The Kia Hamsters are at it again in the new Kia Soul Commercial!

Check out their latest adventure!

2012 Kia Rio EX with Stop-Start Technology

Unlike in Europe and Asia, many Americans have never preferred to drive small cars, but as gas prices have been rising, that is beginning to change. In fact, the sub-compact market is expected to double by 2015, creating increased brand loyalty and Kia has become a trailblazer in the eco/green segment of the automotive industry by introducing the first affordable vehicles in the U.S. to offer "Stop-Start" technology, which cleverly shuts off the engine, instead of letting the car unnecessarily idle. The gas saving system quickly and automatically restarts when accelerating.

The Kia Rio 5-Door is a subcompact hatchback that has stylish contours, an attractive style, spacious front and rear cabin, and a well designed interior that seats five adults comfortably and has high tech features that you would expect in luxury cars, but without the "luxury" price tag.

After undergoing a major makeover, the new Kia Rio is better than ever and can complete with many of the top subcompact cars in the industry with its high sculpted lines, distinctive grille, and aerodynamic spoiler. The Rio has been designed to offer a complete blend of quality, world-class design, safety features, safety, fuel efficiency, and state of the art technology that is practical and affordable.

The Idle Stop & Go feature is available in many luxury vehicles, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche, but now it is also available in the Kio Rio yielding 31 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, benefiting drivers who daily commute in heavy stop/go traffic in urban areas. The $400 system includes a battery, heavy duty starter, and adds 7% mpg city efficiency. The Idle Stop & Go (ISG) switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a full stop and restarts when accelerating. The system is very consistent, but I noticed some pedestrians look at the car when they hear the engine restart.

All Rios are powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection 4-cylinder engine that delivers 138 horsepower, 123 lb-ft of torque, and come with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is quick, the brakes have great modulation, and the new transmission and engine deliver impressive fuel economy. The interior front cabin boasts of plush materials, uncluttered controls, legible displays, and illuminated three-dial cluster behind the steering wheel. The seats are comfortable and supportive and there is plenty of headroom and legroom for taller passengers in both the front and rear cabin.

Standard features include power windows, a height-adjustable driver's seat, sliding center console, and trip computer available at a starting MSRP of only $14,095. The EX trim offers push-button ignition, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, heated steering wheel, a cooling glove box, satellite radio. You can get all of this and more with the EX Luxury trim for less than $21,000.

All of Kia's models include a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty, 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, and a 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour roadside assistance.

The new 2012 Kia Rio EX 5DR Hatchback with Stop-Start Technology offers great value in its class with features that rival top competitors.

I found the Kio Rio to be very comfortable, easy to drive, picks up quickly, and handles highways with ease. It is the kind of car that is great for young and old alike. It is also inexpensive and has a unique style.

If you have been looking for a vehicle that is stylish, comfortable, fun to drive, and affordable, then I highly recommend that you check out the new 2012 Kia Rio EX 5DR Hatchback.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Voices (online)

2012 Kia Soul Named A "Top Tailgating Car For 2012" By Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com

With football season about ready to kickoff, the 2012 Kia Soul has added another accolade to its already crowded collection by being named to the "10 Best Tailgating Cars of 2012" list by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, a leading provider of new and used car information. Lauded for its cargo room, storage zones and top-of-the-line audio system, the Soul is an ideal vehicle for shuttling friends, family and food to the stadium and back. Kia's popular urban passenger vehicle has been on quite a run while football teams toiled through training camp, being named a segment winner in the recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) and nabbing the top spot on KBB.com's "10 Best Back-to-School Cars in 2012" list.

"Being named to the 'Top Tailgating Cars' list by KBB.com speaks to the Soul's functionality and versatility and its eye-catching styling, and flashing speaker lights help tailgate organizers and their guests make an impression in stadium parking lots for a wide-variety of social activities," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America. "With its roomy interior, large cargo space, exceptional sound system and IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' status, Soul drivers can feel safe and secure on their way to and from the game this season."

