SUV claims global title

The Kia Sportage has been ranked number one in the small-vehicle category of the 2015 JD Power vehicle dependability study, which examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. It also analyses the long-term quality of new technology and features available to buyers. Dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles and the Sportage ranked first in a field of seven contenders. While the study is conducted in the US, Kia says the model sold in New Zealand is very similar to what’s sold there. “The Sportage is a clear example of how far the model range has progressed and this level of quality,” says Todd McDonald, general manager of Kia Motors NZ. Kia also scored ninth place in the Consumers Reports “brand report card” ahead of BMW. Click here to read this story.