Kia has become the first non-European brand to win three titles in a single year at Germany's prestigious Golden Steering Wheel Awards, the company announced on Nov. 11.
Now in its 50th edition, the awards are jointly organized by German automotive publication Auto Bild and weekly newspaper Bild am Sonntag. Kia took home three trophies across its all-electric and combustion-engine lineup.
The EV5 electric SUV won the Compact SUV category, beating the Audi Q3 and Cupra Formentor VZ5. The K4 Sportswagon topped the Compact Car category ahead of the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo and Cupra Born. The EV2, Kia's global B-segment electric car, won Best Car Under €30,000, a category that evaluates overall value based on price, features and the driving experience.
Kia is the first non-European automaker in the awards' history to claim three Golden Steering Wheel trophies in one year. With both electric and combustion-engine models among the winners, the results underscore the competitiveness of its lineup across vehicle segments.
“We are honored to become the first non-European brand to win three categories at these prestigious awards, which have a 50-year history,” said Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song. “It is especially meaningful to see the competitiveness of our lineup and our efforts to offer customers compelling choices recognized.”
The EV2 has also been named a finalist for the 2027 European Car of the Year award, further strengthening Kia's presence in the European market.
