MORE AWARDS SUCCESS FOR KIA AT PROFESSIONAL DRIVER MAGAZINE’S CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Kia have added two more awards to the growing list won in 2019 at the Professional Driver Magazine Car of the Year awards. The all-electric Kia e-Niro picked up the Private Hire Green Car of the Year award, thanks to its long range of 282 miles and affordability. With its useful packaging and efficiency, the Kia Optima Sportswagon was chosen as the Private Hire Estate Car of the Year

• Professional Driver Editor, Mark Bursa said: “The e-Niro is one of the first truly practical electric cars that is suitable as a private hire vehicle. The e-Niro ticks all the boxes – it’s affordable, it has enough range for a couple of days’ work between charges, and it’s roomy and comfortable.”

  Remarking on the Optima Sportswagon, Mark Bursa said: “For many private hire operators, an estate gives more versatility than a saloon – especially if you’ve got to carry passengers with luggage.”

  Simon Hetherington, Commercial Director at Kia Motors (UK) Ltd commented on the wins: “It’s great to receive these awards from a magazine which represents an important customer base for us. They also highlight the suitability and desirability of our vehicles to the private hire industry. With efficiency, practicality, high specification and a reassuring warranty, private hire drivers are certainly finding Kia a highly desirable option”

  The Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards winners are decided by more than 100 judges from the world of chauffeur and private hire firms, experienced chauffeurs, as well as carefully chosen motoring editors and journalists. This year, the judges tested over 50 vehicles on not only how they are to drive but also how they are for passengers. Other criteria scored are satellite navigation systems, boot space and running costs, before an average score is calculated to find the winners.