Styling will always remain subjective but there exist panels of qualified professionals who study and dictate what is deemed good and bad design. As the name states, that is the chief purpose of the Good Design Awards, which were first held in 1950 and is one of the oldest competitions of its kind. Kia came out on top of the 2021 edition with prestigious awards for two of the Korean manufacturer’s latest models, with the Kia EV6 electric crossover and fourth-generation Kia Carnival MPV taking top honors in the Transportation category.
While it is in the best interest of automotive brands to create an aesthetic appeal to their products since consumers are more compelled in this visual manner, it can be difficult to architect revolutionary styles while remaining true to traditional brand identities. Kia have endeavored on a highly acclaimed and novel design philosophy dubbed ‘Opposites United’, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity.
The annual competition comprises a judging panel that selects products and industry leaders from over 50 countries that have chartered new directions for ‘innovation, sustainability, superior design, and unparalleled function’. No stranger to accolades of this magnitude, the third generation Kia K5 sedan boasting a sleek and futuristic aesthetic alongside the bold fourth generation Kia Sorento were awarded with the same honour a year ago.
Thus the now reputable brand has been acknowledged for the integrity of their evolving design ethos once again. The 2022 Carnival MPV which was conceptualized at Kia’s California design studio conveys the bold and boxy visual language that is present on the growing range of rugged SUVs and will go on sale in South Africa in two weeks time.
The EV6 which is available in foreign markets and is Kia’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) was also acclaimed for its bold conceptual styling which. This includes key exterior highlights like the daytime running lights as well as a contemporary and aerodynamic side profile. The EV6 is the first Kia to be based on the brand’s new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), delivering a highly impressive 528 km real-world driving range and ultra-fast recharging capabilities.
Karim Habib, Head of Kia Design Center gratefully accepted the Good Design awards as an endorsement of the new design approach and states that Kia is determined to “keep challenging the boundaries of automotive design.”
Words: Alex Shahini
