Search for world’s best narrows

Kia’s EV3 and the Hyundai Inster have emerged as the top contenders in this year’s World Car Awards after making the top three for a trio of categories.

The EV3, pictured, is competing for the World Car of the Year award as well as battling for the electric vehicle (EV) and car design gongs.

The Inster, also known as the Casper Electric, is vying for the world car and EV titles, and has also been chosen as a finalist in the urban car section.

Porsche has four different models – its Macan, Macan Electric, 911 Carrera GTS and Taycan Turbo GT – in contention for a prize when the winners are announced at the New York International Auto Show on April 16.

Meanwhile, BMW’s X3 completes the finalists for the World Car of the Year category and its M5 features in the performance car class.

A jury of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 countries selected the top three in the world finalists based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their ongoing work.

The shortlists have been whittled down from the top 10 finalists that were announced earlier in the year.

Top three finalists 

World Car of the Year
BMW X3
Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
Kia EV3

World Electric Vehicle
Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
Kia EV3
Porsche Macan Electric

World Luxury Car
Porsche Macan
Porsche Panamera
Volvo EX90

World Performance Car
BMW M5
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT

World Urban Car
BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini
Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
Mini Cooper Electric

World Car Design
Kia EV3
Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250
Volkswagen ID. Buzz