Tom Dennigan presents the Continental Tyres Irish Car of the Year 2020 Award to Ronan Flood, MD of Kia Motors IrelandAt an awards ceremony at the Westin Hotel in Dublin, the Kia e-Soul was named Continental Tyres Irish Car of the Year 2020.
The Kia e-Soul over came competition from the Toyota Corolla, Peugeot 508, Volkswagen T-Cross, Audi Q3, SEAT Tarraco, Peugeot Rifter, Ford Focus ST and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV, to take the coveted award.
A popular winner, the e-Soul makes history as the first electric vehicle to win in the award’s 42-year history.
Ireland’s leading motoring journalists from across print, online and broadcasting hosted the gala black tie event, which was attended by Ireland’s leading car brands, importers, distributors and other motoring dignitaries.
The Kia e-Soul was one of several electric and hybrid models in the running for this year’s award and also took home two category awards on the night: Continental Tyres Irish Compact Car of the Year and Continental Tyres Irish Green / Efficient Car of the Year.
The newly appointed MD of Kia Motors Ireland, Ronan Flood, said:
“Right from the start we have received really positive feedback from journalists after they had driven e-Soul, particularly in regard to build quality, driving dynamics, comfort and the 400 km plus range on a full charge. Credit for this goes to our designers and engineers in Korea.”
Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres, who sponsored the awards, said:
“The advice of the Irish Car of the Year jurors is instrumental in helping consumers here to make sense of the ever-growing complexity of the cars we drive – both from the point of view of the increased fuel options and the myriad of new safety features and technologies that are found on even the entry level models of all brands”.
Continental Tyres Irish Compact Car of the Year
Nominees: Audi A1, Renault Clio, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia e-Soul
Winner: Kia e-Soul
The new Kia e-SoulContinental Tyres Irish Medium Car of the Year
Nominees: Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Skoda Scala, Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Kia e-Niro, Kia Proceed.
Winner: Toyota Corolla
The new Toyota Corolla SaloonContinental Tyres Irish Large Car of the Year
Nominees: Toyota Camry, BMW 3 Series, Peugeot 508, Lexus ES, Tesla Model 3 and Volvo S60.
Winner: Peugeot 508
The new Peugeot 508Continental Tyres Irish Compact SUV of the Year
Nominees: Lexus UX, Kia XCeed, Volkswagen T-Cross
Winner: Volkswagen T-Cross
The new Volkswagen T-CrossContinental Tyres Irish Medium SUV of the Year
Nominees: Range Rover Evoque, Audi Q3, DS7, Citroen C5 Aircross, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Toyota RAV4.
Winner: Audi Q3
The new Audi Q3Continental Tyres Irish Large SUV of the Year
Nominees: BMW X5, BMW X7, SEAT Tarraco, Ford Ranger Raptor, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q8, Audi e-tron
Winner: SEAT Tarraco
The new SEAT TarracoContinental Tyres Irish Hot Hatchback of the Year
Nominees: Renault Megane R.S. Trophy, Mercedes-Benz A35 AMG, Ford Focus ST, Cupra Ateca, Skoda Kodiaq RS.
Winner: Ford Focus ST
The new Ford Focus STContinental Tyres Irish Performance / Luxury Car of the Year
Nominees: BMW Z4, BMW 8 Series, Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV, Toyota Supra, Audi RS5.
Winner: Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio QuadrifoglioContinental Tyres Irish Green / Efficient Car of the Year
Nominees: Kia e-Niro, Kia e-Soul, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Hyundai Kona Electric, Tesla Model 3, Audi e-tron
Winner: Kia e-Soul
The new Kia e-SoulContinental Tyres Irish MPV of the Year
Nominees: Opel Combo Life, Peugeot Rifter, Citroen Berlingo Multspace
Winner: Peugeot Rifter
The new Peugeot RifterHaving won in each of their categories, the ten category winners were all in the running for the top honour. The judging panel of 32 journalists voted for the Kia e-Soul as the overall Irish Car of the Year.
Last year’s 2019 Irish Car of the Year award was won by the Volvo XC40.
The joint entry of Citroen Berlingo / Opel Combo Cargo / Peugeot Partner was voted as the Continental Tyres Irish Van of the Year 2020.