4th year running: Kia ranked best by JD Power IQS

MUSCAT: For the fourth consecutive year, Kia has been recognised as the number one non-premium brand by J D Power in the USA’S 2018 Initial Quality Study (IQS), with a reported 72 problems per 100 vehicles.

Kia maintained its leadership position with class-leading performances from the Kia Sorento SUV and Rio hatchback, while the Kia Optima sedan, Sportage compact SUV, and Grand Carnival MPV placed second in their respective categories. The Kia Cerato placed third in its category. After winning IQS awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Kia Soul was once again the highest-rated compact multi-purpose vehicle in the study. According to the spokesperson, Kia owners reported fewer issues within first 90 days of ownership than all other nonluxury car and truck brands in the USA, and Kia Sorento and Kia Rio topped their respective categories

“Ranking number one among all mass market brands for four consecutive years leaves no doubt as to the world-class quality and craftsmanship instilled in every car and SUV that Kia builds,” said Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “With two segment winners and five additional models finishing in the top three of their respective categories, the evidence of Kia’s progression and focus on the ownership experience is overwhelming.”

The 2018 IQS is based on responses from 75,712 purchasers and lessees of new 2018 model-year vehicles, who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a broad range of quality issues reported by vehicle owners.

Kia’s skyrocketing popularity is a phenomenon not seen merely in Oman. Globally too, Kia has been winning accolades with some of the most prestigious honours. The most important amongst these include the Highest Ranked Brand in Initial Quality 2 years in a Row. (Highest ranked Large Car, Compact Car, Small SUV, Midsize SUV and Compact Multi-purpose Vehicle in J D Power 2017 US Initial Quality Study. The Kia Cadenza, Kia Cerato, Kia Niro, Kia Sorento, and Kia Soul received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles reflecting higher quality in their respective segments in the J D Power 2017 US Initial Quality (IQS) Study, based on 77,419 total responses, evaluating 189 models, and measures the opinions of new 2017 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-may 2017. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com/cars.)

Kia cars have also achieved Highest Crash Safety Ratings and Ranked amongst Top 100 Global Brands by Interbrand. Many Kia cars have been winning Major Design Awards i.e. Red Dot, if Design, Good Design Awards, etc. Kia cars globally are now top rated in safety, quality and design thereby giving better value to the customers.

Reliable International Automotive, the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers. Excellent product attributes and unmatched 18 facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way. No wonder then that Reliable International Automotive has been ranked amongst the top Kia distributors worldwide and has been honoured with prestigious accolades including the Kia ‘Dealer of the Year’ award; Kia ‘Distributor of Distinction’ award, ‘Family Like Care’ Service award and the ‘Zenith Club’ award for excellent performance.

The prestigious ‘Kia Award for Overall Excellence and Outstanding Performance’ amongst Kia distributors worldwide was bestowed most deservingly. “You can like us on www. facebook.com/kiaoman and follow us on @kiaoman Twitter for the latest happenings on Kia in Oman,” invites the spokesperson.