HYUNDAI Motor’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) model has been accorded one of the most prestigious accolades in a car awards competition. Recently, the IONIQ 5 all-electric SUV topped other models, such as BMW iX, Land Rover Range Rover, and Renault Arkana, to win the 2022-2023 Import Car of the Year at Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY). While Hyundai’s all-electric SUV was also named one of the 10 Best Cars of the Year, this is the first time for a Korean automaker to win an award at the JCOTY.
Japan Car of the Year was established in 1980 to name the 10 Best Cars of the Year and final winners for each category after test drives and final votes from Japan Car of the Year’s Executive Committee. Vehicles released in the Japanese domestic car market between Nov. 1 of the previous year and Oct. 31 of the current year are eligible for the annual competition. Earlier in November, IONIQ 5 was selected for the 10 Best Cars for 2022-2023 from among 48 candidates.
“IONIQ 5 signals a bold new direction in electric mobility for customers in Japan and worldwide. Already the winner of prestigious global awards, including World Car of the Year, to be recognized in Japan is a significant achievement, especially against such strong competition,” said Won Sang Cho, CEO of Hyundai Mobility Japan. “Since it went on sale in Japan earlier this year, IONIQ 5 has received positive feedback from consumers who have praised the IONIQ 5’s design, engineering, and excellent driving range. We will continue to strive to contribute to the future of mobility with sincerity and humility for the Japanese market.”
The IONIQ 5 was developed based on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The model boasts a futuristic design, innovative interior space suited for various lifestyles, eco-friendly materials, dynamic driving performance, and safety. The EV also offers a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function and various driver assistance features to enhance the in-car experience for drivers and passengers.
The JCOTY Commission commented that the judges highly evaluated IONIQ 5 for its innovative exterior and interior design, outstanding driving range, and dynamic performance. They also valued its various convenience and safety features that enhance driving pleasure.
The model has earned many prestigious global awards, including World Car of the Year in April and the 2023 MotorTrend SUV of the Year in October. In addition, it has won 2022 German Car of the Year, 2022 UK Car of the year as well as 2022 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, Car & Driver’s 2022 EV of the Year, Auto Motor und Sport’s No1 electric vehicle, Auto Bild’s Best Import Car of the Year World Electric Vehicle of the year and Auto Zeitung’s best electric vehicle.
In line with Hyundai Motor’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ the company established Hyundai Mobility Japan in 2022 to provide zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to the market through an online platform designed to appeal to younger, eco-conscious Japanese customers.
Due to tied votes, 11 models won this year’s 10 Best Cars for 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year.
During last year’s 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) previewed the IONIQ 5 and presented the company as Hyundai’s new official distributor of passenger cars in the country. With a 350 kW DC charger, the IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 18 minutes. The long-range 72.6 kWh battery in the all-wheel drive version, IONIQ 5, is propelled by two electric motors (front and rear axles), providing 300 hp and 605 N-m of instant torque. On paper, acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is achieved at 5.2 seconds.
This year’s list of final winners:
2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year:
Nissan SAKURA, Mitsubishi Ek X EV
2022-2023 Japan Import
Car of the Year:
Hyundai IONIQ 5
2022-2023 Design Car of the Year:
BMW iX
2022-2023 Technology
Car of the Year:
Nissan X-TRAIL
2022-2023 Performance
Car of the Year:
Honda CIVIC e:HEV/Type R
2022-2023 Kei Car of the Year:
Nissan SAKURA, Mitsubishi Ek X EV
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino