Welcomed at Changi Airport with a few notable dignitaries (Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong, Singapore’s Catholic leader Cardinal William Goh, and former cabinet minister Lim Boon Heng) Pope Francis’ arrival was a heartwarming affair.

Children performed “Singapore Town” and presented him with flowers, and he made a short visit to Jurassic Mile at Changi, where a crowd of 1,000 Catholics had gathered to greet him.

Interestingly, a white Hyundai Ioniq 5 was prepared for his arrival, and he was seen touring around Singapore in the front passenger seat of this EV.

It’s been almost four decades since a pontiff last visited Singapore (the late Pope John Paul II in 1986), and it seems fitting that the current pope would continue his trend of using mass-market cars instead of luxury sedans, sticking true to his message of humility and environmental responsibility.

For the keen-eyed, you’ll notice that the license plate of the Ioniq 5 has a special ‘SCV 1′ designation. This stands for ‘Status Civitatis Vatican’, a nod to the Vatican City.

So why the Hyundai Ioniq 5?

While we obviously don’t have a direct quote from Pope Francis on his car choice, we suspect that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was chosen due to its significance being made in Singapore. This is further supported as he was seen in Indonesia making his rounds in a white Toyota Innova, a vehicle produced locally there.

The Ioniq 5 would also fit his broader message of caring for the planet. Since taking office, Pope Francis has made tackling climate change one of the central themes of his papacy, so using an electric vehicle aligns with his ethos of sustainability.

Though Hyundai has kept tight-lipped about the specific details of their cars being used by the pope, they did confirm that the vehicles were supplied by the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS).

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This year, it’s happening at Wheeler’s Estate in Seletar, from 31 August to 1 September 2024.

If you missed out last year, here’s your chance to jump behind the wheel of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Throughout the event, attendees can take these electric vehicles for a spin. Plus, there’s a little something extra for those who complete a test drive; complimentary Hyundai merchandise and free drinks and dessert to enjoy.

This year’s Ioniq Brews & Drives promises much more, blending technology, fun, and a bit of friendly competition. Explore interactive displays featuring the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, and get your cameras ready because the Ioniq Brews & Drives photo contest is back.

Snap your best shot with any of the Ioniq vehicles or stations, post it on Instagram, tag @hyundai.innovation.sg, and don’t forget to include the hashtag #HMGICS.

Not only could you win bragging rights, but you might also walk away with some fantastic prizes. Make sure your account is set to public to qualify, and keep an eye out on 9 September 2024 for the winner announcement.

Attendees who decide to purchase an Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 6 during the event also stand a chance to win retail vouchers worth up to $300, along with exclusive Hyundai merchandise like Ioniq 5 diecast models and diffusers.

Event Details

Date: 31 August – 1 September 2024
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Venue: Wheeler’s Estate, 2 Park Lane, Singapore 798386
Parking: On-site visitor parking is available

And don’t worry about leaving anyone behind. Ioniq Brews & Drives is designed to be kid- and animal-friendly, so bring the whole family along for a weekend of entertainment and electric excitement.

For more information about the event, and to sign up for a test drive, visit this helpful bit of highlighted text.

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Hyundai Motor Company continued its winning streak at the World Car Awards today with the IONIQ 5 N high-performance electric vehicle (EV) named the 2024 World Performance Car.

This is Hyundai IONIQ 5 lineup’s fourth major World Car Awards win in the last three years and solidifies IONIQ 5 N’s position as a frontrunner in the market as it continues to outpace EV rivals with its outstanding high-performance technology.

“We are thrilled and honoured to receive the prestigious World Performance Car award for our IONIQ 5 N,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.

“This recognition is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric performance and innovation. It is truly gratifying to see our efforts rewarded with a total of seven World Car Awards titles in the last three years. We are proud to continue our winning streak and solidify Hyundai’s position as a leader in the global EV industry.”

“On behalf of the entire N team, it’s very gratifying to receive this well-earned recognition from the prestigious World Car Awards jury,” said José Muñoz, President and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company.

“We dedicate this amazing award to our passionate customers who appreciate high-performance vehicles, and we pledge to continue to deliver vehicles that excite and inspire. We are thrilled to lead the charge in this new era of electric performance vehicles and are committed to continually challenging the limits of engineering possibilities for smart mobility.”

