Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 Models Win Debut Best Cars of the Year Award
• Hyundai Motor Group wins top honors at 2021/2022 ‘Best Cars of the Year’ awards for the first time
• Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 EVs beat new models from well-known premium brands including Audi and Porsche to share the title
• Impressive win at debut ‘Best Cars of the Year’ award further highlights Hyundai and Kia’s leadership in sustainable mobility technology
• The panel of judges includes recognized experts from the global automotive industry with a wealth of experience in design, manufacturing, racing, media and consumer technology.
Hyundai Motor Group’s innovative electric vehicles, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 models, have won top honors at the first-ever Best Cars of the Year award. The jury of judges singled out the winners against the background of other competitors for the high level of quality, innovative solutions, design and unique technologies that are characteristic of the leaders of the global automotive industry. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 took home the 2021/2022 Car of the Year award, beating new models from prestigious premium brands including the Audi e-tron, Ford Mustang Mach-e and Porsche Taycan. Each place in the TOP-10 of the competition was taken by a representative of a separate brand from six countries located on three main continents – leaders in car production – in Asia, Europe and North America.
The new prestigious professional award serves as further evidence of the Group’s successful implementation of the Group’s sustainable mobility vision and recognition of the growing leadership of the Hyundai and Kia brands in the industry. “We are proud that two models of our first battery electric vehicles on a dedicated platform shared the title of the first ever Car of the Year,” said Heung Soo Kim, Head of Electric Vehicles Business Unit, Hyundai Motor Group. “This award not only demonstrates the global recognition of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 electric vehicles, but also confirms the correctness of our electrification strategy. In the coming years, the world will see even more worthy electric vehicles under the auspices of both brands.”
World Champion Level
The Hyundai IONIQ 5, introduced in 2021, is the first model of a dedicated range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) under the separate IONIQ brand. The exterior of the IONIQ 5 is a modern take on retro design, featuring the first full-width Clamshell hood and eye-catching V-shaped elements with uniquely shaped integrated daytime running lights. The front and rear body panels form a single whole, smoothly flowing into each other in the area of the doors and representing an example of the corporate style “Parametric Dynamics” (“Parametric Dynamics”). The all-electric compact crossover is based on the E-GMP platform and features a spacious interior thanks to a 3,000 mm wheelbase and short overhangs. This combination provides the IONIQ 5 electric vehicle with unique spaciousness, excellent dynamic performance, ultra-fast charging speed and amazing comfort, making the model even more attractive.
The Kia EV6 electric crossover is also built on the innovative E-GMP platform. Its modular form and scalability allow for design freedom that helps to clearly separate Hyundai and Kia models from each other. The E-GMP platform was developed specifically for electric vehicles where the motor and drive system do not require much space. As a result, the EV6 has sleeker lines and a sleeker, sportier appearance than the Hyundai model, with comparable driving dynamics. Since its premiere in the second half of 2021, the Kia EV6 crossover has already won several international awards, acclaimed for its progressive design, unique user experience, ultra-fast 800-volt charging system, amazing driving performance and sporty character.
The purpose of the Best Cars of the Year award is to give an independent, original and completely democratic opinion about the best cars presented on the world markets.
The jury consisted of recognized experts in the automotive industry with rich experience in various fields. Among them are designers, engineers, motorsport pioneers, influential journalists, TV presenters and other professional media representatives, as well as experienced sales managers, automotive consultants, organizers of major events and car buyers. This combination of diverse knowledge, rich experience and deep understanding has helped create a true and unbiased view of the best vehicles available on the market.
As winners of the eponymous award sharing the champion title, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 models will be on display at the ‘Best Cars of the Year’ booth at the British Motor Show from 18 to 21 August 2022 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Convention Center ( Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre). The event will also mark the start of the selection, evaluation, testing and voting process for the best cars in the Best Cars of the Year 2022/2023 award.