Kia has come a long way in the last 60 years

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The Boston Globe Names the Kia Optima one of the Top Drives for 2012

The critically acclaimed, U.S.-built, Kia Optima added another accolade to its trophy case this week when it was named to The Boston Globe's annual Top Ten Drives List for 2012, beating out more than 100 cars and trucks. Optima's world-class design and technology features impressed editors who dubbed the Optima a "first-class, five-passenger, mid-sized sedan" with a "surprisingly spacious interior," and appreciated the available heated steering wheel during the cold New England winter months.

"With its powerful combination of world-class design, advanced technology, turbocharged performance and outstanding value, the Optima has been turning heads since arriving in showrooms in January and demand has outpaced supply all year," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing and communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Kia is the fastest growing car company in the U.S.¹ and earning a spot on The Boston Globe's Top Ten Drives List adds to our unprecedented momentum heading into 2012."

The Boston Globe 2012 Top Ten Drives List spans a wide range of vehicles and prices in all segments, but they all feature key core traits such as excellent performance, quality construction, fine details and solid value.

 

**  Coutesy of Kia Media

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Kia sales have jumped 35% this year

A South Korean company that got its start making bicycle parts is one of the fastest-growing new-car brands in the United States.

Kia Motors sales have risen 35 percent from January to November compared with a year earlier, and sales so far this year already have surpassed the brands annual record. The surge is much more dramatic in central Ohio, where sales have risen 65 percent.

Analysts say Kia is succeeding because it has improved its styling and handling without sacrificing its status as a low-price leader. In a sluggish economy, low-cost options have more appeal than ever. This has also helped Hyundai, which is part owner of Kia and also based in South Korea.

Kias core proposition is value, said Jesse Toprak, vice president for industry analysis at Truecar.com. You get a lot of car for your money, and that value proposition is exactly what consumers wanted to hear during the recession.

Tom Loveless, Kias top sales executive in North America, said the company is having a design-led transformation.

We have launched and introduced nine brand-new products in the course of the last 30 or 31 months, he said. As a brand, we are different than perceptions are from the olden days.

What was that perception? Kia had long been known as a no-frills economy car, said Ryan Belcher, general manager of Hatfield Kia on the Far West Side. In that way, it was much like Hyundai.

If you looked at this brand three years ago, the styling was not real good and the quality was not as good as Toyota or Honda, he said.

Roger Steinbrook, 65, of Orient, leased a new Kia Optima sedan from Hatfield last week. It was his familys third Kia.

Im satisfied or else I wouldnt have bought another, he said.

His last vehicle that wasnt a Kia was a Subaru. While he continues to be fond of Subaru, he switched to Kia because of favorable lease terms, he said.

Loveless points to the introduction of the Soul crossover in 2009 as the beginning of the current wave of fresh designs. The boxy crossover vehicle was released along with a marketing campaign aimed at city-dwellers.

The redesigns helped lift the company out of its first-ever sales slump. Before the 2008 economic downturn, Kia had increased its U.S. sales every year since it arrived in the market in 1994. At that point, the company had been around for 50 years, ever since it was founded as a maker of tubing for bicycles.

Through 11 months this year, Kia has sold 442,102 vehicles, compared with 325,824 in the same period last year, according to the company. The 35 percent increase is the most of any company that has sold at least 100,000 vehicles. In central Ohio, Kia dealers have sold 2,865 vehicles, up from 1,734 in the same period last year a 65 percent increase, according to www.autoviewonline.com.

Hyundai and Kia have gained sales at least somewhat at the expense of Japan-based automakers such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan, Toprak said. The March earthquake and tsunami in Japan disrupted the supply of some vehicles and may have steered some customers to the South Korean brands, he said.

Though Hyundai owns about 35 percent of Kia, the two companies have separate design and sales teams. Loveless sees Hyundai as a competitor rather than a member of the family.

Like many foreign-owned automakers, Kia does a significant portion of its vehicle assembly in the United States. The company opened a plant in West Point, Ga., in 2009 and is now running three shifts per day. Loveless estimates that half of his sales next year will be vehicles assembled in Georgia.

