From subsidies for green vehicles to a small but growing demand for hybrid cars, the future of alternative fuel is looking bright. Check out these new South Korean hybrid cars.
From subsidies for green vehicles to a small but growing demand for hybrid cars, the future of alternative fuel is looking bright. Check out these new South Korean hybrid cars.
HYUNDAI IONIQ
Fuel consumption: 3.4 litres/100km
Top speed: 185km/h
The Hyundai Ioniq is available in three variants – a full electric version, a plug-in hybrid, and the conventional petrol-and-electric hybrid – as part of Hyundai’s grand plans to become the global number two in the green car market (Toyota, with its Prius, currently takes top spot). But for now, only the conventional petrol-and-electric hybrid sedan is available in Singapore.
The Ioniq enjoys low fuel consumption as well as a CO2 emission level of 79g/km, which saves you money in the long run.
Its eco-friendliness extends to even its interior. The interior door covers, for example, are made from eco-friendly plastic, 10 percent of which is made from natural materials such as powdered wood and volcanic stone. Raw materials extracted from sugar cane are also partially applied on the headliner and carpet, helping to improve the air quality in the car.
The car’s metallic paint, too, is partly made of bio-ingredients extracted from soya bean oil.
For those looking for a comfortable drive, the Ioniq delivers in spades. Damping in the floor panels as well as thicker window glass and noise-cancelling film on the windscreen help improve cabin ambience, while air-conditioned seats and a driver’s seat with memory function add to comfort levels.
Safety technology such as blind-spot indicators and autonomous braking, usually present only in more luxurious models, makes the Ioniq a real steal for its price.
At press time, the Hyundai Ioniq is priced at $118,888, inclusive of COE.
KIA NIRO
Fuel consumption: 3.8 litres/100km
Top speed: 162km/h
The Niro is South Korean carmaker Kia’s first Hybrid Utility Vehicle (or a hybrid SUV). Thanks to a downsized gasoline-electric hybrid power train (the parts of the car that conduct power from the engine to the road), the car has a low fuel consumption of 3.8 litres/100 km and CO2 emission level of 88g/km.
This emission level puts the Niro in the A1 band of the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) in Singapore, where it qualifies for the greatest rebate at $30,000 (a car with a CO2 emission level of up to 160g/km will qualify for rebates).
In addition to cost savings from both rebates and fuel usage, the Niro is also a good-looker. With its aerodynamic body and a relatively wide base, the car looks sporty and modern, with no typical hybrid-car markings (green or blue trimmings) – apparently a deliberate design move.
It also boasts plenty of interior space (427 litres, or the space of two golf bags plus two duffel bags). A strong, lightweight body made of advanced high-strength steel and a seven-airbag system give the Niro top marks in the European New Car Assessment Programme safety rating, while features such as a sunroof and a wireless charging pad add a touch of luxe.
At press time, the Kia Niro is priced at $112,999, inclusive of COE.
