• High-performance Hyundai crowned winner of CAR's definitive hot EV test
•Beats rivals from both established and new premium brands in seven-car shoot-out
•Hailed by CAR as a 'scintillating hot hatch' that begs to have its limits explored
•IONIQ 5 N is available to order from £65,000
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has continued its phenomenal run of success by being named the best electric performance car in the world by CAR Magazine.
CAR's team of experts reached their verdict after conducting the title's first in-depth test of hot EVs since 2022 at Germany's iconic Nürburgring circuit and on the roads surrounding it. The seven-car shoot-out featured models from a variety of brands, including established premium manufacturers and the world's most high-profile EV-only makers.
Despite facing models with significantly higher price tags, including one hypercar that costs in excess of £2 million, it was the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N that was acclaimed as the best buy by the test team, who described it as a thrilling hot hatchback reminiscent of old-school combustion-engined cars.
Ben Miller, CAR Magazine Editor, said: 'What a difference two years makes. The quality of the field versus 2022 defies belief, and the EV is finally starting to evolve as a driving machine. Among a host of great cars, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N proved scintillating from behind the wheel, driving like a love letter to some of the great four-wheel-drive hot hatches of the past and present, despite lacking an engine and gearbox.
'It's a car you drive as much with the throttle pedal as the steering wheel, and it begs to have its limits explored, flattering the driver like few we've ever had the good fortune to experience. Turn-in is sharp and accurate, the steering precise and rich in feel and there's magic in the chassis. Plus, it's genius in the way it produces a cacophonous soundtrack that really does resemble a highly strung forced-induction petrol engine being worked hard. The IONIQ 5 N is brimming with original thinking and a sense of fun, and Hyundai deserves great praise for putting it into production.'
The high-performance model is based on the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the standard IONIQ 5 – the 2022 World Car of the Year – and integrates the motorsport-bred technologies and expertise of Hyundai's N division to take driving fun to a new level.
Among a host of key technical advances is a powertrain which delivers greater power output and enhanced performance in battery cooling and braking. The IONIQ 5 N's electric motors spin up to 21,000 RPM, providing up to 609 PS in normal conditions, or 650 PS when the car's N Grin Boost (NGB) feature is engaged, maximising acceleration for up to 10 seconds. 0-62mph is achievable in 3.4 seconds, while a top speed of 161mph is attainable on tracks.
Other upgrades include a strengthened steering column for improved feedback, Electronic Controlled Suspension that adapts suspension stiffness according to the drive mode, and a suite of sophisticated electronic control technology in the E-GMP platform. Highlights include N Pedal, an intelligent software function that provides instant turn-in and enhanced throttle sensitivity for exhilarating cornering, and fully variable front and rear N Torque Distribution.
The IONIQ 5 N also sets a new benchmark in terms of emotional engagement for a performance EV, courtesy of N e-shift, which simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission of internal combustion engine N cars, while the addictive soundtrack that so impressed CAR's judges comes via groundbreaking N Active Sound+ technology.
Although it has only been on sale for a matter of months, the IONIQ 5 N has already collected some prestigious accolades, including recently being crowned World Performance Car in the World Car Awards. In December it was named TopGear.com's overall 2023 Car of the Year, and it followed that it up earlier in May by being crowned Best EV Hot Hatch in the TopGear.com Electric Awards. The IONIQ 5 N has also made history at the Nürburgring, where it recorded the fastest electric SUV lap time with Germany's Sport Auto.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: 'The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N was created to deliver the most exhilarating drive from an electric car, and this latest recognition from CAR Magazine demonstrates yet again what a wonderful piece of engineering it is. The fact that it is taking on and beating significantly more expensive performance EVs is a source of great pride, and it also sets an extremely high benchmark for future electrified performance cars.'
For more information on the IONIQ 5 N, which is available to order from £65,000, visit www.hyundai.co.uk
CAR Magazine's test of the world's greatest electric performance cars features in the June issue, which will be on sale from May 8.
Photo credit: Hyundai posted on conceptcarz.com
