Kia Wins What Car? Low Carbon Award

Kia has scooped the What Car? Ultra Low Carbon Award for its environmentally efficient range of cars. The magazine particularly praised the new Rio, that has carbon emissions as low as 85g/km. That makes it the cleanest non-electric car in the world. This eco-warrior complements the all-new Kia Picanto, that was honoured at the publication's Green Awards last summer. Furthermore, these machines have other virtues. They have: pleasingly composed handling, reasonable specifications, and surprisingly sharp looks - all backed-up with a seven-year warranty. This once underestimated manufacturer has now come-of-age.

Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, received the award and commented: ”Kia has been striving over recent years not only to deliver exciting, attractive, high-quality cars - but also to deliver real benefits to customers in the form of cleaner technologies that don’t carry a price premium. We are delighted that What Car? – one of Europe’s leading consumer magazines – has recognised our efforts.”

Despite Kia's environmental credentials, the manufacturer lacks 'mass recognition' among British motorists. Let us, therefore, consider the highlights of their range. The all-new Picanto rivals the popular Ford Ka, whereas the larger Rio is a supermini. The Venga is a compact MPV that faces the capable Nissan Note – and the Cee'd is a Vauxhall Astra class workhorse. This comes in hatchback and estate guises. The Sorento is a large four-wheel- drive, and the Sedona is a seven-seater people carrier. Something for everyone, perhaps?

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

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