Looking ahead, Toprak thinks Kia can hold onto its gains, but he cautions that value-oriented brands tend to lose momentum in a strong economy.

But Loveless sees no downside from an economic recovery. He thinks the record-setting pace of 2010 and 2011 would have been even better if the economy had been healthier, and he thinks the brand has not yet found the upper limits of its market share.

 

**  Courtesy of the Columbus Dispatch

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2013 Kia Forte Sedan Sketches Emerge

Sketches that have leaked online purport to provide an early look at the 2013 Kia Forte. According to Kia World, the sketches show a redesign for the Forte sedan that will be officially revealed sometime in 2012.

The leaked photo reveals a Forte sedan  that is much more rounded and modern than the current model. In the profile sketch, the Kia appears to have a sloping roofline similar to the Hyundai Elantra, and is vaguely reminiscent of the Kia Ray concept from 2010. The front grille, headlights, and taillights are all in tune with the latest Kia designs, like those seen on the Optima sedan.

The current Forte sedan was launched in 2009; the car also is available as a two-door coupe and four-door hatchback. Regardless of body style, power comes either from a 156-hp 2.0-liter inline-four, or a 173-hp 2.4-liter inline-four engine.

The Kia Forte is currently built on the same platform that underpinned the prior-generation (through model-year 2010) Hyundai Elantra, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Forte once again adopted the Elantra’s underpinnings. If so, it could mean a bump in the Forte’s fuel economy ratings. The new Elantra uses a 148-hp, 1.8-liter inline-four engine that returns 29/40 mpg (city/highway) whether mated to a manual or automatic transmission.

We reached out to Kia to see whether a 2013 Forte is indeed on the way, but did not receive a response before deadline. If a Forte makeover is nigh, we imagine it will debut at a major auto show some time in the next six months.

**  Courtesy of Motor Trend

Five Kia Models Named as IIHS Top Safety Picks

The list of winners of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award is longer than ever this year, with vehicles in nearly every size category the Institute evaluates earning accolades. From minicars to sedans to pickups, consumers have a record number of choices among 2012 models.

In all, 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earn Top Safety Pick. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings, which cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes, help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection. Because the federal government now requires all 2012 and later passenger vehicles to have electronic stability control to help drivers avoid loss-of-control crashes, ESC no longer is a requirement to win as it was in prior years.

The winners' circle includes 18 new recipients for 2012, while 97 models that previously qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012.

"For the second year running a record number of models qualify," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."

That commitment to protecting people in crashes is evident in the fast pace of design improvements automakers have made during the past year. Initially 66 vehicles qualified for last year's award as less-than-perfect rollover ratings held back many contenders. Later the number climbed to 100 as manufacturers redesigned roofs to make them stronger or introduced new models to win. The Institute's rolling test schedule allows for recognition of additional winners throughout the year, so many 2012 models qualified for a 2011 Top Safety Pick.

Again this year every major automaker has at least one winner. Subaru remains the only manufacturer with the distinction of earning awards for every model it builds. Subaru picks up 5 awards, including one for the redesigned Impreza, a small car.

About the award: The Institute awarded the first Top Safety Pick to 2006 models and then raised the bar the next year by requiring good rear test results and ESC as either standard or optional equipment. In 2010, the Institute toughened criteria by adding a requirement that all qualifiers must earn a good rating for performance in a roof strength test to assess protection in a rollover crash.

The Institute groups winners according to vehicle type and size. Lund advises consumers to keep in mind that size and weight influence crashworthiness. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford better occupant protection in serious crashes than smaller, lighter ones. Even with a Top Safety Pick, a small car isn't as crashworthy as a bigger one.

How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a 5th percentile woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a displacement rate of 0.2 inch per second. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a 2-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man.

Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

2012 winners include: Kia Forte, Kia Soul, Kia Optima, Kia Sportage, and Kia Sorento.

 

**  Courtesy of IIHS News

 

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2012 Kia Sorento: A Departure from the Expected

This past Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of taking the 2012 Kia Sorento EX for a one week test drive. I honestly have not driven or even looked at a new vehicle in 9 years (boy, I feel old!) - but since having Whistler, I almost daily think to myself that my 4 door sedan could use replacing. After having driven the Sorento for a week, I now *know* life would be easier as a "mom" with a vehicle like this.

