This week's used car buying guide centres around the 2016-2020 Hyundai Ioniq, a hybrid C-segment sedan that today can be had for prices one would pay for brand-new local hatchbacks. Keen? Read on...

The Hyundai Ioniq range in Malaysia

The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid was first launched in Malaysia in November 2016, locally-assembled (CKD) in Kulim. It's also the only other plant to produce the model aside from Hyundai's Ulsan plant in Korea.

Our time with it however stops in 2020, and Malaysia missing out on the facelifted model that was introduced globally that year. Your choices are then locked in to the pre-update models that came in two variants: the HEV, and the HEV+.

Regardless, both variants share the same petrol-electric hybrid powertrain under the hood. A 1.6-litre Kappa GDI, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine does most of the heavy lifting, with the Atkinson cycle mill producing 105 PS at 5,700 rpm and 147 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Paired to that is an electric motor with 44 PS and 170 Nm, a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, and a six-speed dry-type dual-clutch (DCT) automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Combined system output is 141 PS and 265 Nm.

Also read: Used hybrids are really cheap, so should you buy a used Toyota Prius, Camry Hybrid or Honda Insight?

Besides powering the traction motor, the high-discharge battery also powers the electric air-cond compressor and hybrid starter and generator (HSG).

But if you buy one of these, we'd sooner bet that speed isn't a priority – fuel efficiency is. It's not unusual to eke out sub-5 litres/100 km (as tested, your mileage may vary based on driving styles and routes), but the bottomline is that the Ioniq is a properly efficient ride.

Prices of used Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

You'd best be fast if you want one, as there's not exactly an overabundance of them. At point of publishing Carlist has twenty-odd units listed, with prices hovering between RM 59,000 for a 2016 model to RM 68,000 for one from 2018.

Keep an eye out on Carsome too for more examples as their inventory adds up. For a limited time, get up to RM 1,500 more in cash offers when you trade in your existing car for a new Carsome car. 

Maintenance and common problems

The important bit first: no recalls were announced for it in the Malaysian market. Other than minor annoyances and regular wear-and-tear parts, the Ioniq proves to be quite the problem-free car.

That said, most complaints from owners revolve around the door handles and exterior buttons. Missing rubber buttons (for the keyless entry), broken door handles, and the rubber boot release button tearing are most frequently talked about in owner groups.

Also read: Owner Review: My N-Line IONIQ that never existed- 2016 Hyundai IONIQ 1.6 GDI Hybrid

These replacements can be sourced via third parties (and replaced by yourself), which are generally the cheaper option than authorised service centres. Prices for these parts range from RM 30 to RM 100. Our opinion? Better these than other pricier problems...

Wear and tear items are mainly quoted to be the shock absorbers. These are around RM 480 per piece, and factoring in installation it can set you back roughly RM 2,000.

Also read: Owner Review: The unorthodox choice made with sensible factors: My 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 HEV+

On the flipside, HSDM bundled the Ioniq with a 5-year/300,000 km warranty, so you can still find units having official warranty coverage. 

As for the traction battery, there is a 8-year/unlimited mileage warranty for them, so even if you buy a 2016 car, it should still be covered.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the Hyundai Ioniq is one of the most efficient and versatile options you can get for the money. A relatively problem-free, spacious hatchback (it's about the size of a Civic FC/Corolla Altis) that's also a fuel sipper, what's not to like?

Plus a large majority of them in the market still have official warranty coverage, so you're also buying a relatively safe option.