The 2025 World Car Awards have made headlines with electric vehicles taking top honours.
The spotlight is on the Kia EV3, which clinched the prestigious 2025 World Car of the Year title, while the Hyundai Inster was named 2025 World Electric Vehicle at the New York International Auto Show.
Kia EV3: Redefining the Compact SUV
The Kia EV3 wowed a jury of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries with its blend of muscular SUV design, cutting-edge tech, and affordability.
- Offers a segment-leading range of up to 600 km (WLTP) on a single charge.
- Fast charging from 10–80% in just 31 minutes.
- Features include AI Assistant, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
- Interior boasts a nearly 30-inch widescreen display, ambient lighting, and flexible storage options.
- Powered by a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, with the long-range variant accelerating 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
Kia’s win is its second consecutive World Car of the Year title, following the EV9’s triumph last year, and brings the brand’s total World Car Awards wins to six since 2020.
| Specification | Kia EV3 Standard | Kia EV3 Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 58.3 kWh | 81.4 kWh |
| Claimed Range (WLTP) | Up to 600 km | Up to 600+ km |
| Power | 150 kW / 283 Nm | 150 kW / 283 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Charging (10–80%) | 31 minutes (fast) | 31 minutes (fast) |
Hyundai Inster: Compact EV, Big Impact
The Hyundai Inster took home the 2025 World Electric Vehicle title, marking Hyundai’s fourth straight year of World Car Awards success.
- Recognized for its distinctive design, value, and innovative features.
- Available with 42 kWh (standard) and 49 kWh (long-range) battery packs.
- Long-range model delivers up to 370 km (WLTP) on a single charge.
- Fast charging from 10–80% in around 30 minutes.
- Features include advanced driver aids, twin 10.25-inch digital displays, 64-colour ambient lighting, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.
- Compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving, with a 280-litre boot and flexible seating.
| Specification | Hyundai Inster Standard | Hyundai Inster LR |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 42 kWh | 49 kWh |
| Claimed Range (WLTP) | Up to 355 km | Up to 370 km |
| Power | 95 bhp / 147 Nm | 113 bhp / 147 Nm |
| Charging (10–80%) | 30 minutes (fast) | 30 minutes (fast) |
EVs Dominate the 2025 World Car Awards
This year’s awards highlight the growing dominance of electric vehicles, with models from Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, and VW sweeping the major categories. The trend signals a strong future for EVs, not just in technology but also in mainstream consumer acceptance.
Will the rise of feature-packed, long-range EVs like the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Inster finally convince more Indian families to make the switch to electric in 2025?