Thank you for this great review!

"I had an amazing experience at Kia of Canton! Jimmy was great and even went above and beyond to make sure I got a great deal and have a wonderful experience. I would recommend this dealership to anyone! Jimmy even takes a picture of all his clients he sells vehicles to! They really make you feel like family." -nrsang

2013 Kia Optima Blake Time Travels - 1999 Arcade

Don't forget to take advantage of this great coupon before it's too late.

Click here to claim your coupon!

2013 Kia Sorento - Cargo Space

Is Your Battery Fully Juiced?

Winter puts more stress on your battery, particularly if you park your car outdoors.

Avoid the sinking feeling of hearing nothing when you hit the ignition with a proactive check of your battery and charging system now. Repair shops don't usually charge very much to load-test your battery, and some car-parts stores will do it for free.

If you find out your battery's going south, you can replace it at your convenience, instead of being at the mercy of whomever your dead car's been towed to.

Courtesy of Kiplinger

Another great review! Thank you for your kind words!

"I purchased a Kia Soul in 2011 in Minnesota, but after moving to Ann Arbor the people of Kia of Canton have taken me in and helped keep my big purchase in tip top shape. Everyone has always been super friendly in the garage and in the office (Anne is the best!). A great dealership with great people!" -Megan F.

Another great review! Thank you for your kind words!

"I purchased a Kia Soul in 2011 in Minnesota, but after moving to Ann Arbor the people of Kia of Canton have taken me in and helped keep my big purchase in tip top shape. Everyone has always been super friendly in the garage and in the office (Anne is the best!). A great dealership with great people!" -Megan F.

2013 Kia Sorento - Flexible Third Row Seating

Thank you for these two great reviews!

"I just want to let EVERYONE know what a pleasure it is to do buiness with KIA of Canton.  We have been customers since they first opened - through all ownership changes.  What doesn't change is their dedication to their customers.  Sales staff, cashiers, management and service.  We have had 3 KIA's now and our daughter also owns one.  The reason we continue to buy and have ALL of our service done here is due to the personal attention we get as well as the service.  The people are what have made this business work.  Brian Woods always goes out of his way to make sure we are taken care of, as do all of the staff members.  We feel like part of a family,.  Their rewards program has provided us with many free oil changes!  We will continue to purchase our KIA vehicles here as well as continue to have our service done and have no problem recommending anyone to this dealership.  Thank you from our family and continued success.  Keep up the good work!" -Laurie B.

"We have purchased 3 vehicles from this dealership. My daughter has also purchased a vehicle. All of our service has been done at the dealership. We have recommended and will continue to do so. Brian Woods is always a pleasure to deal with and goes above and beyond to help a customer. Everyone is friendly from the cashiers, salespeople, management and service people. We will continue to purchase our vehicles here as well as our service, even including tires! Thank you to all of the staff on a great job!" -buchanan61

Kia Holiday Sales Event

Check out our website at http://bit.ly/W6QGY3 for great year-end savings!

Thank you for this stellar review!

"I purchased a 2012 Kia Soul from Brian Woods, and the experience was GREAT!! I was looking for something I thought entirely different, but he put me into a Soul to try out and found it to be the best fit for what I needed. And, the service has been EXCELLENT as well. Ask for Brian if you go there, he will treat you RIGHT." -Scott H.

Kia Motors America unveiled new 2014 Sorento CUV and all-new 2014 Forte Sedan at the LA Auto Show

Thank you for this great review on Yelp!

"I purchased my car on December 6, 2012 from Kia Of Canton. Wow, what an experience! From the sales staff, managers to service. Everyone was very helpful, friendly and professional. The finance manager, Brian Woods was very helpful and informative as to my options. Thank you very much. Sincerely ,a satisfied customer." -Patrick W. 

Consumer Guide Names 2013 Kia Sorento to Coveted “Best Buy” List

Kia Motors America (KMA), one of the fastest-growing car companies in the U.S.[2], has been honored by having its best-selling CUV, the U.S.-built Sorento, named to Consumer Guide’s^® annual “Best Buy” list.  Consumer Guide^® makes its selections by evaluating vehicles on all aspects of a consumer’s real-world driving and ownership experience.  The Sorento was selected for having a number of outstanding key attributes in the Midsize SUV category.

“Sorento earns our respect for its excellent ride and handling balance, upscale features and reasonable price,” said Tom Appel, publisher of Consumer Guide^®.  “The available third-row seating and great warranty coverage are added bonuses.”

This year, a more focused evaluation process from the Consumer Guide^® editorial team required vehicles to meet higher criteria in order to be recognized.  The result was a shorter and more prestigious “Best Buy” list than in previous years.  “We’re honored that Consumers Guide^® has named one of our top-selling models as a ‘Best Buy,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  “The Sorento is a cornerstone for the Kia brand and is a flagship among family vehicles, offering world-class sophistication, value, safety and comfort.  Furthermore, we’re proud that this exceptional CUV is built right here in the U.S.” 

Each year, Consumer Guide’s^® staff drives nearly 200,000 miles to properly evaluate the pros and cons of vehicles in multiple categories.  The vehicles are test-driven in the city, on highways, in rural areas and put to virtually all aspects of everyday driving to give consumers a total picture of how each model performs.

Courtesy of Kia

Take advantage of this great offer before it's too late!

Click here to claim your coupon.

Kia Brand "Bicycle 2012" Featuring the Kia Sorento and Kia Optima

Thank you for this great Yelp review!

"Took my soul into the dealer today for the first checkup and inspection. What a wonderful group of people...When I was finished, I was sent to the cashier to finalize my checkup. Anne checked me out with the utmost courtesy and friendliness. It's hard to find businesses like this one. I would recommend Kia of Canton to anyone who is interested in a new vehicle. Jimmy Haddad is a wonderful salesman.... Thank you Kia of Canton for making me feel good about my new vehicle..Sincerly, Dawn Springer  Belleville, Mi." -Dawn S.

2012 Calendar Year End Holiday Sales Event

Fans, don't forget to take advantage of this great deal before it's too late!

Click here to claim your coupon!

