Hyundai's IONIQ Makes So Much Sense I Can't Believe They Haven't Made It Yet

Hyundai announced Monday it would bring back silliness to car names and make the world’s first hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicle available in the same body, catering decadently to an individual’s fondness for electrons.

The Ioniq — which sounds like it’s spelled — will be unveiled January in South Korea and later next year in Geneva and New York. It will go on sale next year.

According to the automaker, Ioniq is the type of car people have been asking for: a model named after slightly obfuscated common words to fit with an over-stretched marketing philosophy rather than alphanumeric letters and symbols that require no creativity whatsoever. (God, I miss the Integra.)

Hyundai released a teaser image Monday that will undoubtedly be followed by a production sneak snapped by a Samsung flip phone inside a factory soon.

No powertrain information was offered from Hyundai, other than the car would be offered with either hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric powertrains. The car’s batteries will be powered by lithium-ion cells, according to Hyundai, following suit with other automakers such as Toyota that’s begun moving from nickel-metal hydride cells in hybrid cars.

According to Hyundai, the Ioniq will be on an all-new platform for the automaker.

It’s also clear from the photo that we’re probably looking at a Volt-esque hatchback, but the car clearly doesn’t have the same roofline as Kia’s newly announced Niro.

Not that one.

That one.

When it’s released, the Hyundai Ioniq will be the next in a long line of great, wonderful cars with slightly made-up names such as the Chevrolet Lumina, Buick Reatta, Oldsmobile Bravada and Alero.