LEATHERHEAD/SEOUL - The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has continued its phenomenal run of success by being named the best electric performance car in the world by CAR Magazine.
* High-performance Hyundai crowned winner of CAR's definitive hot EV test
* Beats rivals from both established and new premium brands in seven-car shoot-out
* Hailed by CAR as a 'scintillating hot hatch' that begs to have its limits explored
* IONIQ 5 N is available to order from GBP65,000
CAR's team of experts reached their verdict after conducting the title's first in-depth test of hot EVs since 2022 at Germany's iconic Nurburgring circuit and on the roads surrounding it. The seven-car shoot-out featured models from a variety of brands, including established premium manufacturers and the world's most high-profile EV-only makers.
Despite facing models with significantly higher price tags, including one hypercar that costs in excess of GBP2 million, it was the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N that was acclaimed as the best buy by the test team, who described it as a thrilling hot hatchback reminiscent of old-school combustion-engined cars.
Ben Miller, CAR Magazine Editor, said 'What a difference two years makes. The quality of the field versus 2022 defies belief, and the EV is finally starting to evolve as a driving machine. Among a host of great cars, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N proved scintillating from behind the wheel, driving like a love letter to some of the great four-wheel-drive hot hatches of the past and present, despite lacking an engine and gearbox.'
'It's a car you drive as much with the throttle pedal as the steering wheel, and it begs to have its limits explored, flattering the driver like few we've ever had the good fortune to experience. Turn-in is sharp and accurate, the steering precise and rich in feel and there's magic in the chassis. Plus, it's genius in the way it produces a cacophonous soundtrack that really does resemble a highly strung forced-induction petrol engine being worked hard. The IONIQ 5 N is brimming with original thinking and a sense of fun, and Hyundai deserves great praise for putting it into production.'
The high-performance model is based on the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the standard IONIQ 5 - the 2022 World Car of the Year - and integrates the motorsport-bred technologies and expertise of Hyundai's N division to take driving fun to a new level.
Among a host of key technical advances is a powertrain which delivers greater power output and enhanced performance in battery cooling and braking. The IONIQ 5 N's electric motors spin up to 21,000 RPM, providing up to 609 PS in normal conditions, or 650 PS when the car's N Grin Boost (NGB) feature is engaged, maximising acceleration for up to 10 seconds. 0-62mph is achievable in 3.4 seconds, while a top speed of 161mph is attainable on tracks.
Other upgrades include a strengthened steering column for improved feedback, Electronic Controlled Suspension that adapts suspension stiffness according to the drive mode, and a suite of sophisticated electronic control technology in the E-GMP platform. Highlights include N Pedal, an intelligent software function that provides instant turn-in and enhanced throttle sensitivity for exhilarating cornering, and fully variable front and rear N Torque Distribution.
The IONIQ 5 N also sets a new benchmark in terms of emotional engagement for a performance EV, courtesy of N e-shift, which simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission of internal combustion engine N cars, while the addictive soundtrack that so impressed CAR's judges comes via groundbreaking N Active Sound+ technology.
Although it has only been on sale for a matter of months, the IONIQ 5 N has already collected some prestigious accolades, including recently being crowned World Performance Car in the World Car Awards. In December it was named TopGear.com's overall 2023 Car of the Year, and it followed that up earlier in May by being crowned Best EV Hot Hatch in the TopGear.com Electric Awards. The IONIQ 5 N has also made history at the Nurburgring, where it recorded the fastest electric SUV lap time with Germany's Sport Auto.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said 'The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N was created to deliver the most exhilarating drive from an electric car, and this latest recognition from CAR Magazine demonstrates yet again what a wonderful piece of engineering it is. The fact that it is taking on and beating significantly more expensive performance EVs is a source of great pride, and it also sets an extremely high benchmark for future electrified performance cars.'
For more information on the IONIQ 5 N, which is available to order from GBP65,000, visit www.hyundai.co.uk
CAR Magazine's test of the world's greatest electric performance cars features in the June issue, which will be on sale from May 8.
About Hyundai Motor Company
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision 'Progress for Humanity,' Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies.
More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/ or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai
About Hyundai Motor Europe HQ
Hyundai Motor Europe HQ was formally established in 2000 with its main office in Offenbach, Germany. It is the regional headquarters responsible for selling vehicles in 47 European countries through 2,279 sales outlets, holding a 4.2 per cent market share in the first three quarters of 2023. More than 70 per cent of the vehicles Hyundai sold in the region are models engineered, tested, and built in Europe to meet the needs of European customers, served by the company's Czech and Turkish production plants.
In the third quarter of 2023, around 16.1 per cent of Hyundai cars sold in Europe were zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles (BEVs and FCEVs), including respective World Car of the Year 2022 and 2023 winners IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. This makes Hyundai one of the leading manufacturers in terms of fleet share as well as total sales of zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles in Europe, as the company transitions to becoming a Smart Mobility Solutions Provider.
More information about Hyundai Motor Europe HQ and its products is available at www.hyundai.news. Follow Hyundai Motor Europe HQ on Twitter @HyundaiEurope and Instagram @Hyundai.Europe
About Hyundai Motor UK
Hyundai has sold vehicles in the UK since 1982 with its UK HQ based in Leatherhead, Surrey. As of February 2024, Hyundai has one of the youngest product ranges of any manufacturer, with almost all models younger than a year old. Hyundai is a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, including the fully electric, multi award winning IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and KONA Electric ranges and second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle NEXO, as well as its advanced hybrid and plug-in hybrid Tucson and Santa Fe models. All new passenger cars come with Hyundai's unique Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty package, providing customers with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage, roadside assistance package, five years of vehicle health checks and an EV High Voltage battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles. Buyers of used Hyundai models are also protected by the industry leading Hyundai Promise Approved Used Cars program.
Hyundai Motor UK sales grew 8.3% year-on-year during 2023, selling 87,100 vehicles in 2024, with TUCSON leading the surge, as both the best-selling Hyundai model and the 2nd best-selling hybrid in the UK. 75% of Hyundai Motor UK's 2023 sales were of SUVs and 48% Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or Electric. TUCSON shines yet again, with TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid selling 6,073 units during 2023 - an increase of 88% year-on-year.
Contact:
Sumin Joo
Global PR Contents Team / Hyundai Motor Company
sumin.joo@hyundai.com
Natasha Waddington
Head of PR / Hyundai Motor UK
natasha.waddington@hyundai.co.uk
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