For this year’s Design Award, we offered the chance for you, the readers, to vote for 2021’s most stunning new car. In the end, the win was comfortable; congratulations to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which took 18.9 per cent of the poll.
Eye-catching, contemporary and distinctive, it’s a showcase of styling done right; retro without being overtly pastiche, unique without being fussy and, despite its size, well judged proportions.
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Inspiration for the shape was taken from the Hyundai Pony Coupé concept of 1974, although elements of another Giugiaro design classic are there; that boxy hatchback shape and those flat-faced, rally-esque wheels give off a strong hint of the Lancia Delta. The detailing is fantastic, too – the pixel-like LED lights and fine illuminated slats running the width of the front end are particular highlights – while the vast cabin shows minimalism without compromising functionality.
Second place was taken by the Renault 5 Concept with 11.1 per cent of the vote, while third position was a tie between the Audi e-tron GT and Lotus Evija.