World Car Awards announced the winners of this year’s competition at a ceremony during the 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Hyundai Motor’s many nominations reflect its growing stature on the global stage and build on its past success at the World Car Awards.

The brand’s IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 took back-to-back triple victories in 2022 and 2023 in the World Car, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design categories.

Introduced in July 2023 as Hyundai N’s first EV, IONIQ 5 N represents a new segment of driver-focused high-performance EVs through new technologies and elevated racetrack capability, signalling the first step in N’s electrification strategy.

It combines the standard IONIQ 5’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-bred technologies and leverages N’s expertise from electrified ‘Rolling Labs’ to maximize the EV’s high-performance capabilities.

IONIQ 5 N has been widely praised in the media as ‘groundbreaking’, a ‘game-changer’, and the ‘benchmark’ for high-performance EVs. IONIQ 5 N also won Top Gear’s 2023 Car of the Year Award and set the fastest electric SUV lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife by Germany’s ‘Sport Auto’.

“IONIQ 5 N represents a defining moment for Hyundai N and our electrification strategy. By combining our E-GMP platform with N’s motorsport expertise, we have created a groundbreaking high-performance EV that has set a new benchmark in the industry,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand & Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company.

“The accolades and recognition we have received validate our commitment to delivering innovative, driver-focused electric vehicles. With IONIQ 5 N, we are not just redefining what a performance car is, but also shaping the future of electric driving fun.”

World Car Awards is an annual event that sees 100 international jurors across 29 countries test-drive and vote on a field of eligible vehicles.

Photo Credits: Hyundai

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Malaysia road trips. Ah, what a topic. It’s the evergreen story that keeps on giving, a tale as old as time. And trust me, you’ll see tons more, year after year, decade after decade.

If you’ve been keeping tabs on my AutoApp escapades, you might raise an eyebrow and go, “Hold on a minute! Isn’t this the third pilgrimage to the same Resort in Desaru this year?” Well, yes, you’ve got a good memory. And yes, the same destination, but each journey is like a snowflake—unique, charming, and enchanting in its very own way.

Let’s be honest; these road trips possess an uncanny ability to keep us hooked, to ignite that sense of wonder, to fan the flames of excitement. Why, you ask? Because every experience is a world unto itself.

My trusty steed this time round is the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Made-in-Singapore marvel is here to redefine the game, taking the ordinary and injecting it with an elixir of electric charisma.

I could finally push an EV at faster speeds!

No matter how much horsepower you’ve got under the hood, the legal speed limit in Singapore is at best 90km/h. Plus, with the ever-congested roads we face on a daily basis, you will never get to experience the true capabilities of an EV here. Each green light is a swift and short burst of speed, followed by rapid deceleration as you catch up to the car in front.

In Malaysia however, the speed limit on the motorways is 110km/h, and in non-peak midday traffic, travelling to your destination is nothing more than a carefree experience. Of course, we do not encourage speeding, but some bits do beckon you to travel slightly faster, bar the ol’ rozzer every now and then.

Most EVs have one major disadvantage over their ICE counterparts; lower top-end speeds thanks in part to their motor-driven assemblies. By being in Malaysia, it allowed me to achieve higher speeds, thus enabling me to better access just how an EV would fare if subjected to more zooms.

And I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Ioniq 5 handled itself beautifully on Malaysian tarmac. Even at speed, its lower centre of gravity (thanks to the low-slung batteries) helped it maintain a steady cadence as we wafted along. At no point did I feel the car become floaty or unsettled as we cruised; high praise for the Ioniq 5, especially with its SUV-hatchback-esque proportions. 

Miles ticked away as the Ioniq 5 effortlessly devoured the distance. Though I did not get to try out the dual-motor variant, the ‘Cat A’ single motor offerings were more than sufficient in terms of power; 107kW (143bhp) and a generous 350Nm on tap. While lower-powered, this lighter variant still packs enough punch, and is a great companion to coast to our resort at Desaru… coast.

EV charging is not as daunting as you think

Due to the sustained pace I was doing throughout the trip, I did notice that battery consumption was a little on the higher side. It’s no secret that EVs consume more juice when travelling fast, and I was averaging about 24.2kWh/100km on the highway bits.

Not a deal breaker by any stretch, but you do need to factor in sufficient charging locations as you go about your trip.

