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Kia’s EV range has once again flexed its muscles at the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023, bringing home two hard-fought accolades, including the award for overall ‘New Car of the Year’. The Kia Soul EV collected the award for ‘Best Value Electric Car’, while the ever-popular EV6 took home the title of Auto Trader’s ‘New Car of the Year’.
The Auto Trader New Car Awards are different from other car awards as the winners are not decided on by the opinions of industry insiders, but by the people whose opinion matters most: car owners. This year, over 220,000 UK car owners completed an online survey sharing exactly what they think of their car, with their thoughts and opinions (obtained from real-world experience) determining the winners of 20 of this year’s 23 award categories, including both of Kia’s award wins.
The Kia EV6 has continually impressed owners and reviewers alike since its launch in 2021 as it spearheaded the brand’s ‘Plan S’ strategy and new branding at the time. Offering striking and modern looks inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design strategy, a real world range of up-to 328 miles on a single charge, ultra-fast charging capabilities and a comprehensive list of trim levels, the EV6 has scooped a multitude of awards in its relatively short lifespan, and continues to make an impact and transform perceptions of Kia.
Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, said: “The Kia EV6 is hugely deserving of this year’s New Car of the Year, impressing both consumers and the industry alike. It took the market by storm when it was launched, with an innovative design, great range, incredible interior space, tonnes of features and fantastic peace of mind for owners thanks to outstanding brand reliability. As one happy EV6 owner so aptly summed it up: “It’s the best all-round car: the combination of technology, range, quality, charging speed and drive of the car makes it the most satisfyingly complete car. It’s not just a brilliant electric car, it’s just a brilliant car, full stop.” I couldn’t agree more.”
The Soul EV was Kia’s first EV in the UK, originally launched to great acclaim in 2014 – with a then class-leading range of 132 miles. Since then, the Soul EV has come a long way, now available for the first-time with a choice of two trim levels and battery options; ‘long range’ and ‘medium range’ options, but has retained its practical and unique boxy design.
Baker commented on the Soul EV winning ‘Best Value Electric Car’, saying: “The Soul represents excellent value for money for those looking to make the move to electric, with reasonable finance deals alongside the strong reliability record of Kia plus that seven-year warranty. One owner described it as: ‘An excellent car. It’s our second electric car and the range of the bigger battery is spot on!’”
Kia’s range of impressive electric cars in the UK continues to grow as the brand prepares to welcome the six- or seven-seat EV9 later this year. This latest model is part of Kia’s aforementioned ‘Plan S’ strategy, which will see the Korean brand launch 15 EVs globally by 2027, nine of which will be available on UK roads.
