Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Kia Souls Dressed with Iconic Designer’s Signature Fashion Patterns
a fashion exhibition taking place in Seoul, Korea this weekend titled “La Vie En Rose,” a French expression that literally translates to “life in pink,” but symbolically means “the good life” when everything is perfect. The exhibition pays tribute to Korea’s very first female fashion designer Nora Noh, who held her first fashion show in 1956. The retrospective event aims to honor Nora’s career milestones that helped her become one of Korea’s most iconic designers.
Nora Noh
Photo Credit: Park Ji Hyuk via Elle Magazine
As a part of the exhibition, several Kia Soul ‘Art Cars’ will be decorated with Nora Noh’s signature motifs, patterns and designs. Check out some of these artsy and stylish Souls below:
Pretty nice huh? We wish La Vie En Rose much success!
Courtesy of kiabuzz.com
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Kia Rio, 2013: Versatile subcompact offers great fuel economy, value
The sub-compact segment in the United States is competitive, with every carmaker offering an entry as gas prices rise. But how does a manufacturer break from the pack and impress target buyers? Several dimensions standout — performance, ride quality, fuel economy, driving dynamics, options, styling, price. With the 2013 Kia Rio, the carmaker is concentrating on style, fuel economy, price and value.
Driving Impressions
Squeezing 138 HP and 123 lb-ft torque out of a 1.6L four cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, the Rio is competitive against the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Chevy Sonic.
Sink your foot to the floor and the Rio does what's expected: a slow ramp-up of power. It won't win drag races, unless it’s against other subcompacts. The acceleration is decent, but not impressive.
Ride quality is decent, but not unexpected among current subcompacts. I renjoyed the steering feel of the Rio, which offers decent feedback and felt substantial but surprisingly not too light at highway speeds.
Styling
This is where Kia tries hard to stand out from the crowd, and I think it's the most “styled” offering in market segment. The Rio's lines are not as graceful as the Ford Fiesta, but it looks better than the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris or Chevy Sonic. The details in the headlight units look expensive and “designed,” especially with the included LED daytime running lights.
Interior Comfort and Ergonomics
Interior space on the Rio is surprisingly accommodating. There's plenty of cabin room for a dirver and three passengers, plus gear, A fifth passenger can squeeze in, but it's best if it's a close friend.
Kia does a decent job with steering wheel-mounted controls useful and not overwhelming. The test vehicle was equipped with backup camera and touch screen entertainment center — luxury features for a subcompact. The seats are supportive.
Conclusion
Starting at $16,500, the Kia Rio is not the cheapest in its class, with the Ford Fiesta or a Toyota Yaris available for less. But the Rio is better equipped with rear disc brakes and a warranty. I also like the hill assist feature available with manual transmission. The 2012 Rio offers above average performance in its class and has a unique look that won’t blend in in a parking lot. KIa has targeted a young driving audience with the Rio and it's differeniated itself in that regard.
Courtesy of theweeklydriver.com
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Kia Motors Celebrates Team Member Appreciation Day
West Point, Ga., May 21, 2012 – On Sunday, more than 6,000 team members and guests of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) gathered for the company's Third Annual "Team Member Appreciation Day" at the plant to recognize the hard work and dedication of its team members. The day included a wide variety of entertainment, including appearances by Atlanta Hawks legends Dominique Wilkins and Spud Webb and the championship-winning Kia Racing team, and featured a fireworks display that could be seen throughout the 2,259-acre KMMG site that produces the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan
Mr. Byung Mo Ahn, the Group President and CEO for Kia Motors America and KMMG, spoke to team members and their families during the event. Ahn recognized them for the most recent accolade of being named "Large Manufacturer of the Year" by the State of Georgia and for their hard work and dedication that has contributed to making KMMG a leader in automotive production.
"Your extraordinary work has earned KMMG recognition around the globe as a top automotive manufacturer," said Ahn.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Maintenance Tip: Deep Water & Flooding
In certain seasons, it is inevitable that you may encounter some flood water, either as large puddles on the road, or where a river/stream has burst its banks. If there is no way out except driving through, what can you do?
