[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”brand-names” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Tesla Model 3 Performance | Hyundai Ioniq 5 N<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-4-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-4″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”article-title” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”44px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
RAPID<\/span> CHARGERS<\/h1>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-introv2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Tesla\u2019s new Model 3 Performance takes on our favourite hot EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-byline” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Words<\/b><\/span> Chris Chilton
<\/span>Photography<\/b><\/span> Jordan Butters<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”text-with-dropcap” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
S<\/span>uck, squeeze, bang, blow. Unleash the full motherload in one of 2024\u2019s obscenely fast EVs and that pithy description of a four-stroke combustion cycle feels like it\u2019s been repurposed for the electric age, except it\u2019s the driver doing the heavy breathing, not the car. It starts with a get-ready intake of breath and a here-goes-everything push on the right pedal, and ends with a dazed exhalation 200 metres further down the road.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
We all know that even some ordinary EVs have been able to embarrass supposedly rapid combustion-powered heroes for years away from the lights. But it\u2019s only recently that car makers have begun to market fully-formed electric performance cars for the enthusiast market. Cars like the Ioniq 5 N \u2013 the car that came out top of the EVs for Petrolheads shootout in the June issue of CAR, which here takes on the latest version of Tesla\u2019s fastest small car, the Model 3 Performance.<\/p>\n
This pair look like hatchbacks and accelerate like supercars, when they\u2019re neither. The \u00a365,000 Ioniq 5 N crossover is the first hot EV from a sub-brand now focusing purely on electric. And the Model 3 Performance is a \u00a359,990 saloon that\u2019s twice as rapid as the base car.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s been a 3 Performance on Tesla\u2019s books since 2018, but beyond its ability to turn your internal organs into minute steak it never felt different enough from the already fast and longer-legged dual-motor variants to justify the additional expense. While some buyers probably love the stealthy presentation, most drivers thinking of jumping ship from a BMW M car or AMG expect more than simply NASA launch-grade acceleration. More visual attitude, more ego stroking from the interior appointments, tangible handling benefits. Recognisable and kudos-earning performance branding.<\/p>\n
The new Model 3 flagship goes some way to answering those complaints. It\u2019s still called Performance, rather then taking the Plaid name used by the naughtiest S and X models, meaning Tesla hasn\u2019t yet united its fast cars under a common brand. But this time there are some helpful visual telltales. Like all new Highland-generation Model 3s, the 2024 Performance gets a pointier beak with slimmer headlights that make it look less cute and more cut-throat. The Performance gets a bespoke front bumper with vents at each corner, which along with a blacked-out lower section and small splitter helps distinguish it from the base and Long Range models.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Ioniq 5 N is the first hot EV from a sub-brand now focused solely on electric<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-19-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-19″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-21-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-21″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-1-copy.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-1 copy” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-11-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-11″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Clockwise from top left: Hyundai seats include recycled materials; gone are the days when fast cars were all loud; Tesla is longer, lower and lighter than the Ioniq; bigger brakes and red calipers for Performance<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Other clues include handsome 20-inch wheels with aero covers placed between the spokes rather than the 18s (and optional 19s) on the cheaper cars, bigger brakes with red calipers, and a confusingly Plaid-looking badge and neat little carbon lip spoiler on a bootlid that\u2019s still crying out to be a hatch, and still isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Think of the Performance as a regular Model 3 viewed through one of those Snapchat filters that makes your skin subtly smoother and cheekbones more chiselled, but not one that makes you look like you just got back from a fortnight in Istanbul where the doctor signed you up for everything on the menu.<\/p>\n
No, the Ioniq isn\u2019t subtle, the weird drain-cover grille above the front bumper, trademark red N detail lines and in particular the huge and very shiny black plastic lower bumper section making it look like it was designed to appeal to six-year-olds.<\/p>\n
But there\u2019s a real sense of fun about the shouty go-faster styling add-ons that even big kids can get behind. And real substance to back it up. Compared with the regular Ioniq 5\u2019s, the bodyshell is welded and glued for extra strength, the suspension subframes reinforced, the wider-track suspension has new arms, springs, adaptive dampers and bushes, and the steering rack is faster and fastened more securely.<\/p>\n
