- Kia EV3 named World Car of the Year
- Prestigious prize decided by panel of 96 international journalists
- Announced at New York Auto Show
- Hyundai Inster named World Electric Vehicle Award
Kia’s all-electric family SUV, the EV3 (pictured above and below), has bagged the prestigious World Car of the Year title at this year’s New York Auto Show – a massive nod of approval for what’s quickly become a firm favourite in the UK.
The EV3 saw off stiff competition from the Hyundai Inster (pictured below) and BMW X3 to take the top spot.
(Hyundai Inster, above)
This win marks a back-to-back victory for Kia, following last year’s success with the larger EV9. In fact, it’s now the fourth year running that a Korean brand has taken home the top honour at the World Car Awards.
(Kia EV3's interior, above)
Reacting to the win, Kia UK President and CEO Paul Philpott said: “This is fantastic recognition for our latest EV and for Kia, especially as we entered the 2025 World Car Awards as reigning champions from 2024. The EV3 has already proven to be very popular with customers in the UK and has received the highest form of praise from high profile media outlets and the UK Car of the Year jury. This achievement gives Kia a real badge of honour.”
(Kia EV3, above)
It wasn’t just Kia celebrating. Chinese EV newcomer BYD had a big night too, collecting not one but two awards.
Executive Vice-President Stella Li was in New York to pick up her World Car Person of the Year gong, while the brand’s small and wallet-friendly Dolphin Surf – coming soon to the UK – scooped the World Urban Car Award for 2025, beating the Hyundai Inster and the MINI Cooper Electric.
Hyundai didn’t go home empty-handed, though. After taking the top title in 2022 and 2023, the brand clinched this year’s World Electric Vehicle Award for the pint-sized Inster, now available in the UK from just £23,505.
(Volvo EX90)
Elsewhere, Volvo’s sleek seven-seat EX90 (above) electric SUV was named World Luxury Car, and Volkswagen’s charmingly retro ID. Buzz earned the title of World Car Design of the Year.
Now in its 21st year, the World Car Awards are judged by a panel of 96 automotive experts from across the globe, with six UK jurors such as our own contributor Steve Fowler.
(Kia EV3)
The winners were unveiled at the New York Auto Show – itself marking 125 years since the first car show in the Big Apple.
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