11.06.2021 Press release

Hyundai TUCSON named ‘Car of the Year’ by DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine

  • Hyundai TUCSON SUV named DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine’s Car of the Year 2021
  • TUCSON also receives ‘Number 1’ and ‘Best Medium SUV’ accolades
  • Judges praise TUCSON’s “trend-setting design language, excellent infotainment system, plentiful performance and near-50mpg economy”
  • TUCSON “goes above and beyond the segment expectations, making it a very worthy winner”
  • Strong showing for Hyundai KONA, which wins praise for design and advanced safety technology

Press material

Hyundai Motor UK is delighted to announce that the all-new Hyundai TUCSON SUV was today named ‘Car of the Year 2021’ by leading automotive title DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine.

In addition, the Hyundai KONA SUV also performed strongly in the magazine’s annual awards.


Commenting on the TUCSON’s impressive trio of accolades – ‘Number 1,’ ‘Car of the Year 2021,’ and ‘Best Medium SUV’ – DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine editor Ian Robertson said:

The Hyundai TUCSON ushers in a new design language, taking it from ‘handsome’ to ‘trend-setting.’ Its interior is a big step up, with great materials, a mature design and an excellent infotainment system with an attractive instrument display. The hybrid model serves up plentiful performance and near-50mpg economy. We found the TUCSON refined and capable, with excellent handling and plenty of traction. All in all, we not only think the TUCSON perfectly fits the bill for buyers, but it also goes above and beyond the segment expectations, making it a very worthy winner.

Ian Robertson DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine editor

In addition to the TUCSON’s dominance of the 2021 DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine Car of the Year awards, the Hyundai KONA was placed in 42nd position.

The KONA has been a likeable small SUV since its launch and underwent a major update this year. It now looks even better. Safety kit is also bolstered, and semi-autonomous cruise control can help with acceleration and braking when travelling in heavy traffic. The chassis has been reworked as well, both to improve steering feel and enhance the ride comfort.

Ian Robertson DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine editor

Speaking on the presentation of the Car of the Year award, Ashley Andrew, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK, said:

We are delighted that the Hyundai TUCSON has received such a prestigious accolade as the 2021 DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine Car of the Year title. The all-new TUCSON has already proven very popular with our customers. Of course, experts such as the professional road testers at DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine can be even more demanding, so for the TUCSON to receive the top award is extremely pleasing and provides further validation of Hyundai’s design and engineering values – as does the strong placing of the KONA.

Ashley Andrew Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK

Priced from £28,710, the ground-breaking Hyundai TUCSON SUV is offered to customers with a choice of three powertrains, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Petrol with Mild Hybrid. The TUCSON’S styling is sophisticated yet rugged, performance is consummately blended with efficiency, and the engaging driving experience is backed up by best-in-class safety. Every TUCSON is equipped with advanced safety features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) Car, Pedestrian and Cycle and Multi Collision Braking (MCA) as standard.


Priced from £21,265, the award-winning Hyundai KONA SUV features the most sustainable mobility-focussed line-up in the sector with Electric, Hybrid and Petrol with Mild Hybrid powertrains on offer. The KONA also provides cutting-edge, connected technology, with advanced features such as a Head-up display (HUD), Touch screen display, Wireless charging pad and a Full 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster all available.

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