While the beginning of the year is a bit slow in some industries, we couldn’t be busier this February at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis! Three Kia models have already been named as finalists across three categories during this year’s 2023 World Car Awards.
The Kia Niro is the first among the finalists for 2023 World Car of the Year, and its electrified sidekick, the Niro EV, is also a finalist for the 2023 World Electric Vehicle category. With a uniquely aggressive personality and 567 horsepower under its belt, the EV6 GT also made an excellent impression as a finalist in the 2023 World Performance Car category.
Now celebrating its 19th year, the World Car Awards is an annual event that reports on the findings of 100 international jurors from 32 nations as they test-drive numerous models to find the best of the best.
The 2023 Kia Niro is a fantastic all-around option for anyone in need of a compact daily driver that displays class-leading efficiency. It is well-known for adequately splitting the difference between SUV and hatchback, and is offered as a traditional hybrid, plug-in, and all-electric model. Each version boasts a brand-new design for 2023, and now sees a larger assortment of tech features, improved interior, and futuristic looks. Also notable is the Sport drive mode, improving accelerator response and adding a heavier element for steering.
The 2023 Niro EV was undoubtedly a star of the show due to its radical design transformation for 2023. It still drives just like the model it replaced, but now has a very futuristic visual stance. Smartly blurring the lines between an SUV and a wagon, the Niro offers up an elevated steering position while the low stance efficiently minimizes body roll. Inside, the cabin features two 10.3-inch screens that come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The entry-level Wind trim comes still fairly loaded with navigation, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The 2023 Kia EV6 is capable of more than 300 miles of driving range while still dishing out very brisk acceleration and handling. Scoring high points from the Autoblog crew for being “practical as well as cool”, along with praise for the 60/40 split screen functionality that allows you to see both audio and navigation. Each EV6 model comes standard with a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a maximum charging output of 240 kW, and it has been recognized for its characteristic torque, low center of gravity, one-pedal driving capability, and well-weighted steering.
