Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the People’s Choice

The people have spoken and the result is clear: the all-new Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the 2021 carsales Car of the Year People’s Choice.

Launched last month, the ground-breaking new mid-size electric fastback SUV accounted for a dominant 19.6 per cent of votes from respondents to our second annual COTY readers’ poll.

The People’s Choice award is the penultimate step in the rollout of our 2021 carsales Car of the Year award, proudly presented by Bingle, before the winner and two highly commended models are announced this Wednesday (November 17).

Even before voting closed on Friday (November 12), the Hyundai IONIQ 5 was the clear favourite ahead of the nine other finalists we announced on November 1.

These were shortlisted from the 31 contenders we published on October 1, after RedBook confirmed the eligibility of almost 100 new or upgraded models released in Australia in the past 12 months.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 was a clear winner in the People’s Choice award with almost 20 per cent of votes, attracting plenty of praise from readers – including some who aren’t sold on EVs.

“Whilst I am not a fan of electric cars, I acknowledge that this car appears a Great Leap Forward for everyday drivers,” said one respondent.

“This is what we all dreamed electric cars would look like. Brave design, great tech. Retro-tastic,” said another.

“Revolutionary design whilst still looking retro, environmentally friendly technology, prioritising consumer comfort and experience. Ground-breaking styling making EVs accessible to more people. Amazing.”

“Futuristic yet retro, sustainable yet fun, can power your coffee machine, toasted sandwich maker or your house, SUV yet hatchback – this bundle of contradictions has it all!”

And finally: “The design is incredible and it’s been amazing watching how fast the Korean car market has grown! I am excited to see what Hyundai does in the future. I feel that this is such a revolutionary car that is worth considering, despite the price. Slapping an N badge on in the future would be even more exciting to see.”

In a surprise second place was the short-wheelbase Land Rover Defender 90 two-door with 16.5 per cent of votes and more comments than any other finalist.

“It just looks so cool,” was the general theme. “Modern version of the vehicle I grew up with! Superb design – a sculpture on wheels.

“It’s the only contender that’s not pc boring !!!”

“Because it doesn’t look like every other bloody Korean SUV rubbish.”

“Short wheelbase and steelies are effortlessly cool.”

“It is equally at home driving into the office in peak hour as it is into virgin rain forest. An epic vehicle without limitation.”

“Swiss army knife of cars with the latest tech that is at home in the bush or CBD.”

Ranking third with 12 per cent of votes was the Polestar 2, which attracted wide applause for its value and technology.

“Looks like a well priced alternative to the horrible Tesla 3,” said one reader.

“Design and innovation. A car I want in my driveway.”

“Scando cool, affordable EV. The future of motoring here today.”

There was also plenty of praise for the new Toyota LandCruiser, which was right behind the Polestar 2 with 11 per cent of votes.

“The best resale on market and lasts for many years after the others in this list have died or worn out,” said one fan.

“It is a massive leap forward over its predecessor,” said another. “So many improvements. Fuel efficiency. Gearbox, Motor, Suspension. Evolutionary design. Interior updates. All of it. Just a fantastic all-round package.”

“The brand, durability and low running costs.”

Rounding out the top five with 8.6 per cent of votes was the Genesis GV70, which one reader said was: “Gorgeous, inside and out! Watch out world this one is going to stir some big names!”

“Wonderful looking car with great interior design. The brand continues to improve in leaps and bounds,” said another reader.

Equal sixth with eight per cent of votes were the new Kia Sportage and Skoda Octavia, with one reader saying the Octavia offered the best value for money.

Meantime, Rod said of the Sportage: “Value, looks, warranty, performance, interior presentation, it has it all. You have helped me make a decision on our next car through your testing of this year’s Car of the Year.”

Not far behind was the new Volkswagen Golf hatch with 7.2 per cent and very few comments, but all of them to the point.

“After test driving a number of different cars recently to decide on my next car, I have settled for the Golf 8 which will be delivered in December,” said one reader.

The new Kia Carnival (4.6%) was ninth, with one respondent saying it offers: “Great and unique styling, abundant space, a great drive for a people-mover; overall a refreshing option to the ubiquitous SUV.”

Filling out the list of top 10 finalists was the new Hyundai Tucson (4.5%), which was overshadowed by its higher-tech stablemate but was nonetheless lauded for its: “Affordable, bold design inside and out, good tech and safety.”

Watch this space on Wednesday (November 17) to find out which model is the 2021 carsales Car of the Year, proudly presented by Bingle.