Once the disdain of fossil-fuel burning car enthusiasts, Hybrid vehicles are now starting to find place within hearts of those whom once despised them. You can thank the McLaren’s P1, Porsche 918 and Ferrari LaFerrari for helping shift old perceptions; that hybrid cars are for eco tend-setters and hypermiling fans.

Whilst the electrified performance angle is gaining traction, established hybrids still have their place.

One automaker looking to capitalize on this momentum is Korean manufacturer Hyundai. Treading into waters where the discontinued Honda Insight never quite cut the mustard, Hyundai is aiming for the Prius market with their own plug-in hybrid hatch.

So what can we expect from Hyundai’s offering, and what will it look like?

Fluidic Precision Styling:

Interestingly, the design adheres to the aero-wedge format adopted by the older generation Prius and deceased Insight – as does the split-window hatch for better visibility. 
Similarities aside, styling is all Hyundai with its latest Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. Viewing the chiseled front yields a familiar trapezoidal chrome grille, Elantra-like headlights and aggressive vertical intake openings with daylight running lamps.

Visual profiling from the side isn’t the most captivating experience, however it’s handsome and well resolved. Lower door scallops and sculptured shoulder-line exude a dynamic, go-fast look.

Contemporary Interior:

Compared to the Prius, the five-seat cabin is relatively conventional rather than groundbreaking; however, spy-shots to date indicate that it’ll be a rather pleasant place to sit in. Interior styling follows on from the Sonata; with rounder contours, alloy-effect inlays and stylish switchgear. Internal ambience will benefits from a two-tone environment, with light-grey door panels/seats and an darker upper dash area.

As with most other recent auto-industry debuts, expect the latest in cabin tech and driver assistance technologies; such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous low-speed emergency braking and lane departure warning – to name a few amongst many other assists.

What Will Power It:

Whilst the Sonata Hybrid uses a 2.0-litre to complement its electric assistance; this 2017 Elantra-based plug-in offering will potentially use a direct-injected, 1.6-litre, inline four to suit its smaller body. Electric propulsion will utilize a lithium-polymer battery pack that could yield up to 40 miles of electric-only driving.

An all-electric version is also said to be in the works; whilst not much is known about this model, expect it to be sold alongside the gas-electric variant at a later date.

Electrified Rivals:

Hyundai’s Hybrid hatch will primarily battle against the aforementioned and freshly revealed 2016 Toyota Prius. Other amped competitors could include –and depending on the market- Chevrolet’s 2nd generation 2016 Volt, the Nissan Leaf, Audi A3 e-tron and the BMW 225xe Active Tourer.

Finally, what do you think – does Hyundai’s upcoming 2017 offering stand a chance or will it flounder like Honda’s Insight? Share your thoughts in the discussion area below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

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