Hyundai’s IONIQ has been awarded Best Small Hatch at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017.

• Hyundai’s IONIQ, the world’s first car offering three electrified powertrains, has been awarded Best Small Hatch at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017
• IONIQ praised for better driving and visual appeal than both Prius and Leaf
• Recognised for being the pioneer of offering three eco drivetrains in one stylish body

The IONIQ has been awarded Best Small Hatch at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017, beating competition from the Renault Megane and MINI Clubman.

The IONIQ received praise from all the COTY judges for its green powertrains, combined with a chassis that delivers a good driving experience and its stylish body design. UK COTY judges said:

“IONIQ scores for its choice of three good eco drivetrains and is also decent to drive, with a good ride and refinement.” Paul Hudson

“Hyundai has produced a solid model to take on the competitive segment.” Olivia Gauch

“It’s an intelligent proposition for its flexible electric technology – and the design is edgy enough to reflect this.” Nargess Banks

“Technologically pioneering in terms of the range of powertrains, and the car is stylish and without the compromises offered by other alternative-fuelled vehicles.” Paul Barker

“Out-Priuses the Prius with a three-car range in a single swoop. A very impressive first effort.” Nat Barnes

“The fact it offers three greener powertrains is a masterstroke. Why has nobody done this before? A great reputation for reliability, decent real-world economy from the petrol engine and looks that are sufficient to make a statement without looking polarising.” Keith Jones

“With hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric options, the IONIQ takes on the Toyota Prius (hybrid & plug-in) and Nissan Leaf (EV only) and arguably offers greater attributes than both – from lower prices to better driving and visual appeal.” Guy Bird

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK said “IONIQ has only been available since October yet has already received praise for its eco credentials and also its more mainstream capabilities. The award for Best Small Hatch from the UK COTY judges once again proves that Hyundai is offering exactly what the market wants – eco-friendly vehicles that drive well and look good that are also cost effective to run.”

Ioniq – along with 11 other winning cars – will now go forward to a final category to decide the overall UK Car of the Year 2017. The winner will be announced on 24th February 2017.

Hyundai IONIQ Electric wins the Next Green Car's Car Of The Year 2016.

• Hyundai IONIQ Electric wins the Next Green Car's Car Of The Year 2016 as well as winning the Small Family car category.
• The first IONIQ Electrics have already delivered to customers
• IONIQ is the world’s first vehicle to offer 3 electrified powertrains on 1 dedicated platform

The new Hyundai IONIQ has been hailed as Next Green Car’s Car of the Year 2016. Next Green Car’s judges also awarded IONIQ Electric with the top spot in Small Family category, against the Renault Megane, Fiat Tipo and Volvo V40. 

The judges praised IONIQ’s capabilities as an all round family car, as well as its recognised eco credentials as a zero emission electric vehicle.

The Next Green Car judge’s explained the verdicts "It's tough to find any weaknesses with the Hyundai IONIQ Electric. 

Plenty of range-stretching features help make the IONIQ Electric an easy EV to drive over long distances, while the company has also packed in plenty of performance, practicality, and value for money into the package.”

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK, said “We are very pleased to receive both of these awards from Next Green Car. It is particularly satisfying to hear the judge’s verdicts commending IONIQ Electric for its all round abilities, as it underlines what we already know; that for our customers, the complete vehicle package is just as important as IONIQ’s zero emission performance.”

Hyundai’s IONIQ Hybrid and Electric went on sale at the end of October and since then almost 300 cars have been delivered. Both models will be joined in Hyundai showrooms by IONIQ Plug-in, which begins sales in Q2 2017. The IONIQ range is part of Hyundai Motor Group’s overall plan of launching 28 eco-friendly cars by 2020.