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Episode 31, Hyundai Ioniq, Pacific Coast Dream Machines

Michael James

The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq is the first “green car” that can infiltrate the dominance of the Toyota Prius. The Ioniq is available in three modes — a traditional hybrid, full-electric and plug-in hybrid.

The entry-level Ioniq plug-in hybrid Blue Line model is rated at 57 miles per gallon in city driving, 59 miles per gallon for highway treks.

Its rating is several miles per gallon higher than the best mileage in the Prius lineup. In electric mode, the Ioniq has a 27-mile range. The efficient little machine can travel nearly 700 miles using gas only.

The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq has a stylish exterior unlike many hybrid offerings.
The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq has a stylish exterior. Image @ James Raia/2018

Bruce Aldrich and I discuss the Ioniq in Episode 31 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Will the public buy the vehicle? How do its specs match up against the Prius? What else does the now two-year-old nameplate have to offer?

In this episode, we also discuss one of the country’s unique industry shows, Pacific Coast Dream Machines. The year’s show is scheduled April 29 at the Half Moon Bay Airport, about 20 miles south of San Francisco.

Now in its 28th year, Pacific Coast Dream Machines is “a massive celebration of mechanical ingenuity, power and style,” according to an event press release. The description fits. This year’s show will be the entire topic of Episode 32 of podcast, and we’ll also do live podcast interviews from the show.

Custom choppers are featured in the Pacific Coast Dream Machines show scheduled April 29 at the Half Moon Bay Airport.
Custom choppers are featured in the Pacific Coast Dream Machines show scheduled April 29 at the Half Moon Bay Airport. Image courtesy of Miramar Events.

The recent death of a woman in Tempe, Ariz., who was hit by a Volvo SUV used as an autonomous Uber vehicle remains in the news. Arizona and California have now stopped testing robot vehicles.

Bruce and I discuss the dramatic video that shows the accident and how the various companies involved in the tragedy have reacted.

As always, we appreciate you listening to our podcast. In addition to its weekly distribution on TheWeeklyDrive.com, the podcast is available for free on all major podcast platforms, including iTunes.

All previous episodes are available here: The Weekly Driver Podcast.

Please forward this episode to friends, family and colleagues. We welcome your comments.

Article Last Updated: April 2, 2018.

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