Catch the Kia Space Babies Super Bowl commercial before the Big Game!
Buick Encore Shipping To Dealers / Now Available at VanDevere Bucik
Buick announced that it’s latest new product, the Encore crossover, is en route to dealerships across the United States. Within the next few weeks potential customers will be able to test drive the Encore and take it home if they so choose to purchase the little ute. The new Encore is opening the Buick brand to a new, emerging segment of small crossovers that the brand hopes will bring much success in the next few years.
Based on a variant of GM’s global subcompact architecture, the Encore is the smallest overall Buick ever, though space on the inside is surprisingly vast considering it’s small stature. Encore is powered by GM’s 1.4-liter turbo, making 138 horsepower with a EPA rating of 25/33 mpg in front-wheel drive formation.
GMI recently drove the Encore in Atlanta and walked away fairly impressed.
The Encore is the first new Buick for the 2013 calendar year, which is shaping up to be another busy year for the brand. Later this year Buick will launched refreshed versions of the Regal and LaCrosse sedans for the 2014 model year. Once the new sedans arrive at the end of this year the oldest Buick product will be the Verano, which launched late in 2011. GMI has been told that both the 2014 Regal and LaCrosse will likely nudge upmarket a bit with more premium content and a design that will bring both in line with Buick’s latest.
Encore wears a base price of $24,950 and is produced at GM’s Bupyeong, South Korea assembly plant.
VanDevere now has the Encore IN STOCK! http://www.vandevere.com/web/inventory/all_years/Buick/Encore/all_body_types/New/
2014 Kia Cadenza Will Be Available Second Quarter 2013
By Steven J. Ewing 2014 Cadenza is Kia’s take on the Hyundai Azera
No, this is not the oh-so pleasantly named Quoris rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan – this is Kia’s new front-drive entry into the North American market, the Cadenza. (If that sounds familiar, it’s because Kia has long used the Cadenza name in other markets.) And while it’s a sharp-looking thing, it’s not exactly an original masterpiece. Peel away that slick exterior and you’ll find a trusty Hyundai Azera doing the grunt work.
That’s no bad thing, though; the Azera’s a smooth-sailing sedan. Under the hood is a 3.3-liter direct-injection V6 putting out 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with, oh yes, Sportmatic manual mode. That power hits the ground via a sport-tuned suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear configuration, matched with either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, there’s a whole host of nice leather surrounded by wood and chrome accents, with a driver-focused cockpit (sort of like the Optima) with a seven-inch TFT color touchscreen display. Premium options include things like Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, Kia’s UVO infotainment system, HID headlamps with active lighting, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Sounds comfy.
Kia will officially launch the Cadenza in the second quarter of 2013, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date. Scroll down for the official press blast.