How Hyundai is shaping the future of company cars
The all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 6, the all-electric Hyundai SEVEN Concept and the hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo offer a tantalising glimpse of what’s next for fleet drivers...
If you’re looking for a capable company car that helps you to lower your emissions and your running costs, Hyundai certainly has a lot to offer you right now from its comprehensive and ever-growing line-up of fleet-friendly models – whether it’s a pace-setting all-electric car like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or a flexible plug-in hybrid like the Hyundai Tucson SUV.
What’s also clear is that Hyundai is thinking ahead, with models like the sleek all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 6, the spacious all-electric Hyundai SEVEN Concept and the innovative hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo offering a taste of what’s next for company cars. That’s why we decided to take a closer look to see how Hyundai is shaping the future of fleet.
Hyundai Ioniq 6: saloon style; impressive range
When it comes to electric company car journeys for work or play, impressive range and recharging speed matters – helping you to go the extra mile, and keep moving when it counts. If your car looks the business while doing it, that only adds to its charm.
That’s where the recently revealed all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes in: delivering an estimated range of up to 338 miles (WLTP) of range from its 77.4kWh battery. Its advanced 800V rapid-charging capability also makes on-the-go top-ups quicker and simpler.
The key to that attention-grabbing range is the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s equally head-turning sleek and sporty four-door coupé-like profile, which has been sculpted to be much more aerodynamically efficient. Those streamlined curves work with an aggressive low nose, active air flaps, wheel gap reducers, a duck-tail spoiler and optional slim digital wing mirrors (available on certain models) to deliver an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.21. Advanced Parametric Pixel headlights and rear lights only add to the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s distinctive modern-retro look.
Inside, the lounge-like interior of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers vast amounts of versatile space, with Relaxation Comfort Seats (standard on certain models) that are specially designed to help take the strain out of long commutes. Roughly 30% thinner than those in other Hyundais, they also give passengers in the back even more legroom. In addition, a wealth of sustainable materials are used throughout the interior, including recycled PET fabrics for the seats, and bio-paint derived from vegetable oils used on the doors.
On the dashboard, a crisp 12.3-inch digital display puts vital driving information directly in your line of sight, while the large 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen uses seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Combined with the premium Bose sound system (standard on certain models) it makes listening to your favourite music and podcasts a delight.
Hyundai’s Bluelink over-the-air infotainment and map updates mean you'll have access to the latest software, while one USB and four USB-C ports throughout the cabin help keep drivers’ and passengers’ devices charged-up, too. Dual Colour Ambient Lighting inside makes the atmosphere truly customisable, with a spectrum of 64 colours to pick from, while Speed Sync Lighting makes the driving experience even more engaging by changing the lighting depending on your driving style.
On the road, the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants offer 320bhp and 605Nm of torque, delivering 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds. For an even more engaging driving experience, EV Performance Tune-Up lets you adjust the steering feel, power delivery, throttle sensitivity and driving mode to your taste, making the entire experience of driving the Hyundai Ioniq 6 truly personalised.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is also fitted with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, offering ultimate levels of safety and convenience.
Smart Cruise Control and semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist 2 help you to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead on multi-lane roads while centring the car in the lane, even through a curve, while Evasive Steering Assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist help you avoid hazards ahead. Several parking systems help take the stress out of finding and securing a space, while Driver Attention Warning monitors you at all times and will give visual and audible warnings when it detects your attentiveness dropping.
Hyundai SEVEN Concept: the company car re-imagined
When it comes to eye-catching design and innovative thinking, the Hyundai SEVEN Concept takes Hyundai’s all-electric ambition to the next level – transcending traditional car segments to create an all-new type of car with more style, versatility, comfort and technology than any Hyundai ever before.
The Hyundai SEVEN Concept’s striking aerodynamic silhouette is radically different from those of typical SUVs, with a low bonnet, a streamlined roofline and the signature Ioniq Parametric Pixel Lights. Equally, the long wheelbase and flat floor that comes as a result of using Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) has let Hyundai completely rethink what the interior of a car can be.
That ‘wheel-on-each-corner’ design means that the wheelbase of the Hyundai SEVEN Concept is a whopping 3.2 metres long – creating a vast spacious interior, with a sustainable lounge-like feel that offers ultimate levels of comfort.
The Pillarless Coach Doors offer a grand entrance, while the ultra-slim cockpit and integrated screens create a minimalist, futuristic and relaxing driving position. When the swivelling lounge chairs up-front are turned 180 degrees, they work with the Universal Island console, Smart Hub Graphic Interface and curved rear bench to create a warm social area for autonomous driving where families and colleagues can relax, work or simply chat. The built-in mini fridge offers cold refreshments, while the clever shoe-care compartment refreshes passengers’ footwear.
Eco-friendly materials are used throughout the Hyundai SEVEN Concept to help make the car’s end-to-end lifecycle even more sustainable, while class-leading Hygiene Airflow System and UVC Sterilisation lights help keep the interior clean and hygienic.
While the Hyundai SEVEN is still only a concept at this stage, it demonstrates advanced features and design that drivers can possibly look forward to experiencing in future Hyundais.
Hyundai NEXO: a new perspective on sustainable driving
Finally for eco-conscious company car drivers and fleet managers, the hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo offers a truly unique take on sustainable company car technology.
Hyundai has long been a pace-setter in electrification, but it also knows that electric power isn’t the only option for reducing the impact of our journeys. Low-carbon hydrogen offers an incredibly compelling alternative – both now, and in the future – for meeting our broader zero-carbon ambitions.
Like electric cars, hydrogen-powered cars produce no harmful tailpipe emissions, only emitting water vapour and warm air. Hydrogen-powered cars also offer impressive range between refills. Crucially, they’re considerably quicker to top up than electric cars, letting you get on the move again much faster.
The Hyundai Nexo’s next-generation ix35 hydrogen Fuel Cell powers an electric motor which delivers a truly relaxing EV-like driving feel and true zero emissions journeys without the need to plug in. With pace-setting efficiency of 60% and consumption of just 0.95kg per 100km, the Hyundai Nexo offers a class-leading range of 413 miles on one tank of hydrogen, with a refill time of just five minutes.
When it comes to refills, there may only currently be around 15 hydrogen filling stations in the UK, but that could expand fast with increased government investment in hydrogen infrastructure. Equally, the benefit of hydrogen power for company car user choosers or fleet managers is that a business can have a centralised hydrogen filling station at its head office. Using this, a fleet driver covering 15,000 miles a year in the Hyundai Nexo could do around 10 days of driving before needing another hydrogen refill.
Alongside its innovative and efficient hydrogen power, the Hyundai Nexo offers all the great features company car drivers have come to expect from Hyundai. Its smooth, seamless SUV design has been engineered to increase aerodynamic efficiency and boost range, while features like the front light bar and flush door handles bring a dash of futuristic style.
Inside, the Nexo offers five comfortable seats and up to 461 litres of versatile boot space – plenty for a family trip away. Up front, the crisp 12.3in touchscreen makes navigating your favourite infotainment a breeze, while the 7.0-inch driver’s display projects important driving information. Equally, Hyundai’s SmartSense safety features are all present to keep you and your passengers safe, while a raft of advanced autonomous driving features, like Remote Smart Parking Assist, help take the stress out of your daily commute.
So, whether it’s the sleek Hyundai Ioniq 6, the futuristic Hyundai SEVEN Concept or the innovative and class-leading hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo, it’s clear that Hyundai is truly looking forward and shaping the future of company cars. What’s your next drive?
