Hyundai has won a total of four What Car? Awards at the annual Car of the Year ceremony, including three highlighting its innovation in alternative-fuelled vehicles. Chief among them was the Technology Award, handed to Hyundai for its work in electrification and the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
“Hyundai won not only for building the EV with the greatest real-world range we’ve tested so far [Kona Electric], but also for leading the way in developing the hydrogen fuel cell technology that could one day offer car buyers greater electric range without the hassle of recharging a battery,” commented the What Car? team.
Hyundai is unique in that its model range includes petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fully electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The KONA Electric is the newest fully electric model from Hyundai, joining both the IONIQ family and the forthcoming NEXO Fuel Cell Vehicle, due early this year. Kona Electric brings together the very latest in battery electric powertrain and connected technology, with an impressive all-electric driving range of 279 miles and a striking design.
What Car? experts also awarded the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid the ‘Hybrid Car of the Year’ title for the second year running, stating that it “presented the most polished all-round package” of all its competitors. With its combination of efficient 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor, the IONIQ Hybrid is capable of a 62.4mpg (WLTP) and CO2 emissions of 84g/km. The IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid was also named as What Car?’s ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid for less than £30,000’.
“We think the regular IONIQ is the best hybrid car you can buy, but it’s also among the very best plug-in hybrids at any price,” added the What Car? team.
The IONIQ family – the world’s first car to be offered with three different electrified powertrains – also includes the IONIQ Electric, which offers buyers up to 174 miles of zero emissions range, and is priced from £26,745 (including PICG).
Ashley Andrew, Hyundai Motor UK Managing Director, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to see Hyundai’s innovative work in powertrains rewarded by the most trusted name in automotive consumer publishing. Our electric and hybrid technology is entering the mainstream at an incredible pace, and our commitment to reducing emissions across our range will not stop there with a total of 18 new electrified models in the plan by 2025. ”
Hyundai’s fourth award of the evening went to the i30 N, which won What Car?’s ‘Best hot hatch for £22,000-£27,000 category’. “Hyundai’s first hot hatch is great fun to drive and comes bristling with so much kit that you don’t need to spend a penny on extras. It’s a hot hatch which pleases both head and heart,” said the What Car? judges.
Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor, said: “In a very short space of time, Hyundai has carved itself a reputation for class-leading hybrid, electric and even hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, making it a worthy winner of both our Technology Award and our Hybrid Car of the Year title. But, its work at the opposite end of the spectrum can’t be ignored; the Hyundai i30 N entered the hot hatch market with a bang, bringing with it impeccable driving dynamics and incredible value for money.”
SOURCE: Hyundai