- On encountering deep water, get out and check the depth. Water which comes above the bottom edge of your door can cause problems with the engine. Water can get splashed up into the engine compartment, leading to stalling.
- If some cars have driven through the water, remember the path.
- Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and vehicles that may approach you from behind too fast.
- If you are driving in water, drive slowly and steady. Put your vehicle in 1st gear or 2nd gear and maintain a slow, steady speed. You should avoid braking and sudden acceleration.
- If you do stall in deep water, do not try starting engine again, or the water will come into engine through the tailpipe. Get someone to tow you out. If you are unsure of the depth of the water, or if it is moving water, stay in the vehicle and await rescue. Use your mobile phone to call for assistance.
What shall we do after fording the water?
- After driving through a flooded section of road or a ford across a river, test your brakes (whilst still driving slowly) and be prepared to drive them off by touching the brake pedal very lightly with your foot.
- Walk around your vehicle looking for any obvious scratches, bumps, cracks or things hanging off.
- Look underneath the vehicle for stuck-on dirt, mud, grass and bits of debris. If you spot any, wash it off as soon as possible to avoid it causing damage to the undercarriage.
- Check your electrics (lights, indicators, wipers) and if any have failed you must not continue.
If you find any problem, have them checked out as soon as possible.
Courtesy of Car-Use.net
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Review
This doesn’t appear to be going well. I’m supposed to be in Miami sporting a pair of Wayfarers, destination Key West, behind the wheel of a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. Instead I’m stuck in Newark, New Jersey late on a Thursday night, trying to get rebooked for the first flight out in the morning. Virtually all the airport canteens are closed and I’m starting to feel like Steve Martin in Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
Fast-forward 12 hours and all is right with the world again. I’m finally in Miami, I’ve got the sunglasses on and wearing shorts and flip flops. The silver Optima Hybrid feels very much the Q-ship in traffic lanes dotted by high profile bling mobiles, but the pace is leisurely compared to driving in the North East. And that’s really the thing about this car. Despite Kia’s move toward edgier, sportier offerings, the Optima Hybrid is an automobile in which you should take your time. Even before you get in, you should take time to look at the exterior details, for there are more than you might think. There are the special 16-inch lightweight wheels and features designed to reduce aerodynamic drag. These include uniquely shaped headlamp pockets, a differently trimmed grille (high gloss with a chrome ring), a specific side mirror design and smooth rocker panels plus lower front and rear fascia extensions. There are also unique LED taillights, a rear deck spoiler and a 5 mm lower ride height. In the quest for better fuel mileage, every little bit helps and dare I say it but the Kia Optima makes hybrids sexy.PACKED WITH CONTENT
It might be derived from a car aimed at the most mainstream customer base of all, yet the Optima Hybrid is actually quite stunning by milquetoast modern sedan standards, proof that luring Peter Schreyer from Audi was a good move on Kia’s part. It’s solid, well integrated and has an aura of substance about it.
Inside the feeling of integrity is carried over. At this price range, the quality of interior materials feels first rate. The dash is rather upright, almost like an aircraft cockpit, lending the impression of almost peering over the top of a ledge at times, yet ergonomically it’s sound. The center stack doesn’t feel intimidating, HVAC and entertainment functions are easy to use, while the standard leather wrapped steering wheel is chunky and a touch sporty.
Value has been a mantra at Kia (and sister brand Hyundai) for almost as long as we can remember, so although the car only comes in essentially one trim level (priced at $25,700) there’s a lot of standard equipment. Stuff includes automatic dual zone climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, glove box illumination and rear seat reading lamps. Because of the location of the lithium polymer battery pack, the regular Optima’s split 60/40 folding rear seat is replaced by a fixed one, which significantly compromises practicality (a narrow pass through allows items such as skis to be carried, though that isn’t much consolation). Trunk space also suffers and measures just 9.9 cubic feet (a third less tham other Optima models).
A Germanically-priced $5,350 Premium Technology package adds leather seating surfaces, a power operated panoramic style sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, driver’s seat memory, a four-way adjustable power front passenger chair, auto dimming rear view mirror with Homelink and a built in compass, a center stack navigation system with built in back up camera, Sirius XM satellite radio and Traffic functions, plus an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio (the latter new for 2012).
