Following an extensive judging process, the winners in the 2017 Women’s World Car of The Year have been announced. The Supreme Winner is the Hyundai Ioniq, the first car in the world to offer separate hybrid, full electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains within one body type.

In a tangible indication of the changes in the motor industry, this is the first time that a decidedly “green” car has won this sought-after accolade.

A spokesman for Hyundai South Africa has confirmed that there are no plans to bring the Ioniq to this country. The vehicle has, however, been extremely well received in international markets, with many industry observers commenting that it offers the most compelling combination of decent range (200 km on a single charge) matched to a reasonable price-tag.

The Ioniq is a foray of things to come from the Hyundai Motor Group, which aims to be a leader in “green” motoring. It will introduce 31 eco-friendly models to the global market by 2020.

South Africa is represented on the Women’s World Car of The Year judging panel by CyberStoep’s Charleen Clarke. Unlike the South African Car of the Year (which Clarke also judges), Women’s World Car of The Year includes various categories, and these are the winners in the various categories:

Budget Car: Ford Fiesta
Family Car: Mazda CX5
Green Car: Hyundai Ioniq
SUV/Crossover: Peugeot 3008
Luxury Car: BMW 5 Series
Performance Car: Honda Civic Type R
Dream Car: McLaren 720S

According to Sandy Myhre, CEO of Women’s World Car of the Year, the winners were selected by 25 judges from 20 different countries. “It’s a democratic process. Cars that have won categories and the supreme winner face formidable competition; they really have to stand out,” she tells CyberStoep.

The judging process started two months ago, when judges from around the world nominated their preferences in the various categories. This year 420 cars were on the first nomination list, which was then whittled down to the top 60. Judges then vote on those cars by allocating points. Voting is by secret ballot and audited by international accountancy company Grant Thornton.

This is the eighth edition of the Women’s World Car of the Year Awards.

Previous Supreme Winners:

• 2016: Jaguar F-Pace
• 2015: Volvo XC90
• 2014: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• 2013: Ford Fiesta Ecoboost
• 2012: Range Rover Evoque
• 2011: BMW 5 Series and Citroën DS3 (tie)
• 2010: Jaguar XF