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.

The nominations for the 2017, World Car, Green Car, urban Cr and Luxury car of the year has been announced.

The journey on The Road to World Car began today at the Paris International Motor Show (Le Mondial de l'automobile) with the celebration of the reigning 2016 World Luxury Car winner - the BMW 7 Series - during a champagne media reception held within the BMW Group's exhibit.

Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc), Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing BMW, Sales Channels BMW Group said, "We are delighted and honoured that the BMW 7 Series carries the prestigious title of World Luxury Car 2016. 

The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets new benchmarks in the luxury segment: Customers are especially appreciative of the way the 7 Series combines superb modern luxury with outstanding driving dynamics and many ground-breaking innovations. The success story continues: For the very first time, we are now expanding our offering for the 7 Series lineup under the label of the BMW M and BMW i brands."

The Road to World Car follows our 73 international automotive jurors as they test-drive and tell the stories of the 2017 nominated cars in five categories prior to voting by secret ballot in January 2017. The official list of nominees for the World Car of the Year, World Luxury / Performance Car, World Green Car, World Car Design of the Year and the inaugural World Urban Car can be found on our web site: wcoty.com. The Road to World Car makes a stop in Los Angeles for test-drives in November, then at the Geneva International Motor Show in March when the top three finalists in each category are declared prior to the winners' announcement at a high-profile awards ceremony at the New York International Auto Show on April 13, 2017. The list of all nominated cars follows.

2017 marks the 11th year of World Car's partnership with the New York show, and the fourth consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the No.1 automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach. "The New York International Auto Show is proud of the tradition it has built with the World Car Awards to recognize the 'best of the best' in the auto industry, said Mark Schienberg, president of the New York International Auto Show. "Over the past 11 years this awards program has grown to become one of the most coveted honors for the world's automakers."

World Car has a dual mission of celebrating the best of today and inspiring the best ideas for tomorrow. Our role is not just to reward current achievement but to also provide insights into the future.

The World Car community brings together a large cross section of experts and professionals from every segment of the automotive industry who serve as an important resource focused on excellence and innovation on a global scale.

The Road Ahead initiative was created in 2014 with our long-standing partner Prime Research.

The Road Ahead identifies emerging global trends throughout the year, via newsletters, trend studies and related initiatives that recognize innovation. The annual Global Trends Report, co-presented by Prime Research and Autoneum annually at the New York International Auto Show is the culmination of research and insights across six months.

During the reception, Peter Lyon, chairman of the WCA Steering Committee, welcomed back the Swiss-based firm Autoneum as a presenting partner of the 2017 World Car Awards for the third consecutive year. "Autoneum's commitment to innovation and excellence on a global scale makes them a good fit for the World Car Awards and our Road Ahead platform," he explained.

Martin Hirzel, CEO of Autoneum, further explained: "For Autoneum as the market leader for acoustic and thermal management with 50 locations around the world, the global World Car Awards are the ideal sponsorship partner. Together we aspire to promote innovation in the automotive industry and thus shape the future of mobility."

As the global nature of the industry continues to strengthen, and the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, World Car is proud to be a part of this amazing journey along with the New York International Auto Show, Prime Research, Autoneum, Bridgestone Corporation, Newspress (media partner) and KPMG (vote tabulation).

THE ROAD TO WORLD CAR:

BEGINS IN PARIS SEPT. 29, 2016. ENDS IN NEW YORK APRIL 13, 2017.

BACKGROUND

World Car Awards

Now entering their 13th year, the annual World Car Awards are the number one awards program in the world for the fourth consecutive year based on Prime Research's 2016 media report. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a not-for-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. Peter Lyon (chair - Japan), Jens Meiners (vice-chair - Germany), Mike Rutherford (vice-chair - UK), Tamara Warren (director - USA), Siddarth Patankar (director - India) and Gerry Malloy (director - Canada and president, WCOTY Association).

New York International Auto Show

Owned and operated by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the New York Auto Show is an awesome combination of new ideas, technological innovation, exceptional concept cars and nearly 1,000 of the latest new cars and trucks. Over one million visitors are expected to visit the show this year to see what is truly possible from the automotive industry.

Important 2017 Auto Show Dates

Automotive Forum: April 11

Press Preview, April 12 & 13 (credentials required)

Public Sneak Preview, Friday, April 14

Public Show Dates, Friday, April 14 - Sunday, April 23

PRIME Research

PRIME Research, a global leader in strategic communication research and consultancy is once again the World Car Awards' research partner. On an annual basis, PRIME Research and the World Car Awards are co-presenting a Global Trends Report at the New York International Auto Show each spring. PRIME Research is a well-trusted research partner for the automotive industry with a broad range of automotive clients. Its full picture approach, which provides strategic benchmark information and SWOT analyses on over 150 brands and over 10,000 different automobile models, sets the standard in automotive media research.