The non-N line-up starts with a single electric motor and a feeble 168bhp, which can be upped to 225bhp via a long-range battery or transformed into a 321bhp dual-motor EV that hits 62mph in under 5.0 seconds. Not bad, while not being bad-ass enough to cut it as a performance car these days, so the N gets more electric ponies. An entire western\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Ioniq\u2019s near-McLaren F1 pace is not enough to shake the Tesla<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-6.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-6″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-15-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-\u00a9JORDAN-BUTTERS-15″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-12.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-12″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Clockwise from top: Model 3 interior more minimal than ever, for better or worse; roomy, but not as roomy as the Hyundai; hatchback proportions, but SUV dimensions<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\nA 223bhp front motor and 378bhp rear motor buddy-up to generate 601bhp, the kind of muscle that can snap your neck back hard when you floor the accelerator. And unlike less potent EVs, it maintains that push long after you think it\u2019ll fade. Come up behind a cyclist or dawdling tractor on a country road \u2013 the kind of situation when you need to explode from 10 mph to 50mph in an instant, but never can, even in the fastest combustion cars \u2013 and when you nail the throttle the N won\u2019t fail to win you over.<\/p>\n
And we haven\u2019t even got to THE RED BUTTON yet. Extend your right thumb to press the NGB (N Grin Boost) tab and you unlock an extra 40bhp for 10 seconds. There\u2019s absolutely no occasion when you need it, but plenty when you\u2019ll use it anyway, because it\u2019s so addictive it makes a crack habit feel like a take-it-or-leave-it social smoking hobby.<\/p>\n
Deploy the lot from rest and you\u2019ll hit 62mph in only 3.4 seconds and the standing quarter mile in a hair over 11 seconds, a smidge of torque steer gently jiggling the wheel in your hands. That\u2019s damn near McLaren F1 pace. But it\u2019s still not enough to shake the Tesla.<\/p>\n
The mid-ranking dual-motor Model 3 stomps to 62mph in only 4.4sec, but the Performance drops the sprint time to 3.1 seconds with a powertrain that\u2019s rated at 453bhp here but 510bhp in the same spec in the US. It seems unfathomable that its Model S Plaid big brother is almost 50 per cent quicker again.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
There\u2019s absolutely no occasion when you need the extra 40bhp from pressing the red button<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-16-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-16″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-17-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-17″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-3-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-3″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Clockwise from top: very different companies; both make great cars; tail lights changed with Highland facelift, a bit; it stands for N Grin Boost. Cringey but effective<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
But despite the potential to shock, the Performance is entirely capable of mooching along like a regular Model 3, with only the slightly fidgety ride and pleasing hug of the not-a-Plaid-branded sports seats in the sterile cabin reminding you that you\u2019re not in a humble single-motor car. There\u2019s almost no indication from the driver\u2019s seat of what\u2019ll happen when you dip into the power until you do, and in Chill mode even maximum acceleration is modest. <\/p>\n
But Insane mode really is that, to the point where this morning\u2019s breakfast starts making noises about planning to pull a U-turn. And that feeling of wanting to change direction really does follow through to the rest of the Tesla experience. It\u2019s incredibly eager to turn into corners, but that comes at the expense of a slightly nervous feel that probably isn\u2019t an issue on fast, smooth curves, but makes the 3 feel a little edgy on a bumpy B-road.<\/p>\n
And it\u2019s not the only trait that might make you think twice about opening the taps on a road without lots of visibility ahead. It\u2019s good to know that there\u2019s plenty of regenerative braking power available, because while the trad brakes can haul the 3 up from huge speeds without breaking sweat, the pedal needs a big shove, and the feel doesn\u2019t inspire confidence.<\/p>\n
Iffy brake feel is nothing new in EVs and hybrids, which often struggle to blend the efforts of the motors and the old-fashioned friction-based stoppers. But the Hyundai nails it with brakes that have enough bite at a light push without feeling jumpy or inconsistent. They just feel right from the get-go.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s the N all over. It fills you with confidence the moment you start to lean on it. You know, the way the best petrol-powered hatches do. It has tremendous straight-line stability, so much that it\u2019s borderline inert at motorway speeds, but still manages to feel lively on twisty roads. Not as lively as the Tesla, but you\u2019re thankful for that when you\u2019re really exploring the right pedal\u2019s arc, never knowing exactly what\u2019s around the next corner that might force you to change your line.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Performance is entirely capable of mooching along like a regular Model 3<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-7-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-7″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-23-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-23″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-9e.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-9e” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Clockwise from top: in any other context this would look minimal. But next to the Tesla it looks conventional, even cluttered; brakes combine power, feel and energy regen; it\u2019s all-wheel drive, but not too buttoned down<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Shame the steering doesn\u2019t key you into the action a little more clearly. It\u2019s accurate and well weighted, and feels more natural than the Tesla\u2019s, but you never get the sense that you\u2019re connected to the tarmac the way you do in the very best driver\u2019s cars. And on narrow B-roads you never forget that the Ioniq 5 is 63mm wider than the Model 3. Seen in isolation it might not be obviously an SUV, but the girth and the 2235kg kerbweight (almost 400kg heavier than the Model 3) ensure it is.<\/p>\n
