Hyundai Ioniq 5 named Car of the Year

Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 5 has been named Car of the Year at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2021.

The model also won the Mid-Size Company Car category, as well as the categories for Premium Electric Car, and Best Design.

Two other Hyundai models won categories, with the Hyundai Tucson being named Best Mid-Size SUV and the sporty Hyundai i20N carrying off the Hot Hatchback trophy.

Every car on sale in the UK is eligible for the annual Auto Express New Car Awards, which were first held in 1993. The awards are judged by Auto Express’ highly experienced panel of road testers, chaired by the editor-in-chief, Steve Fowler.

“When we first saw the Concept 45 that previewed the Ioniq 5, we knew the production car would be something special,” commented Fowler.

“The IONIQ 5 delivers on styling, quality, driver appeal and quality. Hyundai has already proven to be a technology leader in the Electric Vehicle space, and the IONIQ 5 takes it one step further. It’s a brilliant car.”

The futuristic-looking Hyundai Ioniq 5 is based upon Hyundai’s breakthrough Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which delivers faster charging, increased driving range, superior handling and more interior space.

In addition to revolutionising sustainable mobility, the Ioniq 5 offers an interior that provides a whole new in-car experience – redefining living space and moving space. Environmentally friendly materials, such as eco-processed leather and recycled yarn, are used extensively in the Ioniq 5.

Offered with a range of electric powertrains and two- and four-wheel drive configurations, the Ioniq 5 is able to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, accelerate from 0-62mph in as little as 5.2 seconds and travel up to 298 miles on a single charge.

Ashley Andrew, managing director of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the six awards bestowed by Auto Express.

“For the Ioniq 5 to be named Car of the Year alongside three other category wins shows just how far Hyundai has come on its pioneering sustainable mobility journey. With the IONIQ 5, we set out to create one of the world’s best electric cars – nothing less.

“The reaction from our customers, and now from the uncompromising critics at Auto Express, shows we have delivered an industry-beating product.”