Rana Motors, the sole importer and distributor of Kia vehicles in Ghana, is celebrating 30 years of the iconic Kia Sportage by unveiling a limited 30th Anniversary Special Edition. Since its introduction to the Ghanaian market in 1994, the Kia Sportage has grown to become a household name, not just in Ghana but globally. With over seven million units sold across five generations, the Sportage has been Kia’s best-selling model worldwide since 2015, known for its balance of safety, performance, and design.
A Journey of Evolution: The Kia Sportage in Ghana
The Kia Sportage’s journey in Ghana is a remarkable story of evolution and trust. When it first debuted, it stood apart from traditional off-road SUVs with its sleek design, spacious interior, and sedan-like driving experience, which immediately captured the attention of local drivers. This was a time when SUVs were gaining popularity, and the Sportage’s monocoque platform in the second generation further enhanced its appeal, improving ride comfort and performance critical factors for Ghanaian drivers navigating diverse terrains.
Over the years, the Sportage has continued to evolve with each generation, introducing innovations such as the signature Tiger Nose grille and advanced safety features. Ghanaians quickly embraced the model’s reliable safety ratings, including its five-star Euro NCAP rating, solidifying the Sportage’s status as a favorite for middle-class families.
As the SUV market expanded in Ghana, the Sportage adapted to meet the changing needs of drivers. The latest fourth and fifth generations introduced advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), fuel-efficient engines, and enhanced design, making it a versatile option for both city commutes and long-distance travel.
The 2024 Sportage 30th Anniversary Special Edition
In celebration of the Sportage’s 30-year legacy, Kia and Rana Motors have launched the 2024 Sportage 30th Anniversary Special Edition in Ghana. This limited edition showcases enhanced convenience, safety, and luxury features. Key upgrades include acoustic laminated glass for a quieter cabin experience and reinforced safety systems, such as eight airbags, including rear side airbags.
The interior of this special edition offers exclusive color options and premium materials, including new suede seats with a unique perforated pattern. The exterior is highlighted by sleek gloss black and gold accents, giving the Sportage a modern and bold look. Only 30 units of this limited edition will be available, each tailored for unique personalities and families in Ghana. The first five owners of this exclusive model were presented with premium 30th Anniversary branded gift boxes at the handover event on October 16, 2024, held at the Kia Showroom in Accra.
Reflections from Rana Motors’ COO, Kassem Odaymat
Speaking at the event, Kassem Odaymat, the Chief Operating Officer of Rana Motors, reflected on the Sportage’s journey in Ghana. “When we began importing Kia vehicles in 1985, we were searching for a star player, a vehicle that would captivate the hearts of Ghanaians. That player arrived in 1994 with the Kia Sportage, and since then, it has blazed its own trail in the Ghanaian market,” Odaymat shared.
He recounted the initial skepticism surrounding the introduction of the Sportage and how the vehicle’s durability, strength, and affordability gradually won over Ghanaian drivers. “The Sportage proved its worth by conquering the country’s diverse terrains and earning the trust of early adopters,” Odaymat added. The Sportage went on to earn international accolades, including the world’s first Urban SUV award in 1993 and JD Power’s Vehicle Dependability award in 2015.
Odaymat emphasized that the Sportage’s success in Ghana set the stage for the introduction of other Kia models, including the Sorento, Seltos, and Sonet, all of which share the same grit and grace that made the Sportage a standout.
A Toast to the Future
As the Kia Sportage enters its fourth decade, both Kia and Rana Motors remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and design. “The Sportage has explored many roads over the past 30 years, and with Rana Motors by its side, we are excited to see where this journey will take us next,” Odaymat concluded.
With the introduction of the 2024 30th Anniversary Special Edition, Rana Motors and Kia celebrate not just a vehicle, but a legacy one built on dependability, innovation, and the unwavering support of Ghanaians.
The event ended with a toast to the many more roads waiting to be discovered by Kia’s iconic compact SUV.
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