AWARDS QUARTET FOR KIA IN ECOCAR ELECTRIFIED TOP 50 AWARDS 2022

AWARDS QUARTET FOR KIA IN ECOCAR ELECTRIFIED TOP 50 AWARDS 2022

• Sportage places second overall in the Top 50 list, earning ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid’ and ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid Medium SUV’ awards
• Niro wins ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid Compact SUV’ and ‘Best Hybrid Compact SUV’

Kia has picked up a quartet of awards at the EcoCar Electrified Top 50 Awards 2022, within Diesel&EcoCar Magazine, with the all-new Sportage and Niro each collecting a pair of awards as well as the EV6 making its debut appearance on the list.

The family-friendly Sportage was named overall ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid’ and placed second overall in the Top 50 list. In addition, the Sportage earned its category win as ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid Medium SUV’ and was commended by judges for being great to drive as well as offering excellent efficiency and economy, with headline figures of 252mpg, 25g/km CO₂ and a 43-mile electric driving range.

Particularly attractive for company car buyers, these figures mean the Sportage PHEV qualifies for just eight per cent benefit-in-kind tax for the next three financial years.

Joining the Sportage under the Top 50 limelight was the EV6 and Niro, ranking 23^rd and 34^th respectively. The Niro earned two wins as both ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid Compact SUV’ and ‘Best Hybrid Compact SUV’. Judges noted the cars’ technology and practicality, as well as keen pricing and Kia’s seven-year/100,000 mile warranty as standard offering peace of mind for customers. An all-new Niro is available for pre-order now, offering the same trio of powertrains; hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric along with the latest technology and equipment that further enhances the Niro family.

Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel&EcoCar Magazine, said: “The Sportage has become a regular sight on Britain’s best-selling cars list, and the arrival of a plug-in hybrid with an EV range of 43 miles should only broaden its audience. Sitting alongside diesel and petrol hybrid versions, it offers a low company car benefit-in-kind band and high efficiency figures of up to 252mpg. It’s great to drive too, with sharp handling for an SUV and a brisk 7.9 second 0-62mph time thanks to the combined 261bhp of its 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motors. And as it’s a Kia, you can be assured that it’ll be well equipped and reliable, not forgetting that it comes with that ground-breaking seven year warranty.”

Commenting on the Niro, Robertson added: “Keen pricing, excellent reliability and a seven-year warranty has helped many buyers seeking their first alternative fuel model make the switch. The interior is surprisingly roomy, and in everyday driving even the hybrid can return around 60mpg, making it a kind car on the wallet.”

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Limited commented: “It’s fantastic to see our products recognised in the Electrified Top 50 list – a clear indication of Kia’s status as a leader in electrification. The Kia model range encompasses one of the widest in the industry, ensuring there’s a powertrain to suit every need. We’re delighted to see Diesel&EcoCar Magazine recognise the Sportage, Niro and EV6 for their merits. All of our models are available from our 191 dealer partners around the UK, who are happy to explain electrified technologies to customers and ensure they buy the best vehicle for their needs.”

Kia is no stranger to the annual Diesel&EcoCar Magazine Top 50 list, last year winning the ‘Best Large SUV’ for the Sorento seven-seat SUV.