Score one for the less heralded SUV of Kia Motors of America, the Kia Sportage as it bagged the AutoPacific Inc.’s 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award. These awards are handed out depending on how a vehicle matches the car owner’s expectations and apparent the Kia Sportage was able to achieve such a feat.

“We take great pride in knowing our owners are satisfied with their vehicles and Sportage’s recognition as an ideal vehicle is a tremendous compliment,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA). “This second AutoPacific award directly reflects the satisfaction of smart, discerning Sportage owners, and this type of consumer feedback validates Kia’s commitment to providing high levels of quality, style, safety and practicality in all of our vehicles.”

Among the features that feted the Kia Sportage this award included the following:

• Passenger and Cargo Space
• Off-Road Capabilities
• Fuel Economy
• Six Airbags with full-length side curtain airbags
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service and USB and auxiliary input jacks
• 2.0-liter engine delivers impressive fuel economy at 20 mpg (city) and 25 mpg (highway)

(Source) Press

Tags: autopacific, auxiliary input, cargo space, complimentary service, consumer feedback, curtain airbags, fuel economy, input jacks, KIA, kia motors america, kia sportage, liter engine, michael sprague, mpg city, practicality, quality style, road capabilities, satellite radio, score one

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The 2010 Kia Forte Koup is barely a week old and yet it is racking up some attention and awards. In fact, the all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup, unveiled just last week during the 2009 New York International Auto Show, has been chosen by the editors at MSN Autos as a “Best in Show” pick. Vehicles that made the list offered impressive style, value and overall potential to help move the automotive industry forward.

“As the New York Auto Show offers a number of concept and production introductions, we are pleased that MSN Autos recognized Forte Koup as a “Best in Show” for its bold styling and immense value,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “The all-new Forte Koup, combined with the recently launched Soul urban passenger vehicle and soon-to-be launched Forte sedan, really drives home our current strategy to create a full lineup of value-laden vehicles with a distinct and attractive Kia design.”

Based on the design styling of the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last year’s show, the all-new Forte Koup’s fluid lines and balanced proportions closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design.

(Source) Press

Tags: aggressive stance, automotive industry, balanced proportions, design source, impressive style, international auto show, introductions, KIA, michael sprague, msn autos, new york auto, new york international auto show, powerful design, sleek profile, sophisticated design

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