The Car Coach: The 2014 KIA Sorento

The 2014 KIA Sorento has an all-new platform that means better driving dynamics, better safety, better technology and third row seating with a lot of cool stuff. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.

Model - 2014 KIA Sorento
MPG - 20 city / 26 hwy. for the 2.4L
Engine - 2.4L GDI 4-cyl. or 3.3L V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower

The 2014 KIA Sorento has had a face-lift with improved design, conveniences and amenities as well as improved dynamic qualities and comfort. The Sorentos front-end has a wider stance and look. The AWD system, which offers "torque vectoring cornering control," helps to keep the SUV on the roadway.

The inside has a redesigned center console and cluster, full grain leather steering wheel and updated materials. Optional features include a heated steering wheel, satin chrome accents and premium Nappa leather.

The Sorento boasts a larger 8" screen, UVO with Infinity Audio System, 12 speakers and 750 watts all in a more refined interior. Other features include an optional power lift gate, sunshade blinds, new panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, front door handle illumination and heated second row seating.

The second row seating is more spacious and the third row contains more legroom. The improved interior volume also makes it easier to get in and out of the SUV.

The UVO eServices network connects you to your car and includes:

• 911 connection in a collision
•  Enhanced Roadside assistance
•  Parental controls
•  Entertainment: Twitter, Siri, Aha, Pandora and more.
•  Google to send to your car.

Likes:
Lots of standard features
Sporty handling
New design and technology
Powerful V6
Larger 8" screen with UVO

The 2014 KIA Sorento has improved dynamics, safety, value, ride quality, comfort and amenities.

Courtesy of Rochester.ynn.com

Soul ! Is A Box Of Fun

If you've seen the commercials where hamsters are driving a Kia, you already know the Soul.

Kia calls the Soul an Urban Passenger Vehicle, and I would agree with that description. The Soul comes in three trim levels: Soul, Soul + and Soul ! I had the Soul ! to road-test.

On the outside the Soul is a funky and edgy little UPV with LED accents in the front and LED tail lights on the rear. Rounded out with 18-inch wheels, the "!" is the top-of-the-line.

Besides the confident exterior of the Soul, buyers can select from a wide palate of exotic paint colors such as: Moss, Dune and Clear White; metallic tones of Shadow, Titanium and Bright Silver; and red-hot colors of Molten and Alien Green. As you see from the photo, my tester was Alien Green.

Moving to the interior, the Soul ! is packed with loads of options, technology and other unique features sure to impress. Kia explains the interior was designed to offer the occupants the "perfect personal lounge on wheels." I would agree as the interior boasts more than 40 inches of headroom, 55-plus inches of shoulder room and a passenger volume of 102 cubic feet. Along with all of this space are 14 storage zones for stowing your stuff.

Turning up the music is a pleasant experience with a 350-watt, seven-speaker Infinity audio system with subwoofer and speaker lights that pulse to the music or add mood lighting.

Moving the UPV down the road is a 2.0L GDI engine with 164 hp mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Around town, the Soul is at home. It's very nimble and easy to zip around corners, down tight streets and into parking spots. It's also easy to get into and jump out of since it sits slightly higher than a normal sedan.

Let's be honest, this car is not for a family of five and all of their stuff. It is geared toward people who live in or near the city and want something different that offers good mileage. I think it fits that niche pretty well and has personality to go with it.

Kia estimates mileage to be 23 city and 28 highway.

Courtesy of Times Online

Save on your next oil change with our current eCoupon

It’s recommended you change your car’s oil at least once every 7,500 miles. If your Kia is due for an oil change, check out our current eCoupon to save $3 on your next service visit.

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Superman-Inspired Kia Optima Hybrid Unmasked in Chicago

The Justice League onslaught continues! The Superman-inspired Kia Optima Hybrid was unmasked today at the Metropolis Chicago Auto Show, making the Optima Hybrid the sixth Kia to get the superhero treatment.

Built in collaboration with our sister magazine Super Street, this one-off Optima Hybrid gets customized to help it live up to the Man of Steel’s legendary name. The Superman Optima Hybrid sports widened fender, an adjustable air suspension, red wheels and a custom grille designed to resemble Superman’s belt. As expected, the Optima Hybrid wears a Superman-inspired blue paint job with red trim, including a red roof and trunk meant to resemble Superman’s cape.
Inside, the Superman Optima gets Superman shields on the seats and steering wheel, and custom materials designed to resemble Superman’s armor.

The Superman Optima Hybrid is the sixth Justice League-themed vehicle from Kia, joining the Batman Optima, the Green Lantern Soul, the Aquaman Rio, the Cyborg Forte, and The Flash Forte Koup. Kia is planning a Wonder Woman-themed vehicle to round out the Justice League, as well as an eighth and final vehicle inspired by all seven super heroes. All eight Justice League vehicles were built for the “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign, in partnership with DC Entertainment.

Courtesy of Motor Trend

2013 Kia Rio

How green is it? Even though the 2013 Kia Rio doesn't quite make the 40 mpg cut off, were noting it here for the new Eco Package on the EX model. An idle stop/start feature shuts off the engine at a complete stop to save fuel. This is great in Chicago where there's a stop light or stop sign at every corner.

Pros & cons: Rear seats don't fold flat. However, everything else is up, up, up. This car is attractive, comfortable and has a lot of up-level available features. This is hands down one of the best entry-level cars on the market.

Whats new: Rio was all-new in 2012, but it does get a couple tweaks for 2013, including the Eco Package on the EX model and paddle shifters on the SX model.

Ride & performance: Rio really shows off what 138 horsepower can do. The power is peppy, and for a base, compact car the ride is smooth, and interior quietness is quite good. Rio has the perfect combination of get-up-and-go for city driving and highway merges, yet the small size is perfectly parkable in Chicago.

Family value: Because of it its petite size, the Rio is really only good for younger families. It does have the rear LATCH system for car seats and boosters, but space is really tight in the back seat. So, if the driver or passenger is tall, the car seat might not fit.

Fun factor: Rio is surprisingly fun, especially with the 5-speed manual transmission. Of course, fuel economy goes down the more fun you have.

Safety: For an entry level car, Rio comes stocked with a nice level of safety features including, front airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, rear head airbags, traction control, stability control, side-impact door beams and hill-assist control.

Courtesy of the Chicago Tribune

Excellent service + quality repairs = A 5-star review!

"I've had a part replaced, the oil changed and tires rotated at the service center and I was impressed with the service I received. The service people were friendly and got the job done quickly." - Joni

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Thanks for the great review, Richard!

"The 2012 Kia Sportage is just what we wanted, and the price was right. Everyone in management and finance were great to help." - Richard L.

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