Kia EV6 is The Car Expert’s 2022 Car of the Year

MANILA: The fully electric Kia EV6 was named Car of the Year at The Car Expert Awards 2022.

Kia achieved another victory with the Kia Niro EV winning the Best New Small SUV category.  The Nissan Ariya brought home the Best New Medium SUV award, while the Cupra Born got the Best New Small Car and Best New Hot Hatch awards.

The winners of The Car Expert Awards achieved victory in their categories by receiving the best Expert Rating. With the use of a complex algorithm, the Expert Rating Index compiled reviews from 30 of the best automotive websites in the UK and assigned each vehicle an Expert Rating. The result is a real reflection of the consensus of the UK's automotive media.

To be qualified for The Car Expert Awards, new cars must be on sale before the cutoff date and have at least a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Aside from bagging the Car of the Year 2022 title, the Kia EV6 also received the Best New Medium Car award. The Kia EV6 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, earning a very strong Expert Rating score of 86% which indicated almost unanimous acclaim from the UK's top automotive journalists and publications.

“The ability to choose between excellent range or power is a significant benefit for car buyers, while the EV6’s sprightly handling and bold design set it apart from the mainstream. Plus, the competitive pricing – with plenty of equipment as standard – really does make the Kia EV6 an outstanding choice as Car of the Year,” The Car Expert Editorial Director Stuart Masson stated.

Another Kia winner, the Kia Niro EV, received an Expert Rating of 77%. The judges' favorite features of the Kia Niro included its larger boot, substantial level of equipment, user-friendly infotainment system, an excellent 458km range, and the 210hp powertrain's performance.

The Cupra Born, on the other hand, received praises for its eye-catching exterior styling and practical interior with high levels of functionality.

“The Cupra Born, arguably the UK’s first electric hot hatch, has proven to be a popular choice for those looking for an EV with sporty performance. The nippy 58kWh or 77kWh powertrains are a big plus for the Born, making it one of the best fun-to-drive EVs with an Expert Rating of 76%. It also looks great, making the Cupra Born a worthy winner for both categories,” Masson said.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe won the award for Best New Performance Car with its high Expert Rating of 78%. The coupe's eight-speed automatic gearbox has received a lot of acclaim for being responsive and smooth, and reviewers have noted how agile the car handles. The BMW 2 Series Coupe is the perfect choice for driving enthusiasts.

The Nissan Ariya got the Best New Medium SUV award because it is perfect for families looking to replace their car with its amazing 529km range and striking exterior design. Meanwhile, the Citroen C5 X received the Best New Large Car title because it offers a new option in the crossover market at a competitive starting price.

The all-new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport were named Best Best New Large SUV and Best New Performance SUV, respectively, giving Land Rover a total of two awards this year. The two Land Rovers received outstanding Expert Ratings, 86% and 82%, respectively, and were lauded for their lavish interiors and class-leading off-road capabilities.

“It’s no surprise that the Range Rover topped the Best New Large SUV category when it has earned an impressive Expert Rating of 86%,” Masson said. “Available with a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, it’s one of the most luxurious vehicles on – or off – the road.”

Photo from The Car Expert

Also read: 4 Kia EVs recognized at DrivingElectric Awards 2023