KIA MOTORS AMERICA TO DISPLAY TWO POPULAR JUSTICE LEAGUE-INSPIRED VEHICLES AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Kia Teams Up with DC Entertainment, West Coast Customs and RIDES Magazine to Bring Batman and Aquaman to the First Major Auto Show of the Season

• The previously-debuted Batman and Aquaman vehicles are part of a ten month-long partnership that harnesses the popularity of the world-renowned Justice League characters.
• Kia and DC Entertainment band together to support “We Can Be Heroes” – DC Entertainment’s giving campaign aimed at raising awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Kia Motors America (KMA) and DC Entertainment will show off two of their popular Justice League-inspired machines this week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.  On display will be the Batman-inspired Optima, previously unveiled in October at the Time Warner Center in New York City, and the Aquaman-inspired Rio 5-door, previously revealed at this year’s SEMA show.  Built by RIDES magazine and West Coast Customs, respectively, both vehicles feature custom artwork by legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee, who also provided creative direction for the design of all of the cars involved in this partnership.  The overall goal of the program is to raise awareness for DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign to help fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Batman-inspired Optima SX Limited
Previously unveiled at New York’s Time Warner Center, Kia, DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine worked together to design and build the Batman-inspired Optima. The exterior features a matte and piano-black paint scheme, a dramatically lowered coilover suspension and muscular ground effects kit, huge Ksport performance brakes for extreme stopping power, custom-designed 20-inch black wheels with one-of-a-kind Batman-logo center caps and a performance exhaust system. A custom front grille shaped like a batwing that took over 40 hours to create, yellow LED lighting accents throughout the vehicle and the iconic bat signal etched into the SXL’s HID headlights complete the look of the Optima.

Moving beneath the cape, the Optima‘s seating is costumed in custom black leather and suede with bold yellow accent stitching. Gotham City‘s streets are full of villains, and the Batman-inspired Optima is ready for action at a moment‘s notice with crime-fighting elements such as utility throwing stars installed in the center console.

Aquaman-inspired Rio 5-door  
Given the Kia Rio’s reputation as one of the most eco-friendly vehicles on the road today – 85-percent of Rio’s materials are recyclable at the end of its lifespan –  the subcompact provided a natural automotive alter-ego for Aquaman, symbolizing his role as protector of the environment, both land and sea.  The Rio 5-door received the West Coast Customs treatment with special gold, green and orange exterior paint and custom metal fins attached to the body. Other visual elements also include Oracle LED wheel rings and body lighting across the exterior and 20-inch color-matched Asanti wheels wrapped in Continental rubber.

Inside the Rio 5-door’s cabin, the seats have been reupholstered with green leather featuring yellow and gold accents. The headliner has been customized using green suede, and the Aquaman logo was stitched into the back seats to complete the theme of the passenger compartment.  Pop the trunk on this Rio and notice the customized enclosure inspired by Aquaman comics featuring a unique polycast cutout, which creates an underwater scene that is lit with Oracle LED lighting. Massive 12-inch subwoofers and two coaxial component speakers enhance the ride experience. Two seven-inch Rosen Entertainment monitors play the “We Can Be Heroes” video to support this worthy cause.

Courtesy of Kia

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffing

SEMA Kia/DC Entertainment Justice League Custom Vehicle Unveiling

Kia Motors America Donates $500,000 to Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts Through the American Red Cross

Kia Motors America (KMA) today donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross to aid the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts and provide much needed food and supplies to affected communities throughout the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.

"In the aftermath of this historical storm that affected much of the Eastern United States, Kia Motors is committed to providing assistance through the American Red Cross to impacted individuals and communities," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. "Our thoughts go out to those affected by the hurricane, and we hope that our donation will help provide comfort and aid the recovery effort."

The funds provided to the American Red Cross will help provide food, shelter, supplies and comfort to the individuals affected by the disaster. KMA is actively encouraging its employees, dealer network and vendor partners to provide additional support. For more information, on how to donate, please visit www.redcross.org.

Courtesy of Kia

2012 Kia NBA Tip Off - Working hard to be the best

Don't forget to take advantage of this great deal!

Click here to claim your coupon!

Kia Motors America and DC Entertainment Pull the Silks Off of Four New Justice League-Inspired Machines at Sema

Kia Motors America (KMA) and DC Entertainment kicked off the 2012 SEMA Show today in superhero style with five radical machines inspired by the members of the Justice League: The Flash Forte Koup, Aquaman Rio 5-door, Cyborg Forte 5-door, Green Lantern Soul and the previously unveiled Batman Optima. Built by West Coast Customs, RIDES and Super Street, each of the vehicles feature custom artwork by legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee and are intended to raise awareness for DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign to help fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. Each Justice League character was assigned to a specific Kia vehicle based on personality and key attributes to create these five iconic works of art on wheels.

Kia Motors America and DC Entertainment assemble the Justice League vehicles for SEMA Show 2012.

"Working together with DC Entertainment, West Coast Customs, RIDES and Super Street to create a fleet of superhero-inspired machines has been an incredible collaboration and the end result is five one-of-a-kind Justice League cars that bring each of these legendary comic book superheroes to life," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "We are proud to be raising awareness for the 'We Can Be Heroes' giving campaign and look forward to unveiling three more crime-fighting Kias at future auto shows and comic conventions as our 10-month partnership with DC Entertainment continues."

"It was a thrill to see custom cars based upon my Justice League artwork and sketches revealed at SEMA," stated Jim Lee, co-publisher of DC Entertainment. "I have to tip my hat to the teams at West Coast Customs, RIDES and Super Street on their innovative work creating cars that represent iconic characters like Green Lantern, Cyborg, Aquaman and The Flash – all to benefit a great cause, 'We Can Be Heroes', and I'd like to thank Kia Motors America for supporting 'We Can Be Heroes'."

The Flash-inspired Forte Koup

Known for his speed, drive and commitment to fighting crime, The Flash is paired with the sleek Forte Koup, a vehicle with proven on-track racing performance in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Built by West Coast Customs, the Koup electrifies the senses with a red, orange and yellow airbrushed exterior paint that matches the Scarlet Speedster's trademark costume. A cutout in the hood incorporates The Flash logo and allows viewers to see the speedy punch the Forte Koup packs. The modifications continue with 20-inch Asanti color-matched wheels with Continental Extreme Contact tires. A custom coilover suspension lowers the Forte Koup for razor-sharp handling.

On the inside, the Forte Koup's seats are reupholstered in black nappa leather contrasted with red suede featuring yellow stitching with character artwork embroidered into the seats. The headliner was also reupholstered using black suede showcasing custom stitching and custom-painted pieces throughout the interior. To keep the Koup's occupants energized, West Coast Customs installed two, ten-inch sub woofers and two sets of coaxial component speakers with a Quart four-channel amp, while a pair of Rosen Entertainment seven-inch monitors plays a "We Can Be Heroes" campaign video in the front headrests.

