Electric cars dominate New Car Awards – Kia, Tesla and Hyundai win big

The Kia EV6 has been crowned the UK’s New Car of the Year 2023 following a consumer vote of more than 220,000 car owners.

With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars set to take effect in 2030, many drivers are turning their attention to cleaner, electric vehicles.

With this in mind, nine electric models won one of the 23 different award categories, the highest number since the first awards ceremony in 2017.

The slick Kia EV6 electric vehicle won the top prize at the Auto Trader New Car Awards thanks to its ultra-fast charging times and a 328-mile range.

Kia’s flagship electric car, which starts from £44,495, can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes – eliminating any range anxiety a driver may have.

READ MORE: Homeowners may make almost £10,000 from driveways as airport parking prices rise

In addition to the EV6 netting the most prestigious award, other EVs won top prizes including the Tesla Model Y (Best Car for Families), Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Most Loved Car) and the Tesla Model 3 (Best Car for Long Distances).

The Auto Trader New Car Awards take the opinions of car owners themselves, with the 2023 awards receiving the most votes ever.

Of the 23 awards, 20 are voted for by motorists, with the exception being The Erin Baker Award, The Rory Reid Award, and the Sustainability Initiative Award.

Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, said: “After a challenging few years, we’ve seen the new car market bounce back from recent lows with May marking the 10th consecutive month of sales growth. 

“This is not only the result of supply taps reopening, but also the wave of exciting new models and updates released over the last year, which have really captured the attention of car buyers. 

“With so much choice in the market, it can be a challenge for people to find the right car, which is where our Awards can help.”

Certain categories have been praised by consumers as it offers buyers invaluable insight into which makes and models could best suit their needs.

The winners of the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023

New Car of the Year – Kia EV6 *electric vehicle

Best Car for Families – Tesla Model Y *electric vehicle

Best Car for City Drivers – Nissan Leaf*electric vehicle

Best Value New Car – Dacia Sandero Stepway

Best Car for Long Distances – Tesla Model 3 *electric vehicle

Most Fun to Drive – Ford Mustang

Best Car for New Drivers – Renault Zoe *electric vehicle

Best Car for Dog Owners – Toyota RAV4

Best 7-Seater Car – Peugeot 5008

Best Car for Towing – Volvo V90 Cross Country

Most Loved Car – Hyundai IONIQ 5 *electric vehicle

Best Hybrid – Honda CR-V

Best Value Electric Car – Kia Soul *electric vehicle

Best Premium Electric Car – BMW iX3 *electric vehicle

Best Luxury Car – Bentley Bentayga

Most Loved Brand – Porsche 

Most Reliable Brand – Lexus

Car brand with the best tech – Tesla *electric vehicle

Best Value Brand – Dacia

The Erin Baker Award – Hyundai IONIQ 6 *electric vehicle

The Rory Reid Award – Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Sustainability Initiative Award – Citroen

Best Home Charger – myenergi