Hyundai IONIQ 5 wins AA Driven Luxury category

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 battery electric vehicle (BEV) has won the luxury category in the 2021 AA Driven car of the year award. 

According to Hyundai New Zealand these awards focus on the best new cars on sale, not just from the past 12 months and assess a full range of criteria, from price and value, to safety, equipment, technology, and driving dynamics.

“The team at Hyundai New Zealand are thrilled to accept the 2021 AA Driven car of the year luxury award for a model that represents Hyundai’s progressive design and advanced technology. This model reflects the premium product we have in our range now and represents the new era of electric vehicles for our brand,” says Hyundai New Zealand general manager passenger cars Chris Blair.

Blair says the IONIQ 5’s overall package did not only convince the AA Driven jury, it is also very popular with customers having leaped to third place in total battery electric (BEV) sales for the month of November.

“Hyundai and luxury may not immediately spring to mind, but the IONIQ 5 reinforces the association, with a premium and futuristic feel both inside and outside, and a combination of advanced technology, and simply being fun and feel-good to drive,” says Driven editor and judge Dean Evans.

“The IONIQ 5 securing a win in the ‘Luxury’ category reinforces the premium product Hyundai produces. As a Kiwi-owned distributor, we pride ourselves in bringing vehicles to New Zealand that meet customer needs and wants. The higher specification vehicles resonate well with Kiwis and are a more affordable luxury option than the traditional luxury brands in the New Zealand car market,” Chris Blair says. 

The IONIQ 5 was also recognised as one of three finalists in contention for the overall AA DRIVEN NZ Car of the Year 2021 title.

Globally, the IONIQ 5 has won many awards in design, technology, and electric categories since it launched globally earlier this year. Last month the IONIQ 5 elevated itself above luxury segment EV finalists to win carsales Car of the Year 2021. Judges said IONIQ 5 is the “coolest Hyundai ever” from “one of the industry’s most exciting brands” attracting “more top votes than any model in the history of the award.”

The IONIQ 5 is also one of ten finalists in the New Zealand Car of the Year award which will be announced by the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild in February 2022. 

The IONIQ 5 range in New Zealand is available with six models, comes in both 2WD and AWD options, and gives the choice between a 58kWh or 72.6kWh battery size.