Hyundai Kona electric SUV bags awards in America, UK and Spain

Hyundai’s all-electric Kona – due in Australia in the first quarter of 2019 – has been recognised with three international awards, proving itself as an outstanding contender across two continents.

In the UK, its award was for the “Next Green Car Awards” and in Spain for “Best Car of the Year” award, while the the third title is not what you’d expect – one of ten coveted spots in the 2019 WardAuto Best Engine competition.

The eco-friendly sub-compact SUV took out the Best Engine award alongside its FCEV counterpart, the zero emissions 23019 NEXO.

Both vehicles were recognised for outstanding powertrains, and it is the 10th time Hyundai has been awarded the title in its 23-year history – only this time for zero emissions technology.

John Juriga, director of powertrain engineering at Hyundai America’s technical centre, said in a statement:

“It is a true honor to have two of our all-new eco-friendly engine applications receive this prestigious award as it underscores Hyundai’s momentum toward having the industry’s most diverse CUV powertrain lineup.”

“The endless hours of research, evaluation and real-world analysis by our engineering community has effectively raised the bar for alternative fuel applications. We are very proud of what has been achieved in this highly competitive marketplace. We are committed to providing smart, alternative fuel solutions for car buyers, and look forward to continue growing our eco-vehicle portfolio.”

In Spain, the prestigous ABC “Best Car of the Year 2019” title was awarded by a panel of 36 journalists and thanks to a public vote via Spain’s ABC website.

While the Spanish title was given for all powertrains, it is the first time a model with an all-electric version has been given the award.

In the UK, Hyundai won three major titles overall, with two of the titles – “Overall Car of the Year” and “Family Car of the Year” – going to the all-electric Kona.

“With its 279-mile range, the Hyundai Kona Electric represents outstanding value for money when compared with rival offerings. As the first to bring a long-distance EV to mass-market customers – and with such a capable package – Hyundai’s Kona Electric is NGC’s Car of the Year 2018,” said the Next Green Car Awards team in a statement.

“While Hyundai’s Kona Electric has been making headlines this year, the company’s plug-in activities are far more significant than just one model. Now with the IONIQ Electric, IONIQ Plug-In, and Kona Electric, Hyundai is becoming a class-leading electric brand,” the team said.

Hyundai Motor UK chief Tony Whitehorn says that Hyundai’s mission is to become a world leader in electric and fuel cell vehicles.

“Our electric offerings, including Kona and IONIQ, represent extremely good value for money, are packed full of the latest technology and come as standard with the peace-of-mind that’s afforded by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage and eight-year or 125,000-mile high voltage battery warranty,” he said in a statement.

“The future of both our fuel cell and other electrified powertrains is taking shape as we speak, but I guarantee you there’s much more to come.”