Bringing Down the House: Official 2013 Kia Soul Hamster Commercial

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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

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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)