Featured Hyundai IONIQ - Prius competitor?

You point out that Toyota offers a choice, the regular models with a wiper and the ECO without. I point out that GM doesn't, that all models are the same. What is your motive?

 

You're missing the point of Jeff N's comment, which is that the Volt and Ioniq might forgo rear wipers for the same reason the Two Eco does.

 

The reason is incorrect then. It was cost-reduction, not aerodynamics.

 

If you have any evidence to support that assertion, I think we'd all like to see it. Otherwise, you're just guessing like the rest of us.

Besides, you originally said it was to make them look less like hatchbacks, not cost reduction.

 

Then why did the gen 1 also not have a rear wiper when they were less focused on cost reduction? And anyway, I thought you said:

So, did GM eliminate the rear wiper for extreme cosmetic differentiation reasons or was it for cost reduction. How do you know with such certainty? It's a little odd how you assign negative motivations to GM but praiseworthy motivations to Toyota for precisely the same feature (or lack thereof).

Or maybe I'm falsely assuming that you think Toyota removed the rear wiper from the Prius Eco only for aerodynamic reasons and not cosmetic differentiation and cost reasons.

 

Re: Rear Wiper Question
I could be wrong, but I don't think we have seen a production vehicle yet. Has production started? (I have no idea). These show cars might be hand built cars for show only? I seem to recall someone mentioning observing a change from the Las Vegas showing.

 

they are in japan, and a few west coast dealers have some.

 

If the Ioniq's system follows the Sonata one, there is also a clutch between the motor and transmission. So it could use the traction motor for electric generation while stopped. which should be more efficient than doing so through the HSG alone.

The second clutch can allow both to be disengaged for 'neutral' coasting.
According to reports from CleanMPG, the Sonata will self pulse and glide while cruising at highway speeds. With a full charge, it will unclutch the engine, shutting it down, and coast on EV. Then on with the ICE at a higher than needed for cruising alone, but more efficient rpm for power output, until the battery is charged back up.

 

I find that I keep returning and looking at the "revealed" images of the Ionic. I like the looks (exterior) more and more each time I return.
The "jury is still out" on the interior.

In addition, I enjoyed the conversation re the technical aspects of the car. I hope that when it is released, and all the facts are know, there will be additional discussion about the technical components. As of this moment, based on photos only, I favor the Ionic exterior over the Prius; the interior is a toss-up; I lean towards Prius on mechanics; and certainly favor Toyota's reputation for reliability.

Depending on price, I just might consider leasing an Ionic EV as an in-town car.

 

If it follows the Sonata system, it will have better highway fuel economy than city.

 

This we quite agree. The current thread is like 'Waiting For Godot' or Quinn too much noise about press releases, rumors, and wishful thinking.

Bob Wilson

 

and if it's anything like the sonata...

 

Then a lot of Ioniq advocates are going to 'eat crow' or join other, non-Prius web sites.

Bob Wilson

 

What's wrong with the Sonata? The new one matches the Camry hybrid in fuel economy, and the few (7) users on Fuelly seem to be doing well. I expect next Camry to do better, but I don't expect a plug in version.

 

wrong? who said anything thing was wrong? stop being so defensive.

 

A contributor wrote on the new Ioniq Forum:

"I wrote Hyundai Motor America to ask if they had any specific date for the Ioniq reveal. They directed me to the Hyundai Global website with this disconcerting statement: "Unfortunately we are unable to offer any assistance with this vehicle as the Ioniq is not produced for sale or operation in the United States."

Boy, if that is true, I completely misunderstood. Any comments?

 

Link(s) to source?

Bob Wilson

 

Hyundai: Ioniq highway mpg to top Prius - Automotive News

 

the hype never ends with these companies. 'the whole world will be surprised'! and then, when it fails to live up to the hype, the apologists here will say, 'to be fair, hyundai didn't really understand the epa's ambiguous testing rules'.