Hyundai IONIQ 5 N named 2023 Car of the Year by TopGear

South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group announced on Thursday that Hyundai Motor Co.'s IONIQ 5 N electric vehicle has been named Car of the Year and Kia Corp.'s EV9 electric SUV has won Family Car of the Year at the 2023 TopGear.com Awards.

The IONIQ 5 N, the first high-performance electric vehicle from Hyundai's N brand, seamlessly blends the company's advanced electrification technology with exhilarating driving performance.

"Hyundai's engineers initially aimed to create an IONIQ 5 N that felt like a powerful gasoline car, but they were ultimately convinced by the potential of electrification," said Paul Horrell, TopGear writer and Car of the Year Juror.

"As a result, the IONIQ 5 N delivers an exceptional driving experience on both roads and tracks, surpassing all expectations for a large EV. It's simply a blast to drive, without any reservations about being an EV. It marks a new era for electric cars, and consequently, for cars in general."

The EV9, built on Kia's E-GMP electric vehicle platform, impressed Top Gear's judges with its combination of family-oriented spaciousness, extended driving range, cutting-edge in-car technology, and innovative design and sustainability features.

"We appreciate the EV9's laid-back attitude and its breezy, American surfing vibe," said Ollie Kew, Deputy Editor of Top Gear. "It exudes style and functionality, boasting features like massaging seats, ample storage compartments, and effortless automatic seat folding. It embodies the successful fusion of environmental consciousness and luxury."

TopGear, one of the UK's leading automotive magazines, provides comprehensive information on new cars, comparative evaluations of competing models, test drives, and vehicle purchase guidance for general consumers.

This marks the second consecutive year that Hyundai Motor Group has garnered multiple accolades at the TopGear Awards. In 2022, the Hyundai N Vision 74 secured the Instant Icon Award, and Kia was recognized as Manufacturer of the Year.

Write to Sung-Su Bae at bae@hankyung.com