Polestar 2 – Pulpaddict

Hyundai Ioniq 6 review

We road test the sensational new Hyundai Ioniq 6 – a boldly-styled EV marketed as a ‘streamliner’…

Hyundai is absolutely smashing it out of the park at the moment. Hot on the heels of the latest i10 city car, Tucson Hybrid SUV and crowd-pleasing Ioniq 5, comes the Ioniq 6.

Inspired by aerodynamic style icons of the 20^th Century, this slippery four-door saloon may have divisive looks, but believe me, it is one of the best electric cars on the market.

I’m not alone either, because it was crowned overall World Car of the Year 2023, plus it won the World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year categories.

Slightly longer than the Tesla Model 3, its other rivals include the Polestar 2 and BMW i4.

Currently only available with a large 77.4kWh battery, the Ioniq 6 has a driving range of up to 338 miles (rear-wheel drive) or 322 miles (all-wheel drive).

The single motor RWD develops 226bhp and 258lb ft of torque and is capable of 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, while the twin-motor AWD delivers 320bhp and 446lb ft, resulting in a faster 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds.

Featuring an 800V charging system providing 350kW compatibility, it can be used at the fastest chargers currently available.

So, expect the Ioniq 6 to charge to 80% in around 20 minutes when connected to a 350kW ultra-rapid connection. And if you have a home wallbox, you’ll be able to charge overnight, while a boost to 80% via a 50kW public charger will take one hour 13 minutes.

Sharing its underpinnings with the award-winning (more angular) Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover, the 6 has an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.21, which boosts performance and optimises efficiency.

Priced from £47,040, there’s a choice of two generously-equipped trim levels (Premium and Ultimate).

The Ioniq 6 is futuristic inside too, with dual 12.3-inch screens – a driver’s digital instrument panel and a central infotainment display.

Thankfully it’s not totally minimalist either. For instance, there are small touch-sensitive buttons for the climate controls in a separate panel beneath the touchscreen. These are a tad fiddly, but much better than having to swipe through menus on a touchscreen.

Overall, the quality of the interior is a step up from the Ioniq 5, while the seats are comfortable and there are plenty of soft-touch surfaces.

There’s also ample space inside front and rear, though taller rear passengers (6ft and over) might struggle for headroom, thanks to that sweeping roofline. The 401-litre boot capacity is very useful too, and you can flip the back seats to transport longer objects.

A special mention for the Ioniq 6’s distinctive ‘Parametric Pixels’. There are 700 in all and you can find then in the headlights, rear lights, front sensors, air damper trim, centre console indicator and third brake light. In fact, the rear wing light signature when braking is something else.

I got behind the wheel of a Premium spec model with all-wheel drive. Naturally, the seating position is lower than a crossover, though personally I would prefer it lower still.

Right from the off, the whole cabin experience is smooth and refined. Not only does the Ioniq 6 float over most potholes – it’s whisper quiet too.

It was lashing down with rain for much of my test time, but the car never felt anything other than planted, with abundant grip and effortless power.

It’s surprisingly agile when you push it on more challenging roads with well controlled body lean, while the steering is nicely weighted.

At its best cruising along, there are three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. As ever, Normal is the best compromise between performance and economy. And if you want extra regenerative braking, then flick one of the steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

Hard to tell without spending more time with the car, but the claimed range seemed realistic based on mixed driving.

As you’d expect with a modern EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was awarded a maximum five stars when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP.

It’s also fitted with Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), which is Level 2 autonomous driving. The system helps to maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on faster roads and motorways and helps to centre the vehicle in the lane while driving. It can even overtake the vehicle in front.

Verdict: If you want to stand out from the crowd with a retro-mod, low slung EV saloon, then the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the car for you. Safe, spacious, sophisticated and serene, it delivers a long range and is quite simply, one of the most impressive electric vehicles on the road.

Hyundai UK

Lexus RZ review

Luxury brand Lexus is a little late to the party with its first purpose-built electric vehicle. So, the question is – has the RZ been worth the wait?

Lexus is no stranger to electrification. After all, Toyota’s premium sister brand launched its first hybrid, the RX 400h, way back in 2005.

However, it’s taken until now for Lexus to introduce its debut pure electric car designed from the ground up – the RZ 450e – which sits between the mid-size NX and larger RX SUV models.

