The highly acclaimed Hyundai IONIQ 5 N continues to impress, recently adding two more prestigious accolades to its growing collection. The vehicle was named Best EV Hot Hatch at the 2024 TopGear.com Electric Awards and recognized as the best electric performance car globally by CAR Magazine.
Celebrating its fifth year, the TopGear.com Electric Awards highlight the finest achievements in the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles, recognizing remarkable innovation across various categories. The IONIQ 5 N was a standout, earning the title of Best EV Hot Hatch. The expert judges praised Hyundai’s commitment to delivering an exhilarating driving experience in the IONIQ 5 N, ensuring every journey is memorable.
Jack Rix, TopGear’s editor-in-chief, remarked, “In a world where pure electric hot hatches are a rarity, Hyundai has excelled on its first attempt. The IONIQ 5 N is experimental, capable, and, most importantly, infused with a sense of fun that many EVs lack. It represents a benchmark moment for electric cars.”
CAR Magazine’s team of experts reached their conclusion after conducting the magazine’s first extensive test of hot EVs since 2022 at Germany’s iconic Nürburgring circuit and the surrounding roads. The seven-car shootout included models from both established premium manufacturers and leading EV-only brands.
Despite competing against higher-priced models, including a hypercar priced over £2 million (about R46 million), the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N emerged as the best buy. The test team described it as a thrilling hot hatch reminiscent of classic combustion-engine cars.
Ben Miller, CAR Magazine’s editor, stated, “The difference two years make is astonishing. The quality of the field in 2022 was impressive, but the evolution of the EV as a driving machine is remarkable. Among a lineup of great cars, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N stood out, driving like a tribute to the great four-wheel-drive hot hatches of the past and present, even without an engine and gearbox.
“This car is as much about throttle control as steering, encouraging drivers to explore its limits and flattering them like few others. With sharp and precise turn-in, rich steering feedback, and a magical chassis, the IONIQ 5 N also boasts a soundtrack that mimics a highly tuned forced-induction petrol engine. Hyundai deserves great praise for its original thinking and sense of fun in bringing this car to production.”
The high-performance IONIQ 5 N integrates the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the standard IONIQ 5 – the 2022 World Car of the Year – with motorsport-inspired technologies from Hyundai’s N division, elevating driving enjoyment to new heights.
Key technical advancements in the IONIQ 5 N include a powertrain that delivers increased power output, enhanced battery cooling, and braking performance. The electric motors achieve up to 21,000 r/min., producing up to 448 kW in standard conditions, or 478 kW with the N Grin Boost (NGB) feature, enabling rapid acceleration for up to 10 seconds. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a top track speed of 260 km/h.
Driving pleasure is further enhanced by numerous upgrades, such as a reinforced steering column for improved feedback, Electronic Controlled Suspension that adjusts stiffness based on drive mode, and advanced electronic control technology in the E-GMP platform. Highlights include N Pedal, an intelligent function that provides immediate turn-in and heightened throttle sensitivity for thrilling cornering, and fully variable front and rear N Torque Distribution.
The IONIQ 5 N also sets a new standard for emotional engagement in performance EVs, thanks to N e-shift, which simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission of internal combustion engine N cars, and N Active Sound+, which offers an enticing soundtrack that accentuates the EV’s power.
Despite its recent market debut, the IONIQ 5 N has already garnered significant accolades, including being named World Performance Car in the World Car Awards and TopGear.com’s overall 2023 Car of the Year. It also holds the record for the fastest electric SUV lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with Germany’s Sport Auto.