There are so many great features about the Kia Sorento that I don't even know where to start! Other than having head turning styling, I think that probably the biggest selling point for me is that it is manufactured in America (Georgia to be exact!). With the way our economy has been, the more we can support US job by buying US made products, the better!

And speaking of economy, the well-known Kelly Blue Book recognized Kia as the brand with the Lowest Total Cost of Ownership for 2011. I like that. I like that a lot. I also really liked that while we normally have to gas-up at least once on our road trip to Palm Springs and back in Ben's SUV - we did not have to stop at a gas station once in the Sorento.

I actually drove around town locally to run errands the day before we left, we drove out to the desert, used the car around town in Palm Springs, drove back home AND ran even more errands around town the day after we got back - all on the same tank of gas! Even after all of that, there was STILL 1/4 tank left when they came to take her away (sniff sniff). The official EPA mileage estimate is (cty/hwy) 22/32 mpg. This is actually BETTER than my 2003 compact sedan with manual transmission. I was impressed because this is a common "con" for owning an SUV aka "gas guzzlers".

Aside from being economical, my second main concern for a family vehicle is obviously going to be safety. Well guess what, the 2012 Kia Sorento has that area well covered as well! It comes standard with child seat anchors, antilock disc brakes, stability control, turn signal mirrors, hill-start assist, hill descent control, front active head restraints, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags that cover only the first and second rows. According to Edmunds brake testing, both four- and six-cylinder Sorentos stopped from 60 mph in 120 feet, a very good result for this class.

In government safety testing, the Sorento earned four stars (out of a possible five) for overall protection, with a four-star rating being awarded for both frontal and side-impact protection. The Sorento also earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top score of "Good" for frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests.

The "mom" in me loved the rear parking sensors and rear camera display. Not only did it save my neck (here I am feeling old again) and provide very helpful guides on how much room there was (no more sending someone out to give you the you-have-this-much-room-left-between-my-hands signals) but it virtually eliminates the blind spot that is directly behind your car and allows you to see if children or animals are back there.

The techie geek in me loved the UVO system - a hands-free infotainment and communications system that offers advanced voice control, color touch screen, HD radio, Bluetooth, rearview camera, and GPS navigation. Powered by Microsoft, the UVO allows you to stay focused on the road. The UVO allows you to sync multiple phones via bluetooth and even provides a USB connection as well.

I often miss calls while I am driving because I am singing, I mean, listening to music and my phone is buried somewhere in the depths of my purse. Well, not in this puppy. I simply connect my iPhone when I get in and the Sorento does the rest. If you are listening to music, it will lower the sound and I am able to answer the call with the push of a button on the steering wheel.

If you get and send frequent text messages, then you're going to love this - the UVO can read out loud and reply to SMS text messages!

*NOTE* I use a GPS Navigation app on my phone quite frequently and was slightly disappointed in the one that came equipped with the vehicle. It seemed very primitive compared to my phone app and I actually turned it off and used my phone instead when we needed directional guidance. I'm actually not too concerned with this minor issue because it should be something that can be improved upon with a simple software update.

"No longer simply just a good value, the 2012 Kia Sorento is now an excellent pick for a small or midsize crossover SUV," writes Edmunds and I couldn't agree more.

If it's luxury you're after, standard and optional 2012 features include: power-folding mirrors, memory/power passenger seat, ventilated driver's seat, stain resistant seat fabric, 12V front and 12V rear power outlet(s), heated steering wheel, wood trim steering wheel, Hyper-finish 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control (with rear air-conditioning on V6 models), a power driver seat (with power lumber support that is just divine!), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

I'll admit that the push-button start took a little getting used to, but once I got over the urge to always have the key in my hand or insert it into the car, it was really REALLY nice to just throw it in my purse and forget about it. No more standing outside your car digging through your purse to find the keys. Just walk up and push the button on the door handle to unlock and get in and push the start button to go. Easy cheesy lemon squeezey!

