Tag: kia

It’s Back: The 2014 Kia Sedona Minivan

2014 Kia Sedona Available at VanDevere Kia in Akron Ohio

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-kia-sedona-rises-from-the-dead-same-as-it-ever-was/
By  Steven J. Ewing
 

Don’t throw away your car seats just yet, Korean minivan enthusiasts – the Kia Sedona is back on the market. If you recall, Kia killed its minivan offering at the end of 2012 (there was never a 2013 model). But here’s what’s making us scratch our heads: Despite the fact that Kia did confirm that the Sedona would eventually be back, we were under the impression that it would return with a proper replacement for the aging van. (Earlier reports suggested something along the lines of that cool KV7 concept.) Instead, the reincarnated Korean minivan you see here is, well, the same as it ever was. Consider our buzz killed.

That’s not to say there haven’t been a couple of delightfully refreshed bits thrown into the new package. For starters, the Sedona wears a slightly updated schnoz with a redesigned grille, LED positioning lamps and standard foglamps inside the reworked lower fascia. (If we’re honest, the Kia looks a bit Ford Windstar-ish from the front three-quarter angle.) There’s a new 17-inch wheel design for the 2014 model year, and aside from a couple enhancements to the interior in terms of storage, that short list rounds out the full extent of the new updates.

All Sedonas are powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 that debuted in the 2011 model, producing 269 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ratings fall in at a rather mediocre 17/24 miles per gallon (city/highway).

Pricing starts at $25,900 for the base LX model with 16-inch wheels and a cloth interior, while upmarket EX vans with leather and 17-inch wheels command $30,900 – both prices exclude $850 for destination. That’s sort of a bargain, considering that the segment-leading Honda Odyssey will run you something like $45,000 when fully decked out.

 

Younger Drivers Choosing Brands Like Kia & Chevy Over Toyota & Honda

Younger Generations Choosing Brands Like Kia And Chevy Over Honda And Toyota
 
By  Zach Bowman
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/younger-buyers-leaving-japanese-for-south-korean-american-brand/

 

Edmunds has taken a closer look at the buying habits of young adults. As it turns out, Gen X and Gen Y buyers are increasingly eschewing Japanese brands in favor of South Korean and American automakers. Five years ago, that wasn’t the case, with more than half of all young buyers flocking to brands like Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mazda. But the U.S. has made up quite a bit of ground in recent years by producing inexpensive and fuel efficient small cars that appeal to a younger audience. Likewise, Hyundai and Kia have sharpened their small car games as well, and are now making more credit available to younger customers.

Those efforts have begun to pay dividends. While Japanese brands have seen their share of 18-24 year-old buyers slide by 9.8 percent between 2008 and 2012, domestic automakers have enjoyed a 1.9 percent increase. South Korean brands, meanwhile, have enjoyed the largest jump, with a 6.8 percent increase over the same time period. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Kia Soul Named Best Car Deal Under $15,000

Kia Soul Named Best Car Deal Under $15,000 - Get Yours At VanDevere

 

http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/5553/readers-digest-names-kia-soul-best-car-deal-under-15000

 

 

IRVINE, Calif., March 7, 2013 – Kia Motors America (KMA) has been one of the fastest-growing car companies in the United States over the last five years1, and its top-selling urban passenger vehicle, the Soul, adds another award to the collection after being named one of the “Best Car Deals Under $15,000” by Reader’s Digest.  Announced in the March issue of Reader’s Digest, five cars were awarded this distinction with the Soul standing out for its innovative design and technological advancements.

“The Soul is the vehicle that sparked Kia’s design led transformation back in 2009, and it has been a runaway hit ever since,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Inclusion in the Reader’s Digest list is another great honor for Kia, recognizing our funky urban passenger vehicle’s winning combination of technology and value.  It’s gratifying that the vehicle that jumpstarted our unprecedented growth continues to resonate so well.”

The Soul was named the best car for high-tech drivers, with Reader’s Digest editors noting that the base model offers customers Bluetooth®2 hands free connectivity and USB connections for audio and recognizing the Eco package for its focus on efficiency.

Reader’s Digest aims to enrich our readers’ lives by helping them navigate and discover high-quality products in the marketplace,” said Liz Vaccariello, editor-in-chief and chief content officer, Readers Digest.  “We chose the Kia Soul for tech-savvy drivers, based on its value, amenities, design and that it’s packed with new technology that will help simplify their lives.”

About the 2013 Soul
Refreshed for the 2013 model year the Soul features technology and styling upgrades, bringing a new level of cool with enhanced power and efficiency. New for 2013 are power-folding side mirrors, darkened chrome around the signature grille, upgraded leather on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, standard Bluetooth® wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and cruise control. The Soul now offers Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology as part of the Eco Package which senses when the vehicle is stopped and shuts off the engine to maximize efficiency and results in reduced engine load and less fuel consumption.

Kia’s Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the 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 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year. 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.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

About Reader’s Digest
Reader’s Digest simplifies and enriches consumers’ lives by discovering and expertly selecting the most interesting ideas, stories, experiences and products in health, home, family, food, finance and humor. Recognized by 99% of American adults, Reader’s Digest is available in print; online at ReadersDigest.com; via digital download on iPad, mobile apps, Kindle, Kindle Fire, Nook, Sony Reader and Zinio; books and home entertainment products; Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.