Purchasing a Plug-In Hybrid - what should I buy?

by

Question: I’m in the market for a Plug-In Hybrid. I’ve been driving a Honda Insight for some time and it’s the perfect size for me. I want something with that same sort of vibe but with the newer tech of a plug in. Also I like the idea of the new technology of lane assist and all that funky stuff.

I’ve been interested in both the Audi A3 Etron and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Plus. I like the idea of an electric car but that also has gas so you don’t end up with that fun range anxiety like on a Tesla. My current research is showing that the Ioniq seems to be all around better. It’s a bit bigger, uses regular fuel instead of premium, has a higher all electric range, and has better combined fuel efficiency.

I drive 10km to work (and then home each day). I also typically go to the dog park, about 4km each way. Once a week I do a run around for work where I would drive between 60km and 100km total for the whole day (including to and from work). Occasionally, I visit relatives within a 150 km radius. Once a year we drive to Florida and back.

I prefer a hatchback because I often have to carry several coolers around for work, so the ability to put down the rear seats and have a big cargo space is helpful. I have an adorable mid sized dog that likes to travel in the backseat. No kids yet, but I tend to keep a car for 8-10 years so that might be a factor one day.

Answer: You clearly have done some good research on these two Plug-In Hybrid options. To help with the assessment of the two vehicles, I contacted local dealers for a test drive. Hyundai provided an IONIQ electric plus SE that day. The Audi dealer didn’t have an A3 e-tron in stock and didn’t know when one might arrive.

My test drive in the IONIQ identified a couple of things for me that I immediately liked.

  1. For the drive and passenger – lots of room! You are not brushing shoulders as in some smaller cars and even for my 6’6” frame, more than enough headroom and legroom. Very comfortable.
  2. Excellent layout and visibility of controls. A no nonsense functional presentation.
  3. Good handling vehicle.
  4. Pretty well all of the technology included as standard equipment (Limited model), that you generally only get with a much more expensive vehicle.
  5. Good back seat and rear storage.
  6. I also noticed a lower level of acceleration than I have been used to on the many cars that I have driven. This is not a race car so one shouldn’t expect it to be.

I have driven several Audi A3’s in the past couple of years and yes, they are very nice handling cars with lots of zip, style and features. If your desire is to have a car with a sportier flair and performance, then the A3 might be the choice – but at a significantly higher price and potentially higher maintenance costs.

Finally, I have been a Hyundai (Genesis) owner since 2009. What attracted me to that vehicle was the comprehensive array of performance; comfort and technology features included as standard equipment for a reasonable price. I still have that vehicle and it continues to perform very well and look great even after 9 years of daily driving.

Comparative Plug-In Hybrid Information

Base Price: The top of the range IONIQ will cost you at least $10,000 less than the top of the range e-tron. The IONIQ Limited is fully equipped with no additional option packages. The A3 e-tron Technik still has an optional “Tehcnology” package for an additional $1,400.

Electric Battery: The IONIQ has a slightly larger battery that among other factors, means you will have a better all-battery range. Since your typical daily drive is somewhere in the 30km range, the IONIQ will give you that without difficulty. The eTron published 35km can also do that but in perfect conditions – that rarely exist.

Combined Power: The e-tron has more power and will give you faster acceleration. The IONIQ is a bit sluggish off the line but still more than adequate for merging traffic and highways.

Fuel Economy: The IONIQ is the gas miser and can get you around 1,000km on a full tank and long drive. 4.1L/100km vs 6.5L/100km is a big difference. The IONIQ also has a slightly larger fuel tank and uses regular gas as compared to the recommended premium gas for the e-tron.

* Based on my research – all other data from manufacturer.

Things to consider

Based on your needs as described, I would suggest you consider the Hyundai IONIQ as your Plug-In Hybrid choice. You can reduce your cost by selecting the base SE model that already comes with all of the needed technology and safety features. The Limited model at $4,500 more adds the leather, electric controls for the front seats and a couple of additional but realistically, unnecessary driving/safety features. Despite this, I would probably spend the extra $4,500 because I like the nicer interior finish with the leather seats.

For more automotive reviews and insights, follow me on Twitter @redy2rol.