Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
2013 Kia Sportage SX FWD First Drive
Consumers tend to be thrilled when they can get features and style of much more expensive models in a wallet-friendly package and the 2013 Kia Sportage SX is a perfect example of the Korean brand's value-packed reputation. For the traditionally staid compact crossover class, the Sportage's styling is daring and edgy. Beefy 18-inch wheels and 235-width tires bulge out of the Sportage's short 103.9-inch wheelbase. Around back, dual exhaust tips signify this is the hot-rod SX turbo model.
Since it was introduced in 2011, Kia has made a few running changes to the Sportage SX. Fuel capacity has grown from 14.5 to a still-modest 15.3 gallons and highway fuel economy has improved by 2 mpg on the FWD model and 1 mpg on the AWD model to 29 and 26 mpg, respectively. It may be a bit of a stretch to compare the Sportage SX to the much more expensive, exclusive, and refined Range Rover Evoque, but looking over the spec sheets, there are similiarties. Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4, overall length is within four inches between the two models, and the difference in wheelbase is less than an inch. But there's a big difference where it matters for a lot of consumers: the bottom line. The Sportage starts at over $16,000 less than the Evoque. Even at the Sportage's lower price point, you get ample equipment that includes dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, leather seating surfaces, LED driving lights, and pushbutton start. Our fully loaded FWD SX tester included navigation with a backup camera and the Premium Package, which adds heated front seats, an air-cooled driver's seat, Homelink integrated garage door opener, and heated exterior mirrors. Now we know that the Sportage SX doesn't skimp on the goodies, but what's it like to drive? A similarly-equipped 2011 SX FWD model we tested managed a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds and a quarter-mile of 15.7 seconds at 88.6 mph. Those numbers are not quite as good as the Toyota RAV4 V-6, the current reigning speed champ of compact SUVs, but in real-world driving conditions, the Sportage's 260-hp engine never leaves you yearning for more power. The engine's broad, flat torque curve peaks at 269 lb-ft and provides ample rotational force from 2000-5000 rpm, making highway merging and passing a breeze. Just don't expect Lexus-like refinement from this feisty mill. Compared to the more common applications of the powerplant in the Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata and new Santa Fe Sport, the engine's forced-induction character is not masked and muffled as much as it is in the others. The turbo's whooshing sound under boost is clearly audible, but considering the Sportage SX's market positioning, product planners probably figured a little bit of boy-racer personality coming through wasn't the worst thing. Kia fitted the Sportage SX with aggressive, low-profile rubber so between that and its short wheelbase, there's no reason to expect a pillowy ride. In fact, it's a bit on the bouncy side -- not annoyingly or objectionably so, but enough to definitely get a clear sense of the road texture and topography. Also, quick transitions with elevation changes can sometimes upset the Sportage's balance. And the one downside to the torquey turbo four is that at wide-open-throttle on our FWD model, it does exhibit some torque steer, and can feel a little squirrely at full whack. Getting back to the interior, while it's undeniably jam-packed with features, the Sportage's humble roots show in some areas of the design. The driver's power adjustable front seat cushion does not uniformly lift or lower -- the rear of the seat cushion moves up and down, with the seat pivoting at the front. The outside temperature gauge is counter-intuitively embedded within the "trip" menu, which is accessed by a pair of small buttons on the left edge of the gauge binnacle. Somewhat surprisingly, given that this is a compact-sized crossover, it's a bit of a stretch to reach the touch-screen head unit. Ultimate cargo and passenger volume falls a little short of the class leaders, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but that may be beside the point. Objectively, the Sportage may be in the same class as the Honda and Toyota, but its bold styling is a stark contrast to the Honda and Toyota's conservative lines. And the SX model, with its powerful turbocharged engine, will likely appeal to a totally different buyer than even the RAV4 V-6. The CR-V and RAV4 may be the perfect starter cars for young families, but the Sportage SX is clearly targeted to singles and couples that aren't totally ready to give up style and power as they transition into adult and familial responsibilities. If you're in the market for a small crossover that packs plenty of style and power into a package that won't stress your monthly budget or credit score, the Kia Sportage SX is an attractive choice in a class generally characterized by anonymous styling and function over flair.Courtesy of: Truck Trend Magazine 
Monday, September 24, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Paris Show world premiere for all-new Kia Carens
Kia will reveal its all-new Carens compact MPV for the first time at the Paris Motor Show on 27 September.
