With the retro futuristic Ioniq 5 hatch, Hyundai proved that it is at the top of the EV game. The hatch not only looks good, but all versions have decent EV range, offer super-fast charging speeds and has an imaginatively styled interior. 

Now Hyundai wants a piece of the highly competitive compact executive class and the Ioniq 6 is the result. The Ioniq 5 demonstrated the confidence Hyundai had in its new product, with its own sense of style for the exterior and interior. The Ioniq 6 is more of the same, but the 6 looks very different in the metal to the 5.

Where the 5 was edgy and retro, the 6 is sleeker and modern. Dubbed the 'streamliner' design, at the front there are faired-in headlights, plus a deep front air dam with silver edging and clever flaps that open to cool the battery. 

The silhouette is lower and more tapered from the side, with the same flush door handles, silver detailing carrying on down the skirts and standard 20in alloy wheels to fill the arches.

Most distinctive from the back, the 6 has a raked style, with not one, but two rear spoilers, a clear light bar stretching across the rear and more silver detailing for the rear apron. 

Inside the Ioniq 6 is more conventionally styled than the Ioniq 5. Seating is lower, but I wish it dropped further. The switchgear and infotainment screens are largely in the same place as the Ioniq 5, but the feel is different. The dashboard has gained wings on both sides and there's a full-length centre console. We're fans of the design of the door cards - they look like ripples on water. The four lights in the steering wheel horn push, which indicate the state of the battery, and changes colour according to drive mode. 

Move to the rear of the Ioniq 6, and, like the 5, the amount of legroom impresses - although taller passengers might find their heads brushing the headlining, which may prove uncomfortable on long trips. The 401-litre boot is a good size and deep, but its practicality is hindered by the high loading lip and smaller opening. 

Based on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 5, mechanically the Ioniq 6 is the same. Only available with the larger 77kWh battery, and with the choice of 228hp and 350Nm rear-wheel drive versions (like we have here), or the more powerful, all-wheel drive models with 325hp and 605Nm. Both versions of the Ioniq 6 have standard 800V charging, meaning 350kW ultra-fast charging compatibility and a standard battery heating system to optimise charging times. 

However, thanks to its slippery design and its 0.21 coefficient figure, this rear-drive version can do 338 miles between charges - much more than the 5, although the temperature was low when we drove this car and the range was saying closer to 250 miles. 

With its 7.4 second 0-62mph acceleration figure the 6 isn't slow off the mark. My first observation was how much stiffer the damping was, adding to the grown-up feel. This generally works well, but at low speeds on pot-holed urban roads, it can feel stiff and uncomfortable. This is a shame, as elsewhere, the steering is reasonably sharp and despite the considerable weight, it's a decent handler, surprisingly playful and involving. Rumours are that the smaller 18in wheels might be offered as an option in the UK, which will help with the ride.