• KIA XCeed wins ‘Urban Car Award’; KIA e-Soul claims ‘Green Car Award’
• Votes from 41 female jury members from 34 different countries
• Both KIA models popular with those looking for a new urban crossover
KIA has won two 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year awards – the KIA XCeed won the ‘Urban Car Award’, while the KIA e-Soul picked up the ‘Green Car Award’. The Korean automaker was the only manufacturer to win awards in two different categories.
Announced at a ceremony during the recent Dubai International Motor Show, the Women’s World Car of the Year awards are voted for by a carefully selected judging panel comprised of 41 female automotive writers from 34 countries spread across five continents.
According to Charleen Clarke, who represents South Africa on the jury, the two wins for Kia are a testament to the evolution of the Kia brand – from one that was producing inexpensive vehicles to one that now produces vehicles that are benchmarks within their sectors.
"The judges commented that the XCeed puts Kia at the top of its game in the crossover coupé market. The XCeed is stylish and practical, engaging to drive and feels roomy for its compact size. It offers all the benefits of a typical SUV.
"Furthermore, the judges commented that the XCeed’s design, interior, build quality, safety features and road manners were most impressive. They described it as a ‘very balanced car’,” says Clarke.
The Soul, on the other hand, demonstrates the company’s technological advances in the all-important electric vehicle (EV) segment.
"The judges really appreciated the fact that Kia’s Soul EV brings greener motoring within affordable reach for many more drivers who may not have considered going electric before. It’s chic, efficient and well-conceived.
"Furthermore, the judges commented favourably its bold design, four driving modes, four retention modes and its high level of autonomy. The Kia Soul EV is a versatile small car with big values. It really impressed the judges when it came to its quality and comfort. Of course, the fact that it’s green is the icing on the cake,” Clarke reveals.
Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Product Division, commented: “Since going on sale this year, both the KIA XCeed and KIA e-Soul have proven extremely popular with consumers looking for something different in the growing urban crossover class. We’re delighted that these new models have been recognized by an international jury of renowned female motoring writers – both the XCeed and e-Soul carry universal appeal across all demographics.”
Available exclusively in Europe, the KIA XCeed is an urban crossover utility vehicle which combines compact SUV practicality with the sporty packaging and engaging handling of a hatchback.
The XCeed’s suite of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies make it one of the most high-tech, comprehensively-equipped cars in its class. The KIA XCeed was recently named ‘Best car under 35 000 Euros’ at the coveted Golden Steering Wheel (Das Goldene Lenkrad) awards in Germany.
The new KIA e-Soul offers long-range, zero-emissions power to consumers in the urban crossover class. Powered exclusively by electric energy, the e-Soul gives buyers a choice between mid and long-range power-electrics – both offering more power and improved driving range compared to electric rivals.