The fully electric Kia EV6 has been crowned Car of the Year at the The Car Expert Awards 2022.
Further success came for Kia with the Niro EV winning the Best New Small SUV category. Also flying the flag for electric vehicles, the CUPRA Born won the Best New Small Car and Best New Hot Hatch categories, while the Nissan Ariya also won Best New Medium SUV in this roll call of the best new cars available.
The winners of The Car Expert Awards earned their titles by topping their category with the best Expert Rating. The Expert Rating Index consolidates reviews from 30 of the the UK’s top automotive websites, using a complex algorithm to calculate an Expert Rating for every car. The result is a true indication of the consensus of the UK’s automotive media, rather than the opinion of any one title.
In addition to being on sale and available to purchase before the cut-off date, new cars must have a Euro NCAP safety rating of at least four stars to be eligible for The Car Expert Awards.
The Kia EV6 took home Car of the Year 2022 as well as Best New Medium Car. With universally positive reviews of the EV6, the Kia has earned a very strong Expert Rating score of 86%, indicated almost universal acclaim from the UK’s top motoring journalists and titles.
Stuart Masson, Editorial Director at The Car Expert, commented on the EV6’s win: “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 EV6 was not the only winner for Kia, with Niro EV taking home Best New Small SUV. With an Expert Rating of 77%, the Niro’s improved boot capacity, generous levels of equipment, and intuitive infotainment system were the real standout features for reviewers, along with the competitive 285-mile range and performance on offer from its 210hp powertrain.
Taking home the Best New Small Car and Best New Hot Hatch awards, the CUPRA Born was praised for its attractive exterior design and practical interior featuring good levels of equipment.
“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,” said Stuart Masson.
Topping the Best New Performance Car category, the BMW 2 Series Coupé clinched the 2022 award, with its high Expert Rating of 78%. The coupé’s smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic gearbox has been frequently praised, while its handling is said to be notably agile. It’s a worthy choice for driving enthusiasts.
For families looking at updating their vehicle, the Nissan Ariya won Best New Medium SUV for its impressive 329-mile range and distinctive exterior design, while the Citroën C5 X secured Best New Large Car as a refreshing alternative in the crossover market with an affordable starting price.
Finally, Land Rover picked up two wins this year with the all-new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models winning Best New Large SUV and Best New Performance SUV respectively. With excellent Expert Ratings – 86% and 82% respectively –the two Land Rovers were praised for their luxurious interiors and class-leading off-road prowess.
“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%. 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,“ said Stuart Masson, Editorial Director at The Car Expert.
