Skip advert
Advertisement

"Hyundai and Kia are now leading the way in electrification and design"

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler thinks the success of Hyundai and Kia is a good indication of how the balance of power has shifted in the car industry

KIa EV9 - opinion

It's that time of year when I and my fellow World Car Awards judges get together in the US to drive many of the contenders for the various World Car titles, including the much-coveted Car of the Year crown.

The World Car Awards are now in their 20th year, having started by declaring the first winner – the Audi A6 – back in 2005. A series of mostly German winners followed, punctuated by the occasional Japanese model before Jaguar got in on the scene with the F-Pace in 2017 and then the all-electric I-Pace two years later. However, three out of the last four winners have been Korean, with Hyundai beating Kia by two wins to one.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That gives a good indication of how the balance of power has shifted in the car business. Korean brands are now leading the way in many respects, not least on electrification, but also – I would argue – design.

So what price another Korean win in 2024? I’ve driven one of my favourite cars of the year – the Kia EV9 – in both Korea and now the US. It arrives in the UK next month.

The big SUV has to be in with a good shout for 2024, but what about the inevitable rise of the Chinese car makers? Surprisingly – with the BYD Dolphin already being named Carbuyer Car of the Year for 2024 – there were no BYD models for us to drive in the US. However, one of the brands I’m most excited to see more of in the UK is Omoda. Its C5 family SUV is set to undercut the big-selling Nissan Qashqai by quite some margin, offering more for less – and looking very similar.

I got my first taste of an Omoda in the US, driving an American-market O5 saloon. My excitement was short-lived, though. Much as the styling inside and out was smart enough, the driving dynamics and some of the interior quality were just poor. I’ve no doubt that the C5 in the UK will be much better, but it wasn’t that long ago we were saying pretty much the same thing about Korean-made cars. And look at them now.

Do you agree with Steve? Let us know in the comment section...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Kia's new app turns your phone into a car insurance black box
New Kia EV3 - front cornering

Kia's new app turns your phone into a car insurance black box

Kia’s new app sends data to your insurance provider in order to receive usage-based premiums
News
25 Jun 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived

Kia’s ID. Buzz rival can potentially go further on a single charge than first thought
News
18 Jun 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
29 May 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025