the same profile. Which is Hyundai's goal, a hybrid that doesn't stand out, and is closer to a traditional car in operation. That didn't work for Honda in the early days, but they had other mistakes, and the market is now different.

Reported fuel economy is on par with the Prius, which leaves reliability as the only big question.

The Ioniq interests me more than the Prius because of the Electric version. I, and most other Americans, will have our daily driving needs met by that car's range.

 

i think i have yet to see one. not sure though.

 

I've seen about a thousand because they look just like all the other cars.

Bob Wilson

 

The size and design means it looks a lot like an Elantra. The give away is that the Ioniq has the split rear window.

 

thanks, i'll try to pay attention to that.

 

You mean the same split that we all know and love from the Prius?

 

But, pilotgrrl, isn't that what Hyundai set out to do -- to make a hybrid that, unlike the Prius, would not be distinctive?

 

I was thinking more the one on the Insight, CR-X, Aztek, and other models that predate the Prius.

 

What about these faux "intake ports" that all the manufacturers are in love with right now. I wish this feature would run it's course, blow away:

 

They bothered me until I realized they are also vortex generators. I have not done the test, yet, but I suspect they generate a 'blocking' vortex to inhibit air spillage around the top of the front tire well. That air is going the wrong direction and if spillage can be reduced, there should be a measurable reduction in aerodynamic drag.

Bob Wilson

 

bob, why do you always let logic rule emotion?

 

Starting to see more on the road here in SoCal. Front looks like an Elantra. Rest looks like an Insight. It's a very plain looking car. It's almost 5 years outdated in looks already. Prius wins in looks and I am sure in longevity.

 

Saw one of the first Kia Stingers to hit streets driven by a KIA employee to gauge reaction at a car show Saturday morning. It's a nice car, but the KIA badge is hard to forget. Twin Turbo V6 368 hp.

 

What do you recommend to plug the driving light spot on the base trims?

 

Flush trim, body colored.

A lot of manufacturers are also putting "exit ports", even more absurd:

 

A flush trim piece would stickout as badly as the blank button pieces Toyota uses on the interior with the visible border. A separate bumper cover will increase the car's price.

These break up a plain, flat space. Which aren't automatically bad, but can be. Like the droopy but on the Rav4 and CR-V.