If you’re looking to buy a new car, why not buy one of the best cars
in the world? At the New York Auto show this April, the 2022 World Car Awards were announced. From 33 different countries, a panel of 102 jurors decided the best of the best in the auto industry. Which one could be right for you?
World urban car of the year
The Toyota Yaris Cross, a crossover version of the Yaris, is a subcompact SUV with a three-cylinder engine. Though it’s not sold in the U.S., the larger Corolla Cross is available to Americans.
Smaller than the RAV4, the Yaris Cross offers many driver-assist features that come in handy when driving in the city. The car’s Safety Sense suite gives early warnings and aids in steering intervention and automatic braking.
Drivers will also get a power back door and a deck that is not only adjustable but can be split in two, “meaning it can be used to benefit either from an underfloor compartment or increased trunk space,” Autoevolution
tells us. Light and nimble, the popular vehicle can reach a top speed of 106 mph and ramp up to 60 mph in 11.2 seconds. An efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain is also an option.
World luxury car of the year
Should Tesla be worried? Perhaps. The Mercedes-Benz EQS is an electric counterpart to the flagship S-Class and gives us a glimpse of what Mercedes-Benz could become.
With impressive technology, “The $102,000 Mercedes-Benz EQS is the brand's first all-electric full-size sedan and is available with up to 350 miles of range between charges,” notes Fox News
. Using the European rating system, the sleek full-sized sedan is rumored to have a range of 478 miles per charge. And according to Fox News, “The EQS will come standard with a computer-controlled air suspension system, a full suite of electronic driver aids and offer a choice of two optional four-wheel steering systems that can turn its rear wheels either 4.5 degrees or 10 degrees to improve the car's maneuverability.”
The massive hyperscreen dash extends from one end of the car to the other, we’re talking 56 inches of screen. You can also adjust the “sound experience” to hear within the cabin. The two choices when you accelerate include a sci-fi sounding “vivid flux” or an engine-revving “sound waves.”
World performance car of the year
Contrary to popular belief, the Audi E-Tron GT is not a supercharged version of Audi's staid electric SUV. It actually shares the same electric architecture as the Porsche Taycan. The low-slung sedan offers an RS version that when in boost mode, can crank out 637 hp.
The midsize sport sedan can jump from zero to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. The sleek five-seater features heated rear seats, a head-up display, and Audi traffic jam assist.
With sporty and generous comfort, the car doesn’t feel too floaty. Instead, the drive feels controlled and well-engineered.
Drivers enjoy the 800-volt powertrain, which includes a 93.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, slick two-speed transmission, and standard Quattro AWD. Depending on the trim, expect to pay anywhere from $104,000 to $164,000.
MORE: World Car Awards Is 1 of The Biggest Auto Award Programs Globally
World electric vehicle, world car design, and world car of the year
World car of the year, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a retro-inspired design and is one of the coolest SUV hatchbacks we’ve ever seen. It shares the same e-GMP platform as the Kia EV6 and starts at around $41,195.
With a range of over 300 miles per charge, the Ioniq 5 also took home awards for the World Electric Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.
Thoughtfully designed, the smooth clamshell hood cuts down on panel gaps. According to Fox News, “Its styling features retro-futuristic pixilated and polygonal elements and its spacious interior includes a driver's seat that turns into a recliner with a footrest.” We also can’t complain about the spacious amount of legroom for folks in the back.
The standard model comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen, and is super fast to charge. The Ioniq 5 features a state-of-the-art battery pack that packs a punch.
According to Hyundai
, “Built with a higher capacity and greater energy density, it feeds IONIQ 5 with 77.4 kWh of electric power. And it’s capable of handling charging speeds of up to 250kW, so you can take advantage of time-saving 800V ultra-fast charging.” With its promise of more sensual and sporty “prophecy concept” cars, we can’t wait to see what else Hyundai has up its sleeve.
4.7