Completely new from the ground up, the new Carens is designed and engineered to meet the needs of modern, dynamic families. Built on an all-new platform, it delivers stylish, spacious practicality, with sleek aerodynamics, a cab-forward design, long wheelbase and up to seven seats.
“The new Carens builds on the family-friendly versatility and functionality of its predecessor, and features more athletic and visually dynamic design,” says Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman and CEO, Kia Motors Corporation. “This marks a dramatic shift forward for our MPV contender and brings the model in line with Kia’s distinctive current design direction.”
Appealing to families with an active lifestyle who don’t want to compromise between style and practicality, Kia is confident that the all-new third-generation Carens will attract a new group of consumers to Kia showrooms around the world.
Alongside the new Carens on the Kia stand will be the all-new pro_cee’d, also making its world premiere. They are joined by two models making their European debuts in Paris – the new 2.0-litre Optima Hybrid sedan promising a unique blend of performance and economy, and the upgraded Sorento SUV with an all-new 2.4-litre 192 ps GDI engine option.
Come back here to kia-buzz to watch the live feed of the Kia Motors press conference at the 2012 Paris Motor show. The live feed will commence at 17:30 on September 27th Central European Time.
Courtesy of Kia-Buzz
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Special-Edition 2014 Rio 5-Door SX M/T Arrives in Limited Quantity
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 10, 2012 - Until now, driving enthusiasts couldn't get their hands on the Rio they were most eager to own--that's about to change. The 2013 Rio 5-door SX is now offered with a 6-speed manual transmission (M/T). Arriving in dealerships in limited quantity with a MSRP of just $17,9004, the Rio SX M/T is a fun-to-drive subcompact that satisfies enthusiasts' desires for a more engaging drive experience without sacrificing the comfort and convenience offered by the subcompact model's highest trim level. The Rio SX M/T is inspired by Kia's championship winning motorsports efforts and the recently-introduced Rio B-spec race car. Enthusiasts should get in line now as less than 500 Rio SX M/Ts will be initially offered for sale during the 2013 model year.
The Rio 5-door SX M/T comes standard with a class-leading 138 horsepower5 4-cylinder double- overhead cam gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine featuring dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and fuel economy of 30-mpg city/40-mpg highway6. The Rio 5-door SX M/T is available in Signal Red and Electronic Blue and comes with LED taillights, front LED accent lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Rio SX M/T adds a seven-inch navigation touch screen with a SiriusXM™7 Traffic system and push-button start with Smart Key. Other standard SX features include sport-tuned suspension, rear camera display8, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth®9 wireless technology, and an AM/FM/CD/ MP3 SiriusXM Satellite audio system. The interior is handsomely appointed in sporty black knit cloth.
"The Kia Rio 5-door SX M/T is perfect for driving enthusiasts who simply won't compromise when it comes to certain features," said Orth Hedrick, Director of Product Planning at Kia Motors America (KMA). "Our customers and the automotive press have been asking for the Rio 5-door SX with a manual transmission, and we've listened. As the Kia brand becomes more and more relevant to enthusiasts, we'll continue to evaluate consumer demand and consider bringing other high-spec manuals to market."
Those looking for the inspiration behind the Rio 5-door SX M/T need look no further than the twisting, undulating macadam of America's greatest road racing circuits. In addition to its championship winning professional road racing program, Kia this year entered the new B-Spec grassroots racing series, and the Rio SX M/T offers buyers the sporty driving dynamics that transfer from the track to the street.
To advance from driving enthusiast to racer10, customers can purchase a 2013 Rio 5-door M/T (LX Trim) and a B-Spec performance kit11 available at a cost of $14,000 from Kia's racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports. The kit includes everything needed to transform the street-loving Rio 5-door into a proper racecar: pre-cut roll cage, racing seat, quick-release steering wheel, racing harness, race shocks, lightweight wheels, spec-series tires, oil sump pan expansion kit and complete build instructions. For an additional fee, Kinetic will professionally assemble the Rio at their shop in Buford, Georgia.
