Kia Rondo Voted Best People Mover in Australian Drive Car of the Year Awards

- First Korean car to win a Drive Car of the Year award in Australia

- Unanimous decision by judging panel

SEOUL - November 28, 2008 The Kia Rondo (known as 'Carens' in some markets) was announced as the winner of the Best People Mover category in the premier 2008 Drive Car of the Year (COTY) awards in Australia, becoming the first Korean car to win a Drive COTY award. The Rondo beat strong candidates from Toyota and Peugeot to win the coveted award.

"We are very pleased that the Drive Car of the Year judges have confirmed what we at Kia already knew - the Kia Rondo was the best candidate in the people mover category," said Mr. S.K. Lee, President & CEO of Kia Motors Australia.

"Drive judges recognised that Rondo's clever design, spacious interior and value for money delivered the best package for Australian families who need a vehicle with the space and practicality for everyday living," he said.

The Drive judging panel was unanimous in their support for Rondo and singled out its versatility, economy, excellent value for money and five-year unlimited kilometre warranty in support of its strong all-round performance in the judging process.

The shortlisted candidates in each category are compared against each other during a rigorous, week-long evaluation covering 20,000 km and considering five broad criteria - under the bonnet; how it drives; price, quality and equipment; comfort and practicality; and safety.

According to the Drive COTY judges, "The Rondo becomes the first car from a Korean manufacturer to receive a Drive Car of the Year award because it offers the best combination of versatility, space and value for money, all key considerations for people-mover buyers."

The Drive COTY accolades are awarded across 13 vehicle categories plus an overall Drive Car of the Year award. Candidates for the awards are chosen from all vehicles on sale in Australia, not just those that have been launched in the past 12 months because the Drive COTY judges recognise that "consumers don't limit their choices that way."

Drive COTY awards are selected annually by a judging panel from the Fairfax Media group, Australasia's leading media company. Fairfax Media's publishing list includes two of Australia's oldest and most prestigious daily newspapers, The Sydney Morning Herald in Sydney and The Age in Melbourne, as well as online at http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=59001.