Kia Niro, the all-new compact crossover, has been named the Women's World Car of the Year 2023 (WWCOTY) by a panel of 63 female motoring journalists from 43 countries across five continents. The announcement on International Women's Day emphasizes the connection between personal freedom and the car. The Kia Niro beat out 58 new models in the selection process, and jury members praised the car's spaciousness, flexibility, style, technology, and fuel efficiency.
Kia's new generation Niro builds on the first-generation Niro model's success, which helped increase the brand's global awareness. The new Niro boasts a completely revamped design, significant interior and exterior upgrades, and a leading position in the C-CUV (compact crossover utility vehicle) segment.
The selection of WWCOTY occurs in two rounds. In the first round, the best cars in each category were chosen from a pool of 59 candidates, with the winners including the Kia Niro (Best City Car), Jeep Avenger (Best Family SUV), Citroen C5 X (Best Large Car), Nissan X-Trail (Best Large SUV), Audi RS 3 (Best Performance Car), and Ford Ranger (Best 4x4). In the second round, the six finalists were the basis for the women's selection of the World's Best Car 2023. The Kia Niro came out on top, tipping the balance heavily in its favor.
Kia's compact Niro crossover is based on the third generation of the K platform and is available with three advanced powertrains: hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric (BEV). The Kia Niro EV variant offers up to 460 km of electric range, while the PHEV model provides up to 65 km of electric range. This diversity ensures a Niro for everyone, and consumers can smoothly transition to electrified mobility.
The award is unique in the world of cars, as it is the only award where the jury consists entirely of female motoring journalists. Created by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre in 2009, the award recognizes the best cars of the year and gives a voice to women in the automotive world. The jury considers aspects such as safety, quality, price, design, driving characteristics, benefits, and environmental footprint in the voting. The award criteria are based on the principles guiding every motorist when choosing a car.
As Kia continues to expand its line-up of electric models, it is clear that the Niro has set the bar high for future C-CUVs. With its flexibility, style, and practicality, the Kia Niro is a model that appeals to women worldwide and has earned its title as the Women's World Car of the Year 2023.
- Add new comment
- 87 views