Kia Soul to receive a facelift in 2013

Kia has officially announced that the Soul model will receive a serious facelift next year and the model will be “aligned” to the design adopted on other models in the company’s lineup.

The new version of the Kia Soul will receive the Tiger Nose grille along with several other modifications on its body and its overall design will be inspired by other vehicles in the lineup like the Cee’d, Picanto or Rio, which it will translate into redesigned headlights, a new front grille and other aesthetic updates. The interior design of the Kia Soul is also expected to get a fresh touch but the South Korean based automaker didn’t announce anything on this subject for the moment.

The Kia Soul has already received a discreet facelift in 2011 but the new version is promising to completely refresh the model. The 2011 Kia Soul has brought the LED daytime running lights, the front and rear designs of the bumpers and some other features from the larger brothers, the Picanto and the Rio and the model has grown in size by 15 mm. The Kia Soul is the second popular model in the United States which is coming from South Korea which makes the facelifted model important for both Americans and Europeans.

Courtesy of In Auto News

Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition

Being car considerate shouldn’t stop after the break-in. Drive with care every day and your car will reward you with longer intervals without repair.

    Do not race your car’s engine during start-up.This is a quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it’s cold outside.
    Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive.The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation.
    Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a smart idea.The engine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components.
    Put less strain on your engine and automatic transmission by shifting to neutral at red lights. Otherwise, the engine is still working to push the car even while it’s stopped.
    Avoid driving at high speeds and accelerating quickly, especially when it’s very hot or very cold outside. Such driving behavior will result in more frequent repairs.
    Extend the life of your tires with careful driving. Observe posted speed limits. Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns. Avoid potholes and objects on the road. Don’t run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking. And, of course, don’t burn rubber.
    When turning your steering wheel, don’t hold it in an extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds. Doing so can damage the power-steering pump.
    Consolidate your short driving trips. Most of the wear and tear — as well as the pollution your car generates — takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low traffic hours if possible, will keep your engine happier longer.

2012 Kia Optima And Kia Soul Ranked Highest In Class In J.D. Power And Associates APEAL Study

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the fastest-growing car company in the U.S. and two of its best-selling vehicles – the Optima and Soul – were awarded the highest ranking scores in their respective segments within the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.SM The Optima ranked highest in a tie in the "Midsize Car" category, while the Soul claimed the highest ranking in the "Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)" grouping.  The APEAL study measures new-vehicle buyers' gratification with the design, content, layout and performance of their newly-purchased vehicles.

"As key entries in Kia's design-led transformation, the Optima and Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms, and the results of the J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL Study illustrates just how delighted these new buyers are with the purchase of their new Kia vehicles," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA.  "Both of these popular models, along with the rest of the Kia vehicle line, continue to deliver on a promise to offer U.S. consumers high-quality vehicles with an impressive combination of design, performance, comfort, safety and technology.  All of this while still maintaining the brand's unmatched value proposition."

This year's study emphasizes the point that although buyers are continuing to downsize, they are looking for vehicles that are as appealing and well-contented as the larger ones they previously owned.  Both the Optima and the Soul allow consumers to shop for a smaller, more affordable vehicle without having to make sacrifices in quality and amenities.

The 2012 APEAL Study is based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes.  Responses were gathered between February and May 2012 from more than 74,000 new car and light truck owners who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[1] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[2].  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*.  Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. [3] Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Kia Inventory

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Official: Kia K9 Flagship Sedan Named “Quoris” for Global Markets

Kia has just announced the new K9 flagship sedan will go on sale in select countries later this year, but it won’t be known as the K9 once it leaves Korea’s shores. The rear-drive luxury car has been renamed the Quoris for global markets.

Official: Kia K9 Flagship Sedan Named Quoris for Global Markets imageKia says the Quoris name is derived from the English words “core” and “quality.” The K9 officially launched in Korea a few months ago, looking much larger and more upscale than any Kia we’ve seen here before. Falling in length between the Hyundai Genesis sedan and the Equus, the rear-drive sedan wears Kia’s signature tiger nose and headlights accented with LED lights. The Quoris’ profile is decorated with side vents, while its rear looks similar to that of the BMW 7 Series.

Under the hood, it packs a 286-hp Lambda V-6, though another 329-hp 3.8-liter V-6 is expected to launch later on. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the Kia Quoris is based on the Genesis sedan, it’s about as luxurious as the Equus, with features including a an advanced blind spot monitoring system, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control that can come to a complete stop, and a premium rear-seat package with heated and ventilated seats and a reclining backrest.

Though the luxury sedan was recently spotted on American soil, Kia still isn’t saying anything about whether it will offer the Quoris in the States.

