Kia Challenges the Credit Crunch With Cracking Offers - and a Price Freeze

WEYBRIDGE, United Kingdom – February 9, 2009: Kia Motors is running a number of hot offers to beat the winter chill and kick the credit crunch where it hurts. Two special models, Picanto Red and Rio Black, represent significant value over and above run of the mill competitors. And Kia is welcoming one particular type of freeze right now – that’s the one applied to its price list.

The well packaged Picanto Red has a number of special features which are sure to make it stand out from the crowd. Body coloured mirrors, bumpers, side mouldings and door handles and 14-inch alloy wheels all come as standard. As does air conditioning, a sporty rear spoiler and side sills, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob, alloy pedals and full iPod compatibility keeps it entertaining on the inside. On the outside, the Picanto Red is finished in a unique Scarlet Red paint, currently not available within the standard Picanto range.

The special Picanto has a credit crunching trick up its sleeve – a low CO2 figure from 118 g/km means it will only cost £35 per year for Vehicle Excise Duty. And, in line with the Kia mantra to offer quality and value, the Picanto Red is available for only £7,645 on-the-road or £8,430 with automatic transmission.

In a similar vein, the Rio Black special edition is sure to attract those seeking shelter from the credit conundrum. Starting at only £8,745 for the 1.4-litre petrol and rising to only £9,720 for 1.5-litre CRDi, the Rio Black special edition, only available with Midnight Black Mica paintwork, offers great value and extra equipment at a minimal price.

Included within the special package are 16-inch alloy wheels, electric front and rear windows, central locking, front fog lights, colour coded rear spoiler, door handles and mirrors, six airbags and air conditioning. Continuing the frugal theme, the Rio Black has all this but CRDi only produces 119 g/km, meaning that it joins the Picanto Red with a VED of only £35 per year.

Paul Philpott, Managing Director, Kia Motors UK Ltd., said: ‘Times are tough for us all and we think Picanto Red and Rio Black are here at just the right time. Good value, high quality products with low running costs are the order of the day right now and these two fit the bill perfectly.’

‘But that’s not all...’ Philpott added, ‘Whilst some manufacturers are increasing prices by as much as five per cent, we’ve decided to hold off on any price increase until at least the end of March. We’re doing our best to encourage car buyers back into the market and putting the big freeze on prices is one way we can help.’