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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
KIA OPTIMA HYBRID NAMED TO "TOP 10 CARS OF THE YEAR" LIST BY HISPANIC MOTOR PRESS ASSOCIATION
The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid recently was named to the Hispanic Motor Press Association's (HMPA) "Top 10 Cars of the Year" list as the top Alternative Powerplant vehicle. The HPA award reflects the unique and distinctive preferences and needs of the influential Hispanic population in the U.S., with jurors selected by invitation only following strict criteria, including years of experience, demonstrated knowledge of vehicle technology, and proof of audience.
"Kia has undergone a dramatic brand transformation over the past three years, including the addition of our first-ever hybrid model in the U.S., and the Hispanic Motor Press Association's recognition of the Optima Hybrid is further evidence of Kia's unprecedented growth in the market," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "More and more consumers are looking at Kia for the first time, and Optima Hybrid's 'Top 10 Cars of the Year' designation demonstrates how Kia is reaching new audiences, including the important and growing Hispanic community."
Each year, members of the HMPA recognize the most impressive new vehicles in 10 categories: American sports car, American sedan, premium car, convertible, SUV, CUV, minivan, pick-up and alterative powerplant. Vehicles are evaluated on safety, quality, value, performance, design, style, environmental impact and technology standards.
"This is a car company that keeps impressing us, and the new Rio was a finalist in the compact category as well. The Optima Hybrid cleverly incorporates powertrain, infotainment , design elements and technology which make it a great all-around value package," said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, HMPA jury director.
** Courtesy of Kia Media
Monday, November 28, 2011
Our Warranty Works Wonders
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Kelley Blue Book Review of the Kia Soul
Since its debut in 2009, the Kia Soul has enjoyed brisk sales and rave reviews that have helped the Soul get off to a good start, but questions remain about its popularity in the long-run. Of course, an impressive array of standard features, one of the most original and modern interiors in the segment and a price tag starting well below its competitors make the Kia Soul a tempting morsel indeed. For 2012, Kia has restyled the Soul and given it features that make it even more competitive with the likes of the Nissan Cube and Scion xB. At this rate, we could wager a good guess that the Soul will be around for years to come.
You'll Like This Car If...
If you're looking for a vehicle that is both versatile and affordable, but you don't want to look like you're driving a car whose only attribute is that it's versatile and affordable, the 2012 Kia Soul is the car for you
You May Not Like This Car If...
While the Kia Soul is a formidable competitor for cars like the Scion xB and the Nissan Cube, it doesn't hold onto its resale value as well as either.
What's New for 2012
For 2012, the Kia Soul receives a minor facelift, new drivetrains and a host of new interior features. The Soul Sport trim level has been discontinued.
Driving It: Driving Impressions
Our time behind the wheel of the 2012 Kia Soul was spent with the Soul + trim level with the new 2.0-liter engine. While we would have preferred more city driving in order to get a rounded evaluation of the revised powertrain, the high-speed cruising gave us a taste of the passing power that the additional 22 horsepower can deliver. While this was impressive, the new 6-speed automatic does require a downshift or two on inclines and when passing, but it also allows for quieter, low-rpm cruising at freeway speeds. The manual-shift mode came in handy a couple of times and we liked the fact that there wasn't a long pause between gear shifts. While the ride quality remains the same as the previous-generation Soul, it was noticeably quieter thanks to the added insulation.
Favorite Features
Infinity Audio System
The new 350-watt system is music to our ears, quite literally. We enjoy the crispness and the clarity of the new sound system.
We always wondered why the Soul even came with a 4-speed automatic in the first place. The two extra gears aid in greater fuel economy and the tap up/tap down shifting makes passing effortless.
Vehicle Details: Interior
We give high praise for the 2012 Kia Soul's interior. Not only does it feature radical themes, such as an available hounds-tooth fabric interior and multi-colored backlit speaker grilles that pulsate to the music's beat (this feature can be turned on and off), it also is highly functional and just plain fun. Functional features include front and center iPod bins, a dual-shelf glovebox, fold-flush rear seats and a storage bin under the cargo area's floor. A tilt/telescoping wheel is now standard for 2012 and the improved isolation promotes a quieter cabin.