On the outside, this package also adds 17-inch alloy wheels and low rolling resistance rubber, HID headlights with automatic self-leveling and power folding exterior mirrors (new for 2012). There’s also the option of UVO voice activation technology for an additional $700 (a similar system to Ford’s SYNC), which allows the driver and passengers to say commands for operating the car’s info entertainment system.
That’s a lot of feature content, yet when it comes to hybrids, most potential customers want to know how efficient they are on the open road.
MORE SPORTY THAN REFINED
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One of the primary goals of this particular drive evaluation was to achieve 40 miles per gallon during a test run from Miami to Key West. Kia says the Optima Hybrid will deliver 35 miles per gallon in town and 40 mpg on the open road, so we were curious to see if we could achieve it. Bearing in mind that fuel economy numbers are highly subjective and depend on a sizeable number of different variables, it was still a worthwhile target to shoot for.
The combined rating for the Optima Hybrid is 37 mpg combined, which while segment leading when it debuted, has now fallen behind the new 2012 Camry Hybrid. That car boasts a 41 mpg combined number with 43 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
Like it’s cousin the Sonata Hybrid, the Kia Optima version relies on a 166 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine teamed with a 40 hp electric motor. The gas engine and electric motor are linked via a wet clutch and result in a full parallel system, meaning the Optima hybrid can operate on pure electric power at speeds of up to 62 mph before the gas engine kicks in, while both power plants can operate together at any given velocity. Total system output is rated at
One interesting feature about the Optima concerns an active grille mounted shutter that helps improve airflow at higher speeds. As a result the Optima Hybrid really comes into its own on the open road, instead of bumper to bumper city traffic, which is part of the reason why declared fuel economy figures in the city and on the highway are so close.
Another aspect that sets this car (and the Sonata) apart from the herd concerns the transmission. Instead of employing a CVT, the Optima Hybrid uses a conventional six-speed automatic. Primarily employed for cost reasons and to share commonality with other Optima models, it nonetheless represents a rather refreshing approach to gas/electric propulsion technology.
The result is a car that although a bit clumsy in first and second gear, feels more satisfying to drive than most hybrids, with good shift response once on the move, instead of the vagueness typical of most CVTs, which feel like an old clunker with a slipping slushbox. That said, the powertrain feels a little awkward at times, the gas engine in particular displaying Jimmy Buffett style tendencies (a rude awakening is necessary to get it to do some proper work).
On leisurely Florida causeways this doesn’t represent too much of a problem, but when a sudden burst of speed is required, such as accelerating onto a freeway or overtaking slow moving traffic, it’s a bit of an Achilles Heel.
Given that the overall driving experience on most hybrids ranks up there with hanging wallpaper on the excitement level (this author once considered having a crash in one just for something to do), the Optima proves that thrifty doesn’t have to mean boring. The chassis is nicely tuned for sporty driving and thanks to its fully independent suspension (MacStruts up front, multi-link in the rear), the car feels lively, yet stable through the corners, the steering is nice and linear in almost German sports sedan fashion.
In the braking department, unlike acceleration, the transition to regenerative mode is almost seamless and the car never feels like it’s dragging its heels because of awkward, jerky movements.
THE VERDICT
So at the end of the day, should you consider the Optima Hybrid when shopping for an ecological friendly vehicle? That likely depends. For those who love wacky styling and value fuel mileage above everything else, probably not.
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For those who want a stylish, well-built, value oriented sedan that just happens to be a hybrid, then the answer will likely be a resounding yes. After all, it’s cars like this that will likely make the concept of hybrid motoring appealing to the average motorist and if anything the Optima Hybrid signifies just how far the gas/electric vehicle concept has come in the last few years.
And in case you’re wondering, it does actually get 40 mpg on the open road (40.3 according to our readings); at least in South Florida.
Courtesy of autoguide.com
Monday, May 14, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Delicious Basic Crepes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
- Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.
