2017 Hyundai Ioniq delivers eco driving in 3 flavors (pictures)

Hyundai's compact Ioniq will do battle on three fronts when it completes its staged rollout.

The hatchback will simultaneously take on the likes of the Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt.

That's because the Ioniq will be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric flavors.

Hyundai claims that this marks the first time that a single model has been offered with three alternative fuel options.

The model launch will start with the 1.6-liter gasoline hybrid model. Its gasoline and electric motors make 104 horsepower and 43 horsepower (32 kW), respectively.

The next stage in the rollout will be a plug-in hybrid model that ups battery capacity and delivers improved electric-only driving range compared to the conventional hybrid.

The hybrid and plug-in both feature the same gasoline engine, but differ on the electrified side of the equation.

And both hybrid models will utilize a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission to send power to the front wheels.

Expect the Ioniq to boast a healthy offering of driver aid technologies, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The plug-in model boasts a more powerful 60 horsepower (45 kW) electric motor and a larger 8.9 kWh lithium ion battery pack (up from 1.6 kWh in the convention hybrid).

Hyundai is targeting 31 miles of electrified range from the plug-in.

The aerodynamic profile affords all of the Ioniq models a low 0.24 coefficient of drag. Less air resistance means more efficient motoring.

A high tail end is certainly evocative of other slippery eco cars like Toyota's Prius and the Chevrolet Volt.

A rear camera is integrated into the pull for the liftback.

The fully electric Ioniq ditches the internal combustion engine in favor of a 118-horsepower (88 kW) electric motor.

With less need for cooling, the Ioniq electric also features a unique closed grille.

A single-speed gearbox sends power to the front wheels.

And the lithium ion battery pack is upgraded to a large 28 kWh unit that promises 155 miles of electric range.

Need to juice up quickly? A 100 kW fast charger allows the battery to be filled to 80 percent capacity in under half an hour.

In the dashboard is a 7-inch version of Hyundai's Blue Link infotainment system. Expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality to be offered at launch.

Users of compatible phones will also be able to take advantage of wireless inductive charging in the lower dashboard.

A flat bottom steering wheel seems to evokes a sporty look.

The Ioniq is underpinned by the same electrified vehicle platform that we've seen on the upcoming Kia Niro dedicated hybrid model.

In addition to the unique grille and badging, the Ioniq electric boasts copper color accents on its chin spoiler and body kit.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models feature blue accents instead.

"Ioniq is an important step forward for our brand in Europe. We are bringing a unique new approach to e-mobility, without compromising on design, driving pleasure and new connectivity features. And we're making it accessible to more customers by further extending our product line-up," said Jochen Sengpiehl, vice president of marketing at Hyundai Motor Europe.