Kia courts Australian Open editions

Kia is attempting to capitalise on its naming rights sponsorship of the Australian Open with a range of tennis-themed special-editions on offer until January 31.

Announced via Kia Australia’s public website are a trio of ‘AO Edition’ models based on the Picanto, Rio and Sportage, plus the Stinger Rafa Signature Edition.

The latter is priced at $47,990 plus on-road costs — $2000 more than the entry-level 2.0-litre turbo-petrol rear-drive Stinger 200S sedan on which it’s based.

The Rafa Stinger is limited to just 75 units and features include exclusive body decals with a printed autograph of Rafael Nadal, a limited-edition Rafa exterior badge, unique title number interior badge, premium brown interior, 19-inch alloy wheels, 8.0-inch touch-screen satellite-navigation system, nine speakers and a Babolat tennis racquet autographed by Rafa.

Next up is the Picanto AO Edition priced at $16,777 drive-away — $1087 more than the pint-size 1.2-litre petrol auto Picanto hatch ($15,690 drive-away) on which it’s based.

Unique AO extras include the GT-Line package (contrast body accents, dual exhaust tip, body kit), 16-inch alloy wheels, LED position lamps and daytime running lights, premium seats with red accents, alloy sports pedals and a Babolat tennis kit.

Then there’s the Rio AO Edition that adds 17-inch alloys, premium steering wheel and shift knob, side mirror integrated indicators, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls and a Babolat tennis kit for $17,777 drive-away — $287 more than the $17,490 D/A Picanto S petrol auto on which it’s based.

Rounding out the tennis specials is the Sportage AO Edition priced at $31,777 drive-away for the 2.0-litre petrol auto and $36,777 drive-away for the 2.0-litre diesel auto — representing savings of close to $1000.

Both Sportage specials add LED DRLs, 18inch alloys, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning system (FCWS), lane departure warning system (LDWS), navigation with SUNA traffic info and a Babolat tennis kit.

Kia is supplying 120 vehicles for official use during the tournament in 2017, which marks the 17th year of its partnership with the Australian Open.

During the official handover ceremony in Melbourne today, 16-time Grand Slam champion and Kia global brand ambassador Rafael Nadal marked the occasion by accepting the keys to a Stinger GT from former Wimbledon and US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt, who had driven the car between Brisbane and Melbourne.

The official vehicle handover ceremony took place today at Federation Square in Melbourne’s CBD with Nadal accepting the Kia Stinger, along with a mix of Kia Sorento SUVs and Kia Carnival MPVs on behalf of the Australian Open organisers.

Last year’s fleet, driven by more than 200 volunteers, completed 20,000 trips and covered more than 300,000km.

This year the fleet will run throughout the tournament from January 15 until after the men’s final on January 28, transporting players, officials, the public and the media.