Kia introduces capped-price servicing
Consumers the winners as Kia launches fixed-cost services and roadside assist for new and used carsKia has dramatically upped the ante in the battle for the hearts and minds of budget-conscious motorists, becoming the latest brand to offer capped-price servicing across its lineup.
Less than a week after stablemate Hyundai announced its own three-year capped-price service program, Kia has responded with an industry-leading program that extends over five years and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance.
While a number of rivals including Ford, Hyundai, Holden, Toyota, and Mitsubishi already offer fixed-price servicing, Kia Connect is the first with a five-year, unlimited kilometre operating period.
The company has further sweetened the pie for value-conscious motorists with 24/7 roadside assistance, complimentary servicing at three months or 3000kms on new vehicles, and a move to annual service intervals where most rivals still offer six-monthly intervals.
“A capped-price service program, particularly where a service is an annual event, is an excellent tool for owners to have clarity and consistency of pricing when budgeting for keeping their new purchase in peak condition,” said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow.
Significantly, Kia’s capped-price servicing and roadside assistance also extends to used vehicles that are still under the original new car warranty.
Kia Connect applies to new cars from August 1 and used cars from September 1. In the case of used cars Kia Connect begins at the car’s next relevant service and extends until the end of the warranty.
“This is about building a lifetime relationship with our customers, anticipating and providing for their needs while supporting their decision to join the Kia family,” Mr Barlow said.
“We also wanted to show our customers who had recently purchased a current model Kia that they are part of the family and just as highly valued. To that end the Kia Connect program will apply to all Kia vehicles still under the original manufacturer warranty.”
The company says its Kia Connect program will see annual service charges for all models clearly defined by engine type and year of service (see table).
| Model | Engine Size | Engine Type | 1 Yr/15k | 2 Yrs/30k | 3 Yrs/45k | 4 Yrs/60k | 5 Yrs/75k |
| Rio | 1.4 | Petrol | $239 | $310 | $292 | $458 | $267 |
| 1.6 | Petrol | $263 | $351 | $321 | $453 | $293 |
| Cerato | 2.0 | Petrol | $262 | $429 | $321 | $535 | $292 |
| Soul | 2.0 | Petrol | $262 | $329 | $277 | $746 | $292 |
| 1.6 | Diesel CRDI | $323 | $397 | $398 | $627 | $391 |
| Optima | 2.4 | Petrol | $299 | $358 | $361 | $536 | $334 |
| Rondo | 2.0 | Petrol | $262 | $429 | $321 | $535 | $292 |
| Carnival | 3.5 | Petrol | $287 | $359 | $350 | $562 | $320 |
| 2.2 | Diesel CRDI | $338 | $468 | $405 | $510 | $378 |
| Sportage | 2.0 | Petrol | $254 | $435 | $302 | $533 | $283 |
| 2.4 | Petrol | $254 | $435 | $302 | $533 | $283 |
| 2.0 | Diesel CRDI | $349 | $423 | $403 | $596 | $389 |
| Sorento | 2.4 | Petrol | $281 | $392 | $332 | $601 | $313 |
| 3.5 | Petrol | $316 | $376 | $370 | $583 | $353 |
| 2.2 | Diesel CRDI | $314 | $374 | $368 | $559 | $351 |
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