Kia and Porsche have taken two major prizes each at the World Car of the Year awards announced overnight in New York, with the ceremony taking place online due to the covid-19 coronavirus outbreak.

Kia’s eight-seater SUV, the Telluride, took out the overall award as World Car of the Year while the Kia Soul EV won the World Urban Car.

The Telluride was rewarded by the judging panel for its distinctive design and impressive practicality. The World Car of the Year title represents another accolade for a vehicle that has garnered more than 70 awards since its introduction in 2019. The SUV has already been crowned North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and MotorTrend SUV of the Year, among others.

The Telluride is currently produced for selected left-hand-drive markets, where it is a top seller. While the Telluride is not yet available for New Zealand the styling of the hot-selling compact Seltos is based on the big SUV.

The fully electric Soul EV was named the ideal car for the city by the jury, combining zero-emission performance and impressive electric range with a compact body, bold design, and high levels of practicality.

The honour has been met with enthusiasm from Kia Motors in New Zealand, as final recognition for the years of work and development by the company to create vehicles that are recognised as leaders of the pack.

“This title hasn’t come about by accident,” says Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia Motors New Zealand.

“Kia has been building towards this for many years, as anyone can see from the exciting product range in our showrooms. It just keeps getting better and better.”

Porsche celebrated with the Taycan EV winning World Luxury Car and World Performance Car categories.

This is the sixth win for Porsche AG in the World Performance Car category having previously won the class in 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2006. It is the first win for Porsche AG in the World Luxury Car category.

“The Porsche Taycan was designed with a clear purpose: To show that an electric car could provide the performance, driving pleasure and everyday comfort and usability that characterizes every Porsche. We are very proud that the international jury of the World Car Awards believes that we have succeeded”, said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche AG.

The Mazda3 won World Car Design of the Year and it was especially fitting as the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary.

In previous years, the winner has been revealed live at the New York motor show, but that was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak

A jury of 86 international automotive journalists select the finalists by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle.

Last year the Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle won World Car of the Year.