Even though we don't have a large family, I can certainly appreciate that the Kia Sorento easily accommodates seven passengers with third row seating. My previous experience with friends' vehicles with this type of feature was that it was difficult and basically a PITB to accomplish. Can you imagine my surprise when I was able to fold down the second row seat for 3rd row access in about 1.67 seconds flat?

Speaking of access to the third row, its actually pretty spacious back there. They are "real" seats (not small bucket versions of seats meant for half-pint sized people) that I, myself, would not mind sitting in for a lengthy ride. I will pause here for a second and state that with the 3rd row of seats up, there is very little to no room left in the back for "trunk" or storage space. You may be able to fit maybe 3 or 4 grocery bags in a line back there.

But this is where the roof rack comes in handy - one of those roof top storage pods would be a wise additional investment - especially for ski trips.

I should also pause here to mention that little old me can fold down and set up the 3rd row seating with just ONE HAND and a gentle pull on either one of these straps. Yep - you have the option of setting up one or both 3rd row seats. Now if that isn't the definition of EASY, I'm not sure what is (and the headrest automatically folds over and tucks in too!).

Oh - I almost forgot. While the 60/40 split second row is a great feature, what really put a smile on my face was the fact that the seats also RECLINE! Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I have never seen this feature before on a "back seat".

Overall, I really enjoyed the 2012 Kia Sorento and found myself touting its praises to friends and family. I feel that if you are considering any of the Kia Sorento competitors (like the Acura RDX, Ford Edge, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda Tribute, Dodge Nitro, Honda CR-V, or the Nissan Murano), that you may find some pretty noteworthy advantages in it's favor - just be sure to do your homework!

While I'm usually extremely brand loyal, especially when it comes to cars, I'm being 100% completely honest when I say that the Kia Sorento will definitely be on my list of contenders when I am ready to take the plunge and buy a new car. It's a good looking, versatile, tech savvy and packs a whole lot of bang for a reasonable amount of buck.

Disclaimer: A huge thank you to Kia for loaning me this vehicle for a week. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

 

**  Courtesy of Deals4Dummies

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Left Brain Right Brain - 2012 Kia Optima

Kia Sedona Leads Class in Peace-of-Mind Safety Features

Consistently hailed by media and consumers as the value-friendly choice in the minivan segment thanks to its practical combination of convenience features and modern amenities and long list of safety features, the Sedona returns to the Kia Motors America (KMA) lineup for the 2012 model year and continues to offer comfort, utility and peace of mind. A four-time recipient of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick" recognition³, Sedona also was named "Best Minivan for the Money" in 2011 by U.S. News & World Report and a "Top Recommended Vehicle" by Edmunds.com in 2010.

For the 2012 model year, Sedona now offers an optional rear seat entertainment system on both LX and EX models (previously only available on EX), along with new exterior color choices. Sedona remains packed with power with its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 271 horsepower mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic^™ clutchless shifting. Amongst its long list of standard equipment, Sedona also features LED turn signal indicators on the outside side mirrors and Bluetooth^®4 wireless technology⁵ to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones. The 2012 Sedona also displays the signature tabbed Kia grille, seen on all new Kia vehicles.

Available in two trim levels, the functional Sedona minivan begins at $24,900⁶ for the base trim and offers a number of standard convenience features, including air conditioning, SiriusXM^™ Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service⁷, MP3 connectivity and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Abundance of Standard Safety Features
Sedona offers consumers invaluable protection provided by an extensive list of standard safety features on the 2012 model, including six standard airbags (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, full-length side curtain air bags for all three seating rows), active front headrests, a four-channel, four-sensor Antilock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which takes into account vehicle load and weight distribution and applies the appropriate stopping force. The EBD adapts to individual wheel grip conditions to help improve both control and stability. Additional standard safety equipment for Sedona includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a Traction Control System (TCS).

In conjunction with the ABS, the TCS uses brake and engine torque intervention to enhance traction during launch and acceleration on road surfaces. If the ABS system detects wheel slip, it signals the engine control unit to adjust engine torque output accordingly. TCS also senses when one or more wheels spin faster than the vehicle's speed, and if this condition is present it applies the brakes to that wheel or wheels. Working together, the two systems limit wheel spin and help the driver maintain control.

