WINNER
Hyundai Ioniq 5N
This year’s best fun car award couldn’t have gone to any car other than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It’s the biggest leap forward we’ve yet seen in electric car technology – and it’s the only EV our most devout petrolhead staffers have stepped out of and wanted to buy.
Why? Well, it does an exceptional impression of a petrol-powered hot hatchback. Hyundai has coded a phony double-clutch gearbox for the car, which is supported by a fake engine note – and it’s remarkably convincing in how well it replicates the violence of a full-throttle upshift or the sensation of high-rev down change.
But the best thing about the car is that doesn’t take itself too seriously. You get the impression it was designed by people who love driving. So, the Ioniq 5 N has a drive mode whose sole purpose is to make the car do skids – and you get a button on the steering wheel that throws all 650hp at the wheels for overtaking. It’s hilarious. It’s like a nitrous button on an arcade racing game. Very well done, Hyundai.
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How much would the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N cost to insure?
Based on a 45-year old male the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N would cost £1,301.99 to insure. Compare prices in less than five minutes at Parkerscompare.com
*Insurance quotes are from parkerscompare.com in October 2024 and are based on a 45-year-old, employed, married male living in Huntingdon with 20 years NCD and no claims or convictions. Insurance quotes will vary depending on individual circumstances.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The Giulia Quadrifoglio came a very close second to the Ioniq 5 N. Alfa Romeo updated it in 2024 – and the changes made a great car into a fantastic one. The chassis is now even sharper, and the brand has junked the old car’s electronic differential in favour of a mechanical limited-slip differential, so it’s even more exciting on the limit. As we’re demonstrating above.
But the icing on the cake is that engine. It’s a Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 with an enormous 520hp – and it sounds terrific. It has so much more character than the BMW M3’s straight six unit. It performs well, too, with a 0–62mph time of 3.9 seconds and utterly savage in-gear acceleration. We’d have one over an M3 every time.
To find out more, read our full Alfa Romeo Giulia QV review
Alpine A110
The Alpine A110 is a familiar face in the Parkers awards. It won was our Best Fun Car award in 2024 and 2023 – and it’s back as Highly Commended for 2025. That might come as a surprise, considering it remains one of (if not the) finest-handling cars ever built. But we felt compelled to move it down the pack because it no longer represents the best of where performance cars are going. It represents the best of where they’ve been.
If you’re looking for a small sports car, though, this is a great place to start. It’s light, agile and abnormally communicative for a modern car. It’s also powered by a punchy 1.8-litre engine which, in its angriest state of tune, produces 300hp. Still want that Porsche Cayman?
To find out more, read our full Alpine A110 review
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