Hyundai’s retro-inspired electric hatchback is edging closer to production.
The all-new Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been spied again during development testing, and this time we can see the final headlight and tail light designs peeping through the extensive body camouflage.
Looking at the overall shape and now the light signatures, it’s very clear Hyundai is keeping very close to the design of last year’s 45 EV concept, itself inspired by the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept of 1974.
Other traits of the concept that will be carried over to the production model include the retro squared-off design, low-set head- and tail lights, as well as the overall aero-optimised design of the alloy wheels – which almost look like the spindly units you’ll find on some new Genesis models.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 
Hyundai 45 EV Concept
We haven’t seen images of the production car’s interior yet, but it’s likely Hyundai will also draw inspiration from the 45 concept’s minimalist and retro-inspired design.
Underneath the skin, the Ioniq 5 will be one of the first models to utilise the Korean carmaker’s dedicated modular electric vehicle platform, dubbed E-GMP, and launch Hyundai’s Ioniq sub-brand.
The new platform will allow Hyundai’s designers more freedom to create interesting shapes, and promises it won’t enforce a strict family design language from model-to-model.
It’s anticipated the Ioniq 5 will be revealed within months, and it’s on track to hit Australian dealerships sometime in 2021. Key rivals will include the MG ZS EV, Nissan Leaf and the Mini Cooper SE – the latter possibly its most direct competitor given the retro influence and compact body.
Following the launch of the Ioniq 5, Hyundai will add the Ioniq 6 – a production version of the slinky Hyundai Prophecy concept. An all-electric SUV is due in 2024, dubbed Ioniq 7. All of these new electric vehicles will ride on the E-GMP platform.
While the current Ioniq hatchback will be phased out, it’s unclear what the arrival of the new Ioniq electric sub-brand means for the existing Kona Electric, which has proven to be very popular globally particularly in Europe.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Hyundai Ioniq news, and click on the images for the full gallery.
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