Car of the Year Awards 2025: Technology Award

Harry Houdini might be considered the world’s greatest magician, but we reckon the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is every bit as magical – because while this electric hot hatch doesn’t feature a traditional gearbox, it fools you into thinking it does.

By simulating the experience of an eight-speed paddle-shift gearbox, the e-Shift system aims to make an electric vehicle (EV) just as engaging to drive as a combustion-engined equivalent. The effect is as wondrous as finding a rabbit inside your favourite hat.

Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and the virtual ‘revs’ will flare as you’d expect, and if you pull one of the wheelmounted paddles, there’s a momentary pause in the power delivery as the e-Shift changes ‘gear’, as you’d experience with a conventional ’box.

Each gear responds as you’d expect, too, with performance being relatively muted in higher gears and gradually building as you gain speed. In the lower gears, the acceleration is enough to press you back into your seat.

The digital sound that accompanies those gears is convincing, matching your accelerator position perfectly. This allows EV drivers to better judge their speed, both on straight roads and approaching corners.

Of course, all of that wouldn’t mean much if the Ioniq 5 N didn’t have the muscle to match its brains, but it does. With two motors producing up to 641bhp  when the aptly named N Grin Boost function is engaged, the Ioniq 5 N offers exhilarating performance.

True, other fast EVs such as the Kia EV6 GT and Porsche Macan Electric Turbo can match it in a sprint (the race from 0-62mph is over in just 3.4sec), but it’s the Ioniq 5 N that feels the most engaging to drive, thanks to its technical wizardry.

Rounding off the Ioniq 5 N’s considerable talents is the fact that this is also a very usable EV. The official range of 278 miles should be more than enough for most families, while the boot matches that of the EV6 for carrying capacity, swallowing seven carry-on suitcases below its parcel shelf in our test.

Plus, with the kind of head and leg room you’d expect to find in a luxury limousine, your rear passengers can stretch out in comfort. Unlike most magic tricks, then, this practical, punchy and engaging EV is no illusion.

Runners-up

2nd – Renault's Google-based infotainment system

With quick responses and a host of useful connected features, Google’s infotainment system is among the best in the business.

The trouble is that until now it has been the preserve of premium manufacturers such as Polestar and Volvo. By incorporating Google’s services into its latest models, Renault has democratised the technology, bringing it to a lower price point.

We’ve been impressed with the set-up in the Scenic and new Renault 5, including the accurate and quick-to-respond voice control, plus the swish graphics and real-time traffic updates of Google Maps.

3rd – Audi MHEV Plus

Until recently, cars with mild hybrid (MHEV) engines couldn’t travel on electric power alone; for that, you’d have to spend more on a full hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric car. Now, though, some MHEVs can cover short distances on electric power – and Audi’s  set-up is the best of the breed.

When we drove the new S5 performance car, we were impressed at its ability to drive calmly around town and at speeds of up to 30mph at times with the petrol engine off. As a result, our fuel economy was well above what you’d expect a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine to traditionally achieve.

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