HYUNDAI is aiming high in the new world of hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid cars.

Its target is to be in the top three for sales in Europe.

And it has started its journey with the world’s first car offering three electrified powertrains.

Yes, the Ioniq comes in all-electric, hybrid or plug-in forms, so there’s something for everyone looking for a departure from the plain old internal combustion engine in a generously sized hatchback.

Already the maker of the world’s first mass-produced fuel-cell electric vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell, Hyundai already has a proven capability in electrified powertrains.

The Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-in both feature the new Kappa 1.6 GDI, direct injection petrol, four-cylinder engine delivering 105 PS. The engine is combined with smooth-shifting six-speed double clutch transmission.

The Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor delivers 43.5 PS, powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery positioned under the rear seats. In combination with the 1.6-litre engine, this provides a combined output output of 141 PS and CO2 emissions as low as 79 g/km.

Opt for the plug-in and you get a 30-mile pure electric driving range powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery that together with the 1.6-litre engine delivers CO2 emissions as low as 32 g/km.

The Ioniq Electric offers uses a more powerful battery to provide an estimated range of up to 150 miles. making it an acceptable choice for commuters looking to embrace this technology.

Facing stiff opposition from the well-established Toyota Prius, the Ioniq is not only a stylish alternative but also one that’s packed with features.

Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, TomTom live services and wireless smartphone charging, alongside a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster that displays all of the key driver information, provide an excellent starting point.

Add to the mix autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and smart cruise control.

The front of the Ioniq Hybrid is characterised by the bi-xenon headlights that are embraced by the C-shaped LED positioning lamps.

The Ioniq Hybrid features specially-designed two-tone 15 as standard or 17-inch wheels as a customer option on top specification models.

The engine has been tailored to the hybrid application and is combined with smooth shifting six-speed double clutch transmission. The mated electric motor enables pure electric driving and delivers instant torque as the chassis with its rear multi-link suspension enhances the driving dynamics.

There’s an innovative use of recycled or ecologically sensitive materials too. For example, the interior door covers are made of natural plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone while providing the same quality appearance.

Raw materials extracted from sugar cane are partly applied on the headlining and carpet, helping to improve quality of air inside the car and the recyclability of vehicle parts at end of life. Paint with renewable ingredients extracted from soybean oil is used to achieve lustrous metallic colours on some of the components. How much greener can you get?

The Ioniq is the first Hyundai model in Europe equipped with a new high-resolution seven-inch TFT information cluster.

Within Sport mode, the display changes into a revolving digital speedometer that is surrounded by an analogue style tachometer, showing the engine’s rpm on red coloured ground.

Entry level hybrids feature the standard Premium audio system with 5-inch capacitive LCD touch screen with integrated dynamic rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity and My Music functionality, while higher specification hybrid models get the optional new generation navigation system with 8-inch capacitive touch screen in combination with the Infinity premium surround sound system with eight speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier.

Ride and handling, as well as noise, vibration and harshness levels, are tuned to contribute toward a superior ride quality that is helped by the attention paid to minimising engine noise.

The rear seats can fold flat, providing a cargo space of up to 1505 litres.

To complement the long list of advanced convenience technologies, a host of safety features protects the driver and passengers.