Women’s World Car of the Year: Kia Niro crowned 2023’s winner
It’s International Women’s Day, and to celebrate, the Women’s World Car of the Year has been revealed: it’s the Kia Niro. To celebrate the occasion, here’s a closer look at the winning vehicle, along with the other category winners.
This is not a list collated by a man. Let’s get that straight. The following line-up of vehicles are the official winners of the Women’s World Car of the Year Awards 2023 – as judged by 63 of the world’s leading female automotive journalists.
Women’s World car of the Year: Kia Niro
The Niro has been crowned this year’s winner, and with its range of economical drivetrains and recent restyle, it’s not a surprise. A recent refresh has brought it bang up to date, with lots of tech and styling cues carried over from the larger Sportage.
With a quality interior and a range of hybrid and plug-in options to choose from, this small family car offers fantastic value, with leasing plans starting from around £250 per month.
Best large car: Citroen C5 X
The winner of this year’s best large car segment goes to the quirky Citroen C5 X. While the tiny Ami might be ideal for the city, this is a Citroen that harks back to its grand-touring days of the past; the stunning design takes inspiration from models like the original DS and CX limousines of the 1970s.
Somehow managing to combine the practicality of an estate with the looks of a fastback saloon – all the while having the ride height of a crossover – is no small feat to pull off. But Citroen has managed it with this model, so it’s not really a surprise to see it as one of 2023’s category winners.
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Best family car: Jeep Avenger
The Jeep Avenger is an important car for the brand. Not only does it take up the segment that the outgoing Renegade is leaving, but it’s also the brand’s first fully electric model. This Qashqai-sized SUV looks great, and can travel almost 250 miles between charges.
It’s also available to lease right now. While the drivetrain might be high tech, the interior gets some retro design cues, with squared off air vents and body coloured dashboard. Click on the button below to compare deals.
Best large SUV: Nissan X-Trail
And the best large SUV/runner up award goes to… The Nissan X-Trail. This SUV combines the practical and affordable nature of the Qashqai, but wraps it all up in a more imposing and premium-feeling body.
With seven seats and a range of impressive hybrid-based drivetrains, it competes with the likes of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. The infotainment offering, however, is better than both those models.
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Best performance car: Audi RS 3
And this year’s prestigious performance car away goes to the Audi RS 3. For those after a truly capable hot hatchback, this is probably the ultimate choice. With a potent five-cylinder turbocharged engine and Audi’s famed Quattro all-wheel drive system, little else in its class comes close.
Best 4X4: Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger has long been a favourite for those needing a back-to-basics work horse. For 2023, Ford has pulled out all the stops to ensure its well-loved pick-up continues to prove popular, and it’s done just that – namely in the form of the rather special Raptor model.
While it might be as capable as ever off the tarmac, on the road this utility vehicle feels exceptionally car-like, which is a rare quality for such as a capable machine. It’s equally adept at tackling the school run emission-free as it is at crawling up a rocky track.
2022's best car as judged by 50 of the world’s leading female automotive journalists.
