As is customary on these dates since 2005, the World Car Awards have been delivered, the renowned prizes that distinguish the best cars in the world. Traditionally, the awards are bestowed at a ceremony held the day before the New York International Auto Show opens.
On this occasion, the 2023 awards have left us with an absolute winner: the Hyundai IONIQ 6. The international jury, made up of 100 motoring journalists from 32 different countries, has awarded it the Best Car in the World award, the highest distinction of the ceremony. In addition, the model of the South Korean firm has managed to prevail in two other categories: best Electric Car in the World and best Car Design in the World.
In this way, the IONIQ 6 has managed to be the best valued in three of the six existing sections. A spectacular feat that, however, was already achieved by its predecessor, the IONIQ 5, when it obtained exactly the same three trophies in the previous edition. Previously, the 2021 winner was the Volkswagen ID.4, while in 2020 the favorite was the Kia Telluride and in 2019 the Jaguar I-Pace. As already happened in 2022, five of the six awards have been for 100% electric cars.
Cars chosen in any of the categories have been for sale in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, US) on two or more continents sometime between January 1, January 2022 and March 30, 2023. In addition, among the requirements to win the absolute prize was a minimum production of 10,000 units per year for the aspiring models, while in other sections 5,000 were required. The distinguished cars in the 2023 edition are the following:
The great winner of the night. The IONIQ 6 is Hyundai’s second electric model. It is built on the Electrical Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the same one that powers the IONIQ 5, although it presents a very different and daring external appearance, which is not explained by a simple matter of aesthetics. The design is highly aerodynamic, giving it a coefficient of air resistance of just 0.21.
Its simple lines offer great energy efficiency, that is, lower consumption. Thus, this four-door sedan can travel up to 614 kilometers (WLTP) on one battery charge. The ultra-fast charging capability allows it to be recharged from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes.
In Spain, it is available in three different options: 151 CV and rear propulsion, associated with a 53 kWh capacity battery with which it certifies 429 km of autonomy; 228 CV with the 77.4 kWh battery, propulsion that announces a surprising 614 km of autonomy; and 325 CV with all-wheel drive and the same 77.4 kWh battery, in which autonomy is reduced to 519 km.
The Lucid Air is the first car made by the American company Lucid Motors, formerly known as Atieva. This spectacular sedan with a futuristic appearance is 100% electric and is a great option for those looking for the most exquisite luxury in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Of course, a powerful rival for the Tesla Model S that is already in Europe.
There are 4 versions available (Pure, Touring, Grand Touring and Sapphire) with different engines. All Lucid Air models can charge up to 32 kilometers per minute when connected to a direct current fast charging point, which means about 480 kilometers in just 20 minutes.
The GT variant of the Kia EV6 is the fastest car the South Korean brand has made in its entire history. The 100% electric SUV presents a special set-up, a marked sporty appearance thanks to the aggressive lines of its design and exclusive details. It measures 4.69 meters long and almost 1.90 meters wide and its price in the Spanish market starts at almost 70,000 euros.
Without a doubt, its benefits are scandalous. Its 585 hp and 740 Nm of torque allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, a lower figure, for example, than the 3.9 seconds needed by the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC to reach 100 km/h from standstill. In addition, the top speed of the Kia flagship is 260 km/h.
In terms of autonomy, with a charge it can travel up to 424 km. To complement the power and features, it offers 800 V ultra-fast charging technology and is compatible with ultra-fast chargers of up to 250 kW, with which its 77.4 kWh battery recovers from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes.
The renewed Citroën C3 is an economical car with very compact dimensions, with a length that is close to 4 meters, a width of 1.75 meters and a height of 1.47 meters. In addition, it has a wheelbase of 2.54 meters, which allows more than decent space for the three occupants of the rear seats, as well as a trunk with a capacity of at least 300 liters.
Regarding the motorization, the C3 has the efficient diesel 1.5 BlueHDi of 100 CV and the 1.2 PureTech of gasoline in version of 83 and 110 CV, this last motor with the practical automatic transmission EAT6 of six speeds. Mechanical, both, which stand out for their low fuel consumption, with an approved average ranging between 4.2 and 5.9 l/100 km. Aspects, all of them, that help to understand its triumph in the competitive segment of utility vehicles.