Kia has been named ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ at the 2022 TopGear.com Awards, finishing the year in a winning fashion.
Kia has launched several major models in the UK this year – notably the all-new Sportage and all-new Niro, Kia’s two most popular vehicles in the UK. Both models were launched in the UK in Q1 and Q3, respectively, offering a major update over their predecessors in several areas, including design, technology and sustainability.
Jack Rix, Editor of BBC Top Gear Magazine, commented: “Kia’s recent form is remarkable. Despite gale force headwinds, the upward trajectory simply shows no sign of abating. In fact, it’s getting braver. The latest Sportage is a superior family crossover to the genre-defining Nissan Qashqai, the new Niro looks a bit bonkers, and offers hybrid or electric versions and Kia seems to be sticking the landing when it comes to the e-transition. The EV6 GT offers a 577bhp version with tyre-delaminating drift mode to tickle our caveman brain’s pickle.”
Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Limited, commented: “2022 has been a fantastic year for Kia. Both the all-new Sportage and Niro have contributed to record year-to-date sales for Kia in the UK, while the introduction of the EV6 GT is a watershed moment for the brand, as we extend our electrification leadership into the high-performance arena. Being named TopGear.com’s ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ caps off a remarkable year for us, and sets us up for a very exciting 2023.”
Kia has plans to launch an average of two EVs per year globally, with several of these models due to launch in the UK. The company’s ‘Plan S’ strategy will ultimately see Kia launch a full global line-up of 14 fully-electric models by 2027 – with the next model, the ground-breaking EV9, due to be revealed in 2023.
Set to be revealed in the first half of 2023, the Kia EV9 will represent the pinnacle of what is possible with an electric SUV. Developed on the company’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the model will usher in a new era in sophisticated, high-technology, sustainable mobility for Kia.
