Kia's revolutionary seven-year warranty for its all-new Kia cee'd model has been acknowledged as a major innovation in the European motor industry, winning the 'Idea of the Year' award from the UK's Autocar magazine.

At the 18th annual Autocar Awards, held before 400 VIP guests, Kia's seven-year warranty was described by the judges as "an extraordinary offer, much more effective than any mere advertising boast, and well worthy of Autocar's Idea of the Year award".

The magazine's praise for Kia continued: "Kia is telling cee'd owners, and subsequent owners between now and 2014, that their new car is guaranteed reliable until is has done well over 80,000 miles (150,000 km).

"Kia is confident its new cee'd is set on matching or beating rivals in every aspect that matters to customers."

The Kia seven-year warranty is not a gimmick, but a long-term corporate commitment to customer care. It will be free and transferable to subsequent owners - provided the car is correctly maintained.

The Kia warranty is the 'best' new vehicle warranty ever offered by any car manufacturer in Europe, with five years bumper-to-bumper coverage and an additional two years cover on the powertrain.

Accepting the award on behalf of Kia Motors Europe, Jean-Charles Lievens, senior vice-president Kia Motors Europe, commented: "We know that the new Kia cee'd will be our best-ever challenger for C-segment honours in Europe and the revolutionary seven-year/150,000 km warranty will convince even more customers that a decision to buy a Kia is the right one. I am delighted and proud to accept this Autocar award."

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