Thursday, June 28, 2012

Kia Models are a Great Option for Your New Car

Kia Motors is growing quickly in America. The Korean-based company has sold millions of cars and was named amongst the "Top 10 Best Car Brands for 2012" by Total Car Score. So, why are these cars so popular?

Fuel Efficiency

Kia cars are known for the fuel efficiency. Obviously, fuel efficiency is influenced by several different factors including your personal driving style, the terrain through which you're driving, the temperature of the outdoor air, the local weather you're driving through, the loads you're carrying or towing behind you in a trailer, the length of your trips, how long the engine is left running if you're sitting, and whether you have a manual or automatic transmission. Various tests are performed on each new car that's developed to determine its fuel efficiency, and the results are used to determine the car's overall performance.

Low Cost Quality Cars

Though in the past Kia models had a reputation as cheap but unreliable cars, the company has made strides in their manufacturing process. Many dealerships offer flexible payment plans, further underlining their affordability. Even those with bad credit may be able to purchase a car and utilize the payments to bring up their credit score.

One of the Most Popular Models: The 2012 Sorento

The Sorento has been listed as one of the most popular models this year. This crossover SUV has four different trim levels. The base version features a 6 speed manual transmission and seventeen inch wheels. You'll also find cruise control, air conditioning, a high-tech steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, a trip computer, and many amenities for the sound system.


If you upgrade this vehicle, you'll get an automatic transmission instead of a manual. The outside mirrors are colored to match the car's exterior. Additional features include turn signals feature LED lights and an armrest for passengers in the second row. Add-on options include fog lamps, roof rails, heated seats, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. You may also add a third seat to the back, which is functional for adults as well as children.

The EX model increases the value by adding eighteen inch wheels, dual climate control, keyless entry and ignition, and many other options included in only the most modern vehicles. Rear parking sensors come standard with this model, and it also features an Uvo electronic interface that is voice-activated. Potential buyers may also select outside mirrors that can fold automatically, leather seats, a navigation system, an luxurious sound systems.

Drivers could also choose to upgrade to an even higher model, which comes with more advanced performance options. If you love the sunshine, you can choose a panoramic sunroof.

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Courtesy of American Chronicle

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Kia Soul Named One Of The "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" By Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

The 2012 Kia Soul has "shuffled" its way onto the "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, a leading provider of new and used car information. Kia's iconic hatchback was honored for its unique combination of style and affordability in a fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient vehicle.

"Our intention with Soul was to design a vehicle that is both fun and economical, and its recognition by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com as a 'cool' vehicle is further indication that we hit the mark," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Everything about Soul, from the viral sensation 'Share Some Soul' campaign featuring LMFAO's hit single 'Party Rock Anthem,' to performance improvements and a strong list of standard technology and safety features, has contributed to its appeal among young buyers and those who are young at heart."

The annual "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list published by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com features vehicles that are fun to drive, fun to own and, most critically, possess the decidedly subjective "cool factor." Editors at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book's exclusive Fair Purchase Price, which reflects vehicle transaction prices paid by consumers and is updated weekly to reflect changing market conditions.

"A unique blend of funky style and practical packaging, the Kia Soul cranks up its cool quotient for 2012 with even more high-value appeal," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Nose and tail tweaks add edge to its appearance, while drivetrain enhancements for 2012 bring double-digit horsepower gains plus better mpg figures to both its new 1.6-liter direct-injected base engine and the available 2.0-liter upgrade."

Available in three trims--base, + (Plus), and ! (Exclaim)--Soul turns up the fun-to-drive volume with significant horsepower and fuel economy increases for 2012 with new six-speed transmissions and the ability to deliver 35 mpg on the highway[2]. All Soul models feature electronic power steering (EPS), air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors, available SiriusXM(TM) Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service[3] and MP3 connectivity. New this year is a 350 watt seven-speaker Infinity[4] sound system that is available on Soul+ models and standard on Soul! models for a more dynamic audio experience. Also new for 2012 is Kia's UVO powered by Microsoft®[5] voice-activated infotainment system with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display. The available Premium Package includes heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, navigation system (in lieu of UVO system) and push-button start with smart key for added convenience.

Soul's 2012 power increases come from two new four cylinder engines. The 1.6-liter GDI engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine available with either the six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission produces 164 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.


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SOURCE: Kia Motors America

Thursday, June 21, 2012

2012 Kia Soul Ranked Highest in Initial Quality Study by J.D. Power and Associates

From breakthrough advertising to runaway sales success, the Kia Soul has made quite a splash since entering the marketplace in 2009, and today the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study (IQS) ranked the popular urban passenger vehicle highest in initial quality in the compact multi-purpose vehicle segment. The study captures feedback from owners after 90 days of purchase in two distinct categories: quality of design and quality of production. Refreshed for the 2012 model year, the Kia Soul was fine-tuned with a significant number of technological, powertrain and style enhancements, and consumers have responded with sales up more than 22 percent through the first five months of the year.

"Kia Motors is dedicated to building world-class, high quality vehicles, and the Soul's recognition in the automotive industry's authoritative study on quality is the latest example of Kia's maturity and momentum in the U.S. market," said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "The Soul signaled the beginning of Kia's design-led transformation when it launched in 2009, and it continues to be one of our most popular vehicles, attracting new consumers to the Kia brand with its eye-catching design and outstanding record of quality, dependability and reliability and playing a vital role in Kia becoming the fastest-growing automotive brand in the U.S."

In the study, the Kia Soul was honored as the highest-ranking model in the compact multi-purpose vehicle segment, while the Kia brand made significant advancements with gains that outpaced the industry average. The annual report includes 233 vehicle models and measures attributes across eight categories, including the driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of quality problem symptoms reported by vehicle owners.

About the 2012 Soul
Refreshed for the 2012 model year, the Kia Soul has been fine-tuned with a significant number of technological, powertrain and style enhancements. The 2012 Soul delivers class-leading horsepower[2] and significantly improved fuel efficiency of up to 35 miles per gallon (mpg)[3] on the highway. Kia Motors' hatchback remains a class-leading value[4] with the lowest starting price of its competitive set at $13,900 MSRP[5].

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[6] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[7]. 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.

 

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Courtesy of The Auto ChanneL

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

2012 Kia Sportage makes AAA’s ‘Top Cars For Teens’ List

The 2012 Kia Sportage compact CUV has been named one of the “Top Cars for Teens” by the Automobile Association of America (AAA). The Sportage was lauded for its dynamics, dependability, overall value, standard safety features and performance in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) crash safety tests, including a “no tip” evaluation during the tests.

“We are honored that AAA, one of the most respected authorities on travel and transportation, is recognizing the Kia Sportage as a top car for teenage drivers,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA) in a written press statement. ”Knowing that the Sportage, our longest-running nameplate, has been chosen not only for its attractive design that appeals to all ages, but more importantly, for its safety features, reliability and value is evidence that consumers do not have to sacrifice curb appeal for dependability.”

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Courtesy of Better Roads