All-electric car scoops top award
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 has beaten off competition from dozens of rivals to scoop the top gong in a UK magazine’s annual new car awards.
The all-electric model has landed the Auto Express Car of the Year 2021 title at a time when the range of choice for electric-vehicle (EV) buyers in the UK has dramatically increased.
Judges tested a range of new releases, ranging from sensible electric cars to wild sports cars, before deciding on the winners in a number of categories that reflect today’s market and what consumers are buying.
In announcing the winner, Auto Express says: “The Ioniq 5 truly excels on so many fronts. Firstly, there’s the design; it looks unlike anything else on the road, yet without being contrived or awkward.
“The cabin is another triumph, making the most of the car’s electric architecture to offer limo-like legroom in a bright, lounge-like space.”
The magazine also praises the car’s infotainment technology, the way it handles and its electrical set-up.
“The Ioniq 5 uses tech that until now has been the preserve of EVs costing twice as much, including its 800-volt electrical system. Equipped with the largest 73kWh battery, the car will cover up to 298 miles (480km) on a charge, while the most potent model sprints from 0-62mph (0-100kph) in 5.2 seconds.
“Unlike many modern cars, it doesn’t focus on a sporty ride, and instead takes a softer, more relaxed approach, so it’s a wonderful long-distance cruiser.”
Award winners
Car of the Year 2021: Hyundai Ioniq 5
City Car of the Year 2021: Fiat 500
Supermini of the Year 2021: Renault Clio
Family Car of the Year 2021: Skoda Octavia
Estate Car of the Year 2021: Skoda Octavia Estate
Small Company Car of the Year 2021: Volkswagen ID.3
Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2021: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Large Company Car of the Year 2021: Mercedes E-Class
Small SUV of the Year 2021: Renault Captur
Mid-size SUV of the Year 2021: Hyundai Tucson
Large SUV of the Year 2021: SEAT Tarraco
Small Premium SUV of the Year 2021: Mercedes GLA
Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year 2021: Land Rover Defender
Large Premium SUV of the Year 2021: BMW X5
Luxury Car of the Year 2021: Bentley Flying Spur
Hot Hatch of the Year 2021: Hyundai i20 N
Coupe of the Year 2021: Alpine A110
Convertible of the Year 2021: MINI Convertible
Performance Car of the Year 2021: Toyota GR Yaris
Affordable Electric Car of the Year 2021: Renault Zoe
Premium Electric Car of the Year 2021: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year 2021: Toyota Yaris
Premium Hybrid Car of the Year 2021: Mercedes E-Class
Pick-up of the Year 2021: Ford Ranger
Van of the Year 2021: Ford Transit Custom
Electric Van of the Year 2021: Vauxhall Vivaro-e
Design Award 2021: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Technology Award 2021: Citroen Ami
