Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. is delighted to announce two wins at the Next Green Car Awards 2017, with the all-new Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) winning in the Crossover category and the all-new Optima Sportswagon PHEV winning in the Estate category.
Both launched this year, the Niro and Optima Sportswagon PHEVs are another big step towards Kia’s aim of reducing the average CO2 emissions of its entire range by 25 per cent, by 2020. The Niro PHEV can drive for up to 36 miles on electric power alone, whilst the Optima Sportswagon PHEV can travel for up to 38 miles in all-electric mode.
Next Green Car commented: “Kia is one of the market leaders in terms of PHEV electric range, and the Niro Plug-In Hybrid benefits from this focus. Throw in the fact that the PHEV technology is wrapped up in practical crossover packaging, and the Niro Plug-In Hybrid is expected to quickly climb the electric vehicle sales charts. For those wanting value-for-money motoring, practicality, and a plug-in powertrain, the Optima Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid is one of the best options around. With a long electric range and load-lugging potential, Kia’s Optima estate opens up PHEV models to many buyers that need a large car but with low running costs.”
The wins this year follow on from a very successful Next Green Car Awards 2016, where the Optima PHEV was victorious in the Large Family Car segment. In this year’s shortlist, the Picanto has also been commended in the City Car category.
Steve Hicks, UK Sales Director at Kia, commented on the win: “We are thrilled to have received these awards from Next Green Car. The Niro PHEV and Optima Sportswagon PHEV are great additions to both the Kia fleet and the ever-growing UK alternative fuel market. Having this choice of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles within the Kia range has enabled us to better meet our customers’ changing needs – it’s a very exciting time for Kia.”
The Next Green Car Awards recognises the very best green cars that are currently and soon-to-be available. The judging is based on a number of factors, but is focused on the Next Green Car (NGC) rating, based upon real-world emissions data. This ultimately aids the judges in identifying the greenest models available.
Article and pictures provided by Newspress Ltd.