Kia EV3, Hyundai Inster, MINI Cooper E jostle

By Moses Akaigwe

The road to the 2025 World Car Awards has officially begun, with the announcement of the top 10 and top five finalists across the six vehicle categories in the annual search for excellence in the car industry. Winners will be revealed on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, during a live ceremony at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

The World Car of the Year top ten and top five finalists across the six World Car Awards categories have been announced. A jury of 96 senior international automotive journalists from 30 countries selected the finalists by secret ballot based from a pool of 52 contenders on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle.

Finalists for the overall World Car of the Year (WCOTY) include three electric vehicles, the Electrifying.com Car of the Year for 2025 the Kia EV3, Hyundai Inster and MINI Cooper Electric. While the World Electric Vehicle category has been reduced from 31 initial entries to a shortlist that includes the Hyundai Inster, Kia EV3, Porsche Macan Electric, Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Volvo EX90.

Now in its 20th year, the World Car Awards continue to highlight the best in automotive design, technology, and performance. This year’s competition is as fierce as ever, with Brembo, the title sponsor, applauding the finalists, recognising their innovation and commitment to excellence.The top three finalists in each category will be announced virtually on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, via World Car TV ahead of the winners announcement in April.

Apart from the Electrifying.com Car of the Year for 2025 the Kia EV3 has been winning other honours lately. Recently, the EV3 was named ‘Crossover of the Year’ at the 2024 TopGear.com Awards at a ceremony held White City House in London.

The multi-award-winning Kia electric vehicles – EV9, and EV3 expected to be launched in the local auto market by Kia Motors Nigeria, which also assembles the brand’s vehicles at a planr in Lagos.

The full list of finalists is as follows:

World Car of the Year

Audi A5 / S5

BMW X3

Ford Mustang

Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric

Kia EV3

Mini Cooper Electric

Suzuki Swift

Toyota Camry

Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250

Volkswagen Tiguan / Tayron