IRVINE, Calif., November 18, 2002 – The all-new Kia Sorento midsize SUV has won two top awards from the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) at their annual MudFest competition. The Sorento was voted “Best SUV Under $25,000” and “Best Overall SUV Value” by 25 members of the U.S. automotive media.

“We are extremely pleased to accept these awards from the MudFest competition,” said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “The Sorento is a stand-out vehicle for Kia and a great value for consumers looking for styling, content and performance at an affordable price.”

Each year NWAPA members gather during the second week of October to evaluate SUVs from every class to determine the best vehicle in each category. Every entry vehicle is equipped similar to the way 80 percent of U.S. buyers equip their cars and include such items as automatic transmission, anti-lock braking systems, CD players, power windows, door locks, remote keyless entry, four doors and more. In addition to new vehicles, the group brings back the best of the best from previous years as well.

The Sorento was tested along with the other 25 vehicles at a track on the first day of competition and performed well on the slalom course, during acceleration and braking tests. All the vehicles also were tested on an off-road course during the second day of competition.

“The Sorento stood out as the best value overall, not only because of its price point, but because it was well-equipped and well-built,” said Ashly Knapp, a founding member of NWAPA. “The Kia was quiet and refined, yet rugged and capable on the off-road course. Coupled with the price and the warranty, it easily ranked in front of the competition.”

At 179.8 inches long and 74.2 (EX) inches wide the five-passenger Sorento comes with a standard, powerful DOHC, 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 192 horsepower and is coupled to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

The new model is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. In the two-wheel-drive version, power is directed to the rear wheels, while the 4x4 offerings include a part-time or a Torque-on-Demand? automatic full-time 4x4 drive system.

To address the varied needs of its buyers, the Sorento will be available in two trim levels, LX and EX. The LX is a full-featured vehicle offering only a handful of options. Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, eight-speaker CD sound system, full overhead console with sunglass storage, map lights and garage door opener pocket, four 12 volt power outlets, 8-way adjustable driver’s seat and 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats. Standard safety features include dual front airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags, front pretensioners, front force-limiters and five three-point seatbelts and headrests to accommodate all occupants.

The upscale EX model adds alloy wheels, two-tone body cladding, power sunroof, fog lights, eight-way power driver’s seat, HomeLink? programmable remote system, a Delphi premium AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system with 10 speakers and steering wheel mounted audio controls, remote keyless entry system, which operates the doors, rear flip open glass and panic alarm and a multi-meter including outside temperature gauge, compass, altimeter and barometer to the overhead console.

For those who yearn for even more comfort and convenience, the Sorento will be available in an EX Luxury Package, which includes chrome exterior trim, a Delphi 280-watt six disc-in-dash CD player, automatic climate control, auto headlights, leather wrapped/wood grain steering wheel, leather seats and available Torque-on-Demand? system. Because of its high-content level, the Sorento offers only a few free-standing options, including four-wheel drive and antilock brakes and rear spoiler.

Like all Kia models, the Sorento will be covered by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.

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