The new Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid.

[BlasTerJaxX-]

Like almost all hybrids, the Ioniq takes a couple hours to recalibrate to -- the brakes, accelerator and even the steering, all of which are just video-gamey enough to require conscious retraining before you can drive it smoothly and “normally;” once you’ve acclimated yourself, though, it’s a great-driving little ecomiser. I commuted twice in traffic, and then hauled a trio of kids to gymnastics class, and by the time I turned it in the following morning it was as natural to drive as any good compact. Plus, despite some jackrabbit launches using the Sport mode (hardly sporty, but it’ll get you moving in a hurry), I averaged a very impressive 51.3 mpg in roughly 80 miles of driving.

Hyundai doesn’t have fuel prices working in its favor, but the fact that the Ioniq’s most direct competitor, the Toyota Prius, was absolutely pummeled by the ugly stick in its latest redesign should work in its favor. Green-leaning consumers who can’t stomach the sight of a Prius will find the Ioniq just unconventional enough in exterior design to deliver some quirk factor without compromising fuel economy.

It’s a solid effort by Hyundai, and a great time to go after the class leader while it’s vulnerable. I’m looking forward to trying the plug-in model and the pure EV.