The Kia EV9 has been named the ‘World’s Best Car for 2024’ by a panel of judges at the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY ).
Fittingly, this recognition coincided with International Women’s Day, celebrated last Friday.
Following in-depth evaluations by 75 of the top female motoring journalists from 52 countries across five continents, (including Ireland’s Geraldine Herbert ) the Kia EV9 emerged triumphant from a field of 63 contenders.
This year’s recognition for the EV9 follows the triumph of the Kia Niro last year, which was named the ‘World’s Best Car for 2023’ in the 2023 WWCOTY awards.
Available as a six or seven-seater, the EV9 is the company’s first three-row electric flagship SUV and is powered by a 99.8kWh battery offering a driving range of around 560 kilometres.
The entry level model for the Irish market is the generously equipped seven-seater ‘Earth’ model. Standard equipment includes 19 inch alloy wheels, triple panoramic display, heated front and second row seats, ventilated driver and passenger seats, head up display, 360 degree surround view monitor and premium meridian sound system.
Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot collision avoidance with blind spot view monitors, LED headlamps with wide projections and high beam assist and highway driving assist 3. The RWD 200hp Earth model comes on the market at €77,500.
The AWD 378HP ‘GT-line’ model at €85,500 offers a choice of six and seven seats. Additional spec for this trim level includes GT-line styling, 21 inch alloy wheels, dual sunroofs, intelligent adaptive front headlights and remote smart parking assist 2.
The six-seater version adds extra comfort for the second-row passengers and these two seats can be swivelled around to face the two rear seats when the vehicle is stationary.
Using a 350kW DC fast charger, the EV9 can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 24 minutes, while its AC 3-phase charge time is just over nine hours.
Three exterior colour choices are available for both models: Snow White Pearl, Pebble Grey, and Aurora Black Pearl. An Ocean Blue is exclusive to the GT-line (pictured ), while the Earth model gets an Ivory Silver.