Autoneum

Autoneum, with its headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland, is the globally leading producer of vehicle acoustics and thermal management systems. The company develops and manufactures components, modules and complete systems for interior and engine bay as well as heatshields and underbody shields. Customers include leading automobile producers in the key markets of Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Autoneum is represented at around 50 locations in over 20 countries and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, of whom about 5% are in Switzerland. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol AUTN).

THE ROAD TO THE WORLD CAR

2017 WORLD CAR AWARDS

NOMINATIONS LIST - SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR

Audi A5 / S5 Coupé

Audi Q2

Audi Q5

Buick LaCrosse

Buick Envision

Chevrolet Cruze

Chrysler Pacifica

Fiat/Abarth 124 Spyder

Honda Civic

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Genesis G80

Infiniti Q60

Jaguar F-PACE

Kia Cadenza

Kia Rio

Kia Sportage

Mazda CX-9

SEAT Ateca

Skoda Kodiaq

SsangYong Tivoli Air / XLV

Subaru Impreza

Toyota C-HR

Volkswagen Tiguan

WORLD LUXURY / PERFORMANCE CAR 2017

Audi R8 Spyder

BMW 5 Series

Bentley Bentayga

Cadillac CT6

Cadillac XT5

Honda/Acura NSX

Hyundai Genesis G90

Lexus LC500

Lincoln Continental

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-AMG Roadster

Porsche Boxster Cayman

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Volvo S90 / V90

WORLD URBAN CAR 2017

BMW i3 (94 Ah)

Citroën C3 Citroën E-MEHARI

Ford KA+

Smart Brabus Range

Smart Cabriolet

Suzuki Baleno

Suzuki Ignis

WORLD GREEN CAR 2017

Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro

BMW 740e iPerformance

Chevrolet Bolt

Chevrolet Malibu

Hybrid Honda Clarity Fuel-Cell Car

Hyundai Ioniq

Kia Niro Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e (Plug-In Hybrid)

Tesla Model X

Toyota RAV4

Toyota Prius Prime

WORLD CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2017

• All of the World Car of the Year entries automatically qualify for the design award.
• In addition, the following stand-alone entries are also nominated as candidates

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet

Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron receives Green, Connected Car Recognition.

• Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is finalist for 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year and 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year
• Green Car Journal to announce winners January 21 at Washington Auto Show
• Magazine noted “the integration of connected technologies that enhance efficiency, safety and the driving experience.”

The soon-to-launch Audi A3 Sportback e-tron earned recognition as a leader in sustainable propulsion by qualifying as a finalist for the 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year and 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year awards that will be presented at the Washington Auto Show on January 21.

 

The awards “recognize vehicles that exhibit laudable environmental achievement,” according to Green Car Journal, which oversees the awards. “Along with improved environmental performance, traditional buyer touchstones like functionality, safety, quality, value and performance are also considered.”

 

For the Connected award, the magazine also considers, “the integration of connected technologies that enhance efficiency, safety and the driving experience.”

 

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid features the most advanced version of the Audi connect platform, which provides the benefits of access to information and content, when needed, through interfaces designed for the in-vehicle environment.

 

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron also was a finalist for the national Green Car of the Year Award bestowed by Green Car Journal and given at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Kia to expand its Green Car line up from 4 today to 11 by 2020, and to replace 70% of its current engines.

• Green car line-up expected to grow from four to 11 models by 2020
• Kia targeting hydrogen fuel cell vehicle production within five years
• Kia aiming to improve average fuel efficiency by 25% over 2014 levels
• Roadmap for low emission cars includes clean combustion, hybrid- and pure- electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cells
• 70% of current engine range set to be replaced by more efficient units

Kia Motors today announced its mid- to long-term plans for the development of a greatly increased range of environmentally friendly vehicles. The brand’s ‘green car roadmap’ sets out Kia’s ambition to become a leader in the low emissions car market by 2020.

It is anticipated that the five-year development plan will see Kia further increase its investment in research and development (R&D) into fuel-efficient technologies and new products, with a range of all-new models and highly advanced powertrains for global markets.

The new investment by Hyundai Motor Group, Kia’s parent company, totals 11.3 trillion won (US$10.2 billion), for the development of a range of new eco-friendly models and building the facilities required for the brand’s efforts to further reduce its CO₂ output. The investment is likely to result in the creation of thousands of new jobs in domestic R&D positions.

Ki-Sang Lee, Senior Vice President, Eco Friendly Vehicle R&D Center, Kia Motors Corporation, commented, “Global market demand is shifting to electric vehicles, with oil prices predicted to rise in future. The electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle market will grow rapidly in the coming years, and this investment will enable Kia to meet the growing demand with a range of advanced new products and technologies.”

