Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai Inster

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai Kona Electric

hyundai-ioniq-5-the-ultimate-all-electric-company-car-journey

Hatchback

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

IONIQ 5

Offering a choice of cost-effective all-electric powertrains – with up to 315 miles of range (WLTP) on the new range-topping 77kWh battery – a 2% BIK rate, ultra-rapid charging[1], advanced safety and infotainment technology, acres of interior space, dazzling performance and futuristic eye-catching style, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/hyundai-ioniq-5-6-reasons-why-its-a-great-company-car/n24352">Hyundai Ioniq 5</a> is the perfect company car for fleet managers and user-choosers alike.

In order to prove just how capable the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is in the real world as a company car, we took it on the ultimate all-electric commute – from the world’s first electrically-lit street in Newcastle to an ultra-modern LED light display in the heart of Southwark, London. It’s a journey that perfectly reflects Hyundai’s global push towards efficiency and electrification.

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[1] Based on Hyundai test data for comparison purposes. Actual time will vary and is dependent on a number of factors including battery temperature, condition and age, ambient temperature and the power provided by the charger. Charge time increases in cold weather and if battery temperature activates safeguarding technology. Ultra-fast chargers are currently available on selected motorways/major arterial routes – see the Charge myHyundai app for details. They are not yet available in Northern Ireland.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5

Our 300-mile trip begins at 7:30am on a crisp Tuesday morning, in the heart of Newcastle. Unlike petrol or diesel cars, electric cars can be fully charged and ready to go each and every morning when charged overnight. As we’re away from home, and in the absence of being able to start our journey from a home charger, we left the Hyundai Ioniq 5 on charge overnight via a low-cost lamp post charge point outside our hotel.

During breakfast, we use Hyundai’s BlueLink app to check if the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is fully charged. We then precondition the car’s battery to offer maximum efficiency, before setting the interior temperature to our exacting preference, and finally set our destination: Southwark. From the app, the directions are sent directly to Hyundai Ioniq 5’s crisp 12.3inch touchscreen. All of this before we’ve even left the hotel.

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Always charged, always ready 

The all-new bespoke EV platform used by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 – with its low-slung batteries and flat floor – means that Hyundai has been able to re-imagine the interior with more space, versatility and comfort. Environmentally friendly materials like eco-processed leather and recycled yarn are used throughout, too. As soon as we step into the Hyundai Ioniq 5, we know this is going to be an enjoyable journey.

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Lounge-like interior

With 527 litres of boot space – or 1587 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded down – the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers almost as much boot space as the seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe family SUV. It’s truly enormous inside.

Plus, with a further 57 litres of frunk space, a completely flat floor, a sliding centre console[2] and oodles of large cubby spaces, the interior of the Ioniq 5 offers a wealth of versatile storage options. That means plenty of room for all our overnight clobber and camera gear. We’re packed and ready to head off.

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<hr />
[2] Sliding centre console standard on Premium, Ultimate and Namsan Edition.

Plenty of space for all our needs

With our Hyundai Ioniq 5’s 73kWh battery offering up to 298 miles of range, we begin our journey on Mosley Street, the first street in the world to be illuminated by electric lights.

Back in the 1870s, there was a global race to develop the first electric lights. In Britain, Newcastle-based Joseph Swan led the charge, and in 1880 he took his pioneering bulbs out of the home and onto the bustling Mosley Street. Interestingly, Thomas Edison was working on his own light bulbs at the same time. He tried to sue Swan for infringing his patent, but the two men ended up joining forces to form the Swan and Edison Company in 1883.

On Mosley Street, the tight turning circle, light steering and high-rise SUV-like driving position of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 makes navigating the tight streets of Newcastle a breeze – and we’re already turning heads…

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The journey begins

Inspired by the Hyundai Pony of the 1970s, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 brings classic and modern together into one bold, unique and eye-catching design. The smooth, seamless lines and clamshell bonnet give the Ioniq 5 futuristic style like nothing else on the road.

Up-front, the distinctive LED headlights with 256 individual pixels and captivating light bar means even with backdrops like the stunning Tyne Bridge, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 steals the show.

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Eye-catching style

As we head south out of Newcastle, we get the perfect opportunity to utilise the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s clever regenerative braking technology.

Using the paddle shifters on either side of the steering wheel, you can select the level of regenerative braking that harvests energy under deceleration and puts it back into the battery for later use. Around town, the i-Pedal feature puts regeneration to its maximum setting, meaning we can traverse town using just the accelerator pedal – perfect for those who regularly commute in and out of major cities and towns.

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Clever regenerative technology

The North-East of England is home to some of the nation’s most spectacular driving roads and scenery, so we take a small detour west of Newcastle into the heart of County Durham to test out the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s driving dynamics.

