Daily Archives: August 21, 2018
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Spy Shots Show New Grille, Design Language
A prototype for the updated version of the Hyundai Ioniq has been spotted testing its hot weather capabilities in California’s Death Valley. This confirms reports that Hyundai is updating its Ioniq family of hybrid and electric cars.
The Ioniq was first introduced in 2017 so this updated version should come to us next year as a 2020 model bearing a slew of midcycle facelifts for Toyota Prius’ competitor.
Based on the spy photos, the Ioniq will receive some major updates for the exterior. The car was heavily camouflaged but not thoroughly enough that we’re able to make out the car’s new mesh pattern for the grille (instead of the current horizontal slats on the current model). The internals of the lights is also new.
The prototype the spy photographers took was either the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid or the Ioniq Hybrid, though most of the changes should be applied across the range.
We expect that the car’s design will be tweaked to feature elements found on Hyundai’s Le Fil Rouge concept, which was unveiled at this year’s Geneva auto show in March. The concept was focused on Hyundai’s new “sensuous sportiness” design language. The elements of this concept are scheduled to first appear in a production model through the redesigned Sonata next year.
Hyundai hasn’t been clear about changes to its drivetrains, but there should be major updates considering the developments we’ve had in the electrification technology. The Ioniq Hybrid and the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid are closely related since they both feature a 1.6-liter inline-4 as their internal combustion. They also share a single electric motor paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. That combination can make 139 horsepower and the plug-in hybrid can go 29 miles on electric power alone.
On the other hand, the Ioniq Electric can power up to 120 horsepower from a single electric motor. That alone can cover 124 miles on a single charge of its 28-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.
3 Things That Explain The Hype Behind The Ford Baby Bronco
In March 2018, Ford revealed its two-year plan to release new models, a majority of which would be SUV crossovers. One of the biggest news is the hybrid version of the F-150 and the revival of the iconic Bronco. But that’s not all because we are hearing reports that there would be a smaller sibling to the Bronco II or the “Baby Bronco.”
Exterior
The rendering of the Baby Bronco showed that it will compete with the Jeep, particularly the Renegade. The first thing that will catch your eye is the boxy shape—from the front fascia down to the rear fascia (though that one isn’t clear yet). There’s a wide grille that runs between the headlamps and the big “Ford” lettering could clearly be seen.
Speaking of headlamps, the units are round and simple but features LED technology. The bumper looks very basic with a simple grille and possibly LED foglamps on each side. Thick cladding can also be seen on the fenders. Other features would be its tall ride height and the rack on the roof.
Interior
It’s difficult to say how the Baby Bronco will look in the inside since Ford plans to reveal it in 2021. That’s a lot of time for the company to introduce a new design language. That being said, the Baby Bronco should be able to give the Renegade a run for its money.
There should be ample seating for five adults. The Renegade has good legroom and headroom rating for the rear-seat passengers at 40.5 inches and 35.1 inches, respectively, so Ford should try to top that off. The company should also match the 45.3 cubic feet trunk of the Renegade.
Drivetrain
The Baby Bronco might have the same engine options as the Escape as it is slated just above the EcoSport. In the US, the Escape is being offered in three four-cylinder gasoline engines that can produce somewhere between 168 horsepower (for the base model) and 245 horsepower (for the top-of-the-line model).