Exterior
From its intricately-detailed headlamp housing to its uncommon profile, the 2012 Kia Soul is anything but commonplace. Three differing trim levels – the Soul, the Soul + and the up-level Soul ! – offer varying visuals, in addition to their non-standard names. For 2012 all models received new front and rear fascia and headlamp treatments and a new Moss color option is available. The Soul has 15-inch wheels, the Soul+ rides on 16-inch wheels and The Soul ! has 18-inch wheels.
Notable Standard Equipment
The base 2012 Kia Soul comes with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. All other Souls feature a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Other standard equipment on the inexpensive base model includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, tilt/telescoping wheel and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius XM audio system with USB and auxiliary ports. All Souls feature six airbags and electronic stability control.
Notable Optional Equipment
Check all the option boxes and your 2012 Kia Soul will include front fog lamps, a moonroof, a new 350-watt 7-speaker Infinity sound system, leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Other notable options include ISG (Idle Stop and Go) technology, a navigation system, UVO infotainment system and a rearview camera.
Under the Hood
The 2012 Kia Soul features a 1.6-liter engine with 138 horsepower - 16 more than the engine it replaces - mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. And the 2.0-liter engine in the higher trim levels has been revised as well, offering 164 horsepower - 22 more than before - but is available only with the 6-speed automatic . Both versions receive a welcome bump in fuel economy.
1.6-liter in-line 4138 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
123 lb-ft of torque @ 4,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/35, 29/36 (automatic transmission + low-rolling-resistance tires)2.0-liter in-line 4
164 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
148 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/34, 27/35 (automatic transmission + low-rolling-resistance tires)
** Courtesy of Kelley Blue Book
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Four Different Kia Vehicles Have Been Named as "Best Buys" by Consumers Digest
Consumers Digest just named four Kia vehicles “Best Buys” – the 2012 Kia Optima, 2012 Sorento, 2012 Soul, and 2012 Sportage. This latest recognition comes after Kia Motors America (KMA) announced the company’s best-ever October sales and setting its 14th consecutive monthly sales record.
“Kia’s design-led transformation continues to attract new customers to Kia showrooms with stand-out design, fuel efficiency, a host of standard amenities as well as residual values that continue to outpace the industry,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “Receiving four ‘Best Buy’ designations from Consumers Digest reflects the increasing awareness and consideration for the Kia brand, which we expect to continue with the 2012 Rio 5-door and Soul, now arriving in showrooms.”
Vehicles chosen as Consumers Digest “Best Buy” deliver the most value for the money in their classes based on purchase price and cost to own relative to criteria such as comfort, performance, and utility.
** Courtesy of Kia in the News
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Don't Miss This Month's Exclusive Coupon For Facebook Fans!
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Fans, be sure to check out how you can save this month with our exclusive Facebook coupon just for you! ‘Like’ us on Facebook and head to the ‘Coupons Tab’ under our profile picture to see our latest offer!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Kia Debuts Unique Editions of the Optima Hybrid and Soul Inspired By Professional Athletes Blake Griffin and Michelle Wie
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Kia Motors America (KMA) takes the field at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with a pair of outrageous sports-themed vehicles built by the world famous West Coast Customs (WCC) shop in Corona, Calif. Working together, KMA and WCC have created two one-of-a-kind show cars – Optima Hybrid and Soul – inspired by KMA's official ambassadors and their respective sports: basketball all-star Blake Griffin and Michelle Wie of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Following the SEMA Show, television audiences will have a front row seat for the Kia builds on an upcoming episode of Inside West Customs on VELOCITY.
"The SEMA Show is the epicenter of vehicle customization, and the eye-catching Optima Hybrid and funky Soul created by West Coast Customs are the latest way we're showcasing Kia's high-profile partnerships with two of the most talented and recognizable young athletes in the world," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Our design-led transformation has catapulted the Kia brand to new levels of awareness, and these one-of-a-kind creations inspired by Blake Griffin and Michelle Wie will allow consumers to see our products in new, fun and interactive ways."
**Courtesy of Kia Corporate News; for more information please visit Kia Newsroom.com
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