Hyundai Ioniq 5 crowned ‘Car of the Year’

The stunning all-new Hyundai Ioniq 5 has scooped a remarkable four wins at the prestigious Auto Express New Car Awards 2021, including the coveted Car of the Year title.

Hyundai’s acclaimed electric vehicle (EV) also picked up trophies for Premium Electric Car and Mid-size Company Car, as well as the Design Award, as voted for by Auto Express readers.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 wowed the Auto Express judges with its blend of style, comfort, engaging driving experience and cutting-edge technology.

“When we first saw the Concept 45 that previewed the Ioniq 5, we knew it would be something special,” said Steve Fowler, Auto Express editor-in-chief and chair of the judging team.

“We’ve watched the story unfold with huge interest, culminating in a memorable first drive of the car in the UK. It delivers on styling, driver appeal and quality.

“When it comes to the tech, Hyundai has already proven to be a leader in the EV space – and the Ioniq 5 takes it one step further. It’s a brilliant car.”

Remarkably, the Korean brand also won two other categories, taking the Hot Hatch of the Year award for its i20 N, while the Tucson was named Mid-size SUV of the Year.

Ashley Andrew, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK, added: “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 a industry-beating product.”

Auto Express New Car Awards Winners 2021

• City Car of the Year – Fiat 500 Electric
• Supermini of the Year – Renault Clio
• Family Car of the Year – Skoda Octavia
• Estate Car of the Year – Skoda Octavia Estate
• Small Company Car of the Year – Volkswagen ID.3
• Mid-size Company Car of the Year – Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Large Company Car of the Year – Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Small SUV of the Year – Renault Captur
• Mid-size SUV of the Year – Hyundai Tucson
• Large SUV of the Year – SEAT Tarraco
• Small Premium SUV of the Year – Mercedes-Benz GLA
• Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year – Land Rover Defender
• Large Premium SUV of the Year – BMW X5
• Luxury Car of the Year – Bentley Flying Spur
• Hot Hatch of the Year – Hyundai i20 N
• Coupé of the Year – Alpine A110
• Convertible of the Year – MINI Convertible
• Performance Car of the Year – Toyota GR Yaris
• Affordable Electric Car of the Year – Renault Zoe
• Premium Electric Car of the Year – Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year – Toyota Yaris
• Premium Hybrid Car of the Year – Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Pick-up of the Year – Ford Ranger
• Electric Van of the Year – Vauxhall Vivaro-e
• Van of the Year – Ford Transit Custom
• Design Award – Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Technology Award – Citroen Ami
• Hall of Fame – Adrian Hallmark & Richard Parry-Jones
• Car of the Year – Hyundai Ioniq 5