Euro Flavour Boosts Sportage Numbers as Kia Stays on Target

SYDNEY – July 8, 2013: The arrival of the European-built Sportage Series 2 has had an immediate effect with the SUV topping the Kia class by almost doubling sales when compared to June last year.

The 79.6 per cent jump for June has also helped lift the award-winning Sportage’s year-on-year improvement to 23 per cent.

The Sportage Series 2, built at Kia’s Zilina factory in Slovakia, comes with upgrades including HID headlamps, static cornering lamps, aero blade front wipers, partial leather seat trims, rear seat warmer, front wiper de-icer and an Active ECO mode on the diesel automatic.

Interior variations include a new leather seat stitch pattern and colour, new headrest design, central locking button on both driver and passenger doors, lockable glove box, digital clock now incorporated into the audio display, more soft-touch materials and an air-conditioning system that can deliver hot and cold air from seven independent vent modes.

“The strength of the Sportage is extremely pleasing, particularly in light of the decision to source the cars from our Slovakian factory where we are confident supply will be more consistent,” Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow, said.

Sharper pricing for the European-sourced model and news that the Si Sportage had topped the poll as the best value compact SUV in this year’s RACV Vehicle Operating Cost survey also gave impetus to the Sportage popularity.

The multi-award winning Rio also continued to win friends with a 32 per cent monthly jump to keep it running at 23.9 per cent ahead in year-on-year comparisons.

“In a very active and competitive market Kia has maintained and adhered to our business plan, setting the platform for a strong second half in what is certain to be a challenging environment,” Mr Barlow said.

“We expect to see increased activity with the imminent arrival of the final members of the Cerato family _ the very popular 5-door hatch and the exciting Koup _ and there is also potential for good growth as the new Rondo gains traction in the market,” Mr Barlow said.