Kia’s award-winning momentum shows no sign of slowing. Adding yet another trophy to its rapidly growing collection, the Kia EV3 has been named ‘Compact Crossover/Small SUV of the Year’ at the 2025 Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) Awards. The accolade reinforces the EV3’s status as one of the UK’s most compelling electric compact crossovers—more than a year after its market debut.
A Benchmark in a Competitive Segment
Since 1997, the SCOTY Awards have recognised the finest vehicles on sale across the UK. Voted for by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW), the awards celebrate standout engineering, practicality, innovation and value. For the EV3, victory came down to its class-leading breadth of ability.
ASMW President Ally Ballingall summed up the judges’ impressions:
“The Kia EV3 took home the Compact Crossover/SUV award for delivering big-car capability in a smaller, more affordable electric package. Judges were impressed by its strong range, punchy performance and class-leading practicality. Its well-executed cabin, generous tech and confident road manners set it apart from rivals. With standout value and maturity beyond its size, the EV3 proved a clear winner.”
Strong Sales, Strong Appeal
Despite being on sale for more than a year, the EV3 continues to resonate strongly with UK buyers. It currently stands as Kia’s third best-selling model in the region—behind only the Sportage and the Picanto—affirming its broad appeal in an increasingly crowded segment.
Key to its success is the EV3’s impressive balance of range, versatility and everyday usability. With up to 375 miles of driving possible on a single charge*, the compact SUV leverages Kia’s electric-Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) to deliver surprising spaciousness. The 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery options are mounted beneath a completely flat floor, freeing up cabin volume and enhancing comfort for all passengers. This clever packaging ensures the EV3 feels anything but small inside.
Reflecting a Landmark Year for Kia
The EV3’s latest award caps off what has been one of Kia’s busiest and most transformative years in its 34-year UK history. In 2025, the brand has launched a series of innovative new vehicles, including the EV4 and EV4 Fastback, the EV5, and the groundbreaking PV5—Kia’s first ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ (PBV), available in Cargo or Passenger form. Updated versions of the Sportage, as well as new arrivals such as the Stonic and the all-new K4, will further bolster Kia’s line-up by year-end.
These product introductions have translated directly into commercial success. Kia is currently the fourth best-selling brand in the UK with more than 103,000 new cars registered so far this year. In Scotland, the brand holds a 6.8% market share, making it the nation’s third most popular choice. The Sportage continues its dominance as the UK’s second best-selling car and its best-selling SUV, with over 43,000 units delivered in 2025 alone.
Continuing a Legacy of Momentum
With its latest SCOTY award, the EV3 reinforces Kia’s strength in designing electric vehicles that are not only sustainable, but practical and desirable for everyday life. As the brand expands its electric portfolio and further cements its sales leadership, the EV3 stands as proof that compact SUVs can deliver big-car confidence without compromise.
*Range figure based on WLTP combined cycle; specification varies by model.