Editors from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com evaluate nearly all new vehicles on the road each year, and they selected the 10 offerings they felt best met the needs and wants of tailgaters to create this year's list of the Best Tailgating Cars.

"Hamsters. Dancing Hamsters. The advertising message couldn't be clearer: the Kia Soul is here to rock the party," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "With 19 cubic feet of cargo room and an optional 350-watt Infinity audio system featuring speaker surrounds that flash in sync with the music, we think the Soul is one of the 10 Best Tailgating Cars available this year."

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 [2] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[3]. 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.

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[4]. 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 Reuters

Wouldn't you love to cruise down the street in this all-new 2012 Kia Soul? It can be all yours! Be sure to stop by Bert Ogden Kia today for a test drive.

Click Here for Details!

Quick Drive: 2013 Kia Optima SXL

The Kia Optima SXL is a handsome vehicle, both inside and out. Our Snow White Pearl tester looked especially classy, and the black and chrome accents didn’t make it look too gaudy. Even with the eighteen-inch chrome wheels—a part of the Limited Package that comes with the SXL—it didn’t look at all offensive, and actually appeared to be a tasteful use of the shiny stuff. Even the housings for the (power folding) side mirrors look nice on this car. Plus, the Limited gets a set of LED daytime running lights and red brake calipers to help set it apart form the rest of the crowd in a subtle yet fashionable way.

The interior of the Optima SXL is a nice place to spend time. The leather seats are heated in front and back, and the power front seats also have a cooling option included—a really nice feature for those Nappa chairs on a hot summer day. The leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel feel nice in hand, and the wood grain on the top section of the tiller sparkles pleasantly in the sun. The paddle shifters on the back of the wheel don’t feel particularly substantial, but they are easy to reach and use.

 

The turbocharged Optima feels quick, and has no trouble at all reaching highway speeds or getting around other cars. Despite having 274 turbocharged horsepower, the power delivery of the 2.0-liter engine feels nicely stable. It doesn’t really exhibit lag or peaks when climbing the rev ladder, but rather pushes the car to speed smoothly and predictably. Its tidy delivery of power means that occupants experience smooth acceleration that doesn’t sacrifice promptness. Also, when driven around town, the power is really easy to manage, offering civil driving that requires no concentration to get right. Plus, being able to drive the car sanely and smoothly will only help to reach its stated 22/34-mile-per-gallon fuel economy figures.

 

In the corners, the Optima behaves itself the way a classed-up family sedan should. There isn’t a lot of body roll, and what movement there is helps to suss out proximity to the grip limits. Turn-in isn’t super sharp, and the steering feels tuned to offer a smoother turning experience rather than a twitchier response one associates with more sport-minded vehicles. The little bit of play on-center feels appropriate, and doesn’t require a lot of corrections when cruising in a straight line at high speeds.

 

So, once again, Kia is proving that it is a brand not to be glossed over by those looking for a high-quality car. The Optima SXL is fairly fast and fun, very comfortable, and extremely rich in content. The one drawback to the Limited, though, is that it comes with a bit of a hefty price tag. Starting at $34,500 before delivery, it includes the Premium Touring Package, Technology Package, and Limited Package, meaning you’re not going to have to tack on anything else to be happy with the car. Still, one can get into a turbocharged Optima for a base price of $26,800. At the SXL’s base price, you’re just two grand shy of a BMW 3-Series. It kind of makes you rethink your priorities, doesn’t it?

 

Courtesy of Winding Road Magazine

Happy Monday fans! Here is a Monday maintenance tip for you!

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.

For nearly 9 months, Motor Trend followed the KIA design team as they worked to create their racing-inspired Track'ster concept. Watch the video below to see how they did it!

Know a deal when you see it? Then lock in this 2012 Kia Forte today!

Click Here for Details!

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)

Hey fans! When the roads get wet driving conditions can get dangerous, here is a tip to help you in case you ever get stuck in a skid!