Courtesy of Kiamedia.com
Monday, September 17, 2012
DIY Car Maintenance Moves for Fall: Check Your Spare Tire
"Spare tires on pickup trucks and sport utilities are suspended underneath the vehicle on a cable, and that mechanism requires regular attention," says Pat Goss, master technician of PBS's "MotorWeek." Lower and raise that under-car spare to check if the cable mechanism works freely. In fall, spray it with a rust penetrant like WD-40 and then lube with white lithium grease. If the mechanism has seized, repair it immediately.
Tire pressure drops one PSI, or pound per square inch, for every 10-degree drop in temperature, according to the AAA, so check your tires on a weekly basis. The proper inflation pressure will generally be listed in your vehicle's owner manual and/or noted on a sticker located on the driver's doorjamb.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Road Testing The KIA Grand Carnival - Vroom Vroom!
I love to review things on this blog.
Anything. Things for families, for kids, for me. Whatever. If it's new I want to try it. If it's cool I want to share it. I have to admit though that this time a product review has put me in a really awkward position. PR companies, please take note. In the future, please don't send me big, shiny toys to try out and then expect me to give them back. How on earth am I going to explain to the KIA people that I'm not giving their car back? Awkward. The Jordster and I had the pleasure of picking up the KIA Grand Carnival. I must admit I've had my eye on this car for a while. I need something big enough to accommodate the 5 kids, the prams, their bikes, groceries, school bags, the dog. Not all at once but you know what I mean. There's nothing more annoying than kids fighting over space in the car. What I fell in love with straight away? The magic doors. Keyless entry with softly sliding doors. Push the button on the remote and they open BY THEMSELVES. Which means no more jammed fingers (sensors), no more chipped paint when the kids fling the car doors open in car parks and easy access if you're holding a baby or bags. The second thing I loved about the car? The camera on the rear view mirror with parking guidelines. I admit it. I suck at parking. I'm one of those mums that tries to avoid reverse parking on the school pick up/ drop off because it's just too embarrassing. I always worry that I'm going to wipe out someone else's car or kid. The camera on the rear view mirror in the KIA Grand Carnival? Awesome. It's in the right place and you can be sure that there are no kids behind the car when you're reversing. The third thing I love about this car? It's an 8 seater. A spacious family car with flexible and removable seating. You can put the seats up or down or take them out. The kids can walk through the car and it has heaps of room in the boot. We've given this car quite a thrashing in the time that we've had it. It's taken the kids, all their bags and projects to school each day. It's taken the little girls, their bikes and pram to the beach. Heck, it's even been to Movieworld. The best way to road test a car? A ROAD TRIP of course! We decided a trip down to Byron Bay was in order. It's about an hour from the Gold Coast. The trip usually involves kids thumping each other, screaming, cries of "I'm BORED!' and "Are we there yet?!". This time? Apart from the car radio? Silence. They all had plenty of space to themselves. The car drives so smoothly and quietly that two of the kids fell asleep on the way there. We made it to Byron Bay unscathed and decided on lunch at the Byron Bay Brewing Company. Nom, nom, nom Sunday pub lunch and afterwards, since I had the job of designated driver, the husband decided to try the tasting plate with six different beers. Then after a quick play on the beach and a spin up to the lighthouse we decided to go home. Did I mention the 8 seater car KIA Grand Carnival was spacious? Big enough to accommodate a sleeping, well fed, bear of a man in the back seat. He'll probably kill me for that photo but whatever. It shows you how much leg room there is in the car. Did my family give the KIA Grand Carnival a good thrashing? Yes we did. Is it affordable? With a starting price of $38 990 for a huge family car? Yes. Do I love it? Yes. Yes I do. Love, love, love it. It's so easy to park, spacious and drives like a dream. There's only one problem. Could someone please tell the KIA people that I won't be bringing the car back? Thanks.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Kia Launches $13 Million Global Humanitarian Project
The project’s official launch ceremony took place earlier this month at the future site of the Maendeleo Secondary School situated in the Madale area of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (East Africa). Kia Motors Corporation and SBS, a national TV and radio network in South Korea, funded the construction of the school, which will serve as the Green Light Project’s official base camp.
