Kia receives three nominations in annual awards

November 2011

Kia has received three nominations in the annual Drive Car of the Year awards - the largest test drive event of its kind in Australia.

While the field noticeably features European brands this year, the Korean car maker is holding its own with the Kia Rio Si, Kia Grand Carnival and Kia Sportage all being selected.

The most impressive nominee is the Kia Rio Si, in the running for best city car.

Making its Car of the Year debut, many benefits were noted in the new Kia model including "perfect" steering and suspension as well as a larger cabin.

The Kia Grand Carnival SLi diesel has been nominated as best people-mover - the only other car to face the 2010 winner.

However, Kia won the category in 2008 with the popular Kia Rondo7 model.

Named the surprise winner of the best SUV under $40,000 category in last year's awards, the Kia Sportage SLi diesel AWD is in the running once again.

Faced with some stiff competition according to judges, the Kia Sportage has some noted benefits.

"Judges last year were impressed by its classy and practical cabin, frugal and grunty turbo diesel engine and its surprisingly well sorted suspension, which delivered a good balance between cornering ability and comfort," Drive reported.

The winners are announced November 24.