2014 Kia Forte - First Photos

Although offering no new facts regarding its platform mechanicals or powertrain components, we now have confirmation of what we'll see in the exterior redesign of the new-for-2014 Kia Forte. Like the teaser illustrations released earlier, these official factory photos show the automaker's global best-selling model will introduce an even edgier interpretation of Kia's current design language.

The automaker has confirmed that the 2014 Forte is longer, lower and wider than the vehicle it replaces, and that this compact front-drive sedan will arrive with a more spacious and even better appointed passenger compartment. Collectively, those attributes should help it meet the ever-intensifying challenge of primary foes like the Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla as well as its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Elantra. On sale here early next year, the 2014 Kia Forte sedan will ultimately be joined by a coupe and a 5-door hatchback with at least some version or versions expected to boast a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg or better.

 

Courtesy of KBB.com

Happy Monday fans, here is Monday Maintenance tip for you!

Tired Tires

Tires wear out, but they also time out. The tire industry says tires are toast after five years, but they're selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. There's little argument from any pundits that after seven years those black donuts are dried and better off holding down a farmer's tarp than carrying your family around. If you're not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped into the sidewall.

The new 2013 Kia Optima SX is limitless! Take a glimpse of the stylish midsize sedan with 18" chrome wheels and an electronic parking brake and prepare to be amazed.

2014 Kia Forte Teased Ahead Of 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

The current Kia Forte, known as the Cerato in other markets, is a pleasantly styled and attractively priced alternative to the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in the compact segment. Penned in Kia's California design studio, the current Forte first launched in sedan trim as a 2010 model and was later joined by new coupe and hatchback bodystyles.

While not unattractive, the current Forte lacks the design flair of the newer Kia Optima or even its C'eed cousin sold overseas, which doesn't help the Korean compact stand out in its class.

The car you see here is the all-new 2014 Kia Forte, in its sedan bodystyle, which is set to make its official world debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show in November before going on sale shortly after.

You can really see the resemblance in the front end, as the new Forte embraces Kia's bolder winged grille and aggressive character line design motifs. The lower valence looks familiar, too, with the same exaggerated openings for fog lights.

Charged with penning the rather stylish look is Kia design boss Peter Schreyer, who has introduced a much more premium look to Kia's lineup, with his most recent design being the K9 (recently renamed Quoris) flagship sedan.

The 2014 Forte is said to be longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model, which should promise more space inside, and will once again come in the choice of sedan, coupe and hatch bodystyles.

The current Forte features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering fuel economy as high as 27/36 mpg city/highway. We suspect a drivetrain with similar specifications will be offered in the new generation.

The Forte is one of Kia's most important models. With sales of 445,000 units worldwide in 2011, the compact car is Kia's most popular model and by the looks of this new generation should continue that tradition.

Courtesy of MotorAuthority.com

Welcome back to the work week fans! Here is a Monday Maintenance Tip for you!

Brakes need to be replaced when the lining on your brake pad or brake shoe is worn down past the minimum thickness specified by the car manufacturer or state law. You can have your brake linings checked at any normal service shop or at a brake specialist.

Hey fans, we want to know, where is your ultimate vacation destination? Is it a tropical paradise? Or a European adventure? Let us know!

Rio Bravo: Upgraded 2013 Kia Rio SX Coming This Fall

With the new Kia Optima SX Limited signaling some definite upscale aspirations in the midsize sedan segment, the 2013 Kia Rio SX—in both sedan and hatchback configurations—will start showing a similar approach to the subcompact category when it arrives this fall. Now, the SX designation isn’t new. In fact, it’s been the name of Kia’s range-topping trim level for years. But what is new is a much higher level of amenities that should help draw customers away from cars like the Ford Fiesta Titanium and give Kia an early foothold in the near-premium subcompact niche.

2013 Kia Rio SX: Features and Functions

Perhaps the biggest enhancement to the SX package for the 2013 model year is the addition of Kia’s UVO telematics system as a standard feature. UVO is sort of the Kia equivalent of Ford SYNC, and in the Rio SX it will provide voice control over the car’s audio and phone functions, including online music streaming and hands-free calling. It won’t offer access to mobile apps in the way SYNC AppLink does on the Fiesta Titanium, but the UVO system on the Rio SX does provide an integrated rearview camera, something that’s missing on the Ford.

Other Rio SX advantages over the Ford include a standard six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters—the Fiesta Titanium’s standard transmission is a five-speed manual—and sporty-looking metal pedals, which are optional on the Ford.

Then there’s the kind of premium creature comforts one would expect from a top-of-the-line entry, such as a leather interior, Kia’s Supervision meter cluster, a soft-touch dash, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a subtle application of chrome around the grille. Kia designers also made a notable effort to brighten up the vehicle’s light treatments. Thus, the Rio SX wears standard fog lights and new automatic on/off headlights, and showcases LED illumination for its positioning lights, taillights and front accent lights. Dual exhaust tips and the de rigueur sport-tuned suspension are part of the price of admission, too.