Handling a skid

• Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience. You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Brake before entering the curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. If you find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This procedure, known as "steering into the skid," will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you "steer into the skid."

Buying a Kia is always a smart move, and right now it's even smarter, during the Kia Smart Move Sales Event.

Don't miss out on these great deals from Kia! They won't be around for long so take advantage of them now.

Click here to view the August incentives from Kia!

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Combines High Style And Practicality With Impressive Fuel Economy

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid gas-electric sedan offers a good combination of comfort, practicality, style, performance and high fuel economy.

The mid-size Optima Hybrid is rather large, as are many current mid-size sedans, and its racy looking body has a roomy interior.

However, the coupe-like styling results in narrow rear door openings and poor visibility through the rear window. (The optional rear camera display thus is a good idea.) The small rear "lip" spoiler is so nicely integrated into the styling that you have to look twice to notice it. But too bad the gas/electric hybrid system prevents use of dual exhausts with shiny outlet tips-always a nice touch for a racy looking car.Although the trunk is generally large, with a wide opening, the hybrid system prevents rear seatbacks from flipping forward to allow more cargo room.This reasonably priced $25,700 front-drive Optima Hybrid is based on the Hyundai Sonata, but the two cars share no exterior body panels. But keep in mind that the low front end can be damaged by high curbs and such.

A high beltline (where the body meets the side windows) prevented me from driving with my elbow out the window at a comfortable angle. The beltline also makes the rear seat feel somewhat low.

The 206-horsepower Optima Hybrid delivers an estimated 35 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on highways. Go easy with the accelerator pedal and the car will accelerate without using gas.

Other Optima models have regular gasoline-only engines. The hybrid system in the Optima Hybrid works fairly seamlessly, but isnt among the best. Its hooked to a responsive six-speed automatic transmission with an easily used manual-shift feature.

Performance is strong. Merging into fast freeway traffic and 65-80 mph passing on highways are brisk.

The electric power steering is quick, but has an artificial feel. The ride is supple, and handling is good-although not in the sports-sedan class. The brakes stop the Optima Hybrid quickly and surely, controlled by a pedal with a linear action.

Standard items include dual-zone automatic temperature control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, cruise control, pushbutton start, adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, keyless entry and power windows, door locks and outside mirrors.

Options include the backup camera, navigation system, panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, upscale audio system and power folding outside mirrors, along with larger (17-inch vs. 16-inch) tires with alloy wheels.

Also optional are heated and cooled front seats and heated outboard rear seats, heated steering wheel and power front driver and passenger seats.

There are plenty of safety items. They include full-length side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, hill-start assist and traction and electronic stability controls. The large outside mirrors have turn-signal indicators.

Backing up the car is a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, along with a roadside assistance program.

The quiet interiors backlit gauges can be quickly read even in bright sunlight, easily used controls and plenty of storage areas. Cupholders are conveniently placed up front in the console and found in the large fold-down rear center armrest. All doors have storage pockets and beverage holders.

The trunk has old-style hinges, but the lined hood is held open by a gas strut. Components in the crowded engine compartment look as if they should be tackled only by a knowledgeable Kia mechanic.

Several folks said they initially thought my test jet-black Optima Hybrid was a high-class German or Japanese sports sedan. They said it should cost considerably more than it does.

Price: $25,700

On the TFLcar.com recommendation scale of:

- Buy it

- Lease it

- Rent it or

-Forget it

I recommend that you Buy It!

Courtesy of TheFastLaneCar.com

Welcome back to the work week fans! Here’s a tip to help you drive home after those late nights at the office.

Make it easy for others to see you

Be sure all exterior vehicle lights work properly. In case of a vehicle breakdown, pull completely off the road beyond the end of the guardrail, if possible, and turn on emergency flashers.

Welcome to Warped Rides! A little web series filmed on Warped Tour that gives you a sneak peak at how your favorite artists live out on the road. Watch the video below and see for yourself!

Come on in to Bert Ogden Kia and receive an oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection all for the low price of $39.95! Don't miss out on this great offer!