“A new model every quarter over the next two years,” was declared during the address to the media at the local launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and preview of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid at the showroom of official dealer, Komoco Motors. 

If the two new models unveiled on 14 July are anything to go by, it looks like Hyundai is set to be a roll. 

First up, the Ioniq 6 is an EV sedan that, according to the Korean manufacturer, is capable of a range of up to 519km. Priced starting from $257,888 with COE, this car finds itself in a burgeoning segment of EVs with offerings from Audi, Polestar, Volvo, and compatriot Kia. Stretch another $25k or so and the Mercedes-Benz range of EQ crossovers will come within reach.

In any case, the Ioniq 6 appears to have the right stuff to take on alternatives from the aforementioned competitors. For starters, it’s futuristic styling looks like something Porsche might design if it were commissioned by Hyundai to create an EV sedan. Others in attendance could also be overheard likening it to early Saab models. In either case, there’s a timeless desirability to its shape. 

Step inside, and the impression improves, if anything. The feel of the cabin materials and design has not only surpassed anything that Hyundai has made up until now, but it arguably surpasses the standards of many mass production carmakers you might care to name. 

Although the Ioniq 6 for the Singapore market goes without the electronic camera wing mirrors that have been teased on the international press kits, drivers are unlikely to mind or even notice at all.

Against the stiff competition, the Ioniq 6 should hold its own in the performance department as well. An electric motor for each axle effectively gives this model all-wheel drive and works in tandem to produce up to 325hp and 605Nm of torque. It sports a drag coefficient of just 0.22 and in tandem with its 77kW battery pack, which can be charged from 10-80% in just 18 minutes, allows the Ioniq 6 its impressive 519km claimed range. 0-100km/h is quoted at 5.1 seconds.

Aloha Kona

Ask very nicely and the Hyundai sales representatives at the showroom might just let you into the special lounge created to preview the all-new Kona Hybrid.

Hyundai tends to name its Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) after evocative cities in the United States and so the Kona takes its name from a town in Hawaii that’s especially famous for its coffee. 

Strictly speaking, the Kona is not yet on sale in Singapore as the car is undergoing local homologation. So exact specifications and features are yet to be finalized. However, Expressions Of Interest are being collected.

A fully-electric version of the Kona will eventually make its way to our shores but for now, the Hybrid model promises a mix of drivability, fuel economy, and convenience from its 1.6-litre hybrid petrol-electric drivetrain. 

In addition to the distinctive exterior styling, one highlight that Kona customers can look forward to is that this crossover shares many interior design cues with the upmarket Ioniq 6. For example, the column-mounted gear selector on the right is an interesting touch. 

A closer look around the Kona preview lounge reveals eight surfboards displayed on either side of the room. These are cleverly painted in the colours that the Kona will be available in when it is expected to go on sale as soon as August.

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This new partnership, complete with a grand signing ceremony, will see the ORA brand being distributed on our shores in time to come, distributed by Cycle & Carriage. The signing was also flanked by the first ORA model that will be launched here, aptly named the Good Cat.

ORA, which is the acronym for ‘Open, Reliable and Alternative’, is a brand that aims to target the youth and hip segment of the market. If this screams cute to you, you’re probably their target demographic.

Aside from being adorable, Great Wall Motor wants to make these models comfortable, stylish and emission-free, opening more avenues for EV ownership.

And don’t think that ORA is a small brand either. Backed by Great Wall Motor, the corporation has established a presence all over the world and has also founded several research and development centres in various territories, focusing on EV technologies. As the world shifts into electric overdrive, brands like ORA are becoming increasingly popular with consumers.

The biggest appeal of ORA cars are their attractive price point and stylish looks, without losing any of their EV benefits. The Ora Good Cat is a great example of this.

Designed by former Porsche designer Emanuel Derta, the Good Cat has noticeable elements inspired by Porsche models of the past. A bubbly exterior gives way to a retro-futuristic interior, and the Good Cat is well-equipped with modern everyday conveniences. These include electric memory seats, a suite of safety features, and screens galore for all your connectivity.

Cycle & Carriage has not revealed the exact specifications of the Good Cat that will be arriving in Singapore yet, as these details are still pending discussions with ORA. But, what we do know is that the Good Cat will most likely fall under Cat A COE, which should allow it to be priced more competitively. 

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