MotorWeek Presents Kia Sorento With Its Prestigious 2003 `Drivers` Choice` Award for Best Mid-Size S


CHICAGO, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The popular, all-new Sorento midsize SUV from Kia Motors America has earned MotorWeek's prestigious "Drivers' Choice" award for Best Midsize SUV of the 2003 model year. The award, presented by MotorWeek host and executive producer John Davis to Kia Motors President and CEO Peter Butterfield, was announced today at the Chicago Auto Show.

MotorWeek, America's long-running automotive magazine show airing on more than 225 PBS stations nationwide, as well as on Speed Channel, cable television's motorsports channel, has been presenting its "Drivers' Choice" awards for more than 20 years. The awards are based on several factors including performance, content, styling and value. The producers chose the Kia Sorento as the lone stand out in the hotly competitive midsize SUV category versus such top contenders as the Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner.

"We're extremely pleased to accept this award," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's president and CEO. "As Kia's first entry in the popular mid-size SUV segment, Sorento is already proving to be a breakthrough vehicle for us in terms of image while offering consumers exceptional features in a great value package."

"The Sorento is a real step forward for this up-and-coming Korean brand," said John Davis, host and executive producer of MotorWeek. "It is an honest- to-goodness truck-framed SUV that feels as tough as anything built in America. When combining the ride, handling and features with an entry price of $19,900, the Sorento stood out as a winner to the MotorWeek staff."

The annual MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards are selected by a team of 10 judges, comprised of writers, producers and the crew of MotorWeek. Judges decisions are based on superior performance, technology, practicality and dollar value. MotorWeek test drives more than 150 cars and trucks annually. This is the first year that the staff at MotorWeek has included a midsize SUV category.

"The awards reflect the changing nature of the car market," said Davis. "And so we need to make sure we are providing choices for all vehicle categories."