Which is why, after a serene breakfast at Talula Hill Farm and Resort, the cars made a quick pitstop at Shell Skudai R&R in order to get some much-needed power. There were also charging stations located at the Anantara Resort, which we generously occupied (sorry other EV owners!).

But, as you can clearly see, we didn’t even need to leave the resort in order to get a full battery, all ready for the next day’s festivities.

Yes, depending on battery capacity, you may need to plug in more times than someone else needs to top up fuel, but that doesn’t mean an EV can’t survive the “harsh” Malaysian peninsula.

Plan in advance, and your journey can be as seamless as a relaxing cup of coffee by a hillside.

The Ioniq 5 has a trick up its sleeve too

Hyundai has included a unique feature in the Ioniq 5; external Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. Basically, the car can become your mobile generator.

Plugging the adapter into the car’s charging port is literally all that’s required to get the party started. To demonstrate this, the Hyundai folk have graciously set up a portable movie theatre right on the grounds of a completely deserted carpark, powered solely by the Ioniq 5. 

Enjoying an episode of Brooklyn 99, beer in hand, sitting on a Hyundai field chair (which you can purchase, by the way) right smack in the middle of nowhere is exactly my kind of peace, and it’s more amazing knowing that all this is powered by the Ioniq 5.

Hyundai, if you wish to try out some outdoor al-fresco steamboat ideas, I’m all ears.

The designers even engineered an inflatable bed that fits snugly in the back of the Ioniq 5, so once you’re ready to settle in for the night, you can just crawl in and gaze at the star-filled sky. How? With the Ioniq 5’s standard fit panoramic sunroof, of course.

Electricity can be your friend

I’ve driven up North many, many times. But this was the first time I’ve exclusively used EVs to get around. Even though our journey may only cover the Southern part of Malaysia, getting around was just as easy as any ICE vehicle.

And it was quite the sight to pull up to the petrol stations, waving off the pump attendant, and heading straight in just for a box of good-value ice cream.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 proves that you can have a great time in Malaysia. All you’ve got to do is grab the motivation to pack your passport and head for the land borders.

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(article updated 13 November 2023)

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the first of a new family of EVs from Hyundai, which has since been followed by the Ioniq 6. Expect other Ioniq models in the near future. And expect those to be rather excellent machines, if this first effort is anything to go by.

This isn’t Hyundai’s first attempt at an EV either. Nope, the Koreans have been quietly making decent electric city cars for some time now. The previous generation Ioniq was available as a pure EV (although, you would have most likely seen its hybrid sibling), and for a few years now we’ve seen the Kona Electric grace our streets. You might have even driven or sat in one since they’re used for private-hire vehicle services too.

Worthy as those cars are, Hyundai soon realised it wasn’t going to get a bigger slice of the EV pie unless it placed everything that it had into something that could turn a few heads. And that is with the Hyundai badge adorned on it.

And so we arrive at this – the Ioniq 5. An EV you’ll want to own just from clapping eyes on it.

Let’s Talk About Looks

Our journey begins where all eyes converge – the design. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill EV; it’s an art piece on wheels. It’s as though the iconic DeLorean from Back to the Future hit the gym, emerged as a muscular hot hatch, and added a dash of Blade Runner’s futuristic allure.

Say goodbye to the commonplace ‘fake grille’ on EVs; instead, behold a luminous motif that appears to breathe life into the front fascia. The Ioniq 5’s front profile exudes purpose, its chiselled sides exhibit audacity, and the LED-adorned rear end resembles a futuristic autonomous vehicle.

This car is a design marvel, seamlessly meeting all aerodynamic and safety prerequisites while appearing to be a creation from a science fiction reverie.

And this is also where appearances can be deceiving. The Ioniq 5, while seemingly compact in photos, is an SUV with the bulk akin to that of a Range Rover Evoque. But that may not necessarily be a bad thing, and it all becomes clear as soon as you get in.

Spaciousness Redefined

Stepping inside, you’ll be shocked at just how much space there really is. The cabin exudes a sense of spaciousness, courtesy of its light tones and minimalist design, offering an ambience of serenity.

At the heart of the dashboard lies a symphony of screens – a pair of 12.3-inch displays that are as visually crisp as they are captivating. Since they are now built here, Hyundai provides the choice of either a luminous white interior or a more subdued dark option, and either way, the standard-fit sunroof bathes the cabin in natural light, creating the sensation of driving within your own sun-soaked sanctuary.