Aquaman-inspired Rio 5-door

Debuting at SEMA, Kia Rio 5-door provides a natural automotive alter-ego for Aquaman, symbolizing his role as protector of the environment, both land and sea.

Given the Kia Rio's reputation as one of the most eco-friendly vehicles on the road today – 85-percent of Rio's materials are recyclable at the end of its lifespan – the subcompact provided a natural automotive alter-ego for Aquaman, symbolizing his role as protector of the environment, both land and sea. The Aquaman-inspired Rio 5-door also received the West Coast Customs treatment with special gold, green and orange exterior paint and a body kit featuring custom-fabricated fins. Visual elements also include Oracle LED wheel rings and body lighting across the exterior as well as 20-inch color-matched Asanti wheels wrapped in Continental rubber.

Inside the Rio 5-door's spacious cabin, the seats have been reupholstered with green leather featuring yellow and gold accents. The headliner has been customized using green suede while the Aquaman logo was stitched into the back seats to complete the thematic transformation of the passenger compartment. Pop the trunk on this Rio and notice the customized enclosure featuring Aquaman comic-book art and a unique polycast cutout which creates an underwater scene that is lit with Oracle LED lighting.

This heroic Rio is further enhanced by a 12-inch subwoofer and two coaxial component speakers and amp while two seven-inch Rosen Entertainment monitors play the "We Can Be Heroes" video to promote this worthy cause.

Green Lantern-inspired Soul

Based on the intergalactic peacekeeper, the Green Lantern-inspired Soul shines with a green and black two-tone exterior paint scheme and is ready for anything, just like the Green Lantern.

Based on the intergalactic peacekeeper known as Green Lantern, the Super Street magazine's wide-body Soul shines with a green and black two-tone exterior paint scheme complete with green mirror-chrome tint on the windows. Super Street's build team lowered the Soul to improve its stance and applied widened wheel wells with one-off 18 x 10.5-inch deep-dish wheels. Traditionally a four-door vehicle, the Soul's back doors have been welded shut to streamline its appearance. Blacked out headlights feature projector beams that glow green. Customized Green Lantern-logo fog lights in the widened front fascia, and green LED lighting further enhance the overall appearance of the Soul – this machine is ready for anything, just like Green Lantern.

A custom rear cargo compartment houses the Green Lantern power battery with his signature lantern logo etched into a clear panel displaying the superhero's oath lit by LEDs. The rear deck also holds a video monitor to display the "We Can Be Heroes" promotional video. Up front, the Soul's steering wheel and front seats were reupholstered with green and black leather and includes the Green Lantern logo stitched into the seat backs. Other interior touches include various dash pieces painted in the green and black scheme.

Cyborg-inspired Forte 5-door

Built by RIDES magazine and based on Cyborg, the half human/half machine superhero for the modern age, the athletic and agile Kia Forte 5-door embodies Cyborg's communications prowess, power and endurance. It features coilover suspension for more aggressive maneuverability and widened custom metal fenders that recall Cyborg's ability to mechanically morph to face any challenge. This robotic road machine sits on 18-inch Rotiform TMB wheels with chrome lip and red anodized bolts. Other exterior elements include a vented air scoop on the hood and side ports with red LED lights. An Aztec silver paint job enhances the fluid lines and balanced proportions of the Forte 5-door, while matching the polished steel of Cyborg's armor.

The vehicle interior consists of red perforated leather and red suede similar to the red glow pulsing from Cyborg's power core. Red and silver trim highlights the Cyborg emblem featured within the interior design. The tablet in the center console reinforces the fact that Cyborg is constantly plugged in—a hub for communication and information. And the JL Audio sound system is another technological enhancement that highlights the fun side of the Justice League's youngest member.

Batman Optima SX Limited

Previously unveiled at New York's Time Warner Center, Kia, DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine worked together to design and build the Batman-inspired Optima. RIDES transformed the exterior with a matte- and piano-black paint scheme, a dramatically lowered coilover suspension and muscular ground effects kit, huge Ksport performance brakes for extreme stopping power, custom-designed 20-inch black wheels with one-of-a-kind Batman-logo center caps and a performance exhaust system. Other exterior modifications include a custom front grille shaped like a batwing that took over 40 hours to create, yellow LED lighting accents throughout the vehicle and the iconic bat signal etched into the SXL's HID headlights.

Moving beneath the cape, the Optima's seating surfaces are costumed in custom black leather and suede with bold yellow accent stitching. Gotham City's streets are full of villains, and this Optima is ready for action at a moment's notice with crime-fighting elements like utility throwing stars installed in the center console.

KMA and DCE Partnership

The partnership between KMA and DC Entertainment was conceived to benefit "We Can Be Heroes", a giving campaign, dedicated to helping fight hunger in the Horn of Africa and inspired by the heroism of the iconic Justice League characters. "We Can Be Heroes" encourages everyday people to join the fight by getting involved and donating to bring help and hope to the people most affected by the hunger crisis. Each vehicle will feature a customized piece of Jim Lee's specially-designed artwork to be auctioned at the conclusion of the program with all net proceeds going to the "We Can Be Heroes" program. The Kia-DC Entertainment partnership includes seven vehicles inspired by the individual super hero characters and will culminate with a fully-drivable, eighth custom car that encompasses each member of the Justice League that will be auctioned off to raise money for the cause. Kia will help to raise awareness for the "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign throughout the partnership through customized "We Can Be Heroes" license plates, signage, collateral materials and in-vehicle video displays.

Stay tuned for more news on this partnership. Now that five vehicles have been seen, there are three more to be unveiled at various auto shows and Comic-Cons over the next several months including Wonder Woman, Superman and a final vehicle that will feature all seven characters of the Justice League to be auctioned off to benefit the "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign.

Courtesy of Kia

2013 Kia Optima Blake Time Travels - 1997 Football

2013 Kia Optima Blake Time Travels - 1995 Free Throws

Maintenance Tip Monday- Go easy when you’re stuck

Go easy when you’re stuck

When stuck in mud or snow, don’t make the problem worse by damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is fine. But if it looks as though you’re really stuck, don’t keep at it. Throwing your car from forward to reverse repeatedly, as well as spinning tires at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for transmissions, clutches, and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow truck rather than risk big repair bills down the road. It’s a good idea to carry a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, or cat litter.

