HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 NAMED AUTO EXPRESS CAR OF THE YEAR

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