Published at: 6th July 2021
- All-new Hyundai Ioniq 5 scoops remarkable four wins, including coveted Car of the Year crown
- Hyundai also chalks up wins for i20 N and Tucson SUV
- Best cars and vans in 27 categories named, plus special awards for individual brilliance
The all-new Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been named Car of the Year in the Auto Express New Car Awards 2021.
Hyundai’s exceptional electric model also scooped the Premium Electric Car and Mid-size Company Car awards, as well as the coveted 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.
Steve Fowler, Auto Express editor-in-chief and chair of the judging team said: “When we first saw the Concept 45 that previewed the Ioniq 5, we knew it would be something special. 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, Hyundai’s success in the 28th running of the New Car Awards didn’t end there, with the Korean brand 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, 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 a industry-beating product.”
Hyundai wasn’t the only big winner this year, though. Mercedes and Renault scooped awards in three categories, while Ford, Skoda and Toyota took two apiece.
Reflecting how the market is changing, this year saw the introduction of a raft of new categories, including awards for small, medium and large company cars, plus Electric Van of the Year, which was won by the Vauxhall Vivaro-e.
The Auto Express New Car Awards celebrate the very best cars on sale, from city cars to performance models, and are voted for by the expert reviewers at Auto Express. Every car on sale is analysed according to specific criteria, and only the very best cars make the grade.
For the full story on all the winners and commended runners-up, see the Auto Express Awards Special Issue, on sale 7 July, or go to autoexpress.co.uk/new-car-awards-2021
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