In a remarkable showcase of its diverse and high-quality vehicle lineup, Hyundai has secured an impressive four top honours at the 2024 Auto Express New Car Awards. The event, held at Dartmouth House in the prestigious Mayfair district of London, celebrated the best in automotive innovation and performance, with Hyundai standing out as a clear favourite among both judges and consumers.
Tucson
Leading Hyundai’s success was the TUCSON, which clinched the title of Best Mid-Size SUV for the fourth consecutive year. Priced from €32,000, the TUCSON has become a benchmark in its category, consistently praised for its blend of style, comfort, and advanced technology. Auto Express judges highlighted the TUCSON's exceptional ability to meet the diverse needs of modern SUV buyers, combining robust performance with a spacious and well-appointed interior. This ongoing recognition underscores Hyundai's commitment to maintaining the TUCSON's position as a leader in the competitive mid-size SUV market.
Kona Electric
Hyundai's innovative approach to electric mobility was further recognised with the KONA Electric being named Best Small Company Car. Following its triumph as the overall Car of the Year in 2023, the KONA Electric continues to impress with its sharp design, affordability, and practical range. Starting at €34,995, it offers a compelling package for business users seeking an efficient and stylish electric vehicle. The KONA Electric's success in this category reflects the growing importance of sustainability in the corporate sector and Hyundai's leadership in providing viable electric solutions.
Ioniq 5 N
Adding to Hyundai’s accolades, the IONIQ 5 N was awarded Best Performance Car. Known for its cutting-edge design and high-performance capabilities, the IONIQ 5 N combines motorsport-derived technologies with the latest in electric vehicle innovation. Starting at €65,000, it has quickly become a favourite among enthusiasts, delivering exhilarating driving dynamics while maintaining the benefits of electric mobility. The IONIQ 5 N’s victory in this category adds to its growing list of awards, including the 2024 World Performance Car by the World Car Awards and 2023 Car of the Year by TopGear.com.
i10
Rounding out Hyundai’s quartet of victories, the i10 retained its title as Best City Car. With prices starting from €16,030, the i10 continues to attract buyers with its smart styling, comprehensive feature set, and affordability. It offers a practical and reliable option for urban drivers, showcasing Hyundai's ability to excel across different vehicle segments. The i10’s consistent performance and appeal in the city car segment highlight Hyundai’s strength in producing vehicles that meet the everyday needs of a broad customer base.
Industry Recognition and Market Performance
Paul Barker, Editor of Auto Express, praised Hyundai’s diverse achievements, stating, “With Hyundai, the variety impresses as much as the quality — to be top of the list in so many different areas of the market illustrates the breadth of ability across the company's line-up.” This sentiment was echoed by Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, who remarked, “Winning four major awards from a title as respected as Auto Express underlines yet again what a compelling line-up of cars Hyundai has to offer customers in the UK.”
Hyundai’s Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Founded in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company has grown into a global automotive powerhouse, operating in over 200 countries and employing more than 120,000 people. The company is dedicated to addressing real-world mobility challenges through advanced technologies, including robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
In Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe HQ, established in 2000 in Offenbach, Germany, oversees sales in 47 countries through a network of 2,279 outlets. As of early 2023, approximately 16.1% of Hyundai’s European sales were zero-emission vehicles, reflecting the company’s strong push towards sustainable mobility.
Hyundai's Growth in the UK
Hyundai’s presence in the UK, dating back to 1982, features one of the youngest product ranges among manufacturers, with almost all models being less than a year old as of February 2024. The company is at the forefront of zero-emission mobility with award-winning models like the IONIQ 5 and KONA Electric. In 2023, Hyundai Motor UK saw an 8.3% year-on-year increase in sales, selling 87,100 vehicles. The TUCSON led this surge as Hyundai’s best-selling model and the second-best-selling hybrid in the UK.
Conclusion
Hyundai's triumphant performance at the 2024 Auto Express New Car Awards reaffirms its position as a leader in automotive innovation, quality, and sustainability. With four major awards under its belt, Hyundai continues to set the standard for excellence across a diverse range of vehicles, meeting the evolving needs of consumers and paving the way for a greener, more exciting future in mobility.
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