Kia Motors are on track to achieve a record year of passenger car sales – having exceeded two million cars internationally – with strong New Zealand growth – 2500 plus vehicles sold in 2012 so far.
The lone diesel commercial among the Kia line-up is the K2500 light commercial, which with several weeks before year-end sits on a 40% increase on 2009 sales, and is looking to be a safe bet to improve upon 2011 figures.
Todd McDonald, Kia Motors New Zealand general manager told DIESELtalk that the K2500 has been an “interesting and successful exercise, with metropolitan Auckland Kia dealers in particular, doing exceptionally well with the model.
“It’s a flexible little truck, with five basic variants plus body height options. The challenge is in customising the vehicle to meet the specific needs of the consumer.”
West Auckland dealership, West City Kia sold a handful to the pacific islands and the model is proving popular with recreational spaces and parks managers.
The K2500 is sturdy and comfortable with an economical 2.5-litre diesel boasting “quiet performance with considerable power and torque”. Air conditioning, aux/usb, Bluetooth and reverse sensors are useful and welcome features.
Available as a dry van, flat deck truck, refrigerator or walk-through van – and as a cab/chassis – the core mechanicals are a 2.5L DOHC CRDi turbo, with a six speed manual gearbox and ABS.
Delighted with Kia’s overall 2012 performance, McDonald says “The rate of increase in vehicle sales is a reflection of the value and trust that buyers place in the Kia brand and its products. This growth is built on a programme of stunning new vehicles and the results are evident in the pattern of Kia’s growth.”
McDonald says that there are no plans to introduce any more commercials at this stage.
K2500 pricing in snapshot (excluding ORC):
Flatdeck truck $36,490.00
Dry van truck $44,490.00
Walk through truck $49,990.00
Refrigerator truck $54,490.00
