Kia e-Niro EV Nabs European Car of the Year Award

The all-electric variant of Kia Motors Corp.’s Niro crossover vehicle was named Car of the Year by U.K. magazine What Car?

The e-Niro (pictured) is the first EV to win the top award in the event’s 42-year history. What Car editors praised the vehicle for its range (253 miles), spaciousness and affordability.

This year’s 24 category awards were shared by 15 brands. Audi, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Skoda, Volvo and Volkswagen netted two each.

Winners are selected based on a vehicle’s performance, design, interior amenities, tech features and value. The Reader Award, which went to the upcoming Honda Urban EV, is chosen by the public, based on what vehicle they are most looking forward to seeing this year. The Urban will be unveiled in March at the Geneva auto show.

Other segment winners are:

• City car– Kia Picanto
• Small car – Volkswagen Polo
• Family car – Skoda Octavia
• Small SUV – Seat Arona
• Family SUV – Volvo XC40
• Large SUV – Peugeot 5008
• Luxury SUV – Audi Q7
• Sports SUV – Cupra Ateca
• MPV – Citroen Berlingo  
• Wagon – Skoda Superb Estate  
• Hot-hatch – Honda Civic Type R
• Convertible – Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
• Coupe – Audi A5
• Sports car – Alpine A110
• Performance car – Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifogolio
• Electric car – Kia e-Niro
• Hybrid – Hyundai Ioniq
• Plug-in hybrid – Volvo XC90 T8
• Executive car – BMW 3 Series
• Pickup – Volkswagen Amarok
• Luxury car – BMW 5 Series
• Reader– Honda Urban EV
• Safety– Mercedes-Benz A-Class
• Technology– Hyundai