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Big wins for Hyundai SANTA FE, IONIQ 5 N and INSTER at 2025 What Car? Awards

Hyundai has got the new year off to a flying start, with the brand celebrating major success in the 2025 What Car? Awards.

The prestigious awards are held annually by the UK’s biggest car buying guide, and this year three of Hyundai’s exciting line-up of cars were in the spotlight. Leading the way was the All-new SANTA FE, which was crowned Seven-seater of the Year, while the IONIQ 5 N received the prestigious Technology Award for its groundbreaking N e-shift feature and was hailed Best Electric Hot Hatch.

There was also recognition for the newest member of the Hyundai line-up, the INSTER, which was acclaimed as the Best Small Electric Car for the City.

The awards were decided by What Car?’s expert team of judges, who have driven hundreds of new cars over the past 12 months, both on the road and at the title’s private track.

SANTA FE

The All-new Hyundai SANTA FE picked up the Seven-seater of the Year award thanks to its compelling blend of quality and practicality, plus an impressive powertrain which features the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine in two Hybrid versions (with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive), and also a four-wheel-drive Plug-in Hybrid.

The package is enhanced by a striking design, with a distinctive boxy silhouette and a roomy interior, suited to a range of outdoor and urban activities. Fully foldable second- and third-row seats provide class-leading interior space, while the variety of high-tech, practical features adds to its nature-meets-city appeal. The All-new SANTA FE also comes with a myriad of safety features, and a full suite of Hyundai Smart Sense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

Three trim levels – Premium, Ultimate and Calligraphy – are offered, while prices for the range start at £46,775, with Plug-in Hybrid models costing from £51,885.

"Size is obviously key to the Santa Fe's appeal; unlike many rivals, it has space for tall adults in all three rows of seats. However, the interior is plush as well as practical. And the Santa Fe is anything but a behemoth to drive, thanks to accurate steering, superb all-round visibility and refined cruising manners." Steve Huntingford What Car? editor

all-new SANTA FE has been awarded Best 7-Seater

INSTER

What Car?’s Best Small Electric Car for the City, the Hyundai INSTER, is the brand’s first small EV for the European market, and blends robust, but compact SUV styling with effortless urban driving and strong performance on longer drives, thanks to a potential range of up to 229 miles.

The range starts with the INSTER 01 42kWh 97PS, which is priced from £23,495, while the INSTER 02 49kWh 115PS gets underway at £26,745.

"Small cars have always made more sense than anything else for driving in the city, but the INSTER takes the concept of a tiny urban warrior to a whole new level. Its comfy ride, tiny exterior dimensions and elevated driving position all play their part. And, as a bonus, its interior is brilliantly packaged, so surprisingly practical." Steve Huntingford What Car? editor

INSTER WhatCar Small Electric City Car best for City Award square

IONIQ 5 N

Since its launch in late 2023, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has earned rave reviews thanks to a driving experience that is the perfect fusion of modern electric performance and old-school hot hatch charm, and its ever-growing trophy cabinet has been bolstered again with What Car?’s Technology Award and Best Electric Hot Hatch accolade.

An array of clever features helps it set a new benchmark in terms of emotional engagement for a performance EV, headlined by the innovative N e-shift, which simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission of internal combustion engine N cars. It’s complemented by an addictive soundtrack reminiscent of a traditional emotive ICE car thanks to the car’s clever N Active Sound+ technology. When paired with the IONIQ 5 N’s incredible ability – it is capable of producing up to 650 PS with N Grin Boost, and can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds – the result is a game-changing EV, available from £65,000.

"The IONIQ 5 N delivers a level of driving fun that no other electric hot hatch can match, with its N e-Shift gearbox playing a key role. This mimics a dual-clutch 'box so well that it adds an extra layer of interaction and is genuinely useful in helping you judge your entry speed into corners." Steve Huntingford What Car? editor

IONIQ 5 N