The Kia Pregio, the van that changed the shape of the Australian van market, now comes with more comfort for the driver, more refinement, a new look but retains all the features and value for money that has enabled the Pregio to leap towards the top of the van sales charts.

"The Kia Pregio has proven to be even more successful than we hoped," says Ric Hull, Managing Director of Kia Automotive Australia. "Not only is it now positioned firmly in the number two slot in the Australian van market, it has even topped the van sales charts for a number of months and has been Australia's number one diesel van since its launch." "The Pregio has achieved this by offering a larger than class average payload and interior volume, an outstanding level of standard equipment, a highly competitive price and a support programme that is more akin to a luxury car than a van. The new Pregio maintains everything that has made the Pregio a success and adds a host of new features and refinements."

The Pregio is instantly recognisable thanks to its new nose, which provides enhanced safety, new, larger, brighter headlights and new impact absorbing bumpers which are colour matched. A new bumper and a new step also feature at the rear of the new Pregio.

Inside there is a new dashboard and the driver's seat has been repositioned to provide more legroom and a wider range of backrest adjustment. The bulkhead, which is removable in two sections, has a larger window, and this, combined with new, larger remotely adjustable door mirrors enhance visibility and safety.

Under the skin refinements have been made to the suspension to improve ride quality under all load conditions.

The features that haven't changed in the new Kia Pregio include the 1.2 tonne payload and 4.1 cubic metre load area easily accessible through wide opening rear and side doors  and the powerful and economical 2.7 litre diesel engine mated to a five speed manual gearbox.

Standard equipment includes power steering, electric windows, remote central locking, air conditioning, CD player, a third middle seat that folds down to provide a storage area, cup holders and cloth upholstery.

Kia has recognised that a cost effective transport solution is more than just a low purchase price and a high equipment level. It is supporting Pregio owners with a three year/100,000 km warranty, a full 24 hour a day roadside assistance programme and access to a loan vehicle programme if a Pregio is off the road for a warrantable repair to ensure that the Pregio supplies a really cost effective transport solution.

The Pregio has proven a success with both small businesses and fleets that require a highly cost effective transport solution that provides excellent value for money at the purchase point, low running costs and a load compartment that can meet a wide range of load carrying requirements.

The new Kia Pregio goes on sale in Australia today, with a recommended retail price of $22,950.