Courtesy of allrecipes.com
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Feeling young at heart? Blame it on Rio
There are days in a reporter’s life when it’s tough to keep a lid on bubbling cynicism and when it’s massively difficult to hold back the guffaws and the eye-rolling. Consider this quote: “Design gives a soul to the product and reaches the hearts of people.”
I’d like to be 18 or 25 or six again – well, not 18 or six, but certainly in my late-20s – and just drink in those words from Kia design boss Peter Schreyer. And I’d love to believe Schreyer’s sentiments here: “We remain true to our commitment to quality, and our journey continues to be an evolutionary process of excellence in design surpassed only by excellence in product and service quality.”
Maybe I can. Of course, there’s no turning back the hourglass to a time without aches and pains in the morning, erasing 30 years of the reporter’s life – giant roller coasters of spin and disinformation, calculated hype and downright untruthfulness. But the thing is, the facts bolster Schreyer’s case, therefore I feel younger by decades.
Take design. The five-door version of the 2012 Kia Rio has just won a Red Dot award for product design. This is a big deal in the design world, the kind of honour even the BMWs of the world get all worked up about. The smaller Kia Picanto also won for 2012. This brings to six the number of Red Dot awards that Kia has won since 2009 – including wins for the Soul small car, Sportage compact SUV and Optima mid-size sedan.
People who know something about design love what Kia is doing. As for quality, Kia has yet to climb above average in J.D. Power’s long-term Vehicle Dependability Study. But in ALG’s most recent Perceived Quality Study released last December, Kia was ranked seventh among mainstream brands – ahead of Subaru, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda and Nissan to name five – and in a Consumer Reports comparison test of small cars, the new Rio sedan topped a list of small cars, including the Ford Fiesta.
Okay, the five-door Rio landed at No. 3 on CR’s list of small hatchbacks, behind Honda’s Fit and the hatchback version of the Versa. That’s still good, however.
What this means is that Kia’s styling may have a nose on quality in the economy car sprint. There is still work to be done, but among the very real and highly important parts that have been fixed so far are the Rio’s handling, which is quite nimble, and the simple design of the radio and climate controls. The Rio’s automatic transmission is smooth, too.
All of these improvements and accomplishments are showing up where Kia wants them to show up most – in sales. Last month, Kia Canada had its best March ever, with sales up 23 per cent. If you’re counting, that’s 39 straight months of sales growth for Kia Canada. Kia’s designs do seem to be reaching the hearts of Canadians – that and attractive pricing and sales incentives.
Ah, the numbers: The Rio5 starts at $14,095, which is less than the cheapest versions of these hatchbacks: Ford Fiesta ($15,999), Chevrolet Sonic ($15,495), Nissan Versa ($14,678) and Honda Fit ($14,480). The Hyundai Accent five-door, which shares basic mechanical components with the Rio, has a base sticker of $13,599.
If nothing else, that list shows just how competitive the subcompact segment has become.
To stand out from the pack, Kia’s stylists gave the Rio a more muscular look for 2012; we can see that. Less obvious but just as important, the 2012 Rio rides on a new platform – shared with the Accent – that makes the Rio longer, lower, wider and lighter than the 2011 model. That means more room for people and stuff inside, not to mention excellent fuel economy from the 138-horsepower, 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine: 6.6 litres/100 km city and 4.9 highway.
If you’re nuts about saving gas, you can get this Rio with the start-stop option, branded as the $800 “Eco Package” on certain models. Here, the engine turns off when the vehicle is not in motion, such as at a stop light or in traffic. The engine restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal. Stop-start does not negatively affect the 1.6-litre, direct-injection engine, though. Here we have a very nice powerplant, one with good power and responsiveness.
The full Rio5 lineup has four trim levels: LX, LX +, EX and SX. The latter is the priciest of the lot at $20,795. But even the basic car has power windows, driver’s-seat height adjuster, map lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, sliding centre console armrest and 60/40-split folding rear seats. If you want to add air conditioning, the LX+ trim ($15,595) also adds heated front seats, cruise control, keyless entry, fog lights and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with steering-wheel-mounted voice activation controls.