As on the Model 3 Performance, you can tweak the Ioniq\u2019s front-to-rear torque bias \u2013 though you never really shuffle the torque, only reduce it at one end to exaggerate the effect at the other \u2013 and the Hyundai lets you save your favourite powertrain and chassis configurations so that you can call them up whenever you want via a button on the lower left of the steering wheel. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s nothing new, but the button\u2019s mirror image on the lower right of the wheel is. Press it and the Ioniq does its best impression of a petrol car, giving you eight pretend gears to play with, an imaginary 8000rpm revcounter and three different fake engine sounds to pick from, or the option to mute them altogether.<\/p>\n
The idea of slogging up a hill in a pretend fourth gear, denying yourself the true push available, seems at first perverse \u2013 what next, an electronic choke lever for cold starts? \u2013 but it\u2019s genius. We found ourselves flicking between EV and fake engine modes, depending on our mood, and far more often than we toggle between two- and all-wheel drive in an xDrive BMW M car. You can even blip the throttle in traffic.<\/p>\n
Those cheesy sound effects need work, mind, so you might be thankful for the mute option. Because it\u2019s not only you that can hear them, but everyone outside, too. If we\u2019re playing pretend petrols, then why not give us some genuine soundtracks, Hyundai? Maybe we could even download new ones from an app store updated a few times a year.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The idea of fake gears in the Ioniq seems perverse but in fact it\u2019s genius<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-14-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-14″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-20-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-20″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-2-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Clockwise from top: not that Tesla worries about other car makers, but it\u2019s risen well to the challenge posed by Hyundai; very close on paper, even closer on the road; your one-stop-shop for Tesla facts and figures<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
But even ignoring the driver toys, the Ioniq\u2019s interior has plenty to offer. Much like the way the N moves down the road, there\u2019s a reassuring familiarity about the controls that you don\u2019t get in the Tesla. The 3 is blighted with terrible steering-wheel-mounted indicator controls (an enterprising third party already has a retrofit column stalk in development) and asks you to spend too much time looking at the centre screen, including just to see how fast you\u2019re going \u2013 a handy thing to know in a car this quick.<\/p>\n
The Hyundai\u2019s centre screen is frustratingly more of a stretch away, but the interface is well thought out, there are plenty of hard keys below and the already fine Ioniq\u2019s interior is peppered with smart N details, including a fantastic set of seats to remind you where your money went even when you\u2019re crawling through traffic.<\/p>\n
Tall rear-seat passengers who find the reasonably roomy Tesla too tight will be delighted by the Hyundai \u2013 it\u2019s huge back there. Although the Ioniq\u2019s hatch opening gives it an advantage over the Tesla\u2019s old-fashioned boot, the Model 3\u2019s cargo area is bigger than the Hyundai\u2019s, and the 5 N doesn\u2019t have a frunk, unlike the Tesla, and unlike the non-N Ioniq 5 with its single rear motor.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not the only practicality win for the Tesla. The Performance has a 328-mile WLTP range, which is down from 390 miles for the \u00a310k cheaper bi-motor Long Range, but makes a mockery of the Hyundai\u2019s 278-mile rating. And those are make-believe official numbers, remember. You\u2019ll get at least 250 real miles out of the Model 3 but only 200 out of the Ioniq. And if you\u2019re only filling to 80 per cent, budget for plenty of stops on longer journeys. Both cars can handle 250kW of charge, meaning stops are at least brief, if you can find suitable chargers, which is often easier for Model 3 drivers, thanks to the Supercharger network.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll get at least 250 real miles out of the Model 3 but only 200 out of the Ioniq<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-13-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-13″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-18-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-18″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-5-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-24-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-24″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Clockwise from top left: Tesla gains Track driving mode\u2026 for the track; wireless charger effective and easy to access; non-N models have been facelifted; still striking; earshifts add a bonus degree of involvement<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#111111″ divider_weight=”10px” module_class=”divider-heavy” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_class=”final-reckoning” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_weight=”3px” module_class=”divider-thin” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-ranking” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#d19707″ header_2_font_size=”36px” header_3_font=”|700||on|||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#d19707″ header_3_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Final Reckoning<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800||on|||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”40px” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
TOSS A COIN AND YOU WON’T BE WRONG<\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-22.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-22″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Imagine jumping back in time 20 years and telling your retro self that one of 2024\u2019s hottest performance cars is an electric Hyundai that costs as much as a proper six-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive coupe from BMW\u2019s M division (don\u2019t say M2, which will just be confusing). And the other is named after some long-dead Serbian inventor. Young you would think old you had lost a few marbles in the Time Tunnel.<\/p>\n
But here in the present, we no longer bat an eyelid at that kind of thing. Hyundai and Tesla both have enough brand credibility and engineering know-how to create fast EVs that are exciting enough to make even some diehard petrol fans think about switching sides.<\/p>\n
