Hyundai Motor announced on Jan. 1 that its IONIQ 5 has been selected as “Car of the Year 2023” in Singapore. The prestigious award, hosted by Singapore's largest daily newspaper, The Straits Times, has been a significant automotive accolade in the region since its inception in 2003. Every year, newly released vehicles are rigorously assessed by a 12-member judging panel through three rounds of secret voting.
The Car of the Year award in Singapore is highly respected for its objectivity and credibility, as it selects only one model from all car types. This year’s competition was intense, with 40 new cars launched in Singapore between mid-November 2022 and mid-November 2023 being nominated. The final showdown included the IONIQ 5, BMW i7, Toyota Vellfire, and six others.
The Straits Times’ judges evaluated the finalists across nine critical criteria: practicality, economy, performance, handling, efficiency, design, comfort, build quality, and an X-factor representing intangible qualities. The IONIQ 5 scored impressively in most categories, including practicality, economy, and design, amassing a total of 399 points. This score dominated the second-place Toyota Vellfire by a significant margin of 40.5 points. Following the IONIQ 5, the top contenders included the BYD Seal, Lotus Electra, MG MG4, BMW i7, Nissan X-Trail, Peugeot 408, and Citroen e-C4.
Lynn Tan, a judge from The Straits Times, described the IONIQ 5 as a “versatile vehicle,” praising its retro vibe blended with a futuristic design and remarkably practical space.
This marks Hyundai Motor’s first win in the Car of the Year category in Singapore. The company anticipates that this achievement will further strengthen its image as a leading electric vehicle brand in the region, especially with the recent completion of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore.