- Compact CUV honored during 2011 North American International Auto Show
- Sportage is praised for stunning design and outstanding lifestyle compatibility
- Streamlined look, high quality features and impressive value make Sportage appealing to buyers
(SEOUL) January 11, 2011 — Presented during the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, USA, during a presentation sponsored by Bridgestone Tire, the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV was honored with the ‘International Truck of the Year’ award by Road & Travel Magazine.
Internationally introduced in March 2010 as part of Kia Motors’ design-led product transformation, the Sportage quickly earned a 5-Star top safety rating by EuroNCAP and has now been chosen by the Road & Travel Magazine’s International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury for its head-turning style, emotional appeal and overall performance.
“The 2011 Sportage is an eye-catching CUV that appeals to a wide audience with its unique combination of breathtaking design, value, quality, technology and standard safety features,” said Michael Sprague, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). “Since its debut in the U.S. last summer, Sportage’s popularity and consumer appeal has outpaced supply in our showrooms.”
To be eligible for the ICOTY award, vehicles must be sold in the U.S. and be either all-new or significantly changed from the previous generation in design and/or technology.
Winners are judged based on lifestyle compatibility, with jurors considering a number of lifestyle attributes, including appeal to men and women, head-turning ability, environmental friendliness, style and performance, being affordable and practical, grocery-getting potential, safety and dependability, being fun and cool, ability to be considered a status symbol and a vehicle consumers would be proud to drive and be seen in.
The ICOTY jury consists of 12 diverse automotive writers and editors who represent respected U.S. automotive publications, including Kelley Blue Book, AutoWeek, Consumer Guide® Automotive, MSN Autos, Truck Trend, NewCarTestDrive.com and Cars.com. Completed voting ballots are sent to J.D. Power and Associates for final tabulation to ensure accuracy and credibility.
The 2011 Sportage CUV offers image-, safety- and value-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia’s latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features. Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the all-new Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look.
In addition to being the recipient of the prestigious 2011 iF product design award, the all-new Sportage is a ‘2010 Top Safety Pick’ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, receiving top ratings for its front, side, rollover and rear impact protection.
