Journalism Ethics and the Ioniq

Recently I posted this:

There comes a time when articles about some "wonder" but not-for-sale product begins to resemble the old "Beta-ware" of the 1980s. Back then, 'flashy' but damaged software packages were given out to gather 'earned media' and suppress the sales of existing products. That is how this long, drawn out, Ioniq release has become.

End customers are the final integration and test and will subject the cars to a reality quite beyond anything by non-owners. I don't fault reviewers because they only have what the manufacturer lets them see. But as the owner of a 2014 BMW i3-REx and 2017 Prius Prime Plus, I get a little tired of reading about the 'Godot' Ioniq.

Personally, I think responsible reviewers should initiate a 'reverse embargo.' Send the proposed article to Hyundai/Kia and say "This review is embargoed until we see actual customers driving off with your product." It says, we're calling your bluff as you've called "wolf" one too many times.

How about doing this, instead of comparing the future Ioniq to non-Hyundai products, compare the Ioniq to the existing Hyundai hybrids and 'green cars.' Then you can clearly point out they have made progress against their existing car ... the ones already for sale. Eat their 'bread and butter' and maybe they'll do more than just sell them in Korea and the EU.

Bob Wilson, Huntsville AL​

I appreciate the enthusiasm of our EU members who own Ioniq and have brought their personal experience. For example, the bicycle in the back of the car. These personal touches are helpful because ordinary car reviewers won't do these personal things.

Now I'm engineering oriented. What I would like to see would be some owner generate speed vs consumption charts. Fully warm the car, ~20 minutes, and then run ~16 km at a constant speed and report the fuel consumption rate. In an ideal world, 4-5 distinct benchmarks. Just please keep the temperature range 60F-80F (16C-26C) in no or low wind, no stop, relatively flat route(s). Use a loop or bi-directional runs.

I'll use the USA EPA roll-down metrics and we'll combine the two to make a validated curve of speed vs fuel consumption. Yes, I'll do the standard to SAE conversions.

Thanks,
Bob Wilson