IONIQ 5 N Wins TopGear's 2023 Car of the Year
Hyundai's IONIQ 5 N electric hyperhatch has had a remarkable beginning, earning the prestigious Car of the Year title at the 2023 TopGear.com Awards. This impressive vehicle was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. It received widespread acclaim for its appeal to driving enthusiasts and its role as a technological blueprint for the Hyundai N division's electric vehicle future.
This high-performance model combines the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the standard IONIQ 5, the 2022 World Car of the Year, with N's motorsport-inspired technologies. This fusion takes the joy of driving to new heights, leading TopGear's expert judges to recognise it as the best Car of the past year.
Top Gear writer and Car of the Year Juror Paul Horrell praised Hyundai's engineers for making the IONIQ 5 N feel like an exciting petrol-powered car. The vehicle leverages the digital capabilities of electric vehicles to provide a wide range of adjustable parameters, delivering an unexpectedly exhilarating experience on both road and track.
The IONIQ 5 N's victory marks the second time in three years that a Hyundai N car has been awarded the Top Gear Car of the Year, following the i20 N in 2021.
Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company, expressed gratitude for the honour. They emphasised Hyundai N's commitment to delivering high-performance electric vehicles.
Key technical advancements in the IONIQ 5 N include a powertrain with impressive power output, enhanced battery cooling, and braking performance. The electric motors can rev up to 21,000 RPM, providing up to 478 kW of power when the N Grin Boost (NGB) feature is engaged. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.4 seconds, and the Car can reach a top speed of 260 km/h on tracks.
Enhancements like a reinforced steering column, Electronic Controlled Suspension, N Pedal, and fully variable front and rear N Torque Distribution ensure a memorable driving experience. The N e-shift simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, adding to the emotional engagement of this performance EV.
This award from TopGear.com adds to Hyundai's impressive list of accolades, with various models earning recognition in multiple categories over the past year, further solidifying Hyundai's position in the automotive industry.
