Hyundai and Citroën win at Auto Express New Car Awards

Added: 20 July 2018

Both Hyundai and Citroen have collected several accolades at the Auto Express New Car Awards.

The evening took place on July 3 and saw Hyundai collect two awards for its electric and plug-in-hybrid models of the KONA and IONIQ respectively, whilst Citroën collected two for its C3 Aircross and Grand C4 SpaceTourer.

Hyundai’s all-new KONA Electric, set to debut later this year, took home a prize for ‘Affordable Electric Car of the Year’, succeeding the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen e-Golf.

The Hyundai IONIQ Plug-In-Hybrid also took the title of ‘Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year’, being favoured over the Mini Countryman S E and Toyota Prius.

As Hyundai celebrated its double victory, Editor-In-Chief of Auto Express Steve Fowler, said: “Launching an all-electric SUV means Hyundai has tapped into two of the fastest-growing parts of the market.

“The KONA Electric has a 300-mile range, so it can go further on a single charge than some of its closest rivals. Add an affordable price tag and it shows that genuinely mainstream electric cars are now viable. The KONA Electric is an outstanding package, which is why we’ve named it Affordable Electric Car of the Year 2018.

Going on to discuss the IONIQ, Steve Fowler said: “The IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid outshone other hybrids including the Toyota Prius in the affordable hybrid category, impressing with its efficiency, comfort and technology.

“Our time in the real world with a Hyundai IONIQ PHEV revealed it to be a very efficient car indeed, averaging more than 80mpg almost effortlessly over 4,000 miles. CO2 emissions of 26g/km bolster the IONIQ PHEV’s green credentials. And yet it’s still a spacious, comfortable, well-equipped hatchback – and a deserved winner of our Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year 2018 award.”

Following on from this, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK Tony Whitehorn, added: “To win two significant titles from Auto Express for KONA Electric – a car which will be available to order soon in the UK – and the IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid is a real testament to our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our vehicles.

Hyundai KONA Electric Auto Express Award Winner

Hyundai KONA Electric Auto Express Award Winner

As a business, we are investing significantly in green technologies and the IONIQ, KONA Electric and the forthcoming fuel cell, NEXO are all fruits of that investment. In fact, we will be launching 18 new electrified models before 2025. We’re not putting all our eggs in one basket though – it’s more important that our customers have the choice that best suits their needs.”

Citroen’s cracking C3 Aircross won ‘Small SUV of the Year’ and was chosen against rivals such as the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Roc. The ever-popular Grand C4 SpaceTourer also took home a prize, winning the title of ‘Best MPV of the year’ against the likes of Renault’s Grand Scenic and Seat’s Alhambra.

Speaking about the successful evening, Citroën UK’s Marketing Director Souad Wrixen, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised once again by Auto Express in these highly esteemed awards. It’s particularly exciting to see New C3 Aircross honoured with the Small SUV title in such a fiercely contested marketplace.

“The C3 Aircross has been enormously well received since its launch and this trophy is a further endorsement of Citroën’s positioning and product strategy.

“As a brand that prides itself on comfort, it’s no surprise the judges’ comments set both models apart for their spaciousness and usability. Grand C4 SpaceTourer receiving its fifth consecutive Best MPV title is a true testament to the brilliant and practical design of the car, firmly marking its place at the top of the field.”

Citroen C3 Aircross Auto Express Award Winner

Written by Aidan Rennie-Jones
Here at Richmond Motor Group, we are delighted with the news that four of our best-selling model ranges have collected such prestigious accolades. To find out more about these cars, or any offers we have currently running, don't hesitate to get in contact with us:
Portsmouth: 02392 221 441 Southampton: 02380 639 844 Guildford: 01483 317 317