South Korean automaker Kia is celebrating an achievement for its all-electric e-Niro crossover that has been named a “Game-Changer” at the UK’s 2019 Autocar Awards.
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The battery electric crossover was named the number one vehicle in Autocar’s “Best Affordable Electric Cars 2019” list this week, ahead of the Nissan Leaf and sister carmaker Hyundai’s Kona Electric.
Kia e-Niro is packed with a 64kWh battery that can be recharged to 80% in less than an hour, and offers a 453km of driving range. Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw said in a statement:
“The e-Niro is a battery-powered crossover that hits the sweet spot for range, performance, packaging and price. It places Kia at the very top of the practical electric class – even ahead of models seen as class-leading only a year or two ago. The e-Niro makes an ideal choice for an owner buying a first electric car or choosing one as an only car.”
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Collecting the award, Commercial Director for Kia Motors UK Simon Hetherington said:
“We are thrilled the e-Niro has been named a Game Changer by Autocar. This is a tremendous achievement for the e-Niro and indeed for Kia. The positive impact this car has had on our brand, is as strong and important as what Stinger did for us at launch in 2017. This car has come at the right time and this is evident by the huge demand we are experiencing.”
This is already the second award this year for Kia’s electric crossover, which also picked up the coveted Car of the Year award from What Car? earlier this year, beating the Jaguar i-Pace and Renault Zoe.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com