After an incredible reception
at the Sydney International Motor Show, Sydney’s Kia dealers are extending their
$22,990 drive-away offer on the Mentor SII-R. When was the last time a Korean
production car got people waving their cheque books at a major Australian motor show? If
it has ever happened, you can bet that the car involved cost a whole lot more than
$22,990.
"We couldn’t believe the response to our Kia Mentor SII-R," said Brad
Garlick, chairman of the Kia Dealer Advertising Group of Sydney.
"I don’t think I once saw the Motor Show display car without people in it. A
sure sign of its drawing power is that we had to replace the gear knob five times, and we
were using Superglue!"
The SII-R is a limited edition Mentor based on an SLX 1.5-litre manual hatch. It has
been built up by Sydney’s Kia dealers using components from local suppliers, and
features:
- A full body kit by Talon, including front and rear spoilers and side skirts
- 15-inch BSA 10-spoke alloy wheels shod with Falken low profile tyres
- Momo steering wheel
- Tinted glass
- All Mentor’s usual equipment, including air conditioning and power steering.
"The strongest point of the SII-R is its knock-out appearance - when people see it
they don’t believe the price. And once they drive it they are totally in love,"
Mr Garlick said.
"You can see it in their eyes. Given that the SII-R is so attractive to buyers,
and given that we love selling cars, we’re extending the offer for as long as we can
hold the pricing."
The total value of the SII-R package is $6000, which on the $18,490 price of a Mentor
SLX 1.5-litre manual hatch would give a normal retail price of $24,490.
However, the bulk buying power of the Sydney Kia Dealer Group has dragged down the cost
of package by $1500, and the entire benefit of this is being passed onto buyers to give a
full drive away price of just $22,990, including air conditioning and power steering.
SII-R packages can be ordered with the Mentor’s normal upgrades including a
1.8-litre engine, automatic transmission and in GLX specification.