Source: Kia

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Review

Some automakers-notably Toyota and Honda-leaped upon the hybrid-powertrain bandwagon early. Others joined the gasoline/electric group later, but several continued to hold back, searching for other ways to boost gas mileage. Among the reluctant entrants was Kia, which finally launched its first hybrid model in 2011, echoing the introduction of a gasoline/electric Sonata sedan from its South Korean corporate parent, Hyundai. Like its corporate cousin, the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid sedan brings an appealing level of fuel-efficiency.

Up to 40 MPG on the Highway
Kia claimed "class-leading" fuel efficiency for the Optima Hybrid when it appeared as a 2011 model: up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 35 mpg in city driving. Two configurations are available: the base model, and a more costly version fitted with a Premium and Technology Package. The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid has added an HE Radio and power-folding mirrors to its available Hybrid Premium and Technology Package.

An air-cooled 270-volt lithium-polymer battery pack, developed in partnership with LG Chem, works with an electric motor. Compared to the older nickel metal hydride batteries, Kia's Li-PB battery is said to be 20-30 percent lighter, occupies 40 percent less volume, and is 10 percent more efficient. According to Kia, it also holds a charge 25 percent longer than many competitors' batteries, and is warranted for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Hybrid Power and Performance
Developing 166 horsepower, Kia's 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine is connected via a wet clutch to the electric motor, which yields 40 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque in full-electric mode. Rather than using a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as in most hybrids, Kia's gasoline/electric system is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Because it's a full parallel hybrid system, the Kia Optima Hybrid can be driven in full-electric mode at up to 62 mph, for a relatively short period. When the car comes to a halt and the electric load is slow, the engine shuts off completely, restarting again as the driver touches the accelerator pedal. Or if it's starting off from a stop in electric-only mode, the gas engine restarts later. A Virtual Engine Sound System plays a prerecorded engine sound during electric-only operation at up to 12 mph, to help notify pedestrians (including the blind) that the car is approaching.

Couple-Like Styling
Claiming a "coupe-like profile," the 2012 Optima Hybrid sedan sits 5 millimeters (0.2 inch) lower than regular Optimas-a difference that isn't likely to be noticed. Distinctive Optima Hybrid features include a chrome version of the customary grille, lightweight 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglamps, heated outside mirrors, and LED taillamps. Unique headlights help to channel air, while smooth underfloor panels aim to improve airflow.

Front/rear lower bumpers and side sills were inspired by the sporty SX trim level. An active air flap system in the grille automatically opens and closes based on speed, engine temperature and airflow, to help reduce drag. At 0.26, the car's drag coefficient is 10 percent "slippier" than non-hybrid Optimas. Models equipped with the Premium Technology Package get 17-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, power-folding mirrors, and high-intensity-discharge headlights.

Interior and Safety Features
Inside, the instrument panel is said to be "contoured toward the driver." Standard Kia Optima Hybrid features, comparable to the LX trim level, include an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, pushbutton start, a "Supervisor" instrument cluster with LCD display for hybrid information, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Fixed rear seats include a ski pass-through.

Six airbags are standard, along with electronic stability control. Kia's Premium and Technology Package adds a panoramic sunroof, four-way power front passenger seat, driver's seat memory, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, and a navigation system with backup camera.

Kia Optima Hybrid Driving Impression
Magnificent is the word for operation of Kia's hybrid powertrain system, which stays in EV mode for quite a while as long as you don't push hard on the accelerator pedal. Battery/gasoline transition is barely perceptible-sometimes, not noticeable at all. Excellent sound insulation keeps engine sound well subdued. Occupants get plenty of front-seat space, with a comparatively long driver's seat bottom. Visibility is top-notch.

Smooth and quiet on the highway, the Optima Hybrid has a pleasantly light steering feel-but not excessively so. Thus, you can expect nice control in turns. A superior ride is the rule, too, at least on good roads.

Acceleration is rather enthusiastic from a standstill, but more modest when pushing the pedal at 50 mph or so. Either way, response is quick, with no significant delay for a downshift. In fact, the transmission often feels almost like a CVT in terms of smoothness.

Optima Hybrid Packages and Pricing
A neat ECO indicator with a green segment that reveals efficient driving sits at the left of the instrument cluster, with a bright, easy-to-read speedometer at the right. With a nearly full tank, the indicator showed Distance to Empty greater than 550 miles, suggesting that gas-station stops will be infrequent.

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid has a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $26,450 (including $750 destination charge). Adding the Hybrid Premium and Technology Package adds a hefty $5,350 to the total. In contrast, a conventional Optima sedan ranges from $21,750 for an automatic-transmission LX model to $27,250 for the sportier SX edition. www.kia.com

Source: autoMedia.com

2012 Kia Sorento on sale at Huffines Kia McKinney

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Kia Optima Hybrid "World Record" Commercial (Video)

Kia built a midsize sedan that set a world record. The Optima Hybrid traveled almost 8,000 miles through the contiguous 48 states on less than 123 gallons (64.5 MPG). Check it out here!