Courtesy of Reader’s Digest

2013 Kia Soul Inspires Photography - In My Mind | Complex

Kia Grabs Brass Ring At Madison Square Garden

Kia Motors America is extending and expanding its deal with Madison Square Garden, wherein Kia becomes a signature partner and official vehicle of the venue. The new partnership should give Kia some of what it has needed for years: awareness, affinity and positive brand perception.

The deal gives Kia a big placement at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, tie-ins with the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers and the New York Liberty, and presence around college basketball and tennis, as well as the Concert Series at The Garden. The partnership also includes an expanded presence for Kia on MSG regional sports networks, MSG and MSG+, and integration on the Garden, Knicks, Rangers and Liberty websites. Also, Kia vehicles will be on show year-round with a custom-built display space in the lobby entrance to the Arena.

Kia's Official Vehicle designation will include branding at the Arena for all associated sports events and the Concert Series. Kia gets digital and static signage throughout the Arena; features on GardenVision, the center-hung scoreboard; and on-court and on-ice branding and promotional contests. Kia will be there for the Concert Series that includes Madonna, Justin Bieber, One Direction, The Who and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Kia will have a presence at all Friday night Knicks and Rangers games as the presenting partner.

Tim Chaney, executive director of marketing communications at Kia, points out that the automaker is not new to the Garden as it has had a seven-year relationship with the Knicks plus sponsorship of the the Rangers NHL team, activated with the New York Kia dealer group. "But this is the whole building all year long for multiple years." Beyond this, Kia is official vehicle of the NBA, and also has separate, individual sponsorship deals with 14 NBA teams. "But this really is the first of this scale for us; being a signature partner gives us exclusivity to select categories," says. He tells Marketing Daily that New York, media central, is the place to have this kind of deal. "And if you are going to have a presence in New York, this is the property to do. He adds that the Garden's multi-year, billion-dollar investment in facility renovation also works as a complement to Kia's own packed vehicle-launch schedule. "We looked at it simply: transformed Kia at the transformed Garden."

There's also a CRM element with Kia customers getting access and experiences with MSG's sports brands and events. The automaker says it will collaborate with the Knicks and Rangers on a number of promotions and events also for Kia customers. Some of the offers include tickets and special experiences at games. As the official vehicle of the Concert Series at The Garden, Kia will also work with MSG on promotions for select concerts.

Dave Kissel, president and CEO of Chicago-based sports-event media network InStadium, says the virtue of a major sponsorship deal like Kia's is that, among other things, it locks out the competition against an audience a marketer determines to be spot-on for its brand. "But even for the most well-funded brands you can't lock up every thing. So even the big guys have to be careful about how and where and when they spend money on sponsorships. But, clearly, sponsorship does work as part of the overall media mix. It's a $23 billion market; clearly, it works."

Indeed, Kia is not the lone auto brand with category-exclusivity in the Big Apple: across the East River, Honda in August became the 10th brand to hitch its star to the new Barclay's Center as a top-tier sponsor, becoming official vehicle of both the Brooklyn Nets and the arena itself. Among other things, Honda will sponsor the Brooklyn Hoops Winter Festival in December.

Courtesy of Media Post Communications (Online)

2013 Kia Soul Inspires Painting - In My Mind

Thank you for this great review, Brian!

"Kids room with Video Games for the kids...stress free for me while getting oil change. Love it!!!" -Brian G.

Maintenance Tip Monday- Clean the inside

Clean the inside:

Vacuum and sponge your interior every time you wash your car. Dirt particles are abrasive, and spilled liquids, such as soda, can be corrosive. Vacuum your interior thoroughly with a powerful vacuum (small cordless models are generally too weak). Use the appropriate wand heads when vacuuming. The bare metal wand can mar and scratch surfaces. Sponge vinyl surfaces clean with a solution of mild detergent and water.

Courtesy of Reader's Digest

2013 Kia Sorento "Love Story" Commercial

Haven't had time to schedule service for your Kia? Wait no longer and make an appointment that fits your schedule with our online scheduler!

Kia vehicles require regular maintenance to keep them operating at their highest level possible. Kia’s factory trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment help provide peace-of-mind for you and whatever your Kia vehicle needs. Click here to schedule your next tune-up!

Kia Motors Teams Up with DC Comics to Fight Hunger in Africa

Kia is joining forces with DC Comics and their team of Justice League superheroes to help fight hunger in Africa. Eight Kia cars will be built to resemble a hero from the Justice League; Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash Gordon, Aquaman, and Cyborg. The cars will be built by several key players in the aftermarket customization industry; West Coast Customs, RIDES magazine, Import Tuner magazine and others. Car builds will be unveiled separately at shows all around the country; SEMA, New York Comicon,.. Etc.

Working with DC Comics each team will be overseen by legendary comic creator/artist Jim Lee. Each vehicle will also feature a customized piece of Lee's specially-designed artwork to be auctioned at the conclusion of the program with all net proceeds going to the "We Can Be Heroes" program.

Courtesy of Import Tuner (Online)

A lot for a little

The base-model Kia Rio SX includes cruise control, Bluetooth wireless technology, SiriusXM radio, a USB port and a back-up camera.

Considering safety, efficiency and fuel economy, the biggest development in the past 10 years is the introduction of affordable subcompact sedans or hatchbacks that offer all the safety features pioneered in the bigger cars.

Air bags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control and crumple zones are now as much a part of sedans selling for $20,000 as those at higher prices.

Last month we reviewed three examples, and last week we tested an additional example the 2012 Kia Rio SX. The $17,500 base-price model includes cruise control, Bluetooth wireless technology, SiriusXM radio, USB and auxiliary ports, and a back-up camera. Wow. If you add the premium package consisting of navigation, Sirius traffic reports, sunroof, heated leather seats and carpeted floor mats all amenities that once were found only in cars costing twice as much the price is still only $20,545. Wow again.

Like most vehicles in this price range, the car is a five-door hatchback with rear seats that can be folded to provide weekend shopping cargo space or room for a bicycle or camping equipment. We liked the styling the designers found ways to make these little cars look trendy rather than funky or bland.

Kia does a nice job of mating a four-cylinder 138-horsepower engine with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. With this drivetrain, the swoop out of the driveway into four-lane traffic could be accomplished with confidence, even if the quiet little engine doesnt offer any aural thrills to the exercise. The handling is also competent almost sporty in the SX version of the Kia, and every bit the equal to the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent, considered the benchmarks in this category.

Then there is that fuel economy 30 mpg in city traffic and 40 mpg on the highway which makes the car quite practical for the student or young professional who commutes to and from campus or work.

With the price of used cars increasing faster than those of new cars, this category of new cars for approximately $20,000 and with five-year warranties is looking attractive indeed.

Courtesy of Los Altos Town Crier (Online)

Saving money has never been so easy, check out this awesome deal!

Click here to claim this coupon!

Kia Brand "Bicycle 2012" Commercial

How to Survive a Tire Blowout

To survive a tire blowout, pretend you're the bad guy in a police chase: Push the gas and drive straight ahead. The shotgun-blast noise of a tire blowout makes most law-abiding drivers do exactly the wrong thing: attempt to slow down quickly and get off the road. With a rear-tire failure, any turning at high speed will likely result in a crash.

I've taught hundreds of drivers how to correctly handle a tire blowout: I sat in the passenger seat and exploded a gaping hole in the tire with plastic explosive. Not one lost control. Here's how they did it.

If a tire blows:

• Squeeze the gas pedal for a couple of seconds. This puts you in control of the car and directs the car straight down the road. It also prevents you from committing the mortal sins of braking and turning. After a couple of seconds, gently and smoothly release the accelerator pedal. The drag force of a completely flat tire is so potent that pushing the gas will not allow the vehicle to go faster.
• Most importantly, drive straight down your lane. Keep your feet away from the brake (or clutch).
• Allow the car to coast down to as slow a speed as is safe (30 mph is good). Engage your turn signal and gently turn toward the shoulder of the road that's on the same side as the blown tire: This lessens your chance of losing control and will make the tire change safer. If the situation requires, you may ever so lightly squeeze the brakes.

Almost all highway blowouts and tread separations occur with the car traveling in a straight line on a very hot day at high speeds with an underinflated tire. The repeated flexing of an underinflated tire causes the failure. Check your tire pressures!

Courtesy of Edmunds

2013 Kia Optima SX Limited "Appealing"

This great deal is going to end soon so don't forget to take advantage of this special offer!

Click here to take advantage of this great offer!

Untitled

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 (Online)

Changing Windshield Wipers

Wiper Tales

Here's a news flash: It's much easier to avoid hitting things you can see. Simple as it is, that's the concept behind replacing your windshield wipers before they fossilize into noisy uselessness.

Fall is the ideal wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking summer and before the fall and winter nastiness. Depending on location, wiper replacement may be an annual affair in the Southwest to a biannual chore in northern climes.

Courtesy of MSN Auto

Kia Provides Vehicles for Drive Breast Cancer Awareness Event

Kia Motors America (KMA) announced today that it has partnered with HerHighway.com, an online site empowering women with bumper-to-bumper automobile knowledge, to supply Kia vehicles for "Drive Breast Cancer Awareness," an across-the-nation drive event, which aims to raise public awareness around breast cancer. The eight-day cross-country road trip will start in Los Angeles on September 25 and finish in New York City on October 2, which marks the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

More than 100 women will participate, including breast cancer survivors, journalists, bloggers and race car drivers Shea Holbrook, Ashley Van Dyke and Melanie Troxel. The vehicles that KMA is providing for the drive include the 2013 Kia Sportage EX, 2013 Kia Soul! (Exclaim) and 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. Along the way, the drivers will make pit stops at various locations to talk about the event and to raise awareness about breast cancer. The public can also follow the drivers via Twitter with the #HerHighway and #Kia hashtags.

"Kia is deeply committed to supporting HerHighway and the 'Drive Breast Cancer Awareness' event which delivers much-needed awareness towards a disease that affects approximately one in eight women in the United States," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Kia vehicles such as the Sportage, Optima and Soul are perfect vehicles for a cross-country road trip, and it is our privilege to provide these vehicles that will help HerHighway get the word out about breast cancer."

The "Drive Breast Cancer Awareness" campaign started in 2011 when its founder Christina Selter, HerHighway's Editor-in-Chief, was diagnosed with possible ALCL, a rare form of liquid breast cancer. Since her diagnosis, Selter's goal has been to bring potentially life-saving information about breast cancer to women across the country through this drive.

Courtesy of Kia

Check out the behind the scenes unofficial "In My Mind" radio edit music video starring the dancers inside the beloved 2013 Kia Soul hamsters!

5 Reasons To Own A Kia

Were big fans of Kia vehicles around these parts, especially the Kia Optima, but we understand that some people might need some convincing to stray from the Big Three American automakers. There are plenty of reasons to buy a Kia, but here are top five.

1.Something for everyone. Kias model lineup is diverse, and features something for all tastes and needs. If youre in need of a traditional family sedan, youll be pleased with the Forte sedan. Got a big family? The Sedona minivan will be more to your liking. If you want the versatility of an SUV, youll want to check out the Sorento and the Sportage. If you want something a bit hipper, the Soul has been making waves. Meanwhile, the Optima is a classier sedan, and is also available as a hybrid. The Forte Koup will appeal to drivers who want something a bit sportier. Were willing to bet that at least one of these has caught your eye.

2.A commitment to innovation. Kia is constantly coming up with innovative concept vehicles. While most of these wont see the roadways, the innovations that they pioneer will contribute to steps forward in Kias lineup.

3.Impressive warranty coverage. When you buy a Kia, youll be able to rest easy knowing that your investment is protected. New Kia vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and 5-year/60,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance coverage.

4.Affordable prices. Youre getting a lot, sure, but Kia vehicles have proven to be some of the greatest automotive bargains available. The 2012 Rio starts out at only $13,900, for instance, while the 2012 Forte starts at $15,200. Want a hybrid, but worried about the up-front cost? The 2012 Optima Hybrid has a base MSRP of only $25,700.

5.Theyre creating jobs in the United States. Kia recently opened their first North American manufacturing facility. Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia began production of the 2011 Sorento in November 2009, and started producing the 2012 Optima toward the end of 2011. When this plant reaches its production peak, it will be making 300,000 Kia vehicles each year.

Courtesy of Vinyl Highway

Check Your Oil!

Checking your car's oil level is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car's engine. In the time it takes to snap into a Slim-Jim, you can use a dipstick. Oil is the life blood of your car. Without it, you wouldn't make it three miles. Follow these quick steps and you'll have one biggie checked off your car's regular maintenance list.

First, make sure you park your car on level ground. You don't want all the oil sloshing to the back while you're checking the dipstick at the front. The dipstick is a long rod that goes deep into your engine to check the oil level. It's usually easy to get to, and should have an orange handle. Most also say OIL on them (or OEL if your car speaks German). Also be sure to park someplace well lit. The pump are of large fueling stations usually have enough light to keep a stadium lit. You don't want to spend 10 minutes stabbing your engine over and over with the dipstick because you can't find the hole, trust me. If it's possible to wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, do it. If you can't it's not a huge issue, you'll still get a fairly accurate reading. With the hood safely propped, pull the dipstick out and wipe the end clean with a towel or rag. Re-insert the dipstick into the engine, making sure it goes all the way in. Now pull it out, but don't turn it upside down to look at it, this makes the oil run upward and ruins your reading. The dipstick will have two marks at the bottom. They are usually either lines or holes in the stick. The oil level can be read by looking to see where the oily part ends and the dry part begins. If it's between the two marks, you're good to go. If it's below the bottom mark, you need to add a quart of oil. Never add more than a quart at once without driving and taking a new reading of the oil level. Overfilling the engine can be messy.

Things To Remember

• Park on level ground.
• Be sure area is well lit.
• Don't add more than a quart of oil at once.

That's it! Five minutes of your time and you're a hero to your happy car. Check your oil as often as you like. Once a month or so is good for a car in decent shape.

Courtesy of http://autorepair.about.com

 

Check Your Oil!

Checking your car's oil level is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car's engine. In the time it takes to snap into a Slim-Jim, you can use a dipstick. Oil is the life blood of your car. Without it, you wouldn't make it three miles. Follow these quick steps and you'll have one biggie checked off your car's regular maintenance list.

First, make sure you park your car on level ground. You don't want all the oil sloshing to the back while you're checking the dipstick at the front. The dipstick is a long rod that goes deep into your engine to check the oil level. It's usually easy to get to, and should have an orange handle. Most also say OIL on them (or OEL if your car speaks German). Also be sure to park someplace well lit. The pump are of large fueling stations usually have enough light to keep a stadium lit. You don't want to spend 10 minutes stabbing your engine over and over with the dipstick because you can't find the hole, trust me. If it's possible to wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, do it. If you can't it's not a huge issue, you'll still get a fairly accurate reading. With the hood safely propped, pull the dipstick out and wipe the end clean with a towel or rag. Re-insert the dipstick into the engine, making sure it goes all the way in. Now pull it out, but don't turn it upside down to look at it, this makes the oil run upward and ruins your reading. The dipstick will have two marks at the bottom. They are usually either lines or holes in the stick. The oil level can be read by looking to see where the oily part ends and the dry part begins. If it's between the two marks, you're good to go. If it's below the bottom mark, you need to add a quart of oil. Never add more than a quart at once without driving and taking a new reading of the oil level. Overfilling the engine can be messy.

Things To Remember

• Park on level ground.
• Be sure area is well lit.
• Don't add more than a quart of oil at once.

That's it! Five minutes of your time and you're a hero to your happy car. Check your oil as often as you like. Once a month or so is good for a car in decent shape.

Courtesy of http://autorepair.about.com

 

Like music? Like videos? Like hamsters? Well, your're in luck. Simply create a 90-second music video for a shot at winning a new Kia Soul.

Bringing Down the House: Official 2013 Kia Soul Hamster Commercial

Make Sure You Take Advantage of this Great Deal!

Click here to take advantage of this special deal!

Kia Soul Named Valedictorian of Student-Friendly Vehicles

As summer begins to wind down and students start to think about purchasing textbooks and meal plans, the subject of a new vehicle for school may come up in many households. Fortunately for parents, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com has made searching for the right ride easier by listing its 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012, with the Kia Soul finishing first thanks to its unique style, functionality and low price tag.

All vehicles on the Best Back-to-School Cars list are available for less than $16,000 according to Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price, making them more affordable for high school and college students, as well as tuition-paying parents. Kia's urban crossover earned its top spot with the help of its refreshed exterior and spacious interior, which includes up to 53.4 cubic-feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded down. The editors at kbb.com also noted the Soul's engine and transmission upgrades for the 2012 model year that boosted power, responsiveness and fuel efficiency.

 

With eight available exterior paint colors, three interior fabric print options and a myriad of accessories from which to choose, the Kia Soul can be suited to a variety of students' tastes. Three different trims offer even more choices, including upgrades like LED positioning lights and power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals. Younger, tech-savvy drivers will also appreciate options like the UVO Powered by Microsoft infotainment system, a rear-camera display and SiriusXM satellite radio, while Bluetooth connectivity is now a standard feature for each 2013 Soul.

Currently available at dealers, the 2013 Kia Soul comes standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and returns 35 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, buyers that upgrade to the 164-horsepower 2.0-liter unit will only lose one mile per gallon in comparison. Though the Soul's mix of responsiveness and efficiency should please students, parents will take comfort in the many standard safety features, including full-length side-curtain airbags and Front Active Headrests that move forward during collisions to prevent whiplash.

Beyond the praise it is receiving from industry experts, the Kia Soul is also proving that it can please its actual owners after their purchase, recently topping the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle category in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The J.D. Power study used surveys of more than 74,000 purchasers and lessees of 2012-model-year vehicles to determine which rides are most gratifying in their segment after 90 days of ownership.

Courtesy of ReadMedia

Warped Tour: Taking Back Sunday, All Time Low Acoustic

10 Best New Cars Under $15,000

It used to be that finding a cheap car meant compromising on quality, but those days are long behind us thanks to the recent surge in well-engineered, ultra-efficient, and stylish subcompact automobiles that have flooded the market. There are now so many good new cars under $15,000 that shopping in this particular segment no longer feels like a consolation prize but rather the chance to slip behind the wheel of a competent and fun automobile that just happens to be affordable.

Let's take a quick look at 10 of the best new cars under $15,000 and see just how far this particular area of the market has come in only a few short years.

01. 2012 Hyundai Accent - MSRP $14,695

Completely redesigned for the current model year, the 2012 Hyundai Accent leads off our look at the top new cars under $15,000. Available as both a sedan and a hatchback model (with the hatch offering a very practical 47.5 cubic feet of total storage space with the second row of accommodations folded forward), the Hyundai Accent's new platform, fresh looks, and strong list of standard equipment have helped to push it even closer to the front of the subcompact pack. Throw in the fact that the 2012 Hyundai Accent's 138 horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine gets 30-mpg in city driving and 40-mpg on the highway and there's a lot to like about this affordable entry-level option.

02. 2013 Chevrolet Spark - MSRP $12,245

The newest entry on this list of the best new cars under $15k is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, a sub-subcompact that is targeted at urban dwellers who need a small, but practical vehicle for occasional use hauling groceries or picking up the slack when public transit just won't get them where they want to go. The Chevrolet Spark is a four-door hatchback that brings with it a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 85 horsepower, and fuel mileage is listed as 32-mpg in stop and go driving and 38-mpg on the highway when the vehicle is ordered with its standard five-speed automatic transmission (a four-speed automatic is optional).

03. 2012 Kia Soul - MSRP $13,900

The 2012 Kia Soul offers some of the most unique styling of the best new cars under $15,000. Square, but hip at the same time, the Kia Soul is a four-door compact crossover that comes with a generous warranty, 53 cubic feet of total interior cargo space, and the availability of options such as Kia's new UVO voice command interface that can control the vehicle's entertainment and communications features. The most inexpensive model of the Kia Soul comes with a 138 horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder motor, while an optional 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit grinds out 164 horses. Transmission choices for the Soul include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic, and fuel mileage for the smaller of the two engines leads the way with a rating of 20-mpg city and 36-mpg highway.

04. 2012 Mazda MAZDA2 - MSRP $14,530

The 2012 Mazda Mazda2 is a subcompact hatchback that is designed to appeal to drivers who are looking to have more than a little bit of fun behind the wheel. Sure, despite its status as one of the best new cars under $15k the Mazda MAZDA2 won't win any drag races (due to its 1.5-liter, 100 horsepower four-cylinder engine), but its chassis has been tuned to provide above average handling for its segment. Fuel mileage checks in at 29-mpg city and 35-mpg highway, and even the base MAZDA2 comes with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and a CD player.

05. 2012 Toyota Yaris - MSRP $14,115

The 2012 Toyota Yaris hatchback is another recipient of a recent redesign, and while the vehicle hasn't changed dramatically it does remain a solid choice as one of the top new cars under $15k for those looking for basic subcompact transportation. 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats might not seem like a lot in this two-door hatch, but the Toyota Yaris can be had in an ultra-affordable L trim that includes a CD player, power door locks, and air conditioning. The Yaris' 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine puts out 106 horsepower, is shifted via either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, and returns fuel mileage of 30-mpg city and 38-mpg highway.

06. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic - MSRP $14,765

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic can be though of as the Spark's bigger brother, one of the best new cars under $15,000 that represents the renaissance of GM's small car program. The Chevrolet Sonic is a comfortable cruiser, can seat as many as five passengers, and is offered in both sedan and hatchback models. The Sonic hatchback delivers 30.9 cubic feet of total cargo space, and the LTZ trim level introduces heated seats, leather-like seat covers, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Chevrolet Sonic additionally offers the choice between two four cylinder engines: a 1.8-liter, and a 1.4-liter turbocharged mill. Each generates 138 horsepower, but the turbo unit provides additional torque and the best fuel mileage of the pair (29-mpg city and 40-mpg highway).

07. 2012 Ford Fiesta - MSRP $13,200

The 2012 Ford Fiesta (again, a sedan / hatchback combination in the subcompact segment) manages to please with its smooth driving experience, its relatively nimble handling, and styling that is extroverted without being obnoxious. The Ford Fiesta stands apart from other good new cars under $15,000 thanks to this all-around performance and the fact that it can be had with high tech goodies such as the Ford SYNC vehicle interface. Underneath the hood, the Fiesta packs a 120 horsepower, 1.6-liter engine that can be paired with the category's first six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (or a five-speed manual), and it offers up fuel mileage of 29-mpg city and 40-mpg highway.

08. 2012 Kia Rio5 - MSRP $13,600

Kia's second entry on this list of the top new cars under $15,000 is the 2012 Kia Rio5, the brand's value-oriented subcompact hatchback. In addition to its 49.8 cubic feet of total storage space with the rear accommodations out of the picture, the Kia Rio5 also comes with air conditioning, satellite radio, a CD player, heated exterior mirrors, and an iPod interface even in its base trim level. The Rio5's 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine is good for a healthy 138 horsepower, transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic, and fuel mileage is rated at 30-mpg around town and 40-mpg highway.

09. 2012 Suzuki SX4 - MSRP $13,859

The 2012 Suzuki SX4 is offered in a variety of body styles, but when talking about the best new cars under $15,000 only the sedan squeaks in under the price limit. The Suzuki SX4 sedan comes in a number of trim levels, and the inexpensive base version features power windows and door locks and not much else - if you want air conditioning and a stereo system, you need to step up to the LE trim. Regardless of what model is ordered, all SX4s come with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that is good for 150 horsepower and fuel efficiency figures of 23-mpg city and 29-mpg highway when ordered with the available continuously-variable automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is standard with the car.

10. 2012 Nissan Versa - MSRP $10,990

The 2012 Nissan Versa is the least expensive car on our list of the best new cars under $15k. In fact, the Nissan Versa sedan is the cheapest vehicle for sale in the United States, a title it has held for several years now. The Versa's large interior makes it an exceptionally comfortable subcompact for those riding in the back seat, and although the base model doesn't offer a lot in terms of standard features it does come with a CD player and air conditioning. The Nissan Versa's 1.6-liter, 109 horsepower four-cylinder engine offers decent fuel mileage of 30-mpg city and 38-mpg highway, figures that it achieves when swapping the entry-level five-speed manual for the sedan's optional continuously-variable automatic.

Courtesy of Autobytel

How To Build A Concept Car - The Downshift Episode 3

Kia models ranked best in class for consumer appeal

Two car models from Kia Motors America, headquartered in Irvine, received the highest scores in a recent study by J.D. Power and Associates for consumer appeal. The Kia Optima and Soul were recognized as two of the most appealing vehicles within their class.

In the "Midsize Car" category, the 2012 Optima ranked highest in a tie with the Volkswagen Passat. The 2012 Soul outclassed other vehicles in the "Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle" group.

The 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout study measures the vehicle buyer's gratification with their recent purchase. Design, layout, performance and content are among the factors taken into consideration. This year's study focused on buyers' needs and preferences to downsize their vehicles without sacrificing quality or amenities.

"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 at KMA.

Owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicles were gathered in the study, along with responses from more than 74,000 new car owners who had purchased a car within 90 days.

"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," Sprague said.

