Hyundai’s radical Ioniq 5 scoops top design award

Manufacturer releases kooky, original concept vehicle. Manufacturer says it will go into production. Manufacturer realises that there are a million ways to make it cheaper to produce if it tweaks the design. Manufacturer also realises that half of it doesn’t adhere to safety regulations. 

Manufacturer ends up releasing boring looking potato car. Customer sad. 

This is the traditional timeline of the wild, unhinged concept car. But lately, it seems Hyundai hasn’t been getting the memo. It’s released some fairly off-the-wall designs of late, and headlining the list is the fully electric Ioniq 5. 

Hyundai’s first dedicated BEV has been rewarded for its bold looks with victory at this year’s Car Design Review awards, netting the Production Car of the Year gong. 

Held by Car Design News, the awards are judged by some of the biggest names in the industry; including the head designers from Volkswagen, Volvo, and Maserati. It’s the eighth time the awards have been held. 

The Ioniq 5 was given particular praise for its “striking surfaces and geometric patterns”. This points to one of the Ioniq’s most striking features; the deep contour line in the bodywork that slices downwards from the top of the front doors to the tail of the sills. 

“Once in a while a car comes along that creates an impact on the design community,” said Maserati’s Vice President of Design Klaus Busse. “The Ioniq 5 is such a car, and its impact is evident in the sketches of many young student designers.”

The Ioniq 5 wasn’t the only winner. Renault’s stunning looking electric Renault 5 concept took home the 2021 Concept Car Award, pipping the Lexus LF-Z and Polestar Precept. “Renault 5 Concept shows a beautiful mix between Retro design and the modern reincarnation of an iconic car of the past,” said the judges.

With the Renault 5 having been confirmed for production, it’s now Renault’s turn to try and preserve as much of that funky looking concept’s looks as possible.