With this feature list, it’s no surprise there aren’t many options on the 2013 Kia Rio SX, but a power/tilt sunroof, heated front seats, push-button start and a nav system are among the available add-ons. And it’s worth pointing out that the seat warmers and easy-start system are standard on the Fiesta Titanium.

Also, even though drivers shouldn’t expect any powertrain changes in the Rio SX, the good news is that that means they can expect the same EPA marks of 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway achieved by the rest of the Rio lineup.

Courtesy of Autobytel.com

When's the last time you had your car serviced? Make sure your car is in tip top shape and schedule your next maintenance appointment with Bert Ogden Kia!

Click here to schedule your next appointment!

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Review

If you haven’t been following what the South Koreans are doing, it might look like they have come from nowhere and taken the automotive world by storm. Kia, which is owned by Hyundai Motor Group has been steadily moving up the automotive ladder in a number of key areas. The quality of their cars has improved significantly, they are bringing new cars to market quicker than any other manufacturer and they are building stylish vehicles. The Kia Optima is a good example of what the South Koreans have been able to do.

When you think of family sedans, the first word most people associate with them is dull or boring. The 2012 Kia Optima is anything but dull. It is sleek, aggressive and modern. Although it doesn’t get many changes for the 2012 model year, it doesn’t need any. The big news this year; the 2012 Optima adds a Hybrid version to the lineup.

Hybrid technology

The all-new 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid ($25,700) uses a 2.4-liter Inline 4 Atkinson cycle gas engine that produces 166 horsepower. The Hybrid’s gas engine is connected by a wet clutch to an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor producing 40 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.

The 270V lithium-polymer (Li-PB) battery that powers the electric motor is state-of-the-art. Hyundai says that compared to a nickel metal hydride system, this 95-pound Li-PB system is 20-30 percent lighter, 40 percent smaller, holds a charge 25 percent longer, is 10 percent more efficient, and offers twice the power density.

The Optima Hybrid can be driven in full-electric mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour. Hyundai says when the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions. We didn’t experience this in the week of testing the Hybrid. A unique Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation up to 12 miles per hour, to help notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.

Optima Hybrid features

Outside, Optima Hybrid ($25,700) comes loaded with extra features like 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, a rear spoiler, and LED taillamps. Inside, there’s an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, electric dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with Smart Key, and Sirius radio. The Hybrid also offers a Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system with its audio system, incorporating Bluetooth and back-up camera, and Infinity’s deluxe 12-speaker audio system.

The Hybrid’s Premium Technology Package ($5350) adds 17-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, panoramic sunroof, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID head lights with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink and compass, a navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic, and the premium Infinity audio system.

More Hybrid features inside

The 2012 Optima Hybrid features a display on the instrument panel with flowers that grow in the Eco mode. The driver can watch the bouquet grow which means the driver is being as green as possible while driving. In the center of the instrument cluster, a display shows average and instant fuel mileage, with blue bars that move with the throttle position and scores the driver’s efficiency. An Eco guide with white, green and red zones flows back and forth between the wheels, battery, and engine, and is more of a distraction than anything very useful.

Optima Hybrid performance

The Optima Hybrid is reasonably powerful. The gas engine and electric motor have enough power and torque to move the new hybrid sedan quickly. Because it’s a hybrid, there is no plug-in, so you just fill it up with gas and go. The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 35/40 miles per gallon city/highway. But these are just estimates and in real-world driving, the Optima Hybrid won’t match these numbers. The only way to hit those numbers is to drive at 60 mph in Eco mode. That’s not very realist for most drivers. Expect more like 33/35 city highway if you drive normal.

The 2012 Optima Hybrid uses a six-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission. The transmission is programmed for optimum fuel-mileage and not performance. The Hybrid transmission has a bit of hesitation when needing to accelerate quickly while in traffic. If you want performance, the Optima with the 2.0-liter turbo is the car for those who like to drive.

For 2012, the Kia Optima lineup includes three different models, each with distinctive characters. The base Optima EX is great for families, the fast and silky Turbo for sport minded drivers, and the new Hybrid which offers the best fuel mileage. The South Koreans are catching up fast to the competition and may have passed them in styling and sportiness.

Courtesy fo AutomoBlog.com

Hello fans! Here is a money-saving car care tip for you!

Giving your car a good cleaning helps preserve the paint by removing road grime and residues that can eat through the finish. The time spent hand washing a car gives you a close-up view of every body panel, so you can spot scratches, chips, and dings you may not have otherwise noticed.

We want to know about your first day on the open road. Do you remember your first day being able to drive by yourself? Any memorable experiences from going solo?

Kia Dubstep Contest final round held in Warsaw, Poland. Tens of thousands of people gathered around and gave their support to the contestants. Watch the Kia Dubstep Contest full video and share with your friends.

