Hyundai Ioniq Updated With ADAS Package & Blue Link Connectivity

Hyundai is launching the second generation of its Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in sedans, with plans to release a fully electric model in the near future.

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, both destined for the European market, feature the automaker’s Blue Link telematics services, SmartSense advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), adjustable regenerative braking and an infotainment system offered standard across all model levels.

Blue Link is Hyundai’s connected vehicle system, which uses embedded telematics to gather vehicle information such as monthly vehicle health report and automatic crash notifications.

The system also uses mobile apps to allow customers to start the car remotely, or lock and unlock their vehicle.

The Ioniq is also equipped with green-zone drive mode (GDM), which automatically switches the vehicle’s driving module in designated areas to use more energy from the electric motor, rather than from the internal combustion engine.

Like its Kona SUV sibling, the Ioniq offers single-pedal driving capability, with smart regenerative braking, which automatically adjusts the braking intensity based on vehicle speed, road grade and radar sensing of nearby cars.

As part of the SmartSense ADAS package, the Ioniq offers front collision warnings and avoidance, and lane keeping assist (LKA), as well as driver attention warning (DAW), which alerts the driver to keep the focus on the road.

Inside the redesigned interior, an optional 10.25-inch navigation system boasts voice recognition software and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

The Ioniq also features connectivity with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as the Hyundai Live Services, which are offered as a standard feature.

In addition, Utility Mode allows the use of onboard functions even while the vehicle is switched off, and Eco+ Mode helps extend the vehicle’s remaining energy during unforeseeable emergency situations.

Since the Ioniq entered the market in late 2016, Hyundai has sold more than 28,000 units across Europe, according to a company release.

The South Korean auto giant has had a busy start to the year, announcing at this month’s CES Exor technology that translates sound-based information into visual and sensory cues for hearing-impaired drivers.

The Audio-Visual Conversion (AVC) and Audio-Tactile Conversion (ATC) technologies employed by Hyundai uses algorithms to locate, determine and visualize sound-based information — the siren of an approaching ambulance, for instance.

In addition, Hyundai’s component-making unit is launching lighting systems it says can warn other road users when a vehicle is being driven autonomously.

The Indicating Lighting Zone indicates to pedestrians and other motorists when a car is being self-driven, while the Communication Lighting Zone enables safer coexistence between autonomous vehicles and neighboring cars and pedestrians through the use of LED lights, headlamp projection and audio cues.

Hyundai Group, including the Hyundai and Kia brands, has also developed technology it claims enables wireless electric vehicle charging and automated parking.

The Automated Valet Parking System (AVPS) purportedly allows the driver to order their EV to charge using their smartphone. When the car receives this order, it drives itself to the nearest wireless charging station.

— Nathan Eddy is a filmmaker and freelance journalist based in Berlin. Follow him on Twitter.