The pre-sale promo has been a hit, but prices announced just weeks ago have been increased, mostly by $2000.

COMMENT about how well pre-release activity to stir up advance orders for a Kia crossover ahead of its release has come with acknowledgement all models save the one benefitting from a special incentive have increased in price.

Kia New Zealand plans to release nine versions of the new Sportage soon, starting with a 2.0-litre petrol LX entry car that has been subject of a special promotion that places it at $34,990 – some $15,000 cheaper than the closest equivalent Hyundai Tucson, a sister ship in all but styling.

That campaign ends on December 31. Kia NZ has not said what the LX will cost from thereon.

Kia New Zealand managing Todd McDonald indicated via a media statement this week that the other models, whose pricing was announced at the start of November, became subject to “revision” as at December 1.

The revision means that every variant has gone up in price by $2000, save for the LX Plus – the next step up from the LX – which increases by $1000. That means the range above the LX now starts at $40,990 and tops at $61,990.

Kia NZ has given no explanation as to why increases have implemented just four weeks after the original prices were announced.

The main focus of its media communication has been to celebrate how the 500 Sportage ‘pre-orders’ it spoke about in November appear to have become 500 firm buy-ins.

It says the Kia dealer network, which has cars for demonstration but not sale, believes this is an unprecedented response to any new model under that branding.

“We were quietly confident we were onto a real winner with the all-new Sportage, but the response from Kiwi motorists has been beyond our expectations,” said McDonald.

“A huge number of customers have taken advantage of pre-launch pricing and have secured themselves a great deal on the new model.”

The LX 2.0-litre petrol variant will be available first, with all other models to follow shortly after.

Sportage is in a 160mm longer body style than comes with the Tucson, though both have a 2670mm wheelbase.

Kia has chosen four trim levels and will sell more variants with all-wheel-drive than without.