Those drivers might have considered Tesla\u2019s Model 3 Performance before, but the facelifted car is better in almost every way. It has more power, which it didn\u2019t really need, and a better-quality interior and a stronger visual presence, which it did. Grip and body control are both tangibly better and Tesla has built in extra configurability of the handling and powertrain set-ups with things like track and drift modes.<\/p>\n
Realistically, you\u2019ll almost never use those, or the similar features in the Ioniq 5 N, but we guarantee you\u2019ll love the Hyundai\u2019s simulated manual transmission and probably find yourself engaging it regularly. Because it makes the N fun in a way most EVs, which rely so heavily on their instant response to deliver thrills, aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n
But forget the gadgety stuff and the Ioniq still does the business. It\u2019s hugely roomier and the interior delivers a ton more of that feelgood factor performance cars need. We\u2019d happily trade the Model 3\u2019s slight accelerative advantage for the Hyundai\u2019s simpler control interface and more welcoming driving environment.<\/p>\n
And when it comes down to it, the Ioniq delivers where it matters. It does feel wide, but it masks its weight well and gives you the stability and brake feel to let you explore everything the bi-motor drivetrain can throw at you. If you still don\u2019t think EVs can cut is as fully-rounded fast cars, this is the one that will change your mind.<\/p>\n
There are, though, three reasons to give the Tesla the nod. You might prefer its sleeper styling and you\u2019ll definitely prefer its \u00a35k cheaper sticker price and much longer (but still not long enough) driving range. We\u2019ll take the Hyundai, thanks, but in black to dial down the styling, on a PCP, where it comes in cheaper than the Tesla. But we\u2019ll do it with the knowledge that there are going to be days when that lack of range will drive us mad. We think it\u2019ll be worth it.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”brand-rundown” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-ranking” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#d19707″ header_2_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”15px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
1st<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-vehicle-name” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600||on|||||” text_text_color=”#4484c6″ text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The most fun you can have in an EV, but get used to opening that charging flap. Fun manual option only builds on excellent basic dynamic package<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/star.png\")
\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/star-outline.png\")
<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-ranking” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#d19707″ header_2_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”15px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
2nd<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-vehicle-name” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600||on|||||” text_text_color=”#4484c6″ text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Much-improved Model 3 Performance gains speed and quality, but feels more skittish than the Hyundai and lacks its sense of fun. If the Ioniq\u2019s range is a concern, this is your car<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”facts-figures” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/eeee.jpg” title_text=”eeee” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800||on|||||” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Facts & Figures<\/span> | TESLA MODEL 3<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#4484c6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
What’s the line-up?<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
This is the most potent and most expensive Model 3, the \u00a359,990 Performance version, which can hit 62mph in 3.1sec. A less powerful Long Range model gets a similar bi-motor, all-wheel-drive set-up for \u00a349,990 and can still reach 62mph in 4.2sec, or there\u2019s a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version for \u00a339,990.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#4484c6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Data<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Price<\/b> \u00a359,990 (\u00a361,990 as tested)
Powertrain<\/b> 78kWh battery, dual e-motors, all-wheel drive
Performance<\/b> 453bhp, n\/a torque, 3.1sec 0-62mph, 163mph
Weight<\/b> 1851kg
Efficiency<\/b> 3.7 miles per kWh (official, combined), 3.3 miles per kWh (tested, gentle A-roads), 2.5 miles per kWh (tested, rapid B-roads), range 328 miles
Length\/width\/height<\/b> 4720\/2089\/1431mm
Boot capacity<\/b> 594 litres (plus 88-litre frunk)<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”facts-figures” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/ffff.jpg” title_text=”ffff” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800||on|||||” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Facts & Figures<\/span> | HYUNDAI IONIQ 5\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#4484c6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
What’s the line-up?<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The regular Ioniq 5 line-up starts at \u00a343k for a humble single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model and hits \u00a358k for a full-loaded 322bhp dual-motor Namsan Edition. The financial stretch from there to the \u00a365,000 N isn\u2019t that big, but the performance gulf is huge thanks to a 641bhp powertrain that delivers 62mph in 3.4sec.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#4484c6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Data<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Price<\/b> \u00a365,000 (\u00a365,900 as tested)
Powertrain<\/b> 84kWh battery, dual e-motors, all-wheel drive
Performance<\/b> 641bhp, 546lb ft, 3.4sec 0-62mph, 161mph
Weight<\/b> 2235kg
Efficiency<\/b> 2.9 miles per kWh (official, combined), 2.7 miles per kWh (tested, gentle A-roads), 1.9 miles per kWh (tested, rapid B-roads), range 278 miles
Length\/width\/height<\/b> 4715\/2152\/1585mm