The ceremony drew an attendance of 700 local residents and was attended by Kia Motors Corporation’s Director of Management Strategy, Mr. Gui-Hyun Choi, and Ms. Jin-Ok Yang, the Secretary General of Good Neighbors, an international humanitarian non-government organization in General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC).
Good Neighbors has been collaborating with Kia Motors to execute its Green Light Project activities such as the secondary school’s construction and deployment of four donated Kia K2700 trucks, which will be retrofitted for use as school and village transportation as well as mobile libraries and health clinics. Kia plans to give USD13 million of funding for the project in the 2012 fiscal year.
The Green Light Project adopts Kia Motors’ corporate social responsibility values of mobility and challenge, which were introduced last year as core principles to develop programs that will help lift social, economic, transport and health restrictions in poverty-stricken areas and give new hope to disadvantaged individuals.
October is the target month for the school’s finished construction along with an adjacent community center named the Green Light Program Center. The school will consist of four classrooms, two laboratories and one library. The community center will serve as multifunctional annex and base camp for the Green Light Project’s social awareness activities, afterschool classes, material storage, and dispatch station for the four Kia K2700 trucks.
All the facilities at the Maendeleo Secondary School will be in full operation starting from next year, and the goal is to have them independently operated by local community participants within the next five years.
“A green light is the universal transit symbol to move forward, and as an automotive company, our Green Light Project will provide mobility to individuals in both a literal and figurative sense. Our Kia K2700 trucks will offer safe transportation to local residents who are isolated from healthcare and education services, and the Maendeleo Secondary School and its neighboring Green Light Program Center will empower individuals to challenge and move past restrictions that are keeping them from living a more fulfilling life,” said Thomas Oh, Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation.
In addition to Kia Motors, Good Neighbors and SBS, the project is also supported by 70 volunteers from Kia’s Happy Move Global Young Volunteers, Korea’s largest private volunteer group, which rallies support for various humanitarian causes. Volunteers will help with an assortment of activities including school construction, bus stop creation, and supporting educational classes at the school.
Kia plans to expand the Green Light Project to other countries and regions through the cooperation of its global network, and its next project will take place in the southeast African nation of Malawi. That program will be a cooperative project with Food for the Hungry International – Korea (KFHI), a global non-profit organization that focuses on poverty needs that relate to food, water resource development, primary healthcare and income enhancement.
Courtesy of Kia-Buzz.com
Monday, September 10, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
If you’re thinking about getting a new vehicle, you can’t miss this offer on the 2012 Optima! Check out our event tab for more information.
2012 Optima - $1000 Owner Loyalty Offer for Qualified Buyers
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Owner loyalty offer available to current Kia owners who purchase a new 2012 Kia vehicile between 9/5/2012 – 10/1/12. See dealer for more details.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Rear-engined Kia Cee’d made by Mito Motorsports
The Kia Cee’d can be considered just a regular car which is an interesting alternative to the VW Golf and other vehicles in the segment but who would have thought that the hatchback has what it takes to end up in a poster on the wall of 10-year old boys. Well, we kind of have the answer to that question and it’s a two-word one: Mito Motorsports.
The engineers at Mito Motorsports have recently taken on the Kia Cee’d and what came out can only be named “impressive”. According to the company, the Kia Cee’d in question has a dramatic change, which is the engine being moved to the back of the vehicle, meaning that the South Korean hatchback has just become rear-engined.
Besides moving the unit to the other end of the car, the engineers at Mito Motorsports have also pumped it and the 2.0 liter turbo diesel is now generating a total output of 200 horsepower (147 kW), but the company is saying that the output will eventually be increased to 300 HP (220 kW). The rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Cee’d’s weight distribution is at 43:57.
Courtesy of inautonews.com
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