With sportscar-like rear-wheel drive, low-slung batteries that help keep a low centre of gravity and 170PS and 350Nm of instant electric torque, our Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a blast along the country roads – impressive for a car that weighs nearly two tonnes.

Sport Mode adds weight to the steering wheel and sharpens the throttle response for an even more immersive driving experience. With up to 305PS, 605Nm of torque and a 0-60mph time of just 5.2 seconds, range-topping 77.4kWh all-wheel drive versions of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 take driving fun to an even higher level.

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Breathtaking performance

After having some fun on the country roads, we head south, join the A1M and settle in for a serene cruise across the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. On the motorway, the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s comfortable ergonomics – lumbar support and centre console armrest to name just a few – make cruising utterly relaxing; perfect for those long-distance company car drivers.

We select ECO Mode to help preserve our range, while the Ioniq 5’s advanced Smart Sense driver assistance systems come into their own. Lane Follow Assist and Lane Keeping Assist mean keeping on the straight and narrow is a breeze, while Intelligent Speed Limit Assist monitor the ever-changing speed limits on the motorway and keep us informed via the crisp 12.3inch driver display.

Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist lend an extra pair of eyes when you’re changing lanes and sounds a warning if another vehicle is in your blind spot, while Adaptive Cruise control means we never get too close to the car in front.

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Serene cruiser

The comfortable motorway cruise in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 gives us the opportunity to discover its vast connectivity and infotainment technology. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard on all models, while Voice Recognition means you can change radio stations, make a phone call or set a new destination without lifting a finger.

Heated seats and steering wheel come as standard too, but on this sunny May day it’s the dual-zone climate control that’s keeping us cool and attentive. The wireless charging pad keeps our phones topped-up, while the easy-to-follow sat-nav keeps us tracking straight.

At this point, it’s time for lunch, so we use the infotainment system’s in-built charging point finder to locate our nearest rapid charger: Skelton Lake Services.

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In-car technology

After two hours and over 100 miles of driving, we arrive at Skelton Lake Services for a bite to eat and a quick top-up on one of the IONITY rapid chargers. In a world-first, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 supports both 400v and 800v charging infrastructure, meaning you have access to even more public chargers across the country.

Delivering up to 350kWh of power, IONITY’s nation-wide network of ultra-rapid chargers can deliver a big boost of range in just a few minutes. Once plugged in, we head for some food in the sprawling Skelton Lake services. Using the BlueLink app, we can see that after just 20 minutes the Ioniq 5 is back to full charge. We also forget to lock the car, but the BlueLink app allows us to lock the car from the comfort of our seats in KFC.

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A quick top-up

Before heading back onto the M1, we utilise the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s enormous interior to spread out and check some emails. We also use the 3-pin plug socket underneath the rear seats to grab some charge for our cameras and use the wealth of USB-C ports throughout the cabin to get some much-needed juice into our phones and laptops.

For company car drivers, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a car, lounge and office all rolled into one. If you fancy a doze in-between meetings, the fully-reclinable front seats[3] are perfect for a power nap. In the rear, the sliding rear seats mean that when the kids are along for the journey, they’ll have all the room they could ever need to stretch out.

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[3] Relaxation seats are standard on Namsan Edition or part of the optional Tech pack on Ultimate.

Work, rest and play all rolled into one

After our top-up, we’re back on the M1 and heading for London. The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s crisp 12.3 inch digital driver’s display provides vital driving information right in your eye-line, and optional head-up display takes keeping your eyes fixed on the road to a whole new level of safety and convenience – perfect for long-haul motorway journeys.

Another useful safety feature is the Driver Awareness Warning. Taking into consideration distance and time on the road, the Ioniq 5 will judge your awareness levels and suggest when to take a break – just another useful feature to keep you and your passengers safe.

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Back on the road

Another 180 serene, comfortable and uneventful miles later, we arrive on the outskirts of London, even fresher and more relaxed than when we left. Heading south, we pick up the M3 and head into the heart of the capital. In the London suburbs, the intuitive safety technology of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 once again lends a hand.

When you’re in slow moving traffic, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert tells you when the car ahead of you is moving away to keep you attentive and flowing with the traffic. The high-rise driving position and superb view out the front makes this large family car perfectly manoeuvrable around town, while the instant electric power makes it nippy and nimble.

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Heading into London

Along with its tiny 2% BIK rate, the zero-emission all-electric powertrain of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 means you won’t have to pay congestion charges or ULEZ costs when heading into any major city – another ace up the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s sleeve.

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Zero emissions, zero cost 

Before heading to our final stop in Southwark, we want to see a few of London’s famous sights. A trip through Piccadilly Circus is a breeze thanks to the added safety of City Emergency Braking (which will apply the brakes immediately if any pedestrians step out in front of the car). Even here, in supercar city, the dazzling design of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is still turning heads.

We pass the Savoy, too. In 1881, the Savoy was the first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity, replacing the smoky gas burners with clean and brighter electric illumination – for which, Joseph Swan supplied 1200 incandescent lamps.