Courtesy of OC Metro (Online)

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.

2012 Kia Smart Move Sales Event

AutoTrader Auto Games Reveal Top Models

Being a top performer in the world of sports means beating some very tough competition. The same applies to building a winning vehicle. The contenders in our Automotive Games exemplify the best vehicles in 10 highly competitive categories, such as luxury, family-friendly and hauling. We considered every new car currently for sale in the U.S., representing automakers from seven different countries: U.S., Germany, Italy, Sweden, U.K., Korea and Japan. Our editors selected one semi-finalist from each country that best fit the key criteria for each category.
The winners were selected by the roughly 16 million car shoppers who visit AutoTrader.com every month. Gold, silver and bronze medalists were selected based on which models received the most views from shoppers.
Kia took silver in the two categories below!
Hauling: SUVs & Crossovers
The most popular haulers among SUVs and Crossovers can not only tow a trailer, but also have plenty of space inside for people and stuff. The gold medalist is the Chevrolet Suburban from the U.S., an SUV with up to three rows of seats or 137.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. Placing second and winning silver for Korea is the Kia Sorento. It also offers up to three rows of seating, and can accommodate 72.5 cubic feet of cargo with all of its seats folded. The bronze medal-winning Range Rover from the U.K. combines luxury with practicality. The two-row Range Rover offers up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

Versatility
Drivers who rely on just one vehicle require versatility. Winners in this event can do it all, offering plenty of space along with efficiency, comfort and value. Taking gold for the U.S. is the newly redesigned Ford Escape. All-wheel drive and turbocharged power are available, but even the base 4-cylinder engine gets up to 31 mpg. The Kia Sorento earns another silver medal for Korea, thanks to its available third-row seat, V6 engine and all-wheel drive. From Japan, the bronze medal-winning Honda CR-V is also newly redesigned. It's available with all-wheel drive and is rated at up to 31-mpg highway.

Courtesy of secure.strategyone.net

Don't forget to take advantage of this special offer!

Click here to take advantage of this special offer.

Kia Wins Three New Design Awards

Ever since Peter Schreyer took control of Kia design, they have been on a roll. Not only his designs gave the company a new face and increased their sales like they wouldnt believe, hes bringing in design awards almost every month. They recently snatched three new awards in the Automotive Brand Contest 2012.

In this contest the Kia GT Concept - revealed at IAA back in 2011 - was chosen as the winner of the concept award, while the new generation Kia Ceed won two titles for exterior and interior design. With the Ceed judged were impressed by the cars styling typically found on a sporty coupe, but space and functionality of a five-door hatch.

Ceed design features include chrome-framed glasshouse and muscular lines on the bonnet, complemented inside by an ergonomic, driver-oriented control panel and refined interior. In the case of the GT, which is a far cry from anything weve ever seen with a Kia badge on it, it was inspired by 1970s grand tourers, and combines supple, muscular proportions with a sophisticated, elegant four-seat interior.

Kia is still striving at design and hasnt even reached its peak yet. The recently revealed 2013 Kia Forte is another example of this progress.

Courtesy of Motorward (Online)

Warped Word of Steve: Days Off on Warped

Don't forget to take advantage of this special offer!

Click here to take advantage of this special offer!

2014 Kia Forte Sedan Previewed in New Renderings

[[posterous-content:pid___0]]Kia's international press site previewed what it calls the K3 sedan this morning, but it included an extra piece of information: the K3 sedan will also go by Cerato and Forte, which means an all-new Forte is headed to American dealers in the near future.

The Cerato and Forte have long been the same thing, but European markets ditch the Forte sedan in favor of the similarly sized Cee'd hatchback. We first saw the new Cee'd at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show this March, at which point we wondered when the Forte/Cerato would receive its updates. A set of drawings posted to Kia's international press site tagged Cerato (Forte) would suggest that those updates are coming very soon.

Anyone familiar with - or a fan of - Kia's next generation of design language will instantly recognize this as a Kia. The new Cerato features the next generation of Kia's tiger grille, flanked by blocky headlights that ape those on the larger Quoris/K8 sedan. The sloping character line gives the sedan an arched stance, and extends all the way around the back of the car, through the Optima-like taillights and trunklid, back to the front.

It's too early to predict anything about what'll end up under the hood, but the current U.S.-market Forte is powered either by a 2.0-liter I-4 making 156 hp or a 2.4-liter I-4 making 173 hp and mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Kia promised a first look at the new K3 in the flesh later this year, which would suggest that a Cerato will follow. Kia's American press office confirmed that the Cerato will come here as the Forte, but couldn't say exactly when. At this point it looks like the Forte is headed towards an early-2013 U.S. debut, which would set the car up to reach Kia dealers by the 2014 model year.

Courtesy of MotorTrend Magazine

Live at The Kia Soul Lounge: We Are The Ocean

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

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.

Courtesy of Auto Media

Changing an Air Filter

Air Filter

This project should cost you about $10, requires no tools and about 10 minutes of your time. You should do this every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Here's what you do:

1. Find your filter under the hood of your car in a black rectangular box with metal clips on the side. If you don't see this when you pop the hood, just check your owner's manual.
2. Remove the old air filter and insert the new one in the same position that the old one was in.
3. Close the metal clips when you're finished.
4. You're done! To earn extra savings in the long run, try hitting your new air filter with some compressed air to clean out debris from time to time.

2013 Kia Optima SX Limited Commercial Video Ad

Spied: Kia’s Mazda 5-Sized People Mover

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE We spotted this camouflaged Kia test vehicle near our offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan — which is no surprise given that Hyundai and Kia have a joint technical center on the outskirts of the city. This model appears to be a new people mover, slightly smaller than a minivan but without the typical proportions of an SUV.

Our spy photographer informs us that the Kia was approximately the same size as a Mazda 5, which is a seven-passenger vehicle that is about two feet shorter than every other minivan sold in America. The Kia’s fascia wears the wide, rounded mesh grille seen on other new models like the Rio and Optima. The rear doors are quite long, presumably to make for easier access, while the roofline curves only subtly toward the rear window.

We believe this is a new version of the Kia Carens people mover, which is sold in several foreign markets. As with the almost-identical prototype we spied in Europe, the new vehicle is probably based on the European-market Kia Cee’d. The Cee’d hatchback and wagon ride on a very similar platform to the Hyundai Elantra, and that platform sharing could make it easier for Kia to federalize a Cee’d-based people mover for the U.S. market.

Courtesy of Automobilemag