The RZ’s many EV rivals include the Audi Q4 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volvo XC40 Recharge, Kia EV6, Genesis GV60, Polestar 2 and Jaguar I-Pace.

Before I begin, let’s deal with the elephant in the room, because the RZ has been co-developed with the very similar Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra EVs.

In fact, the RZ 400h is being manufactured alongside its cousins in the same plant at Motomachi, Japan, and they all share the same e-TNGA platform.

It may bear more than a passing resemblance to the Toyota and Subaru, but the RZ differs in some key areas.

The exterior has some uniquely Lexus touches. Its sharper front end features the signature spindle grille (now sealed), while its derriere features a light bar running across the width of the car and softer lines than the BZ’s rump.

Naturally, there’s also a more opulent, driver-focused interior with leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and Lexus’s latest (and much improved) 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, plus an optional double panoramic roof (which is dimmable and has a coating to reduce the heat it lets into the car) and 20-inch wheels.

So-called “radiant” heaters mounted at knee-level in front of the driver and passenger are another option. Unlike convection heating, they use infrared radiation to heat solid objects directly in front of them and Lexus claims they use around 8% less energy.

The RZ 450e has an all-wheel-drive layout as standard. Named Direct4, it features two electric motors mounted on each axle, and though it has the same 71.4kWh battery ((of which 64kWh is usable) used by its cousins, the front motor has been upgraded to deliver 201bhp while the rear remains unchanged at 107bhp, producing a combined 308bhp with a maximum torque of 321 lb-ft.

It’s swift, with a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.3 seconds, while driving range varies from around 245 miles (20-inch wheels) to 270 miles (18-inch).

The RZ has a maximum 150kWh charging capability, meaning a boost from 10-80% can take as little as 30 minutes when connected to a fast public charger. Naturally, it will also charge overnight using a 7kW wallbox.

Sounds good, but some rivals have ranges of around 300 miles, while the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 have a maximum charging capacity of up to 350kWh – that’s 10-80% in just 18 minutes.

On a more positive note, Lexus loves innovation and the RZ is a classic case. From 2024 there will be an option to ditch the traditional steering wheel and choose a butterfly-shaped ‘yoke’ instead.

Looking like something out of Top Gun, it also utilises Lexus’s new One Motion Grip steer-by-wire system. That means it has no mechanical link and no steering column between the steering wheel and driving wheels.

The system requires just 150 degrees of steering wheel rotation between straight ahead and full lock, eliminating the need for any hand-over-hand movements, and allows a better view of the instrument binnacle ahead. However, you also have to keep your hands at the quarter to three position.

I tried the ‘yoke’ version, as well as a regular wheel with a conventional electric power steering rack.

Given a few weeks to adapt, I think the quirks of the new steering wheel would become second nature. For instance, at low speeds, little movement is required for a lot of steering to the front wheels, making it easier to manoeuvre.

Higher speeds require more movement to apply less steering to the wheels for better stability. In practice, that change in ratio meant that my cornering wasn’t as smooth at higher speeds because the steering is so sharp and fast.

Frankly, I felt much more confident driving the RZ with a traditional steering wheel, though the yoke and steer-by-wire are not just a gimmick and many drivers will prefer the system.

My only other observation would be that the yoke’s diminutive stature means the stalks for indicators and lights are on the stubby side, while the regenerative braking paddles have been reduced to buttons.

When it’s available from 2024, a test drive in both versions would be highly recommended.

The steering is a talking point, but ultimately the RZ drives like a Lexus, which means it’s luxurious, smooth, refined and supremely comfortable.

Compliant over poorer road surfaces, it felt nothing but composed over our varied test routes. Hustle it in Sport mode and it stays nicely flat in faster corners and there’s no shortage of grip. Given its agility, you’d never know it weighs more than two tonnes. That said, the RZ is best enjoyed wafting along in the default Normal setting.

Unlike many EVs, the RZ’s brakes seemed fairly responsive and I liked the use of paddles behind the steering wheel to adjust the level of regen on the move.

Ultimately, the Lexus RZ ticks Lexus’s three Cs of confidence, control and comfort in all driving situations. Job done.

The cabin is a mixed bag. The design up front means it’s not quite a spacious as some other EVs because the centre console is solid and fixed. Puzzlingly, there’s not even a glovebox on the passenger side.

The good news is there’s plenty of head and legroom for three adults in the back and boot capacity is a healthy 522 litres, or 1,451 litres with the rear seats flipped. Note, there is no ‘frunk’ under the bonnet – the charging cables have to be stored in the boot.

