Hyundai IONIQ 5 Ghost Door Review — Enhanced Closing

The IONIQ 5 Door Dilemma: Why It Doesn't Always Close Right

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, with its sleek, futuristic design, is a standout electric vehicle. However, many owners report a common annoyance: the doors don't always close properly on the first try. This often leads to needing to push the door again, sometimes with more force, to ensure it latches securely. This repeated action can put unnecessary stress on the door latch mechanism over time, potentially affecting its durability. Today, we're looking at a tuning solution called 'S-Closing' that addresses this issue at its root.

What is S-Closing? The Secret to Luxury Door Closure

S-Closing, an automatic door closing system, is a feature often found in luxury vehicles. It uses a motor to automatically pull the door shut once it's nearly closed, requiring only a gentle push from the user. The system ensures the door latches precisely and quietly. Beyond the sheer luxury, this feature enhances safety by guaranteeing the door is fully secured, preventing potential issues while driving.

How S-Closing Works on the IONIQ 5

The core of the S-Closing system involves adding a motor-driven latch mechanism to the existing factory latch. Unlike a standard mechanical latch, the motorized version can detect when the door is not fully closed. Upon sensing the door engaging with the car's striker, the motor activates.

Here's the process:

1. The door is gently pushed towards the car body.
2. As it nears the striker, the internal motor engages.
3. The motor then pulls the door the remaining distance (approximately 50mm) to achieve a complete and secure closure.

This entire process is remarkably quick, typically completing within 1 to 2 seconds.

Safety First: Anti-Pinch Functionality

S-Closing isn't just about convenience; it's also about safety. The system includes integrated safety sensors. If these sensors detect an obstruction, such as a hand or pet, during the closing process, the motor will automatically stop and reverse, reopening the door slightly. This feature provides peace of mind, especially for families with children or pets.

Installation Process: Precision and Care

The installation requires careful disassembly of the interior door panel. It's crucial to handle the plastic clips gently to avoid damage, which could lead to rattles or looseness later. Once the door trim is removed, the window mechanism, wiring, and the original door latch are exposed. The new motorized latch and motor must be precisely positioned to avoid interference with the window or wiring harnesses. This step demands significant expertise to prevent errors.

The motor is then mounted in a space within the door that doesn't interfere with the window's operation. Secure mounting is achieved using a combination of strong double-sided tape and adhesive, often reinforced with clamps to prevent any vibration, which is key for long-term reliability. This mounting process alone can take 20-30 minutes.

Finally, the wiring for the S-Closing system is integrated with the vehicle's electrical system, connecting to the door's open/close signals to ensure seamless operation.