Hyundai UK has secured two new accolades at Business Car’s annual awards. The company was named ‘Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer’, and also scooped the ‘Driver’s Choice’ award for its acclaimed high-performance i30 N.
The expert judging panel noted Hyundai Motor’s dedicated fleet team, increased focus on fleet sales, and its Fleet Aftersales Charter – which sets out to reduce cost of ownership and improve response times for fleet customers – in awarding the ‘Most Improved’ accolade. Additionally, the brand’s provision of a Fleet Business Centre and enhancements to its fleet team counted in its favour.
In Business Car’s ‘Driver’s Choice’ category, the performance-focused Hyundai i30 N triumphed with its driver appeal, competitive price, and comparatively low BIK, tax and running costs setting it apart.
Business Car commented: “Hyundai might not be a brand traditionally associated with desirable performance cars, but the i30 N, available as a hatchback or sleek fastback, drives better than many more expensive hot hatches. As a halo model, it’s prompting people to think again about their perceptions of Hyundai.”
In 2018, Hyundai Motor UK appointed Michael Stewart as Director of Fleet and Tim White as National Fleet Sales Manager as part of plans to bolster the company’s performance in the fleet sector. They have spearheaded a fleet improvement campaign that has seen the company further enhance its offering to fleet customers.
“To win the Most Improved Manufacturer is testament to the hard work of the Hyundai Fleet team and to our dealer partners and is proof that the improvements we have made to our infrastructure really are starting to pay dividends. I strongly believe that Hyundai now has the necessary framework in place to further build upon on its success in the fleet sector,” commented Michael Stewart, Director of Fleet.
“It’s also fantastic to see the i30 N recognised as a worthy fleet vehicle for the enthusiastic driver - they really are a lot of fun to drive!”
The i30 N is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine available with two power outputs: The i30N delivers 250 PS, while the i30N Performance version boosts this to 275 PS. Torque vectoring by braking is standard, while the 275 PS car has an Electronic Limited Slip Differential, larger brake discs, and an active variable exhaust system. It is also available as a Fastback i30 N, available exclusively with 275 PS.
The i30 N benefits from Hyundai’s comprehensive five-year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance package. The car is packed with the latest equipment as standard, including the latest active safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and a Driver Attention Warning system.
The Business Car awards represent the pinnacle of fleet achievement. The judging panel is made up of independent experts drawn from fleet organisations, as well as car market analysts and running cost providers, plus members of the Business Car editorial team.