HYUNDAI'S new Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid goes on sale in the UK this month priced from £24,995, including the government's £2,500 low emission car grant.

It's the South Korean car maker's third and final variant of the Ioniq line-up - the first car in the world to offer three electrified powertrains within one body type.

The other Ioniq variants are a pure electric model and a petrol/electric hybrid.

Hyundai claims the new plug-in offers up to 39 miles of pure electric driving with a total range of 680 miles.

It is powered by a 105bhp 1.6-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a 61bhp electric motor driven through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The combined system output is 141bhp.

Ultra-low CO2 emissions of 26g/km means it attracts zero-rate road tax in the first year and offers a low BIK rate of nine per cent for 2017/18.

Theoretical fuel economy is 252mpg.

Specification levels are Premium and Premium SE, with the Premium offering standard equipment including 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay connectivity and smart cruise control plus an eight-inch integrated satellite navigation unit.

The SE, which costs £26,795, adds leather seat facings, front seat ventilation, rear seat heating and an electrically-adjustable driver's seat with memory function, alloy pedals, rain-sensing wipers and other aids.

A wall charging box can be supplied and installed at the customer's home for £300, which includes standard installation.

The Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is available as standard with the Type 2 connector and an ICCB charging cable which allows the car to be plugged in to a domestic three-pin outlet when no dedicated charging points are available.

Tony Whitehorn, chief executive of Hyundai Motor UK, said: "This is an exciting addition to our electrified line-up. With up to 39 miles of electric-only power there is more than sufficient range for zero-emission daily commutes, as well as the reassurance of longer range from the hybrid powertrain when needed.

"We anticipate keen interest from private buyers and fleet users alike, given the plug-in hybrid's great value pricing and low tax rates."