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IntelliChoice Names Kia Sportage a Best Overall Value of Year

11 February 1998

IntelliChoice Names Kia Sportage a Best Overall Value of Year

    CHICAGO, Feb. 11 -- The Kia Sportage has been named a Best
Overall Value of the Year by IntelliChoice, the Campbell, Calif.-based
consumer ownership and leasing cost research company.  The Sportage was
awarded Best Overall Value status in the Compact Sport-Utility category,
marking the second consecutive year the Kia vehicle has won the honor.
    The award came after an evaluation of more than 800 1998 model year cars
and trucks.  IntelliChoice cited the Sportage for excellence in the "real
cost" of vehicle ownership.  Factors considered in making the award were
purchase price, depreciation, maintenance, repair, financing, state fees,
insurance and fuel.
    Powered by a 2.0-liter, 130-horsepower DOHC engine, the Sportage combines
compact exterior dimension with generous interior passenger space and cargo
room.  It is offered with a substantial amount of standard equipment,
including power steering, reclining seats, power windows, power mirrors,
intermittent windshield wipers and the world's first knee airbag in addition
to driver- and passenger-side airbags.
    Among its findings published in The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide,
IntelliChoice praised the Sportage for its high resale value.  The 1998
Sportage has a base price of $14,895.
    The Kia Sportage is available at some 332 Kia dealers in 32 states.  Kia
is currently engaged in a strategic market-by-market launch of its products.
It expects to enjoy national distribution by the conclusion of this year.
    Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia
Motors Corp. in Seoul, Korea.

SOURCE  Kia Motors America