The Hyundai IONIQ has been revealed and will go on-sale in 2016 promising three different powertrain options in the one body type.

THE HYUNDAI IONIQ has been announced with a dark profile image released overnight. Hyundai says the compact IONIQ will be the first vehicle launched available with three different powertrains, electric only; plug-in petrol electric, and petrol/electric hybrid. It’s expected to launch in 2016.

The name is derived from the word ‘ion’ which is an electrically-charged atom, “linking to the car’s clever combination of electrified powertrains,” and ‘unique’ which is derived from Hyundai’s desire to deliver choice to customers, or so Hyundai said. ‘Q’ will be in the car’s logo “acknowledging the fresh new approach of this advanced, low emission model”.

Woong-Chul Yang,Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, “Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles, so we are proud to advance our eco-friendly car line-up with the introduction of IONIQ. Our vision for future mobility focuses on choice, with a variety of powertrain options to suit customers’ varied lifestyles, without compromising on design or driving enjoyment. IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision to shift the automotive paradigm and future mobility; IONIQ is the fruit of our efforts to become the leader in the global green car market.”

Hyundai said the IONIQ is based on a brand-new purpose built platform to handle the three different powertrains. “In its fully-electric (EV) form, the IONIQ is powered by a high capacity, ultra-efficient lithium ion battery. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version combines fuel-efficient energy with battery power obtained by charging the car with electricity, boosting its range while cutting its emissions. Finally, the hybrid (HEV) utilizes the petrol engine and motion of the car to charge the on-board battery, which returns enhanced efficiency by supplementing the engine’s power,” Hyundai said.

The IONIQ will get its debut in Korea in January and then at the Geneva Motor Show and New York Motor Show in March.