THE Hyundai IONIQ 5 all-electric family crossover has claimed the title of UK Car of the Year 2022.
The win means that battery power has triumphed over the internal combustion engine to lift the UKCOTY crown in three out of the past four years.
Electric vehicles dominated the final round of voting, with the IONIQ 5 finishing ahead of the Skoda ENYAQ, with BMW’s iX and the Taycan from Porsche in joint third place.
However, none could match the affection for the Hyundai, which follows up its category win in the Best Family class, announced on March 1.
UKCOTY Awards director John Challen said: “The IONIQ 5 feels like the future of motoring, only it’s here today.
“The design, performance and practicality make it a fantastic proposition for those looking for an EV – and also a very worthy winner of the overall title.”
Road Record’s Al Suttie, the awards co-director, added: “The IONIQ 5 is a brilliant car, pure and simple.
“Never mind that it’s an EV, this is a car you can use for everything due to its space, comfort and practicality. Of course, it works as an EV thanks to its super-quick charging ability, great range and a battery that lasts as long as it says on the gauge.
“Another reason the Hyundai scooped this year’s coveted UKCOTY top prize is because of its design. The details are all there to give it the look of a car that’s travelled from the future to show us how it should be done, and the best bit is we can have it right now.
“Driving the car is a relaxing, rewarding experience, and it’s comfortable suspension makes it ideal for dealing with Scotland’s sometimes pockmarked roads.
(Image: UKCOTY)
“The handling is nimble and, even though the IONIQ 5 is a large car, it’s easy to pilot in tight parking spaces. That size also means there’s masses of room inside for people and luggage, so the Hyundai is the ideal family car for all occasions.”
Receiving the winner’s trophy, Hyundai UK boss Ashley Andrew said: “The IONIQ 5 has really captured the attention of UK consumers, offering a stylish, premium, full-EV experience that appeals to almost every type of new-car buyer.
“Its innovative layout means its spacious enough for large families, its efficient zero emissions powertrain is perfect for company car buyers and its luxurious eco-friendly interior elevates Hyundai into a genuine premium product.
“It is a huge endorsement to receive the title of UK Car of the Year.”
Priced from £37,420, the multi-award-winning IONIQ 5 has a range of up to 298 miles and the ability to rapid charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes.
The 29-strong UKCOTY judging panel consists of experts from a diverse array of titles covering the British motoring industry, including numerous national newspapers and specialist magazines.
Mat Moakes, CEO of heycar UK – sponsor of the UKCOTY Awards – said: “We are delighted to see that Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 has been crowned overall winner.
“Hyundai’s success highlights the strengths of this exciting car, and we were particularly impressed by IONIQ 5’s charging speed.
“Despite fierce competition, Hyundai is leading the way in the electric car market with cutting-edge design and class-leading technology.
“Hyundai has presented to the world the future of electric vehicles, and thanks to the IONIQ 5, this future is looking very bright.”
● UKCOTY category winners: Best city car – Fiat 500-e, best supermini – Skoda Fabia, best small hatch – Kia Ceed, best family – Hyundai IONIQ 5, best estate – Genesis G70 Shooting Brake, best small crossover – Toyota Yaris Cross, best medium crossover – Skoda ENYAQ, best large crossover – BMW iX, best luxury – Porsche Taycan, best performance – Hyundai i20N.