Hyundai fires up its first hot EV

OFFICIAL After great success with i20 and i30, N division reveals performance Ioniq 5

- Sean Carson

THE loniq 5 N is Hyundai's first performance EV, and the company says this new hot all-electric crossover puts the focus firmly on driving fun.

A host of new systems and tech aim to boost driver engagement - something that some brands have struggled to achieve with their hot EVs. With that in mind, Hyundai's N division has developed a new system, called N e-shift, which replicates the feel of a performance petrol engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

It's paired with Hyundai's N Active Sound+ feature, and together the systems simulate a more conventional combustion-engined powertrain, with N e-shift adjusting the Ioniq 5 N's torque output from its two motors to replicate the feel of a car with gears.

The tech will also deliver a small jolt to give the impression of gearshifts, and the driver can take manual control using the steering-wheel mounted paddles, or run the car in automatic mode. Toggle the system off and the loniq 5 N's character returns to that of a single-speed automatic EV.

N Active Sound+ works alongside this tech to deliver a soundtrack reminiscent of a petrol-powered Hyundai N car, while drivers can also pick a more futuristic soundtrack.