Hyundai Ioniq 2019 facelift seen testing on US roads

Hyundai is expected to launch an updated version of its Hyundai Ioniq late next year, with changes to the exterior design and technology upgrades.

The Toyota Prius rival has been on sale since 2016, so a mid-life refresh is on the cards for 2019. Already, spy photographers have caught a heavily disguised prototype undergoing hot weather testing in the US. 

Given the level of camouflage employed here, it's likely that there will be noticeable changes to Ioniq's front and rear-end designs in order to keep it fresh in the face of a glut of new hybrid and electric offerings on the way. Expect similar treatment for the interior, with improvements to materials and additional technology on offer. 

It's also reasonable to suggest that Hyundai will make use of developments in electric powertrain and battery technology since the car's launch, improving the electric-only ranges of the plug-in hybrid and electric variants. The regular hybrid version should also remain, meaning the Ioniq continues to be the only car to be offered with hybrid, PHEV and EV drivetrains. 

When we'll see the facelifted Ioniq is yet to be revealed, but an unveiling in the second half of 2019 fits in with the timeline. We'll see more information, plus more revealing spy shots, nearer the time.