Working with the standard ABS with EBD and TCS, the ESC system can apply individual brakes selectively to help control oversteer and understeer as needed to help the driver maintain control on slippery surfaces or during certain emergency maneuvers. Being able to control any or all of the brakes allows the ESC system to provide responsiveness, control and enhance accident avoidance capabilities to help the driver, although ESC is not a substitute for safe driving procedures.

Powerful and Fuel-Efficient Performance
Sedona's 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard on all models and produces an impressive 271 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque while offering good fuel economy of 18/25 mpg city/highway⁸ thanks in part to the six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic^™ clutchless shifting that comes standard on both LX and EX trims.

Sedona's four-wheel independent suspension system consists of MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front, while the rear uses a multi-link design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar.

Stopping power comes from a power-assisted four-wheel-disc braking system with large-diameter vented front disc brakes (11.7 inches) and solid rear disc brakes (11.9 inches). Sedona models come standard with 16-inch steel wheels and 225/70R16 tires on LX models, with optional 16-inch alloy wheels, and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted to 235/60R17 tires are standard for EX models.

Spacious, Comfortable and Functional
The seven-passenger Sedona's generous dimensions and unibody construction offer impressive and functional passenger and luggage space and sophisticated ride and handling. Adding to its space and versatility, flip-and-fold second row seats provide easy access to third row seating. A simple-to-operate 60/40-split folding-into-the-floor third row seat also is standard on all models to create a larger flat cargo area, providing additional cargo space for all driver and passenger needs.

All Sedonas continue to maintain Kia's traditional value proposition by offering a generous list of standard features and amenities. In addition to the standard SiriusXM^™ Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service, Bluetooth wireless technology, ABS, six airbags and a six-speed Sportmatic transmission, the LX trim also comes standard with air conditioning, sliding doors with power windows, power mirrors and door locks, cruise control, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system that includes an auxiliary and USB-MP3 input jack, captain's chairs for the second row and keyless entry. A back-up warning system⁹ also comes standard and is used to alert the driver of an object in close proximity to the rear of the vehicle.

Moving to the EX trim adds fog lamps, six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, four-way power-adjustable passenger's seat, heated power mirrors, an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink^®10, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear-quarter glass, trip computer with compass and a roof rack. The EX trim also offers a standard rear view mirror camera display in addition to the back-up warning system to help the driver better see surroundings and reverse more safely¹¹.

In addition to the LX and EX model standard equipment, the 2012 Sedona offers several optional packages for maximum convenience and entertainment.

The Power Package, available only on LX models, offers the rear view mirror camera display, dual power sliding doors, automatic light controls, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome wheel garnish. The Luxury Package, available on EX models, combines leather seat trim, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver's memory seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals, tri-zone automatic temperature control, a four-way power front passenger seat and a sunroof. EX models also offer the Entertainment Package, which includes a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a 660-watt premium rear seat DVD entertainment system with an eight-inch monitor, wireless headphones, remote control and an Infinity®12 surround sound system. A navigation system also is available for the EX trim. Industry-Leading Warranty Like all Kia models, the 2012 Sedona is covered by a comprehensive warranty program , which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program. Design-Led Transformation and Product Line Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan to its production line in September. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.   **  Courtesy of Kia Media

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The Kia Picanto proves to be a "Bargain"

The new Kia Picanto has been named 'Bargain of the Year' at the BBC Top Gear Magazine annual awards. The Kia Picanto has been awarded numerous titles since its launch in June and BBC Top Gear said of the car "finally, here's a Korean supermini that you might choose over, say, a Fiat 500.

You want a bargain? The car we have here is a touch over 10 grand, but you can have one for under eight. That's two grand less than the cheapest Cinquecento, and for our money the better car."

The Kia Picanto boasts bold and dynamic styling, high-quality interior fittings and a host of class-leading features. It is specifically aimed at the steadily increasing number of discerning consumers wishing to 'downsize' to a smaller car. VED and congestion charge is exempt due to the 99g/km co2 emissions.

All versions have electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS), ensuring maximum stopping power regardless of the pressure applied to the pedal by the driver.

 

**  Courtesy of Motoring.co.uk

Kia Unfurls the Tallest Billboard in the Middle East