South African awards for trio

AFTER the successful launch of this prestigious award ceremony in 2011, the third Annual Standard Bank People’s Wheels Awards took place at the Monte Casino Ballroom, Johannesburg on Nov 21.

This competition prides itself as the voice of the South African motor consumer, as all vehicles are judged in their respective categories and the outcome is based solely on the general public’s votes. This year, there was a total of 30 categories, ranging from budget city cars to hot hatches to super cars.

Kia’s model line up was well represented with the Picanto as a contender in the “Budget Buys” category, the Rio as a contender in the “Compact Hatch” category and the Sportage as a contender in the “SUV/Crossover” category.

The Picanto was crowned as the winner of the “Budget Buy” category for the third consecutive year, scoring the majority of the votes.

This year, the Sportage also took top honours in its nominated category, and was announced as the winner in the “Best SUV/Crossover” category.

“We are extremely proud in both these vehicles. Not only has the Picanto been crowned with this incredible honour for a third consecutive year, but the Sportage has also received the recognition it deserves as a stylish, and impressive SUV package”, comments Kia Motors South Africa marketing director David Sieff.

“The Picanto, Sportage and Rio are three of our most popular vehicles, and the results are a reflection of that.

“As with all Kia models, they offer unbeatable style, great value and a brilliant overall package”.

The competition also introduced a new category this year called the “Ownership Brand Champion Category”, and Kia Motors South Africa was awarded a joint third place with Honda South Africa.