The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has made a valuable achievement in Japan.

Hyundai Motor Company won the ‘Import Car of the Year’ at the ‘Japan Car of the Year 2022-2023’ hosted by the ‘Japan Car of the Year Committee Executive Committee.’

This is the first time in the history of South Korean automobiles that a car has made it to the award list of the Japan Car of the Year.

The Japan Car of the Year was founded in 1980 and each year evaluates new cars released in Japan through committee votes to select the ‘Best 10.’ Following test drives and final voting, the cars of the year in various categories are chosen.

The Ioniq 5, which won the import car award, triumphed over other nominees like the BMW iX, Land Rover Range Rover, and Renault Arkana to claim the honor.

Regarding the Ioniq 5’s award, the Japan Car of the Year Committee stated that “the innovative exterior and interior design, long driving range on a single charge, dynamic driving performance, and various convenience and safety features were highly praised by the judges. There were many opinions that the paddle shifter on the steering wheel, which allows changing the regenerative braking levels, adds to the driving pleasure.”

Jowonsang Cho, the head of Hyundai’s Japanese operations, remarked, “The Ioniq 5 has received high praise amidst considerable interest from Japanese consumers since its launch,” and added, “We will continue to contribute sincerely and humbly to the future of mobility in the Japanese market.”

The Ioniq 5 is distinguished as the first dedicated electric vehicle developed on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, featuring innovative interior space designed for versatility, eco-friendly materials and colors, dynamic driving performance and crash safety unique to electric vehicles, a convenient and efficient fast-charging system, and a moving energy system concept called V2L.

With its high competitiveness and safety, the Ioniq 5 continues to gather global accolades and praise.

In April of this year, it won ‘World Car of the Year 2022’ at the ‘2022 World Car Awards,’ and in October, it was selected as the ‘SUV of the Year’ by the esteemed automotive magazine MotorTrend, becoming the first EV to receive this honor.

Additionally, it has made it to the list of ‘2022 German Car of the Year,’ ‘2022 UK Car of the Year,’ and was recognized in various categories including ‘2022 Wards 10 Best Engines and Powertrains,’ ‘Car and Driver’s 2022 Electric Vehicle of the Year,’ ‘Auto Motor und Sport’s Best Overall Electric Car,’ ‘Auto Bild’s Best Imported Electric Car,’ and ‘Auto Zeitung’s Best Overall Electric Car,’ showcasing its overwhelming presence in the global electric vehicle market.

In February, Hyundai announced its return to the Japanese passenger car market after 12 years, conducting various customer experience events in major areas of Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Starting in May, they began selling the Ioniq 5 and Nexo online, and in July, they concluded a contract to supply 50 units of the Ioniq 5 to Japan’s MK Taxi, intensifying their push into the Japanese market.

By Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr