Yahoo Finance Which? reveals 'product of the year'
The Hyundai Kona Electric car has been crowned 'product of the year' by consumer group Which?
Which whittled down 3,500 products to find the top 10 products considered outstanding for performance, innovation or value.
Researchers found that the Kona Electric not only has the potential for vastly reducing both running costs and has zero exhaust emissions, it also improves the driving experience, being far smoother, quieter and more refined than Hyundai’s petrol alternative.
The Kona Electric’s driving range is particularly impressive, managing 233 miles on full charge. This is compared with 124 miles clocked in by several other mainstream opponents tested by Which?
The only car to drive any further on a single charge was a Tesla, which gave just 31 more miles, and costs about £7,000 more than the £35,100 Kona Electric.
The Kona Electric is clearly a hit with car experts as it also won the Best Technology award in What Car’s Car of the Year 2019 for having “the longest real-world range of any electric car.”
According to Hyundai (HYMTF), “the All-New Kona Electric enables customers to combine the two fastest growing automotive trends – electrification and SUV style. It carries the same expressive design and 'go-anywhere' attitude of the regular Kona.
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“The fully-electric version reflects the individual lifestyle of modern customers who benefit from great fun-to-drive and the low environmental impact of a fully-electric car. The completely new platform of the Kona enables a space-saving integration of the battery packs without compromising the roominess.”
Harry Rose, editor of Which? magazine said: “The Kona Electric isn’t just an excellent and affordable EV, it’s an excellent car full stop. That’s what makes it both a game-changer and our pick as the product of 2019.”
Coming in second place on Which?’s list was a tiny speaker with a big sound. The Sony SRS-XB01 is smaller than 10cm in width, height and depth, but Which? found it clear and loud. Its secret is an innovative hidden passive radiator that effectively enhances bass frequencies, all for the bargain price of only £20.
Completing the top three was the Ikea Malfors mattress. Despite a low price of £99 and simple foam design, testing found it provided better spinal support than luxurious handmade mattresses 10 times the price.
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The winning products followed the trends of innovation, tech, and sustainability, with the top 10 including headphones and speakers from Sony (SNE), Apple’s (AAPL) 2019 AirPods, and rCUP Leakproof Travel Cup – the world’s first reusable cup to be made from recycled paper cups.
“Which?’s tests and reviews set the gold standard – and our pick of products shows that whether you’re looking for sustainability, the latest gadgets or just a quality product at a bargain price – there are great buys out there for those prepared to do their research,” said Rose.
Yahoo is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices were correct at the time of publication.
Which?’s top 10 products of the year 2019
Hyundai Kona Electric - from £35,100
Sony SRS-XB01Bluetooth speaker - £19.99
Ikea Malfors mattress (002.774.23) - £99
Amazon Kindle 2019 - £69.99
Apple Airpods (2019) - £125
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch - £727
Realme 3 Pro - £84.98
LG GBB92STAXP fridge freezer - £1,099
