THE latest two models from the fast-expanding Kia stable – the Optima saloon and new Sportage crossover – have scooped leading product design awards.
Acknowledged as one of the world’s most important prizes for excellence in design, the iF product design award 2011 went to the Optima and Sportage in the transportation category.
The gongs are a real coup for the Korean car manufacturer as the organisers received 2,756 submissions from 43 countries for products registered in 16 categories.
In addition to design quality, the jury also recognised criteria like workmanship, innovation, eco-friendliness, ergonomics and safety – and one of the main focuses in this year’s competition was on brand image.
“These latest awards for the all-new Kia Sportage and Optima are positive proof of the tremendous strides Kia has made in revolutionising the styling of our product line-up,” said Kia senior vice president Tae-Hyun Oh.
“Our global management team’s focus on design since the mid-2000s is now clearly paying dividends,” he added.
While the new Sportage is already on sale, the Optima, which made its European debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, will arrive in UK showrooms next summer.
Last year the Kia Venga was awarded both the iF design prize and red dot award, while the Soul is also a recipient of the red dot award.