Kia Sportage ranks 2nd in EcoCar Electrified Top 50 Awards

MANILA: Kia won four awards at the EcoCar Electrified Top 50 Awards 2022, presented by Diesel&EcoCar Magazine, with the all-new Sportage and Niro each receiving two awards and the EV6 making its first appearance on the list.

The family-friendly Sportage was hailed as overall “Best Plug-in Hybrid” and ranked second in the Top 50 list. Moreover, the Sportage won the “Best Plug-in Hybrid Medium SUV” category and judges lauded it for being fun to drive while also being efficient and cost-effective, with headline figures of 252mpg, 25g/km CO2, and a 43-mile electric driving range.

These figures make the Sportage PHEV particularly appealing to company car buyers, as it qualifies for only 8% benefit-in-kind tax for the next three financial years.

The EV6 and Niro, which were ranked 23rd and 34th, respectively, joined the Sportage in the Top 50. The Niro was named  “Best Plug-in Hybrid Compact SUV” and “Best Hybrid Compact SUV.” The judges praised the cars’ technology and practicality, as well as their competitive pricing and Kia's standard seven-year/100,000-mile guarantee, which provides customers with added security.

The  all-new Niro is now available for pre-order in the UK, with the same trio of powertrains as before: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric, as well as the latest technology and equipment that further upgrades the Niro lineup.

Diesel&EcoCar Magazine Editor Ian Robertson stated, “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 261 bhp of its 1.6-liter 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.”

For his part, Kia UK Limited President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Philpott said, “It’s fantastic to see our products recognized 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 recognize 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.”

Prior to this year's awards, Kia already has a history of joining the annual Diesel&EcoCar Magazine Top 50 list, with the Sorento seven-seat SUV claiming the “Best Large SUV” award last year.

Photos from Kia

Also read: UK public votes for Kia Sorento as ‘Best 7-Seater’