Kia Niro crowned as 2023 Women's World Car of The Year

Today, March 8, marks International Women's Day – a special date that gives women a voice amid countless issues such as gender equality, health needs, and developmental skills for women and girls. In the motoring industry, they're also celebrating International Women's Day in their own way.

After tallying the finalists for the Women's World Car Of The Year (WWCOTY), the awarding body has chosen the Kia Niro as the supreme winner for 2023. Now on its second generation, the Niro was able to beat its closest competitors; the Jeep Avenger, Citroen C5 X, Nissan X-Trail, Audi RS 3, and the Ford Ranger.

For Marta Garcia, this year's WWCOTY was difficult due to the top finalists having the right mix of features and values that merit them getting the award. “This year’s election was particularly difficult due to the excellent level of all the candidates. Each of the finalists had sufficient merit to win the trophy,” said Garcia.

For the panel of judges from around the world, they shared that the Kia Niro not only has the complete package, but it's also flexible, has an attractive design, a functional interior, available with various powertrains (including hybrid and plug-in hybrid), and is a good choice for every day driving.

“Kia continues to impress me... After the EV 6 and Sportage models, the Kia Niro offers a flexible vehicle, an attractive design, quality/luxury, and a range of engines where all drivers can match their mobility needs. I especially appreciate the comfortable space and the technology. A car that has everything to please,” said Sabrina Parant of Belgium.

For Jil McIntosh of Canada, she shared that “The Kia Niro offers a functional interior, good driving performance, and different powertrains, along with an attractive price that makes it an excellent choice for everyday driving,”. Petra Mühr of Austria, meanwhile, said that the Niro is a spacious, stylish, efficient, and practical car that is right on trend with its size, design, and drive.

The Kia Niro has yet to be offered in the Philippines as the Seltos currently serves as the brand's B-segment SUV in the country. But with the Philippines starting to embrace electrification (they're set to reveal the EV6 soon), could the winner of the 2023 Women's World Car of The Year make sense in the Philippines? Chime in your comments below.