However, it’s worth noting that the steering wheel may initially overwhelm with its array of buttons. But once tamed, these controls prove to be intuitive, and the interface is a paragon of fluidity. True, physical climate controls would be preferable, but touch-sensitive panels are a marked improvement over the hidden depths of sub-menus.

Hyundai astutely leverages the ‘no engine equals more room’ card when it comes to space. The Ioniq 5 proudly flaunts a capacious 531-litre boot, accompanied by additional storage for your charging cable, neatly tucked below.

Concerned that your cable might be buried beneath a shopping spree? Fear not; an ingeniously designed 57-litre storage compartment up front provides a dedicated nook for it. Sporting a vast wheelbase with three meters of space between the axles, the Ioniq 5 offers more room than a typical BMW 5 Series – and that’s before you engage in rearranging the interior.

The rear seats themselves are adjustable, and Hyundai introduced the concept of the “Universal Island” which enables you to slide the armrest and its charging ports back and forth by 140mm, allowing you to choose between offering your screen-engrossed passengers convenient charging ports or indulging them with extra legroom.

Once this ‘island’ has undergone its tectonic shift towards the rear, the driver can gracefully exit via the passenger door – an invaluable asset when parking in a tight urban setting, without the need for in-cabin parkour shenanigans.

If anyone wants a visual definition of “you get more than what you paid for”, just ask them to step into the Ioniq 5’s cabin. 

Effortless Cruising 

Of course, being a “Cat A” EV, the Ioniq 5 isn’t out to break speed records; instead, it embodies style and comfort, promising a ride that’s both smooth and elegant. This isn’t a sports car by any means; it’s a car designed to make your daily commute feel like a pleasure cruise.

The suspension is tuned for comfort, ensuring that even uneven roads feel like a well-paved boulevard. However, it doesn’t shy away from handling tight turns, providing a sense of confidence to the driver. Sure, it is wide in proportions, but the car doesn’t feel too fat for local streets. A suite of reverse cameras and sensors come to your aid too when backing up into tight lots.

Even with just a single motor setup and 143bhp, the Ioniq 5 feels brisk off the line, and its good cabin insulation means you won’t notice you’re doing 100 until you look down at the instrument cluster. Should you need to overtake and claim territory on the roads, the 350Nm of torque available is more than adequate without inducing whiplash onto your passengers.

In order to classify it under category A of the COE structure, this Ioniq 5 has a 58kWH battery (smaller than the 77kWh Cat B variants). While it might not shatter records, the Ioniq 5 doesn’t disappoint either, promising a respectable 384 kilometres of range. Even with the aircon blasting on hot days, I managed to get close to that figure, meaning you won’t need to panic whenever the car’s charge starts to go below “safe” perimeters.

(update: 13 November 2023)

Plonking resident energy economy tester Vivek into the driver’s seat saw the IONIQ 5 return an average of 13.6kWh/100km or 7.3km/kWh over 461km, which topped Hyundai’s claimed 16.7kWh/100km or 5.99km/kWh average. This was with the aircon blowing nice and cool, and with the driver’s seat chiller going full tilt during the entire drive.

Around 400 kilometres on a single charge is entirely doable, but as usual, your mileage may vary depending on use case and driving style.

(/update)

Like camping? You can even tap into that massive battery using the Ioniq 5’s V2L system, allowing you to power portable electrical devices on the go. Portable steamboat session anybody?

It’s efficient, near-silent, and handles with calm finesse. Plus, you look damm good while doing so.

Stepping Into The Premium Space?

Badge snobs will scorn it, but with such sharp looks, you can clearly see why Hyundai is confident in taking the fight to the premium boys. The Ioniq 5 stands as a testament to Hyundai’s belief that an electric vehicle can be both functional and visually enticing. It challenges the traditional European approach of cautiously embracing electric mobility, proving that practicality can coexist with desirability. 

With its groundbreaking design and innovative features, the Ioniq 5 is a declaration of war in the electric vehicle arena, and it appears to find itself on higher ground.

So, if you’re contemplating the leap into the world of electric vehicles, why not do it with panache – the Hyundai Ioniq 5 kind of panache?