Boot capacity<\/b> 480 litres<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_weight=”3px” module_class=”divider-thin” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Suck, squeeze, bang, blow. Unleash the full motherload in one of 2024\u2019s obscenely fast EVs<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-giant-test"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"kschwarz","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=782"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":789,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782\/revisions\/789"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/span>Photography<\/b><\/span> Jordan Butters<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”text-with-dropcap” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
S<\/span>uck, squeeze, bang, blow. Unleash the full motherload in one of 2024\u2019s obscenely fast EVs and that pithy description of a four-stroke combustion cycle feels like it\u2019s been repurposed for the electric age, except it\u2019s the driver doing the heavy breathing, not the car. It starts with a get-ready intake of breath and a here-goes-everything push on the right pedal, and ends with a dazed exhalation 200 metres further down the road.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We all know that even some ordinary EVs have been able to embarrass supposedly rapid combustion-powered heroes for years away from the lights. But it\u2019s only recently that car makers have begun to market fully-formed electric performance cars for the enthusiast market. Cars like the Ioniq 5 N \u2013 the car that came out top of the EVs for Petrolheads shootout in the June issue of CAR, which here takes on the latest version of Tesla\u2019s fastest small car, the Model 3 Performance.<\/p>\n This pair look like hatchbacks and accelerate like supercars, when they\u2019re neither. The \u00a365,000 Ioniq 5 N crossover is the first hot EV from a sub-brand now focusing purely on electric. And the Model 3 Performance is a \u00a359,990 saloon that\u2019s twice as rapid as the base car.<\/p>\n There\u2019s been a 3 Performance on Tesla\u2019s books since 2018, but beyond its ability to turn your internal organs into minute steak it never felt different enough from the already fast and longer-legged dual-motor variants to justify the additional expense. While some buyers probably love the stealthy presentation, most drivers thinking of jumping ship from a BMW M car or AMG expect more than simply NASA launch-grade acceleration. More visual attitude, more ego stroking from the interior appointments, tangible handling benefits. Recognisable and kudos-earning performance branding.<\/p>\n The new Model 3 flagship goes some way to answering those complaints. It\u2019s still called Performance, rather then taking the Plaid name used by the naughtiest S and X models, meaning Tesla hasn\u2019t yet united its fast cars under a common brand. But this time there are some helpful visual telltales. Like all new Highland-generation Model 3s, the 2024 Performance gets a pointier beak with slimmer headlights that make it look less cute and more cut-throat. The Performance gets a bespoke front bumper with vents at each corner, which along with a blacked-out lower section and small splitter helps distinguish it from the base and Long Range models.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Ioniq 5 N is the first hot EV from a sub-brand now focused solely on electric<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-19-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-19″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-21-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-21″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-1-copy.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-1 copy” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-11-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-11″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clockwise from top left: Hyundai seats include recycled materials; gone are the days when fast cars were all loud; Tesla is longer, lower and lighter than the Ioniq; bigger brakes and red calipers for Performance<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Other clues include handsome 20-inch wheels with aero covers placed between the spokes rather than the 18s (and optional 19s) on the cheaper cars, bigger brakes with red calipers, and a confusingly Plaid-looking badge and neat little carbon lip spoiler on a bootlid that\u2019s still crying out to be a hatch, and still isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Think of the Performance as a regular Model 3 viewed through one of those Snapchat filters that makes your skin subtly smoother and cheekbones more chiselled, but not one that makes you look like you just got back from a fortnight in Istanbul where the doctor signed you up for everything on the menu.<\/p>\n No, the Ioniq isn\u2019t subtle, the weird drain-cover grille above the front bumper, trademark red N detail lines and in particular the huge and very shiny black plastic lower bumper section making it look like it was designed to appeal to six-year-olds.<\/p>\n But there\u2019s a real sense of fun about the shouty go-faster styling add-ons that even big kids can get behind. And real substance to back it up. Compared with the regular Ioniq 5\u2019s, the bodyshell is welded and glued for extra strength, the suspension subframes reinforced, the wider-track suspension has new arms, springs, adaptive dampers and bushes, and the steering rack is faster and fastened more securely.<\/p>\n The non-N line-up starts with a single electric motor and a feeble 168bhp, which can be upped to 225bhp via a long-range battery or transformed into a 321bhp dual-motor EV that hits 62mph in under 5.0 seconds. Not bad, while not being bad-ass enough to cut it as a performance car these days, so the N gets more electric ponies. An entire western\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Ioniq\u2019s near-McLaren F1 pace is not enough to shake the Tesla<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-6.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-6″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-15-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-\u00a9JORDAN-BUTTERS-15″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-12.