The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has been named 'Best EV Hot Hatch' in the 2024 TopGear.com Electric Awards, organised by TopGear. This is the second TopGear award for the IONIQ 5 N, having been named Car of the Year at the 2023 TopGear.com Awards in November last year.
The win is significant as it brings the momentum back to the UK after being named World Performance Car of the Year at the 2024 World Car Awards in March.
"In a market where hot hatch all-electric vehicles are few and far between, Hyundai has hit the nail on the head," said Top Gear Editor-in-Chief Jack Rix. "The Ioniq 5 N sets the benchmark for high-performance electric vehicles with its superior performance and unrivalled emotion."
On the same day, the IONIQ 5 N was named the World's Best Electric Performance Car by fellow British automotive publication CAR Magazine. CAR Magazine said that the IONIQ 5 N, along with the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, Pininfarina Batista and Tesla Model S Flood, were rigorously evaluated on the Nürburgring circuit in Germany and surrounding roads, and the IONIQ 5 N was selected.
"Despite the lack of an engine and transmission, the IONIQ 5 N feels like driving an internal combustion engine," said Ben Miller, editor of Car Magazine. "The car's stable cornering, precise handling and virtual engine sounds make it a lot of fun to drive and keep you entertained."
"The Ioniq 5 N is a true game-changer in the age of electrification," said Ashley Andrew, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK. "We are delighted to have been recognised for its excellence against more expensive competitors and will continue to lead the high-performance electric vehicle market with the Ioniq 5 N."
The IONIQ 5 N is an iconic model that signals the implementation of Hyundai's core electrification strategy, Hyundai Motor Way, which actively promotes flexible electrification by inheriting its past heritage, and is the first high-performance electric vehicle under the N brand to incorporate Hyundai's advanced electrification technologies to push driving performance to the extreme.
It also boasts a maximum power output of 650 hp (in boost mode) and maximum torque of 78.5 kg-m, thanks to a high-performance all-wheel drive system. In addition, it is equipped with a variety of high-performance EV N-exclusive technologies, including an 84-kWh high-powered battery and a high-performance EV-specific thermal management control system.
Hyundai has won this award by applying its experience in numerous motorsport competitions and the technology of its N high-performance models with internal combustion engines to the IONIQ 5 N, providing driving pleasure and driving feel that will not change in the era of electrification and pioneering a new field of high-performance electric vehicles.
"We are very pleased that the Ioniq 5 N has been recognised in the UK as well, building on the momentum of winning the World Performance Car of the Year award," said Hyundai Motor UK. "We will continue to satisfy our customers and perform well through our unrelenting efforts to provide an exciting driving experience even in the age of electrification."
Top Gear magazine, meanwhile, is one of the UK's four leading motoring publications, having been established in 1993 and providing comparative reviews, test drives and car buying advice for the general public. Car magazine was founded in 1962 and has been influential in shaping motoring journalism in the UK, known for its detailed vehicle comparisons and cover stories that delve into car culture.
Article roadtesting editorial (dhseo1208@gmail.com)
Photo Hyundai Motor Company
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