No question, this Rio has a terrific drivetrain – strong for the segment and thrifty, too. The longer wheelbase not only makes for a reasonably roomy cabin, it also helps with the overhauled suspension to deliver ride quality that feels quite refined. The cabin, too, looks and feels like something more expensive than your basic city runabout.
After taking in this package, then, I’ve stored away my guffaws and the eye-rolling for some future occasion – and, boy, do I feel young again!
Courtesy of globe and mail
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
2012 Sedona - $2500 Cash Back Offer
Cash back from Kia Motors America, Inc, Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 5/1/2012 to 6/4/2012. Cash back offer when you purchase a new car only and may not be combines with Special LOW APR offer. This incentive is for a limited time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Not all incentive programs are compatible. See dealer for details
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Kia Places More Vehicles on NADAGuides’ “Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K” List Than Any Other Automaker
IRVINE, Calif., May, 7 2012 - On the heels of achieving 20 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth, Kia Motors America (KMA) has been recognized by NADAguides, a leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, by having three of its vehicles – Rio 5-Door SX, Forte SX and Soul + -- named to the publication's "Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K" list. Kia placed more vehicles than any other automaker on the top ten list, which is intended for new car shoppers in the market to find fuel-efficient vehicles that are feature-rich and highly-versatile for the needs of everyday driving while also being budget-friendly.
"Having three of our vehicles named to NADAguides' 'Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K' list validates how far our brand has come in terms of quality, packaging and features development in such a short period of time," said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, KMA. "With the presence and eye-catching style of Rio, Forte and Soul, Kia's complete vehicle line is comprised of a wide breadth of capable offerings at very affordable price points."
The NADAguides' vehicle selections were based upon specific versatility criteria important to automotive consumers including cargo space, passenger capacity (specifically third row seating), legroom and all-wheel drive capabilities. Also factored into consideration were each vehicle's standard and optional equipment, creature comforts and unique amenities. In handing out the honors, NADAguides' analysts called the Kia Rio 5-door a value-packed subcompact with class-leading horsepower1, and described the Kia Forte as having a robust powertrain, excellent fuel economy and a long list of standard convenience features. The award-winning Kia Soul was lauded for its unique styling and technology enhancements, among other characteristics.
"Rising energy prices and economic concerns have instilled a greater sense of frugality in today's car shopper," asserted Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides. "However, young professionals, families and empty nesters alike still need transportation that will support a wide variety of lifestyle activities and something beyond just going from point A to B in the most inexpensive manner possible. What has been compiled by NADAguides is our recommendation for those budget-minded car shoppers that want a little of everything from features and fuel efficiency to versatility and value."
Courtesy of kiamedia.com
Monday, May 7, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Kia Fun and Forty Ride and Drive Part I
Let me start this post with a little background. Growing up, I was raised around classic cars. My dad is a car lover and would often rebuild them. I would sit and watch him or attend events with him as a kid. Today, I’m married to a man who also loves cars and works in the automotive industry. And this past weekend the car lover is me surfaced, and I’m not sure it’s going anywhere soon.
Last week I was invited to the Kia Fun and Forty Ride and Drive event in Miami, Florida. I will write a couple of more parts to this post, because I took so many photos. In this first one, I want to share the vehicles that were behind this entire event-the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and 2012 Rio.
Kia is the fastest growing car company in the US today; with the Optima and Sorento being two of their three best sellers. Last month alone they reportedly sold 15,000 vehicles! And according to Kelley Blue Book they are the #1 non-luxury brand with the lowest total cost of ownership. While we spend 58% of our time driving on the highways, don’t you want a car that not only looks good, but is cost effective at the same time?
I had the chance to test out both vehicles with a drive from Miami to Key West and I will tell you the Optima Hybrid was my favorite, it is spacious with a very sleek design. I was comfortable the entire time and in love with the panoramic tilt/sliding sunroof and the UVO Infotainment System. Seriously cool! It’s the little and convenient things that impress me.
I will be honest and tell you I never considered a Kia as my next vehicle, but with what I witnessed it’s a serious contender. Stay tuned for more posts of my Kia experience!
Courtesy of blogsbylatinas.com
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