Kia Sportage wins Australia's OzRoamer award

The Kia Sportage, a popular SUV in Sri Lanka has been awarded Australia's OzRoamer award, as its 2013 AWD SUV under A $ 60,000 Car of the Year.

The two-litre compact SUV beat an impressive field of finalists including the Mazda CX5, Hyundai ix35, Mitsubishi Outlander and Ford Kuga to claim the top spot on the judges' cards in this category, scoring high in key categories for equipment, comfort, ride and handling, driving experience and value for money.

Kia Motors (Lanka), Director Rodney Mason said, "The OzRoamer award reaffirms what hundreds of Kia Sportage users in Sri Lanka have discovered for themselves, an unbeatable combination of style, design-driven performance and ruggedness that is at home on multiple terrains, including city roads."

The April 2014 issue of Kia's newsletter 'Vision 21' quotes OzRoamer Awards judge Chloe Fraser as saying the surprising versatility of the Sportage was impressive and that it should satisfy the adventurous nature of most buyers. She said the vehicle has plenty of power, is super economical and is among the best in its class.

According to OzRoamer Editor Rob Fraser, this award is the result of a rigorous subjective and objective process throughout the year by a number of judges.

By class standards, the 2.0-litre Kia 'Theta II' petrol engine delivers more power, (166BHP) improved durability, enhanced refinement and reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

The power unit has dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) for the intake and exhaust valves, four valves per cylinder and features weight-saving, all-aluminium construction with a cast aluminium block, cylinder head and sump.

Kia Motors (Lanka) has represented the brand in Sri Lanka since 1996.