Skyline Automotive introduces Hyundai Ioniq hybrid

Skyline Automotive, the official distribution partner of the Hyundai Motor Company in Qatar, led the Qatar debut of Ioniq Hybrid – ‘the next generation eco-friendly vehicle’ at yesterday’s opening of the Qatar Motor Show 2017.General Manager Paiman el-Malla said Ioniq is an innovative, industry-leading hybrid and is the first car in the world to offer separate hybrid, full electric, and plug-in hybrid powertrains within one body type. It has been making waves around the world since its global launch last year, and has collected a slew of the industry’s most coveted awards.The Ioniq Hybrid boast’s the best fuel mileage of any non-plug-in vehicle. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US rated the Ioniq Hybrid at 58mpg in combined city and highway driving, which translates to 4.1litres per 100km. The compact electric motor works with the specifically-calibrated 1.6 GDi petrol engine to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions to an estimated 79g/km. The petrol engine, together with a 32kW electric motor, delivers a combined 103.6kW of power and up to 265Nm of torque and a top speed of 185km/h.  The electric motor recharges on the go, working together with the dual-clutch transmission to deliver smooth and responsive automatic gear changes with the use of low-viscosity transmission oil.Skyline Automotive is expecting “robust demand” for the hybrid version of the car, which is expected to hit the market from May 2017. The Ioniq Hybrid is one of nine cars presented by Skyline Automotive at the show. “Our enthusiasm for bringing the Ioniq to Qatar is part of our goal to offer customers a diverse product range to meet their individual needs and expectations, which are evolving to include environmentally-friendly options for mobility. “Automotive enthusiasts’ pursuit of greater fuel efficiency has created a strong global market for eco-friendly vehicles that meet drivers’ everyday needs, Qatar notwithstanding. That’s why more options are needed to help make responsible choices easier for consumers,” el-Malla said. He added: “The Ioniq is also the first major step towards our mission to support the development of Qatar on an economic, social, and environmental level. We believe there is enormous potential and desire from people and businesses in Qatar to reduce their environmental footprint and we hope to help them make that choice with the Ioniq.”