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-12″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clockwise from top: Model 3 interior more minimal than ever, for better or worse; roomy, but not as roomy as the Hyundai; hatchback proportions, but SUV dimensions<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \nA 223bhp front motor and 378bhp rear motor buddy-up to generate 601bhp, the kind of muscle that can snap your neck back hard when you floor the accelerator. And unlike less potent EVs, it maintains that push long after you think it\u2019ll fade. Come up behind a cyclist or dawdling tractor on a country road \u2013 the kind of situation when you need to explode from 10 mph to 50mph in an instant, but never can, even in the fastest combustion cars \u2013 and when you nail the throttle the N won\u2019t fail to win you over.<\/p>\n And we haven\u2019t even got to THE RED BUTTON yet. Extend your right thumb to press the NGB (N Grin Boost) tab and you unlock an extra 40bhp for 10 seconds. There\u2019s absolutely no occasion when you need it, but plenty when you\u2019ll use it anyway, because it\u2019s so addictive it makes a crack habit feel like a take-it-or-leave-it social smoking hobby.<\/p>\n Deploy the lot from rest and you\u2019ll hit 62mph in only 3.4 seconds and the standing quarter mile in a hair over 11 seconds, a smidge of torque steer gently jiggling the wheel in your hands. That\u2019s damn near McLaren F1 pace. But it\u2019s still not enough to shake the Tesla.<\/p>\n The mid-ranking dual-motor Model 3 stomps to 62mph in only 4.4sec, but the Performance drops the sprint time to 3.1 seconds with a powertrain that\u2019s rated at 453bhp here but 510bhp in the same spec in the US. It seems unfathomable that its Model S Plaid big brother is almost 50 per cent quicker again.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There\u2019s absolutely no occasion when you need the extra 40bhp from pressing the red button<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-16-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-16″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-17-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-17″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-3-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-3″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clockwise from top: very different companies; both make great cars; tail lights changed with Highland facelift, a bit; it stands for N Grin Boost. Cringey but effective<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n But despite the potential to shock, the Performance is entirely capable of mooching along like a regular Model 3, with only the slightly fidgety ride and pleasing hug of the not-a-Plaid-branded sports seats in the sterile cabin reminding you that you\u2019re not in a humble single-motor car. There\u2019s almost no indication from the driver\u2019s seat of what\u2019ll happen when you dip into the power until you do, and in Chill mode even maximum acceleration is modest. <\/p>\n But Insane mode really is that, to the point where this morning\u2019s breakfast starts making noises about planning to pull a U-turn. And that feeling of wanting to change direction really does follow through to the rest of the Tesla experience. It\u2019s incredibly eager to turn into corners, but that comes at the expense of a slightly nervous feel that probably isn\u2019t an issue on fast, smooth curves, but makes the 3 feel a little edgy on a bumpy B-road.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s not the only trait that might make you think twice about opening the taps on a road without lots of visibility ahead. It\u2019s good to know that there\u2019s plenty of regenerative braking power available, because while the trad brakes can haul the 3 up from huge speeds without breaking sweat, the pedal needs a big shove, and the feel doesn\u2019t inspire confidence.<\/p>\n Iffy brake feel is nothing new in EVs and hybrids, which often struggle to blend the efforts of the motors and the old-fashioned friction-based stoppers. But the Hyundai nails it with brakes that have enough bite at a light push without feeling jumpy or inconsistent. They just feel right from the get-go.<\/p>\n And that\u2019s the N all over. It fills you with confidence the moment you start to lean on it. You know, the way the best petrol-powered hatches do. It has tremendous straight-line stability, so much that it\u2019s borderline inert at motorway speeds, but still manages to feel lively on twisty roads. Not as lively as the Tesla, but you\u2019re thankful for that when you\u2019re really exploring the right pedal\u2019s arc, never knowing exactly what\u2019s around the next corner that might force you to change your line.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Performance is entirely capable of mooching along like a regular Model 3<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-7-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-7″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-23-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-23″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-9e.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-9e” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clockwise from top: in any other context this would look minimal. But next to the Tesla it looks conventional, even cluttered; brakes combine power, feel and energy regen; it\u2019s all-wheel drive, but not too buttoned down<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Shame the steering doesn\u2019t key you into the action a little more clearly. It\u2019s accurate and well weighted, and feels more natural than the Tesla\u2019s, but you never get the sense that you\u2019re connected to the tarmac the way you do in the very best driver\u2019s cars. And on narrow B-roads you never forget that the Ioniq 5 is 63mm wider than the Model 3. Seen in isolation it might not be obviously an SUV, but the girth and the 2235kg kerbweight (almost 400kg heavier than the Model 3) ensure it is.<\/p>\n As on the Model 3 Performance, you can tweak the Ioniq\u2019s front-to-rear torque bias \u2013 though you never really shuffle the torque, only reduce it at one end to exaggerate the effect at the other \u2013 and the Hyundai lets you save your favourite powertrain and chassis configurations so that you can call them up whenever you want via a button on the lower left of the steering wheel. <\/p>\n That\u2019s nothing new, but the button\u2019s mirror image on the lower right of the wheel is. Press it and the Ioniq does its best impression of a petrol car, giving you eight pretend gears to play with, an imaginary 8000rpm revcounter and three different fake engine sounds to pick from, or the option to mute them altogether.