CARS OF THE WORLD

Updated Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Updated Hyundai Ioniq 5: larger battery and N Line version.

Last fall, spy photos of the updated Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric car made it clear that external changes would be minimal.

Now the restyled Ioniq 5 has been officially presented, and it is really difficult to distinguish it from the pre-reform version.

But there are technical updates, and in addition the range has been supplemented by the sporty Ioniq 5 N Line.

The electric car has new bumpers designed to visually make the car wider.

In fact, the overall width remained unchanged (1890 mm), but the redesigned tail added 20 mm in length: now the Ioniq 5 measures 4655 mm from bumper to bumper.

The aerodynamics of the electric car have been optimized thanks to a spoiler extended by 50 mm and the appearance of new wheels.

Innovations in the cabin are aimed primarily at increasing convenience during daily use.

A new central box — with a platform for wireless charging of gadgets (previously it was on the floor below) and a block of physical buttons responsible for the most frequently used functions: for example, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel and activation of the parking assistant.

The climate control control unit has been redesigned, but retains the hardware buttons and knobs.

The media system screen is the same, but the device itself is a new generation ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit): there is the possibility of over-the-air updates and a number of other functions.

Finally, the original two-spoke steering wheel has been replaced by a more traditional three-spoke steering wheel with LED indicators.

The main technical update is a more capacious traction battery for the Long Range version: now 84 kWh instead of 77.4 kWh.

This is already the second increase in the battery capacity of the top version, because initially the Ioniq 5 had a maximum of 72.6 kWh.

At the same time, the standard version still has a battery with a capacity of 58 kWh.

Electric motors are also the same: the Ioniq 5 is offered with rear-wheel drive (170 or 229 hp) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (325 hp).

But twice as rigid amplifiers appeared in the lower and rear parts of the body, which should have a positive effect on the handling of the electric vehicle.

All doors and B-pillars are reinforced to improve side impact protection.

And to improve noise and vibration insulation, additional hood reinforcements, soundproofing materials in the rear part of the body, and a new electric motor control program appeared.

New shock absorbers that reduce shaking also help improve ride comfort.

Finally, the range has been expanded to include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Line. Although all its sportiness comes down to the decor: these are more aggressive bumpers, different door sills and special 20-inch wheels.

The interior promises a different steering wheel, pedal pads, black headliner, sports seats and contrasting red stitching. There are no changes in the technical part.

The updated Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicles will hit the home South Korean market in March.

There prices start at 52.4 million won ($39,300). Deliveries to other countries will begin before the end of this year.