What is the 2022 UK car of the year?

Christmas trees are going up and the festive tunes are going on. As we speed towards Christmas Day, we also head towards the end of the year before entering a new one. It’s a time of celebration and reflection as we say goodbye to the year that was… 

It's been an electrifying year in the automotive industry, and by that we mean it really has been time for the EV (electric vehicle) to shine. As the UK speeds towards a future of zero emissions vehicles, manufacturers have been busy releasing their latest hybrid and fully electric models for drivers ready to ‘go green’.

We know the year isn’t complete without a best of rundown and of course what every car fan wants to know is; what is the 2022 car of the year? Well, thanks to the UK Car of the Year Awards, we can tell you just that! 

What are the UK Car of the Year Awards?

Designed to highlight the best new cars for UK based customers, the UK Car of the Year Awards takes a look at all the new car releases across the past 12 months. New models are then scrutinised by a panel of 29 judges made up of motoring's most respected names, for a no holds barred approach in order to separate the wheat from the chaff. 

What car was crowned the UK Car of the Year in 2022?

Breaking boundaries and paving the way for electric cars of the future, it is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 that took top honours to be named as the 2022 UK Car of the Year. It seems that battery power proves to be the winning formula in what is always a competitive category. 

Praised for its design, performance and practicality, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been turning heads since making its debut in summer 2021. Boasting ultra-fast charging capabilities and a range of luxury features, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the most advanced electric vehicles on the market right now.

With a design unlike any other, it’s no surprise that the all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 has won the hearts and minds of the UK Car of the Year expert judging panel. John Challen, Managing Director of the UK Car of the Year Awards explains why it was a popular choice, he says: “The Hyundai IONIQ 5 feels like the future of motoring, only it’s here today. The design, performance and practicality make it a fantastic proposition for those looking for an EV.”

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 was also crowned ‘Best Family Car’ at the UK Car of the Year Awards, alongside these other nine winners:

• Best City Car - Fiat 500e
• Best Supermini - Skoda Fabia
• Best Small Hatch - Kia Ceed
• Best Estate Car - Genesis G70 Shooting Brake
• Best Small Crossover - Toyota Yaris Cross
• Best Medium Crossover - Skoda Enyaq
• Best Large Crossover - BMW iX
• Best Luxury Car - Porsche Taycan
• Best Performance Car - Hyundai i20N 

What is the Hyundai IONIQ 5?

Described by Hyundai as the ‘future of electric mobility’, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 really is making waves in the industry. Classed as a crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is bold in design, unique in its approach, and pure in power. 

It is the first vehicle to be built on Hyundai’s new electric-global modular platform (E-GMP) paired with a battery built for faster charging, an increased driving range, more space inside and overall better handling. Hyundai has recreated the interior space to blur the lines between a functional vehicle and comfortable living space for a revolutionary in-car experience.  

Here’s what can you expect from the Hyundai IONIQ 5:

• Powered by two electric motors providing 305 PS (224 kW)
• Accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds
• A top speed of 115 mph
• To driving range of up to 315 miles on a single charge
• Ultra-fast charging of 80% battery charge in just 36 minutes
• Powerful 800V battery system
• Supports charging of up to 220 kW at ultra-fast charging stations
• Programmable charging using Bluelink connected services
• Compatible with home wallbox and public AC charging station
• Cutting-edge safety and driver assist features
• Five-year unlimited mileage warranty
• Eight-year battery warranty        

Available in a number of trim levels - including Premium, Ultimate, and Namsan Edition - prices start at £35,425 for the 58 kWh 170 PS 2WD single speed reduction model, up to £47,509 for the 77 kWh 325 PS AWD single speed reduction version.  

What awards has the Hyundai IONIQ 5 won?

The UK Car of the Year Award is just one of many accolades the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been graced with in recent months. Here are some of the other award-wins Hyundai have added to the trophy shelf for its all-electric IONIQ 5 model:

• ‘New Car of the Year’ at the Motor Industry Awards 2022
• ‘World Car of the Year’ at the World Car Awards 2022
• ‘World Electric Vehicle of the Year’ at the World Car Awards 2022
• ‘World Car Design of the Year’ at the World Car Awards 2022
• ‘Car of the Year’ at the Auto Express Awards 2022
• AutoTrader’s ‘Best New Car’ 2022
• Car and Driver magazine’s ‘EV of the Year’ 2022
• Carwow ‘Buy It’ award 2023
• Carbuyer’s ‘Best Company car’ and ‘Best Family Electric Car’ 2022
• ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Premium EV of the Year’ at Company Car Today’s CCT100 Awards 2022

Electric Vehicle finance deals at Octane Finance

Electric vehicles are here to stay and are becoming more and more commonplace on UK roads. If you’re hoping to make the transition to a greener future of driving, then why not consider vehicle finance to help you get there. 

Here at Octane Finance, we work with a whole host of lenders to secure the finance needed for your new car. As a broker, our team of industry professionals will guide you through the process to find the best EV finance solution for you.

Get car finance in three easy steps for an altogether simpler approach to financing your electric vehicle. Start your journey online today by using our free finance calculator to see what rate you could secure for your new EV.