<\/p>\n The idea of slogging up a hill in a pretend fourth gear, denying yourself the true push available, seems at first perverse \u2013 what next, an electronic choke lever for cold starts? \u2013 but it\u2019s genius. We found ourselves flicking between EV and fake engine modes, depending on our mood, and far more often than we toggle between two- and all-wheel drive in an xDrive BMW M car. You can even blip the throttle in traffic.<\/p>\n Those cheesy sound effects need work, mind, so you might be thankful for the mute option. Because it\u2019s not only you that can hear them, but everyone outside, too. If we\u2019re playing pretend petrols, then why not give us some genuine soundtracks, Hyundai? Maybe we could even download new ones from an app store updated a few times a year.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The idea of fake gears in the Ioniq seems perverse but in fact it\u2019s genius<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-14-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-14″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-20-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-20″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-2-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clockwise from top: not that Tesla worries about other car makers, but it\u2019s risen well to the challenge posed by Hyundai; very close on paper, even closer on the road; your one-stop-shop for Tesla facts and figures<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n But even ignoring the driver toys, the Ioniq\u2019s interior has plenty to offer. Much like the way the N moves down the road, there\u2019s a reassuring familiarity about the controls that you don\u2019t get in the Tesla. The 3 is blighted with terrible steering-wheel-mounted indicator controls (an enterprising third party already has a retrofit column stalk in development) and asks you to spend too much time looking at the centre screen, including just to see how fast you\u2019re going \u2013 a handy thing to know in a car this quick.<\/p>\n The Hyundai\u2019s centre screen is frustratingly more of a stretch away, but the interface is well thought out, there are plenty of hard keys below and the already fine Ioniq\u2019s interior is peppered with smart N details, including a fantastic set of seats to remind you where your money went even when you\u2019re crawling through traffic.<\/p>\n Tall rear-seat passengers who find the reasonably roomy Tesla too tight will be delighted by the Hyundai \u2013 it\u2019s huge back there. Although the Ioniq\u2019s hatch opening gives it an advantage over the Tesla\u2019s old-fashioned boot, the Model 3\u2019s cargo area is bigger than the Hyundai\u2019s, and the 5 N doesn\u2019t have a frunk, unlike the Tesla, and unlike the non-N Ioniq 5 with its single rear motor.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not the only practicality win for the Tesla. The Performance has a 328-mile WLTP range, which is down from 390 miles for the \u00a310k cheaper bi-motor Long Range, but makes a mockery of the Hyundai\u2019s 278-mile rating. And those are make-believe official numbers, remember. You\u2019ll get at least 250 real miles out of the Model 3 but only 200 out of the Ioniq. And if you\u2019re only filling to 80 per cent, budget for plenty of stops on longer journeys. Both cars can handle 250kW of charge, meaning stops are at least brief, if you can find suitable chargers, which is often easier for Model 3 drivers, thanks to the Supercharger network.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You\u2019ll get at least 250 real miles out of the Model 3 but only 200 out of the Ioniq<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-13-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-13″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-18-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-18″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-5-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-24-1.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-24″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clockwise from top left: Tesla gains Track driving mode\u2026 for the track; wireless charger effective and easy to access; non-N models have been facelifted; still striking; earshifts add a bonus degree of involvement<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#111111″ divider_weight=”10px” module_class=”divider-heavy” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_class=”final-reckoning” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_weight=”3px” module_class=”divider-thin” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-ranking” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#d19707″ header_2_font_size=”36px” header_3_font=”|700||on|||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#d19707″ header_3_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800||on|||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”40px” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/WEB-TESLA3-vs-HYUNDAI-IONIQ5N-CAR-MAGAZINE-%C2%A9JORDAN-BUTTERS-22.jpg” title_text=”WEB TESLA3 vs HYUNDAI IONIQ5N CAR MAGAZINE \u00a9JORDAN BUTTERS-22″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Imagine jumping back in time 20 years and telling your retro self that one of 2024\u2019s hottest performance cars is an electric Hyundai that costs as much as a proper six-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive coupe from BMW\u2019s M division (don\u2019t say M2, which will just be confusing). And the other is named after some long-dead Serbian inventor. Young you would think old you had lost a few marbles in the Time Tunnel.<\/p>\n But here in the present, we no longer bat an eyelid at that kind of thing. Hyundai and Tesla both have enough brand credibility and engineering know-how to create fast EVs that are exciting enough to make even some diehard petrol fans think about switching sides.<\/p>\n Those drivers might have considered Tesla\u2019s Model 3 Performance before, but the facelifted car is better in almost every way. It has more power, which it didn\u2019t really need, and a better-quality interior and a stronger visual presence, which it did. Grip and body control are both tangibly better and Tesla has built in extra configurability of the handling and powertrain set-ups with things like track and drift modes.<\/p>\n Realistically, you\u2019ll almost never use those, or the similar features in the Ioniq 5 N, but we guarantee you\u2019ll love the Hyundai\u2019s simulated manual transmission and probably find yourself engaging it regularly. Because it makes the N fun in a way most EVs, which rely so heavily on their instant response to deliver thrills, aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n But forget the gadgety stuff and the Ioniq still does the business. It\u2019s hugely roomier and the interior delivers a ton more of that feelgood factor performance cars need. We\u2019d happily trade the Model 3\u2019s slight accelerative advantage for the Hyundai\u2019s simpler control interface and more welcoming driving environment.<\/p>\n And when it comes down to it, the Ioniq delivers where it matters. It does feel wide, but it masks its weight well and gives you the stability and brake feel to let you explore everything the bi-motor drivetrain can throw at you. If you still don\u2019t think EVs can cut is as fully-rounded fast cars, this is the one that will change your mind.<\/p>\n There are, though, three reasons to give the Tesla the nod. You might prefer its sleeper styling and you\u2019ll definitely prefer its \u00a35k cheaper sticker price and much longer (but still not long enough) driving range. We\u2019ll take the Hyundai, thanks, but in black to dial down the styling, on a PCP, where it comes in cheaper than the Tesla. But we\u2019ll do it with the knowledge that there are going to be days when that lack of range will drive us mad. We think it\u2019ll be worth it.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”brand-rundown” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-ranking” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#d19707″ header_2_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”15px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-vehicle-name” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600||on|||||” text_text_color=”#4484c6″ text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The most fun you can have in an EV, but get used to opening that charging flap. Fun manual option only builds on excellent basic dynamic package<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-ranking” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#d19707″ header_2_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”15px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”rundown-vehicle-name” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600||on|||||” text_text_color=”#4484c6″ text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Much-improved Model 3 Performance gains speed and quality, but feels more skittish than the Hyundai and lacks its sense of fun. If the Ioniq\u2019s range is a concern, this is your car<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”facts-figures” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/eeee.jpg” title_text=”eeee” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800||on|||||” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Facts & Figures<\/span> | TESLA MODEL 3<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#4484c6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This is the most potent and most expensive Model 3, the \u00a359,990 Performance version, which can hit 62mph in 3.1sec. A less powerful Long Range model gets a similar bi-motor, all-wheel-drive set-up for \u00a349,990 and can still reach 62mph in 4.2sec, or there\u2019s a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version for \u00a339,990.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#4484c6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Price<\/b> \u00a359,990 (\u00a361,990 as tested) [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”facts-figures” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/ffff.jpg” title_text=”ffff” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800||on|||||” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Facts & Figures<\/span> | HYUNDAI IONIQ 5\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#4484c6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The regular Ioniq 5 line-up starts at \u00a343k for a humble single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model and hits \u00a358k for a full-loaded 322bhp dual-motor Namsan Edition. The financial stretch from there to the \u00a365,000 N isn\u2019t that big, but the performance gulf is huge thanks to a 641bhp powertrain that delivers 62mph in 3.4sec.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#4484c6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Price<\/b> \u00a365,000 (\u00a365,900 as tested) [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_weight=”3px” module_class=”divider-thin” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Suck, squeeze, bang, blow. Unleash the full motherload in one of 2024\u2019s obscenely fast EVs<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-giant-test"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"kschwarz","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=782"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":789,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782\/revisions\/789"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}The Final Reckoning<\/span><\/h3>\n
TOSS A COIN AND YOU WON’T BE WRONG<\/h2>\n
1st<\/span><\/h2>\n
\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n2nd<\/span><\/h2>\n
\t\t\t\t<\/div>\nWhat’s the line-up?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Data<\/span><\/h3>\n
Powertrain<\/b> 78kWh battery, dual e-motors, all-wheel drive
Performance<\/b> 453bhp, n\/a torque, 3.1sec 0-62mph, 163mph
Weight<\/b> 1851kg
Efficiency<\/b> 3.7 miles per kWh (official, combined), 3.3 miles per kWh (tested, gentle A-roads), 2.5 miles per kWh (tested, rapid B-roads), range 328 miles
Length\/width\/height<\/b> 4720\/2089\/1431mm
Boot capacity<\/b> 594 litres (plus 88-litre frunk)<\/span><\/p>\nWhat’s the line-up?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Data<\/span><\/h3>\n
Powertrain<\/b> 84kWh battery, dual e-motors, all-wheel drive
Performance<\/b> 641bhp, 546lb ft, 3.4sec 0-62mph, 161mph
Weight<\/b> 2235kg
Efficiency<\/b> 2.9 miles per kWh (official, combined), 2.7 miles per kWh (tested, gentle A-roads), 1.9 miles per kWh (tested, rapid B-roads), range 278 miles
Length\/width\/height<\/b> 4715\/2152\/1585mm
Boot capacity<\/b> 480 litres<\/span><\/p>\n