Hyundai revealed its self-driving version of a concept Hybrid at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this month. Autonomy for everyone is on its way with the self-driving Hyundai Ioniq.

Hyundai Aims for Affordable Autonomous Driving with the Ioniq

A chosen few experienced Hyundai’s cutting edge technology first hand at CES 2017. Minimal issues occurred during the one mile loop. The safety driver took over manual controls on one occasion assisting the Ioniq at an inclined traffic light.

Hyundai thinks it can make self-driving cars affordable by reconfiguring the typical hardware placement found in other self-driving vehicles. On the test car, LIDAR (a laser and radar-based detection system) technology is hidden in the Ioniq’s front bumper. A windshield-header-mounted camera is also present, just like a standard adaptive cruise system.

The autonomous Ioniq also has forward and rear facing radar that detect objects and people.  Information collected by these sensors translates to the car’s self-driving computer system to create an appropriate reaction. Hyundai assured guests that the technology has undergone rigorous testing in unique and challenging situations.

Responsiveness to the rules of the road allows this model to stand out while blending in. The self-driving technology maintains an attentive and safe experience for everyone on the road.

There is no word on a release date for the self-driving Ioniq. Hyundai is continuing to perfect their technology to make it ready for everyday driving, and the world as we know it has some catching up to do before it’s ready for autonomous cars. We’ll keep watching and waiting for the next exciting news.

The Hybrid Hyundai Ioniq Will Be Here Soon

Meanwhile, the Ioniq itself is almost ready for sale to the public (that means you). Hyundai has announced the Ioniq cars that will be joining their fleet in the coming months. The series consists of three options under one moniker: the Ioniq Hybrid, the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid, and the Ioniq Electric.

The Hybrid and Electric were supposed to hit showroom floors late last year, followed by the Plug-In Hybrid this summer. Release has since been delayed, so you should keep in touch with us at Zimbrick Hyundai Eastside for more information on the Ioniq’s availability.

With three drivetrain variants to choose from, the Ioniq lineup has everyone’s needs covered. All three options have the same impressive features. As Hyundai says, better options means better choices.

The Hybrid model, powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine, produces 104 horsepower. The Plug-In Ioniq will see a more powerful electric motor at 45 kilowatts. The 8.9 kWh battery will field an estimated range of more than 25 miles. Finally, the Ioniq’s Electric option has a 118 horsepower electric motor and an estimated range of 155 miles.

Designed with fun in mind, the Ioniq does not compromise entertainment for efficiency. An infotainment display with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ support plus a panoramic sunroof create a blend of comfort and style.

Again, we will share more information about the arrival of the Ioniq cars at Zimbrick Eastside Hyundai as it is available. Until then, any member of our staff will be more than happy to take your questions and show you the other Hyundai models in our showroom. We’re conveniently located in Madison, Wisconsin, so we hope you’ll stop by for a visit.