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!