It seems that the following news has arrived on the desk at MotorMartin Towers at the perfect time for Kia, just as the all-new Kia Sportage hits showrooms, the outgoing version has been named as the winner of the Used Car of the Year category at the AM Awards, held in Birmingham on February 11.
Beating off stiff competition, the magazine’s judges shared with MotorMartin, “In its third generation, this car benefits from strong residuals, appealing styling, good equipment levels and a reassuring warranty even when in the used car market. A healthy standard specification has enticed many used buyers, and this car is likely to remain a used car hit during the coming years.”
Following the Judges’ comments, John Hargreaves, Head of Fleet and Remarketing at Kia Motors UK, said, “This win for Sportage demonstrates the value of the car, and we are hoping to follow on with this success with the fourth generation by building on all the factors that appealed to buyers of the third generation.”
He continued, “It is particularly encouraging that the values of the outgoing model have remained high even in the context of the very strong launch of All-new Sportage.”
MotorMartin has argued in the past that the 3rd generation Sportage is the one car, more than any other in the range, that has dragged Kia kicking and screaming into the 21st Century. It’s modern look, complemented hugely by the new, for the time, corporate grill, gave the Kia a completely different feels from that which had gone before. The interior of the 3rd generation felt well thought out and put together, the use of quality materials made the cabin a far more tactile environment to spend time in. It’s great therefore to see this generation of Sportage finish on a high.
For those that were a little unsure, the AM Awards are dedicated to acknowledging exemplary performance and innovation which is fundamentally important to the Automotive industry; high achievers deserve their time in the spotlight. So let’s all raise a glass for the final bow of the 3rd generation Sportage.
The King is dead, Long live the King!
Kia will be hoping that their latest Sportage will be just as well received and long lasting and you know what? MotorMartin has a suspicion that it certainly will be. Well done Kia.
Where will you go?