Technical Specifications

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric

Engine: Single Electrical Motor
Power: 107kW (143bhp)
Torque: 350Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 185 km/h
Battery Capacity: 58 kWh
Drive Range: 384 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.99 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$211,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Hyundai Singapore 

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The made-in-Singpore Hyundai Ioniq 5 has caused quite a stir since its inception, debuting as the very first Singaporean-built model. Unveiled for the first time at the 2023 Singapore Motor Show and appearing at the recent Cars@Expo, the car is now featured in a pop-up store located at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza.

The Ioniq 5 pop-up store will be around till 21 May 2023, and visitors can take the Ioniq 5 out for test drives too. Those who register their interest on-site will also be enrolled in a lucky draw, allowing them to win a three-day test drive with the Ioniq 5.

Also present at the pop-up is Spot, Hyundai’s robot dog which is now additionally responsible for quality inspections on the made-in-Singapore Ioniq 5 cars.

Those who want to catch Spot in action will have to head down to the pop-up from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Thursday or Friday), or from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Saturdays and Sundays).

The Made-in-Singapore Ioniq 5 pop-up is open to the public from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (weekdays) and 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (weekends), located at 391A Orchard Road (Singapore 238873). For those who wish to book a test drive, you may do so via this highlighted bit of text.

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The Ioniq 5 is a special car for Singapore, in that it is the first mass-produced car to be assembled locally on our shores. Assembled in the new state-of-the-art Hyundai factory, 

The first 100 units will also bear a unique Singapore-inspired emblem on the back.

Variants for all

Prospective buyers can opt for four exterior colours for their new Ioniq 5:

• Midnight Black Pearl
• Titan Grey Metallic
• Optic White
• Magnetic Silver Metal

Customers will also get to choose from a few variants. The base ‘Exclusive’ trim level comes with a Cat A COE-friendly 58kWh battery, providing drivers with 384km of range (WLTP). This specification also puts out 143bhp and 350Nm of torque, and the century sprint can be completed in 9.5 seconds.

Spare some extra cash, and the higher rung ‘Prestige’ trim sets itself apart with Signature Parametric Pixel headlamps, a gloss black exterior belt line and side mirrors, plus chrome body moulding. Stepping inside, customers also receive Hyundai’s Zero Gravity seats upholstered in Hyundai’s internal term Natural Leather, and an Augmented Reality (AR) heads-up display.

This car is also available with the same 58kWh battery and the same power output as the ‘Exclusive’. However, customers can optionally spec the ‘Prestige’ trim with the larger 77kWh battery. Opting for the larger capacity will net you 507km of range, alongside a bump in performance to 225bhp and 350Nm of torque. Reaching 100km/h only takes 7.3 seconds too with this power boost.

Of course, there will be some who do not want any compromises and only wish to opt for the best in class. That’s where the ‘Inspiration’ trim comes into play. It comes with the same extended 77kWh battery but now feeds power to electric motors located at both axles. This dual motor setup allows it to deliver 320bhp alongside a commendable 605Nm of torque.

The century sprint can be rocked in just 5.1 seconds, and you can do that for a total of 454km (WLTP). The ‘Inspiration’ trim is also the only trim that comes with a Bose premium audio system as standard, as well as 20-inch rims.

Charging time for the smaller 58kWh cars is claimed to be 47 minutes (10% to 80%), while the larger 77kWh battery is 1 hour and 2 minutes (10% to 80%). The maximum charging speed rated for the Ioniq 5 is 350kWh using a fast direct current (DC) charger.

So how do you go about buying one?

Prospective customers will be able to customise, order and finance their cars on Hyundai’s online customer purchase platform.

The new online portal makes it extremely convenient for customers, offering a finance plan simulation for those looking to commit to a car. Once an order has been confirmed, customers will be able to deposit, apply for a loan, track their order status in real time, as well as select their own collection dates, all on the same website.

Buyers will also be able to pay via PayNow, a first-of-its-kind payment option. Just make sure you increase your daily spending limit before paying. Hyundai has also partnered with various banks, so hassle-free paperwork and financing can be expected, which is a huge relief.

Best of all, the Singapore-Built Ioniq 5 will be offered with a comprehensive free 10-year EV battery warranty alongside a 10-year free service programme at the EV-dedicated service centre at Komoco Motors. Those who live in landed housing can also receive a free EV home charger, including installation and an extended warranty. Alternatively, people who do not have access to a home charger can opt for free charging credits.