Hyundai electric SUV, the IONIQ 5, has secured the prestigious Car of the Year 2023 accolade in Singapore, as announced by the nation’s leading daily newspaper, Straits Times.
Marking a notable milestone, this achievement represents the first time a Hyundai vehicle has clinched the coveted title, and the second South Korean model to do so since the Kia Stinger received the honor in 2018.
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The evaluation criteria considered only newly launched models from authorized agents within the 12-month period spanning mid-November 2022 to mid-November 2023. Out of approximately 40 contenders, nine made it to the final selection.
The IONIQ 5 excelled across various categories, particularly in aspects of practicality, affordability, and design, amassing a total of 399 points. This positioned the Hyundai model 40.5 points ahead of the runner-up.
Judges for The Straits Times Car of the Year, including Lynn Tan and Dr. Kong Yongyao, lauded the IONIQ 5 as an “all-rounder of a car,” praising its “retro-inspired yet futuristic design” and “surprisingly practical space.” Dr. Kong described the Hyundai as “a resounding triumph of imagination, ambition, and execution.”
Hyundai Motor anticipates that these accolades, alongside the recent inauguration of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), will bolster its standing as a leading electric vehicle (EV) brand in the region. Functioning as a testing ground for human-centered future mobility, the HMGICS, operational since early 2023, has the capacity to produce up to 30,000 EVs annually, including the IONIQ 5 and self-driving robotaxis.
The dual honors for the IONIQ 5 are perceived by Hyundai Motor as a validation of its dedication to future mobility production and technological innovation. The company aims to leverage this accomplishment to further establish itself as a prominent player in the EV market.
