4 Kia EVs recognized at DrivingElectric Awards 2023

MANILA: Four Kia models were named class winners at the fifth DrivingElectric Awards, proving the brand's continued success.

The DrivingElectric Awards recognize the most efficient vehicles available. The publication's judging panel selects the winner of each category after considering factors like overall value for money, performance, and practicality.

The Kia EV6 GT, which was hailed as Best Electric Performance Car, strengthens Kia's status as a pioneer in electrification.

“In a category previously dominated by supercar-slaying German brands, the Kia EV6 GT challenges the status quo and shows its rivals a clean set of heels. The scintillating straight-line performance is only part of the package; the GT is an incredibly capable all-rounder,” DrivingElectric Editor Richard Ingram stated.

The 577bhp Kia EV6 GT emphasizes Kia's commitment to fully electric mobility by delivering power and acceleration never before seen from the Korean brand. Visitors to the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed were astounded by the Kia EV6 GT's jaw-dropping performance and eye-catching design as it made its debut up the renowned hill climb.

The most powerful production Kia to date, the 2023 Kia EV6 GT, heralds a new era for electricity and the Kia brand. The award-winning E-GMP modular platform provides the foundation for the Kia EV6 GT, which redefines the limits of electric performance vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Kia Sportage PHEV and Kia Niro were named Best Plug-in Hybrid Family Car and Best Hybrid Family Car, respectively, both of which were released earlier this year.

“Plug-in hybrids are growing in popularity, and if you want a car with a usable range, plenty of kit, and space for the whole family, then little comes close to the new Kia Sportage,” Ingram said.

“DrivingElectric sister site Carbuyer.co.uk voted the all-new Kia Niro as its overall Car of the Year only a few months ago, and it goes on to triumph here as well,” Ingram added. “Spacious, super-efficient and good to drive, there’s no finer hybrid family car currently on sale.”

It is not just Kia’s latest models that have received awards. The previous-generation Kia Niro was crowned Best Used Hybrid Car.

“New or used, the Kia Niro is a great all-rounder. Those on a budget shouldn’t feel short-changed either; the previous-generation Niro represents great value for money, and could dramatically slash your running costs,” Ingram said.

2023 is already gearing up to be a significant year for Kia. Next year, the brand will unveil the fully-electric Kia EV9, as Kia pushes towards its target of launching 14 electric vehicles globally by 2027.

Photos from Kia

Also read: Kia EV6 hailed as Best EV of the Year by Hispanic Motor Press