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Some spontaneous sightseeing

After 300 miles and over six hours of driving, we finally reach our destination in Southwark – a spectacular LED light display in the shadow of The Shard. Finding a public charger nearby, we plug in and snap our final spectacular picture of the day.

In 1904, Joseph Swan was knighted by King Edward VII, awarded the Royal Society's Hughes Medal, and was made an honorary member of the Pharmaceutical Society. He then received the highest decoration in France, the Legion of Honour, when he visited the 1881 International Exposition of Electricity, Paris, which included displays of his inventions.

Like Swan, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a true pioneer. Traversing the length of the country in just one day is a tall ask for even the best company cars, but in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 it has been a dream. Comfortable, spacious, practical, cost-effective and environmentally friendly, it has been the perfect companion for this epic journey, and truly makes for the perfect company car.

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The end to a perfect all-electric journey

Hyundai Ioniq 5: the ultimate all-electric company car journey

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

We took the all-electric Ioniq 5 on a 300-mile journey from the world’s first electrically lit street in Newcastle to an ultra-modern London light display. Here’s what we learned

Hyundai Ioniq 5: the ultimate all-electric company car journey        

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth has long&nbsp;produced high performance versions of Fiat's cars.

In recent years, Abarth has been established&nbsp;as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën split off its DS luxury division several years ago. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 500e is a sporty version of the Fiat 500 Electric, whilst the Abarth 595 is a beefed-up version of the older Fiat 500 hatchback.

ABARTH

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Alpina has produced high-performance versions of BMW's range since the 1960s, and is now considered to be a manufacturer in its own right.

Whilst it cars are typically fast, and are often considered alternatives to BMW's M models, they are typically more comfortable with engines that provide a more relaxed power delivery.

Its models have similar naming conventions to the equivalent BMW: the B3 is based on the BMW 3 Series and the B4 Gran Coupé started life as a 4 Series Gran Coupé, for example.

BMW ALPINA

BYD is one of the biggest names in electric cars globally, but only launched in the UK recently.

Even so, it has a fast-growing dealer network, and it's models - most notably the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Seal - are gaining attention for impressive tech and good driving ranges.

Other BYDs include the MG4-sized Dolphin and Nissan Qashqai-sized Atto 3.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.

Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GWM ORA

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

LEAPMOTOR

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Polestar is a relative newcomer to the new car market, having been born as a motorsport team later bought by Volvo. Today it produces a range of upmarket, fully-electric vehicles and as a brand now sits independently of Volvo.

Its models are given numerical names, and unusually these don’t denote the size of the model, rather they indicate the order in which they’re launched. The now-discontinued Polestar 1 was the firm’s first model and the Polestar 2 is an executive hatchback which is a direct rival for the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV, Polestar 4 a coupé and Polestar 5 a performance car.

Polestar has a focus on sustainability: in 2020 was the first car maker to release a study to show the carbon footprint of its cars, and in 2021 it started a project to ensure rare-Earth materials such as cobalt – used in many electric car batteries – are sourced responsibly.

POLESTAR

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

XPeng

BAYON

INSTER

IONIQ 5 N

KONA

If you've only seen the&nbsp;Hyundai Ioniq 5&nbsp;in photos, you might think it's a family hatchback. Its looks are deceiving though: this is actually a big electric SUV.

Indeed, at 4.6 metres long and 1.6 metres tall, the Ioniq 5 is almost as big as an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5</a>.&nbsp;In fact, the three-metre&nbsp;distance between the front and rear axles is the same as you’ll find in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a8/saloon/review/n17302">Audi A8</a> limo&nbsp;and gives passengers a remarkable amount of space.

Hyundai gives you lots of choice within the Ioniq 5 range, and you can pick between two battery sizes (which were&nbsp;increased in a 2024 update), rear or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">four-wheel drive</a> and one of five trims. It's not cheap&nbsp;but it does promise a generous level of standard equipment, a respectable range between charges and a quick <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">maximum charging rate</a>.

<h2 dir="ltr">Watch our Hyundai Ioniq 5 review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zZB4V8GAdp4?si=xVuZL9DInbvEIW43" width="560"></iframe>

Few would argue that it doesn't look the part,&nbsp;but is it a good car in more objective terms? And how does it compare with rivals ranging from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/4x4/review/n22909">Skoda Enyaq</a> to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id4/estate/review/n22789">VW ID 4</a>?

Read on to find out how we rate the Hyundai Ioniq 5 against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">best electric SUVs</a>. Or if you're interested in the performance-focused "electric hot hatch" version, see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/ioniq-5-n/hatchback/review/n26318">Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review</a>.

The Ioniq 5 is fast, good to drive and roomy – and now comes with bigger batteries

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Hyundai IONIQ 6: 14 ways its smart tech transforms electric driving

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