Crossover is a smash hit with women

The Kia Niro has been named the supreme winner in the Women’s World Car Of The Year (WWCOTY).

The compact SUV crossover from Korea beat five other models to take the top title judged by 63 female motoring journalists across 43 countries and five continents.

They had already judged the Niro best urban car alongside the Jeep Avenger (best family SUV), Citroen C5 X (best large car), Nissan X-Trail (best large SUV), Audi RS 3 (best performance car) and Ford Ranger (best 4x4).

All six went into the final ballot, which was audited by accountants Grant Thornton, with the Niro – the all-electric version reviewed on right – emerging to take the trophy.

Spanish judge Marta Garcia, executive president of WWCOTY, said: “Each of the finalists had sufficient merit to win the trophy.”

The Kia Niro has been an award-winning car since it was first launched in 2016.

The second generation followed in 2022 and is now available as a hybrid car, a plug-in hybrid and an allelectric model, giving buyers a choice of powertrain.

The Niro won, however, for much more than this.

Canadian judge Jill McIntosh said: “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.”

Renuka Kirpalani, from India, said: “The Niro is a practical city car that gives you everything you need in an affordable package.”

Giovanna Alvarado, from Peru, added: “One of the best hybrid vehicles with the best performance and dynamics.”

Paul Philpot, Kia UK’s CEO, said: “It is an incredible honour to win not just best urban car but also the overall Women’s World Car Of The Year award for the Niro family.

“Its success since we introduced this new version to the UK in 2022 has been strong and now makes up almost 30 per cent of all our sales across the region.”