There are three trim levels to choose from (Premium, Premium Plus and range-topping Takumi).

Priced from £62,600-£72,100, the entry-level Premium model comes with a generous amount of standard equipment including LED headlights, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats, a powered bootlid, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and Lexus’s extensive safety and driver assistance systems.

Move up the grades and other goodies such as a head-up display, 360-degree camera system, radiant heated front seats, a two-tone paint job and a Mark Levinson sound system are offered.

And a special mention for Safe Exit Assist (a Lexus exclusive) which prevents your door opening into the path of vehicles and cyclists approaching from the rear. Great idea.

Finally, if you choose an RZ you’re also buying into Lexus’s reputation for reliability and award-winning customer service.

Like all Lexus cars, it also benefits from an extended manufacturer warranty for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first (as long as you service your car with Lexus).

What’s more, Lexus guarantees the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity after 10 years. And given its long experience in battery technologies, the company believes the actual capacity at the point should be at least 90%.

Ultimately, the Lexus brand means a lot, which may trump the fact that some RZ rivals offer longer ranges, more power and engagement, plus quicker charging at a lower price.

Verdict: Striking, sumptuous, safe and sensible, the pure electric Lexus RZ 450e is a classy family-sized SUV delivering superb build quality and clever innovations. An impressive debut EV from a top-notch brand.

Lexus UK

Polestar UK opens new HQ at Bicester Heritage

Gareth Herincx

3 days ago
Auto News

Swedish electric performance car brand Polestar has opened its new head office at the Bicester Heritage complex in north Oxfordshire.

A new Polestar Space based in the same two-storey building will open in January 2023.

The Polestar Space will be located on the ground floor and offer a welcoming environment for customers to experience and test drive Polestar EVs. The location will also host exclusive customer events.

As well as the popular Polestar 2, an awesome Polestar 1 and stunning Polestar Precept (it will evolve into Polestar 5) were on display in the showroom for the launch event.

“With the opening of our first UK commercial Head Office, Polestar is demonstrating the importance of the market to its growth globally,” said Jonathan Goodman, Head of Polestar UK.

“With more than 11,000 Polestar cars now on our roads, this also reflects the rate of pure EV adoption increasing enormously in the UK.

“Bicester Heritage’s approach really resonates with Polestar as an enthusiast brand, and we expect we will fit in well with the other fantastic brands already on site.

“We will be an open and welcoming head office and we look forward to meeting Bicester Heritage visitors, as well as existing and future Polestar customers over the coming months.”

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Countdown begins to the launch of Polestar 3

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

Polestar has announced that the world premiere of its next car, the Polestar 3 electric performance SUV, will be in October 2022.

The vehicle will be the Swedish electric performance car company’s first SUV and will join the existing Polestar 2 five-door fastback in the line-up.

Polestar 3 will feature a dual-motor drivetrain and a large battery, with a range target of around 373 miles.

The confirmation of the world premiere comes with the first undisguised image of the car.

Production is expected to begin in early 2023, and Polestar 3 will be manufactured in the United States and China.

“Polestar 3 is the SUV for the electric age. Our design identity evolves with this high-end large luxury EV, with a strong, individual brand character,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

“With this car, we bring the ‘sport’ back to the SUV, staying true to our performance roots.”

“This is a major milestone for our company, one that boosts our growth trajectory and takes us into our next phase.”

Polestar plans to launch a new car every year for the next three years, starting with Polestar 3, and aims to increase its presence to at least 30 global markets by the end of 2023.

It also plans to grow its global sales ten-fold from approximately 29,000 in 2021 to some 290,000 by the end of 2025.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 review

We road test the award-winning electric vehicle that instantly dates just about every other car on the road…

It’s difficult to know where to start with a car like the acclaimed Hyundai Ioniq 5. Already the winner of various Car of the Year titles, this futuristically styled EV features state-of-the-art technology and looks like nothing else on the road.

Hyundai may not thank me for it, but I’m going to start by pointing out that the Ioniq 5 shares its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with its Korean cousins, the Kia EV6 and the upcoming Genesis GV60.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I’d say the retro cool Ioniq 5 is easily the most distinctive of the trio. Park it next to any other competitor car (eg Volkswagen ID.4, Jaguar I-Pace or Ford Mustang Mach-E) and they look instantly dated.