Kia College Grad Savings

$750 College Graduate Specialty Incentive. Available to "soon to be" (within six months of graduation) or recent (within the past 24 months) College graduates of accredited 2 or 4 year colleges or universities, nursing schools, or masters or doctorate programs. Click here for more details http://bit.ly/apl8M8

Kia Motors Wins Global Design Awards

The 2012 Kia Rio subcompact has won awards from design competitions in the U.S. and Germany, including an IDEA Design Award in the Transportation category and a hRed Dot Design award.

According to a release, the IDEA Award is a design award organized by the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA). The 2012 Red Dot Design awards are held by the Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.

"Since its introduction, the Rio's striking looks inside-and-out has attracted new customers to the Kia brand with a standout combination of style, performance and modern amenities that consumers are looking for," said Michael Sprague, EVP of marketing & communications, KMA. "The new Rio is the latest vehicle to emerge from Kia's design-led transformation and represents the collaborative work of our global network of design centers in Seoul, Frankfurt and Irvine, California under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer." Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of auto maker Kia Motors Corp. based in Seoul, South Korea.

Courtesy of TMCnews

Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition

Be patient during the break-in period

You’ve bought your dream car and now you want to make it last at long as possible in top condition. Here are some things to remember as you pull it out of the dealer’s lot:

    During the break-in period, typically the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), keep your speed under 55 mph (88 kpm) or to the speed recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
    Avoid heavy loads on the drive train, such as towing trailers, and loading the roof rack or trunk with heavy construction materials.
    Do not allow your new car to idle for long periods — this is good advice for the life of your car, but especially during breakin. The oil pressure generated by doing so may not be sending oil to every part of your engine.
    Use only light to medium acceleration, keeping the engine rpms below 3,000 for the first few hours of driving.

 

Courtesy of Reader's Digest

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2013 Kia Rio Remains Excellent Value in Compact Vehicle Class

Last year, the Kia Rio made a big splash with a complete redesign that exceeded the expectations of most car reviewers and shoppers. Immediately catapulting the Rio's status from also-ran into the echelon of top picks for the class, the 2013 Kia Rio returns to offer a lot of vehicle for not a lot of money. Keep reading to review the 2013 Kia Rio and determine if it is the right vehicle for you.

The Kia Rio is available as either a sedan or hatchback. Both models come with a four-door design. While many vehicles in the Rio's price point skimp on style in favor of affordability, Kia manages to deliver quite a bit of panache both inside and out.

Kia's engineers have also done a good job of making the Rio appear much bigger than it actually is. The subcompact class isn't really known for roominess. However, four adults will likely find plenty of comfort in either the sedan or hatchback body style.

Throw in a build quality that belies its bargain basement price tag, and you've got a little car that offers quite a lot. Upper level trims deliver a fit and finish that is much more upscale than the vast majority of the competition.

All Kia Rio models receive a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft. of torque. This powerplant delivers slightly above-average acceleration for the class. However, handling and cornering is a bit stiff when compared to top competitors.

Fuel estimates suggest that the Kia Rio delivers 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway (33 mpg combined). An EX Eco package is also available that adds one mpg to city driving (31 mpg city/40 mpg highway/34 mpg combined). Compare these figures across the small car class, and you'll find the Rio is one of the most efficient non-hybrid vehicles on the road.

If fuel efficiency is a main concern for you, then other vehicles you may want to cross-shop against the Rio include the Volkswagen Golf, Scion iQ and Hyundai Accent.

Base Rio models come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, traction control and stability control. Thanks in part to the four-wheel disc brakes (many competitors start with front disc/rear drum brakes), the Rio delivers above-average braking for the class. In crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Kia Rio earned four out of five stars for overall protection.

The 2013 Rio comes with an initial asking price of $13,600 (or $13,800 for a hatchback model). For that price, you'll get 15-inch wheels, heated power mirrors, height-adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, four-speaker stereo, satellite radio, CD player, auxiliary input and iPod/USB interface. A Power package can be added that includes power windows, power locks and keyless entry.

The mid-level EX trim starts at $16,500 and boosts the level of interior materials quality considerably. Added standard equipment for the EX includes cruise control, telescoping steering wheel, sliding front armrest, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo. Options for the EX include alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rearview camera, touchscreen interface, voice-activated media player, automatic start/stop, foglamps and power-folding mirrors.

The top-of-the-line Rio SX trim begins at $17,700 and adds sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, LED lights, dual-exhaust tips and steering wheel paddle shifters. SX options include keyless ignition, heated front seats, leather upholstery, GPS navigation, larger touchscreen

Courtesy of Autobytel

4th of July Super Sale

Hey fans! Check out our 4th of July Super Sale going on now! You can lease a 2013 Kia Optima for only $199 per month. Click here for more information.