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As Kia navigates towards its target of becoming the fastest growing mainstream brand in Australia, Sportage, Sorento and Optima buyers will have no trouble finding their way around with the arrival of Kia Motors Australia’s first satellite navigation system.

The sophisticated LG touch-screen system has been developed and customised over the past 12 months to provide optimum performance for Australian users. It will come standard in Platinum grade vehicles in the three models, and is available as an option in SLi Sorento and Sportage.

“We have promised Australian buyers the best in design, engineering and technology and this exciting new step is again proof that we make good on our promises,” Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow, said.

“With the support of head office in Korea we can now deliver better supply of the cars Australian buyers are demanding, and with some exceptional new technology.”

The LG head unit features a 6.5-inch full-colour touch screen in the Sorento and a 7-inch version in both Sportage and Optima.

Mapping is from Navteq and the system will feature the outstanding SUNA live traffic notification software which will not only identify any traffic delays on the entered route but also offer the option of directing the driver around the traffic jam, accident or roadworks before putting them back on track to their destination.

“The SUNA live traffic system gives a new relevance to satellite navigation for daily commuters who will obviously know their way to and from their regular destinations but now have the added peace of mind that there will be no unexpected surprises on the way,” Mr Barlow said.

For the first time from any manufacturer in Australia Kia will also offer a service, branded Mapcare, which delivers a free map update at the 12- and 24-month anniversary of purchase. This will ensure that Kia owners are always on the pace in fast-changing urban environments.

The system will also feature full integration with MP3 music streaming, Bluetooth phone connection including the ability to retain phonebooks for up to eight separate users and large-screen format display of the reversing camera.

For the Platinum models the inclusion of the satellite navigation unit brings a $990 price premium taking the Sportage to $37,710 for the petrol and $40,710 for the award winning 2.0R diesel. Sorento will be $50,180 while Optima remains sensational value at $37,980. The SLi option in Sorento and Sportage is $1500.

Sorento and Sportage satellite navigation will be in showrooms from March 17 while Optima is expected to be available from mid-year.

A Brisbane man has won a top of the range Kia Sportage for his wife and an iPad2 for himself by entering a Facebook-based Kia competition.

Andrew Churchward from Kenmore Hills noticed the Facebook-based “Kia, Inspired by what you like” competition late last year, which encouraged people to be generous to those they like.

In less than 25 words Mr Churchward compared the attributes of his loving wife of 12 years, Elissa, to those of a Kia vehicle and was awarded the iPad2 and his favourite car in the Kia range for his effort.

“Of all the cars in the world would you believe I love the Kia Sportage,” said Mr Churchward. “I bought an Optima brand new six years ago and it hasn’t missed a beat. We’ve been extremely happy with it.

“I have been looking at all of the new Kia models coming out and as soon as I saw the Sportage I wanted one. We are now the proud owners of a brand new top of the range Platinum petrol Sportage in Electric Yellow and I couldn’t be happier.”

Mrs Churchward recently received her new Sportage and was extremely appreciative of her husband’s penmanship.

“I’m normally one of those people who doesn’t like surprises but this was an exception,” Mrs Churchward said.

“The Sportage is a joy to drive and is so well equipped. The ventilated front seat is something you would expect in a high-priced European vehicle.”

The Churchward’s Platinum Sportage is powered by a 2.4L petrol engine which is matched to one of the lightest, high tech 6-speed automatic transmissions in its class which also offers the driver sportsmatic-style shifting.

Like all new vehicles across the Kia range there is no compromise when it comes to safety. The Platinum comes standard with the latest in computer assisted braking technologies as well as electronic stability control, downhill brake control and hill-start assist to prevent the car from rolling back when starting on a steep slope.

Passengers are surrounded by front, side and curtain airbags offering five-star protection in the case of an accident while reversing blind spots are minimised by a rear camera with the image displayed within the rear view mirror.

The Platinum’s feature list is extensive with cruise control, rain sensing wipers and dusk sensing headlamps allowing for hassle free motoring and a smart key with push button start adding to the vehicle’s high tech appeal.

The audio system comes with six speakers and an external amp and subwoofer as well as Bluetooth functionality and iPod connectivity. All of this, as well as the MP3 compatible 6-stack CD changer can be controlled remotely from the steering wheel.

Cabin comfort is maintained by dual-zone climate control with the Platinum also featuring front seat warmers and a ventilated driver’s seat.

Kia’s exciting Sportage SUV has kicked an early goal in the awards season with a win in the SUV under $40,000 category at the prestigious Drive awards.

The experienced panel of judges from the respected Drive and Drive.com media group put the all-new Sportage SLi diesel automatic at the top of one of the most crowded and competitive segments in the Australian motoring landscape.

Kia Motors Australia CEO, Mr MK Kim, said he was both delighted and humbled by the decision to give the award to the Sportage.

“We have always believed that the Sportage is an exceptional car, but to have this independent recognition from such a respected body is a wonderful verification of our belief,” Mr Kim said.

“The Sportage, like all of the cars coming from Kia, is the end product of a great deal of work and dedication by everybody within Kia Motors. This recognition is shared by all of us.”

Accepting the award in Melbourne today, Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Mr Tony Barlow said: “You don’t build and launch new cars with awards in mind, but to receive an award such as this is a strong indication that what you are doing is ticking the right boxes.”

Launched in August, the Sportage is a shining example of the marriage of form and function with head-turning styling from Kia’s global design team, led by head designer Peter Schreyer and penned at the company’s Los Angeles Design Studio by Massimo Frascella, and outstanding engineering.

A key feature of the Sportage was the “localisation” of the ride and handling characteristics for the Australian market. The Sportage has specifically tuned spring and damper rates and now boasts tuned MDPS (motor driven power steering) which adds rake and reach adjustment.

Streaming Bluetooth is also standard across the Sportage range.

The 2.0-litre R series diesel is good for 135kW and 392Nm and coupled to the new 6-speed automatic, the performance is class leading.

New safety features include ESC with a new Rollover Sensor, Hillstart Assist Control (to prevent roll-back when starting on an incline and roll-forward when reversing up a slope in reverse with the manual transmission) and Downhill Brake Control (to limit speed during a steep descent).

VW’s World Car Of The Year, the all-new Polo, won the overall Drive Car Of The Year award with Sportage making the top four of the 14 category winners.