Hyundai’s groundbreaking IONIQ 5 N has capped an astonishing 2024 by being named Britain’s Best Electric Car in the cinch Car of the Year Awards.
There was further recognition for the IONIQ 5 N from the online used car retailer in the Performance Car category, where it was a runner-up, underscoring a phenomenal year for the EV hot hatch during which it has wowed the industry, the motoring media and customers across the world.
The cinch awards are decided by its content team, and given to the cars they think particularly stand out from those they have driven in 2024.
Sam Sheehan, cinch motoring editor, said: “The IONIQ 5 N goes where no electric car has gone before, simulating the power delivery and character of a petrol engine and gearbox so authentically that you’d be convinced it was real if you didn’t know otherwise. Most impressive is how it can do this while remaining true to the Hyundai N division hot hatch formula, blending an excellent driving experience with real-world daily usability. Little wonder that the IONIQ 5 N was named our Electric Car of the Year and also came a close second in our Performance Car category.”
The high-performance model is based on the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the standard IONIQ 5, and integrates the motorsport-bred technologies and expertise of Hyundai’s N division to take driving enjoyment to a new level with its blend of innovation and old-school charm.
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.
Beyond blistering speed, 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 there’s an addictive soundtrack reminiscent of traditional emotive internal combustion engines thanks to the car’s clever N Active Sound+ technology.
The recognition from cinch follows a series of prestigious honours over the past 12 months for the IONIQ 5 N, including being crowned 2024 World Performance Car in the World Car Awards. It was also named Best EV Hot Hatch in the TopGear.com Electric Awards, Best Performance Car of 2024 by Autocar and Auto Express, and The Sunday Times’ Hot Hatch of the Year.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “The IONIQ 5 N has really raised expectations of what a high-performance EV can deliver and the fact that cinch has recognised it as the Best Electric Car on sale is a tribute to Hyundai’s leadership in this area. That’s great for buyers, and the good news is there is even more from the brand to come in 2025.”
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