Kia’s momentum in the automotive sector shows no signs of slowing, with the brand clinching two major accolades at the prestigious 2025 Auto Express New Car Awards. The all-electric Kia EV3 has been crowned Small Company Car of the Year, while the ever-popular Kia Picanto has secured the title of City Car of the Year — a double win that reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering accessible, practical, and future-forward vehicles for every kind of driver.
These high-profile honours are part of one of the most respected awards programmes in the industry. Judged by an expert panel, the Auto Express New Car Awards recognise the top vehicles across 30 categories, with criteria including value, safety, efficiency, reliability, and overall driving enjoyment.
Kia EV3: Electric Excellence for the Everyday Professional
Building on the legacy of its larger sibling, the award-winning EV9, the new EV3 proves that compact doesn’t have to mean compromise. With striking design, class-leading practicality, and a robust electric range designed to meet the demands of higher-mileage drivers, the EV3 brings premium electric mobility into the heart of the business sector.
Commenting on the EV3’s accolade, Auto Express Editor Paul Barker noted: “The EV3 has continued Kia’s impressive record with its electric cars, and looks great, is practical and has the range that means higher-mileage drivers aren’t going to baulk at going electric.”
Kia Picanto: The Urban Icon Refined
In a segment where competitors are scaling back, the Kia Picanto continues to shine. Recently refreshed with updated styling and features, Kia’s smallest model continues to punch well above its weight, offering urban agility paired with a maturity on the open road that belies its compact footprint.
Barker praised the Picanto’s enduring appeal, saying: “The recent revamp of Kia’s smallest model reminded us why we love small cars so much. The Picanto is fun, but also feels grown up on the open road, so isn’t a car that has to stay in urban confines.”
Sustained Success Across the Range
These awards are more than just trophies — they are testament to Kia’s consistent delivery of well-rounded, consumer-first vehicles that cater to both traditional and emerging market demands. As the industry shifts and reshapes, Kia remains one of the few brands doubling down on smaller, more efficient vehicles while simultaneously leading the charge in electrification.
The EV3’s success follows in the footsteps of the EV9, which took home Large Company Car of the Year at the 2024 Auto Express Awards. And with a series of Kia Electric Experience events set to tour the UK this year, customers will soon have the opportunity to engage with the brand’s expanding EV line-up first-hand.
As these wins demonstrate, Kia is not only meeting the evolving needs of today’s drivers — it’s actively shaping the road ahead.
