Double Victory at NZ Autocar Awards
27 February, 2025
Hyundai continues its award-winning run by taking top honours from long-standing motoring publication NZ Autocar.
Hyundai New Zealand proudly announces that the Hyundai SANTA FE was named Family Car of the Year, while the all-electric IONIQ 5 N claimed the Performance Car of the Year title.
The accolades reinforce Hyundai’s commitment to innovation, design, and driving excellence, with both models standing out in highly competitive categories.
The SANTA FE has already received multiple awards, including being a finalist for the 2024 NZ Motoring Writers Guild Car of the Year, as well as winning the Company Vehicle Large SUV of the Year.
Meanwhile, the IONIQ 5 N has been recognised locally as the DriveLife Car of the Year, Tarmac Life Most Thrilling Car of the Year and the AA Driven Performance Car of 2024.
These awards join a plethora of international accolades for both vehicles.
The SANTA FE has impressed with its bold new design, efficient hybrid powertrain, premium comfort, and versatile capability, making it the ultimate choice for Kiwi families. Meanwhile, the IONIQ 5 N redefines high-performance electric mobility, combining exhilarating power with Hyundai’s advanced EV technology.
Autocar had the following to say about the SANTA FE, ‘Hyundai’s bold-looking SANTA FE is a class act in the large, family SUV segment. The hybrid-powered SANTA FE is quiet on the go, economical for a seven-seater, and hard to unsettle, with its progress being composed and calm. In the back, there’s room for everyone and the extras, with its well-conceived second and third rows of seating.’
The IONIQ 5 N also received equally favourable praise, ‘Hyundai has set out to convince doubters that an electric car can deliver an immersive, emotional, and connected drive with its IONIQ 5 N, and it has succeeded. The performance credentials of this 478 kW monster are enough to haunt $250k European sports cars. It’s an engaging drive, yet also immensely refined, and emits no tailpipe emissions.’
Scott Kelsey, CEO of Hyundai New Zealand, expressed his excitement about the recognition: “We are absolutely thrilled to see both the SANTA FE and the IONIQ 5 N receive these prestigious awards. The SANTA FE continues to set the benchmark for large SUVs with its exceptional design and practicality, while the IONIQ 5 N proves that electrification and performance can go hand in hand.”
The SANTA FE and IONIQ 5 N are available now, find out more about the award-winning vehicles at your local Ingham dealership.
News Press Release by Hyundai New Zealand 26th February 2025
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