Bigger in the metal than I’d expected, it looks like it should be about the size of a VW Golf from the pictures, but it’s actually closer to a Skoda Enyaq iV.

Hyundai markets it as a “midsize CUV”, which is automotive industry speak for a Crossover Utility Vehicle – a blend of hatchback and SUV, for want of a better definition.

Competitively priced from £37,545, there’s a range of battery and motor options available, plus rear or all-wheel drive. Packed with technology and equally futuristic inside, it’s a revelation.

Able to charge from 10-80% (via an ultra rapid 350kW chargepoint) in as little as 18 minutes and travel up to 298 miles on a charge, it can sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds.

We tested the top-of-the range Ioniq 5 with twin-motor all-wheel drive and the largest battery size available (72.6kWh). Just shy of £50,000, it boasts a combined 301bhp and 446lb ft of torque.

The flush door handles pop out as you walk up to the Ioniq 5. Once inside, the benefits of the car’s larger dimensions and flat floor are obvious – it’s bathed in space and light.

It’s ultra-modern and minimalist up front, thanks to a two-spoke steering wheel and panoramic twin-screen infotainment and driver’s display set-up.

There’s a sliding centre console incorporating cupholders, small storage areas and a wireless phone charger, while the versatile front seats can be fully reclined.

Comfort is subjective, and though the seats were nicely padded with plenty of adjustment, I just couldn’t get the perfect driving position. Such is the huge amount of cabin space, I felt perched and almost marooned at times.

The bonus of such a high driving style is that there are no complaints in the visibility department, but ultimately the Ioniq 5 may be fast, but doesn’t feel so sporty.

There’s ample room for rear passengers, while the shallow boot still has a decent 527-litre capacity, expanding to 1,587 litres with the rear seated flipped. You can also store the charging cables in a space under the bonnet.

All versions are loaded with kit. Even the entry-level SE Connect model comes with the dual 12.3-inch screens, the impressive rapid charging capability, wireless smartphone charging, 19-inch alloy wheels and highway drive assist (an advanced version of adaptive cruise control).

Move up to Premium for LED headlights, an electric driver’s seat, an electric boot, heated front seats and blind spot monitoring with collision avoidance.

Ultimate adds a head-up display, 20-inch alloys, Bose sound system, rear privacy glass and ventilated front seats.

To get moving, simply choose a gear (the shift stalk is mounted low right on the steering column) and you’re away – and it’s properly quick.

You can also select Eco, Normal or Sport drive modes and adjust the brake regeneration. The ‘one-pedal’ option enables you to slow down to a halt just by lifting off the accelerator. It’s useful in town, but a little jarring on faster roads, where it’s easier to use the paddles behind the steering wheel for extra regen.

Frankly, Normal will do just fine. Eco is OK for cruising on a motorway or A-road, but a little lifeless otherwise, while Sport is fun for short, battery-draining bursts of fun.

If you’re looking for a comfortable ride, then the Ioniq 5 is the car for you. However, more spirited drivers might find it a little too floaty with rather too much body roll in faster corners.

That said, there’s plenty of grip and the steering is light and easy, while the brakes are unusually responsive for an EV.

No car is perfect and the Ioniq is no exception. It’s not as dynamic to drive as some rivals, and some of the interior materials could be classier.

The lack of a rear wiper is a bigger issue than it might sound too, especially when it’s raining. I finally lost patience on one motorway journey, stopping the car at a service station to clean the rear window. Also, the steering wheel obscured some of the driver display behind with my set-up.

I tested the car in the winter so the 267-mile range (the AWD in top spec Ultimate trim with 20-inch wheels is 30 miles down on the RWD) was never on, but I’d say up to 240 miles is realistic in those conditions.

Thankfully, advanced charging ability is the Ioniq 5’s party piece. In theory, it can add 62 miles of range in just five minutes, because it’s one of the few EVs on the market to support both 400V and 800V charging.

Using a more common 50kW charger, you’ll get up to 80% in 50 minutes, while a complete charge on a wall box at home is best done overnight.

Unless you need all-wheel drive, I suspect the sweet spot in the range is the cheaper 72.6kWh single motor version (RWD) with a potential range closer to the claimed 298 miles.

Verdict: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is smooth, spacious, comfortable and easy to drive. Loaded with state-of-the art technology, it’s a competitively priced family EV that oozes kerb appeal.

Hyundai UK