Lee added, “We don’t believe that there is any one ‘silver bullet’ that can satisfy the demand for low emission technology within the car industry, so we foresee a wide range of eco-friendly powertrains co-existing for an extended period of time. The plans we’ve announced today represent Kia’s ambition to become a worldwide leader in advanced propulsion technology.”

Kia’s green car line-up to expand

By 2020, Kia’s current green car line-up is expected to grow from four current models to 11. This expanded range of environmentally-friendly vehicles will encompass a wide range of advanced powertrains, from hybrids and plug-in hybrids to battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles.

The first models to be launched featuring new types of powertrains under the brand’s 2020 vision for low emissions cars will be the Kia Optima PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), which will feature a high capacity lithium-polymer battery pack and electric motor, as well as an efficient six-speed automatic transmission, and the Niro hybrid utility vehicle (HUV), which will target CO₂ emissions of 90 g/km (combined, based on the New European Driving Cycle).

Kia to introduce production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2020

As part of this five-year plan, Kia is targeting a 2020 launch for mass production of an all-new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, featuring next-generation hydrogen fuel stack technology. Kia is working alongside 300 partner companies to develop the next-generation FCEV technology for global markets. Production of the new Kia FCEV is aimed to be around 1,000 units per year, a figure expected to rise as demand for fuel cell vehicles increases.

Kia’s FCEV will feature a fuel stack similar in size to a 2.0-litre internal combustion engine, which development teams believe will offer drivers a high level of durability and power density from the advanced powertrain. Kia engineers are planning to develop the brand’s next-generation fuel cell stack to be 5% more efficient and offer 10% greater stack performance, despite being around 15% lighter and 15% lower in volume, compared to current generation fuel cell stacks. The result is a targeted range of more than 800 km from a single fill-up and a top speed of around 170 kph (106 mph).

The durability of the car’s fuel cell stack and electric motor will be comprehensively assessed, with tests of existing fuel cell stacks from Hyundai Motor Group – Kia’s parent company – covering over 200,000 km on the road. Modern production techniques, system components and electronic control technologies will help Kia to deliver a vehicle that features the high quality standards and levels of innovation that customers have come to expect from the brand.

Kia’s research into fuel cells date back to 1998, which resulted in the creation of the limited production Kia Mohave FCEV, able to travel up to 690 km on a single fill-up.

Average fuel efficiency to increase by 25% by 2020

These plans will help Kia in its aim to raise its average corporate fuel efficiency by 25% over 2014 levels by 2020. As well as investment in advanced propulsion technologies, Kia will also replace seven out of its 10 current engine ranges with next-generation gasoline and diesel units, while increasing the number of turbocharged engines. Higher-efficiency, multi-speed transmissions are also planned, while Kia engineers are targeting a 5% reduction in the average weight of new car bodies through greater application of ultra-high strength steel.

Advanced powertrain investment to create thousands of new jobs

The investment by Kia’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, into the development of highly-advanced, highly-efficient powertrain technology as well as smart car technology is expected to create more than 7,300 new jobs, predominantly in R&D roles, over the next four years. Additional job creation is also expected through ongoing investments into the company’s R&D and production facilities, with new overseas Kia production facilities also generating new jobs, directly and indirectly.

Editor’s note: All technical data contained in this press release are expected targets, pending further development and homologation. All figures are subject to change.

One week into UK sales and the Kia Soul EV is already winning a commended notification.

• Kia Soul EV recognised for class leading environmental technology
• Proudly earns the commended accolade in the ‘Crossover’ category
• Class-leading 132 miles range and 200 Wh/kg density battery

Less than a week after its official UK launch, the Kia Soul EV has already begun to be recognised for its class leading environmental technology, impressive performance and range capabilities, by the Next Green Car Awards 2014.

Sitting proudly as a strong competitor in the award’s ‘Crossover’ segment, the Kia Soul EV received an impressive Next Greencar (NGC) Rating of 14*, placing it firmly as the commended vehicle in that category. It also achieved the lowest CO₂ figures in the whole segment - 0 g/km.

Peter Thomas, Content & Data Manager at Next Green Car commented on the achievement. “The Soul EV has impressive environmental credentials, particularity when used in the city and charged using renewable electricity. We were impressed with the advanced battery density (200 watt-hours per kilogram), maximum range (132 miles) and the environmental consideration given to the interior materials.”

The Soul EV goes on sale in showrooms later this year and deliveries will take place from early in 2015. It is Kia’s first battery-electric vehicle to be sold globally and offers a range of class leading capability figures, including a range of 132 miles and battery energy density of 200 Wh/kg, plus the same fun styling and practical interior as the combustion-engined Soul.

For more information on the Kia Soul EV, please visit: 

http://www.kia.co.uk/new-cars/range/compact-cars/soul-ev.aspx

*32 if charged using grid electricity