Made in SG, escape to KL – Hyundai IONIQ 6 driveaway
Dubbed the Great Electric Escape to Kuala Lumpur, this HMGICS road trip was a good opportunity for me, an IONIQ 5 early adopter, to put the made-in-Singapore IONIQ 6s through their paces in Malaysia.
[Story by contributor Leslie Chang]
Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) not only assembles the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 to world-class standards right here in Jurong’s Bulim Avenue, it also assembled an excellent SG-KL driveaway programme for the media guests.
The writer Leslie (centre) was a respected old bird among respectful spring chickens.
Wonderful food was on the menu, of course, including fusion and new-age. Some of the dishes were served at serene dining spots nestled in nature. There were also various activities which were not only in tune with the vibrant pulse of Malaysia’s capital city, but also in line with the art-plus-science character of the IONIQ 6.
HMGICS got its ducktails in a row for this SG-KL road trip.
The automotive art of the ducktail was the first thing I noticed about the IONIQ 6.
The overall design is definitely more controversial than my IONIQ 5 at home, but once I stepped inside the car, all was forgotten. The interior is sleek , luxurious and sexy. Given my height of 1.7 metres, I had no complaints about the headroom, even sitting at the back. However, I wish the rear footwell was a little deeper.
The Cat A IONIQ 6 variant led the pack in value, whatever the journey.
Except for the hand-lever gear selector, everything was very user-friendly from my perspective as a driver. The main switches can be found at the regular positions that one would expect from any major car manufacturer. I only needed to use the touchscreen for pre-settings, finer adjustments and, of course, entertainment system. There are plenty of storage points for handphone, water bottle, wallet, keys, and even a special dock between the front seats for a handbag.
I asked for a “clear road” when we were coming down from Bukit Tinggi, so I could test the upper limits of the car. Applying left foot braking and pushing 9/10 most of the time, corner after corner, the car remained composed and surefooted. It is also commendable that there were no signs of brake fade nor softening of the suspension.
At higher speeds over the often long and sweeping curves at Karak Highway and the super straights along North–South Highway, the IONIQ 6 felt steady and confident. This was where I suspected the ducktail had something to do with the excellent roadholding.
Hence, whether in a straight line or through the curves, the IONIQ 6 was a clear winner. Its balance of power, handling and comfort was simply electrifying.
After this eye-opening driveaway, I reckon the IONIQ 6 is a strong choice for non-SUV or crossover buyers in Singapore. It may not have the practicality of a hatchback (or a fastback), but the chassis rigidity is as good, if not better, than a sport sedan. In addition, the Hyundai build quality and Komoco’s after-sales service are among the best in the industry.
So, which IONIQ 6 variant would be best for me if I were to trade-in my IONIQ 5?
The flagship IONIQ 6 Inspiration with 77kWh and all-wheel-drive was seriously fast and firm. This variant would be my choice if I let my heart decide.
The COE Cat A IONIQ 6 Prestige with 53kWh and rear-wheel-drive was the easiest to drive from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and back, and it offers the best value, yet it’s equipped with most of the bells and whistles I would want. This variant would be my choice if I let my head decide.
The IONIQ 6 Prestige with 77kWh and rear-wheel-drive was capable of more than 600 kilometres on a single charge. It was also more capable in drifting than the other two variants! This would be my choice when both my heart and my head cannot decide.
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