TRIPLE WIN AT
AUSTRALIA'S BEST CAR AWARDS

Three times a charm as Kia hits the ABC heights

For the third year in a row Kia has scored a triple-treat of top honours at the annual Australia’s Best Cars Awards, judged by Australia’s state automotive bodies.

Kia picked up the top accolades for the Kia Carnival SLi diesel in the Best Family Wagon category, for Sorento GT-Line diesel (Best AWD SUV $50,000-$65,000) and Stinger 200S as the Best Large Car Under $70,000 in what is widely recognized as the pre-eminent real-world Best Car awards.

“It is always pleasing to receive the sort of endorsement of the product that such relevant awards as the ABCs bestow,” Kia Australia Chief Operating Officer Damien Meredith said.

“To have been awarded three category wins for the third year in a row is certainly something to be proud of. The recognition of Kia’s value, quality, practicality and safety is all-important to the brand.”

The judging panel found many areas in which the Kia finalists simply stood out from the crowd. With regard to the Carnival, the judges said: “Keeping your family safe is vital and something Kia has taken seriously with the recent model upgrade … [and] ergonomics [is] where the Carnival puts its head above the rest.”

In praise of the exciting new Stinger, the judges offered: “While so many Australians continue to flock to SUVs without even considering the other options, the Kia Stinger offers almost SUV-like practicality but with the handling of a low-slung sportscar … In the large car category, and indeed the new car market as a whole, the Kia Stinger has been a breath of fresh air.”

Speaking to the strengths of the Sorento, the judges found that the new eight-speed automatic, extensive safety package and Australia-specific ride and handling package was worthy of praise. “The end result is a compliant, controlled ride that is amongst the best in class. This sure-footedness also continues off-road where the Sorento shows plenty of agility.”

Kia’s outstanding value for money equation and industry-leading 7-year transferable warranty, 7-year capped price service program and 7-year roadside assist also drew praise during the assessment process.

Unlike most of the Car Of The Year Awards, the ABC Awards are open to any car on sale in Australia, not just those launched in the consideration year.