The Kia Rio has been voted as the Continental Irish Car of the Year for 2012 by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association.
The announcement was made at a glitzy awards in the Convention Centre in Dublin, which was attended by leading figures from the motor industry. The sporty little Rio narrowly beat off competition from the Ford Focus and the Peugeot 508 to take the prize, marking the first time that a Korean car brand has taken the title in the 35-year history of the awards.
The award was based on a wide range of criteria that was voted upon by the Irish Motoring Writers Association judges, ranging from innovation and safety to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.
Presenting the award to James Brooks, Managing Director of Kia Ireland, Paddy Murphy of sponsor, Continental Tyres Ireland, said: “From a great crop of entrants for this year’s award, the Irish motoring writers have selected an exciting model to carry the 2012 title and no doubt the Continental Irish Car of the Year accolade will provide a great badge of honour for the Kia Rio to help it in the competitive Irish market next year.
“The Rio’s victory is a measure of the progress which Korean manufacturers have made on the car market in a very short time.”
Pat Neary sales manager at Conway Motors main dealers for Kia in Mayo, said it was a great for Kia and with its seven year warranty it makes it a very attractive brand for any prospective new car buyers
The Kia Rio is now available to view and test drive at Conway Motors on the Breaffy Road, Castlebar (094 902 2933 ).