Don't miss this great deal from Bert Ogden Kia! Come in and get your oil changed, tires rotated and brakes inspected all for one low price!

Kia Motors America Completes Best First Half Sales in Company History with Record June Performance

Kia Motors America's (KMA) unprecedented momentum and growth reached new heights last month with best-ever June sales of 51,326 units, a 13.9-percent increase over the same period last year, contributing to the brand's best quarter ever of 150,647 units – topping more than 150,000 units in a three month period for the first time. Kia's streak of consecutive monthly sales records extended to 22 months, and the brand's historic second quarter performance capped off the best first half in company history with year-to-date sales up 17.8 percent.

The record-setting June sales were highlighted by continued healthy demand for the brand's two U.S.-built* products – the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) – with Optima surpassing the 70,000 unit mark. Consumers also continued to turn to Kia for fuel efficient vehicle choices such as the Soul urban passenger vehicle, which was honored as a segment winner in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) in June. In total, Kia vehicles that achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway² accounted for 78 percent of June sales.

"Kia has been setting one sales record after another for nearly two years, and the ongoing popularity of our two U.S.-built products as well as the Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms and dramatically raised awareness, perception and consideration for the brand in a very short period of time," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "Kia offers discerning shoppers a standout combination of world-class design and quality, outstanding fuel efficiency, advanced technologies and tremendous value, and with more new products arriving in the next year, we will continue to draw new customers into our showrooms to look at Kia for the first time."

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking . Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's valueand technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Courtesy of Kia Media

Hey fans, here is a Monday car care tip!

Rotate tires every 6,000 miles to prevent uneven wear, replace them when they become worn and have the alignment checked if the car pulls to either side when driving or if you notice uneven tire wear. This way your tires will be running smoothly all the time!

Introducing the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited with 18" chrome wheels, LED lighting, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, an electronic parking brake and sport-tuned suspension. What more could you ask for?

The 4th of July is almost here! Do you have any special 4th of July traditions that you are going to partake in tomorrow?

Kia Motors' Range-Topping Optima SX Limited Arrives in Dealerships

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The 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited (SXL), which is the new top-tier trim level of the ultra-popular midsize Optima sedan line, is now arriving in dealerships with an MSRP under $35,0002. First introduced at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the upscale Optima Limited went into production at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia* in early-June and builds on the Optima SX's existing foundation of class-leading horsepower3 and fuel efficiency4 while adding a number of exclusive design and feature upgrades, including: 18-inch chrome wheels, red brake calipers, LED lighting and exterior brightwork. Within, the SXL boasts high-grade Nappa leather seating trim, rich wood grain accents and an electronic parking brake, which is exclusive to this trim level.

"With the arrival of the Optima SXL, the Kia brand propels itself into a more premium class, which is something consumers have told us they want to see when they walk into our showrooms," said Tom Loveless, executive vice president of sales, KMA. "This Optima shows buyers that value and upscale character need not be mutually exclusive. For this reason, the SXL stands apart from traditional competitors in the midsize segment."

The SXL trim arrives on the heels of the Optima's record-breaking sales success and exceptional residual value from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG), the industry benchmark for residual values and a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. Contrary to conventional industry residual value trends, the Optima's residual values improved for MY12 and again for MY13 following its launch as a 2011 model. Specifically, the Optima SX trim's notable rating of 57-percent of original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for 24 months of ownership is a full 10 points higher than the previous year.

The Optima SXL is based on the fully loaded turbocharged Optima SX, which Edmunds' Inside Line hailed as an "Editors' Most Wanted℠" mid-sized sedan. Including destination and handling, the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Optima SXL is $35,275. Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima SXL features many luxury details, including LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler and lower door sills, and wood interior trim. Standout red brake calipers can be seen through the Optima SXL's uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers class-leading 274 horsepower5 and achieves 22/34 mpg6 (city/hwy).

Inside the cabin, high-grade black or white Nappa leather adorns the seats, door panels, center console armrest and center fascia trim for a premium feel. Wood accents can be found on the steering wheel, interior door trim and shift knob, and a black tricot fabric lends a premium feel to the headliner, sun visor, and A, B and C pillars. The Optima SXL also boasts an electronic parking brake, which is offered exclusively on this uplevel trim. A first-aid kit and cloth door weather strip round out the SXL package.

Like every Optima, the SXL projects a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic with a sleek silhouette, aggressive stance and sculpted elements that embodies the styling language chief design officer Peter Schreyer has created for the brand. Every 2013 Optima comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, and the Optima SXL builds on the technology, performance and convenience features found on the Optima SX, including: unique front and rear lower bumper design, sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, Supervision™ meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals, illuminated door scuff plates, panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory, four-way power front passenger's seat, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic™7 and Infinity®8 audio system and speakers.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality9 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking10. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of Kia Media