Is Hyundai’s boldly styled ‘streamliner’ saloon as head turning behind the wheel? Al Suttie checks it out.

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Hyundai Ioniq 6 Premium

List price (BiK): £46,985 (2%) CO2: 0g/km Economy: 338 miles Test efficiency: 228 miles

Monday

This is a week I’ve been looking forward to for a while, ever since the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was made Scottish Car of the Year and then the winner of its UK Car of the Year category, in fact. Having driven the Ioniq previously for shorter spells, a whole week with this four-door coupe should be entertaining and interesting in equal measure if prior experience is anything to go by.

Tuesday

I’m amazed at the number of looks the Ioniq 6 garners. Finished in Transmission Blue, or grey to you and me, it’s not the most outlandish hue but plenty of people swivel their necks to get a better look. It helps the front end has a Porsche-like resemblance, while the overall silhouette gives the Hyundai a distinctive shape. I like it and it’s more appealing than a Tesla Model 3 to my eyes.

Wednesday

This Ioniq 6 is the Premium RWD model, so no four-wheel drive and the lower trim level. It’s all the better in this spec in my view as it’s the cheapest for company drivers to lease while also offering the longest battery driving range. Hyundai claims 338 miles for this model, but chilly Scottish weather mixed with plenty of rain and driving in the dark sees that reduced to around 228 miles on the dash display.

Thursday

Heading up to Perth this morning, the Ioniq 6 has about half charge. In other EVs, I’d be thinking about finding a charger at my destination, but the Hyundai’s range counter is eerily accurate. After a 30-mile journey, it reads 30 miles less than when I started. It’s simple stuff like this that makes an EV much easier to assimilate into your life than other that make hugely optimistic predictions and fall way short of them.

Friday

Giving a friend a lift this evening and we’re chatting EVs. He’s a little underwhelmed the IONIQ 6 ‘only’ does 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. That’s as quick as most family hatches or small execs, but the notion seems to be that EVs are ridiculously fast. That’s a one-trick idea that has stemmed from some early EV cars and I’d far rather the decent range, comfort, and quick charging of the Hyundai.

Saturday

The more time I spend in the IONIQ 6’s cabin, the greater my appreciation for the physical heating and ventilation controls. I also like the clear dash display, generously large infotainment screen, and the general air of quality that pervades the cabin. It’s more than roomy for four, the seats are comfortable, and the boot is big enough for all the usual chores.

Sunday

After a week with the Ioniq 6, I’m convinced it deserves all of the accolades it’s earned, and no doubt still has to come. It’s not faultless – the low-speed ride could be a tad more supple and the boot opening is limited – but there are no weak areas and a huge amount to like about this car. Crucially, it’s also a bit of fun with its styling and enjoyable to drive with nimble handling. A job very well done by Hyundai.