The Hamster's are back!

Bringing Down the House: Official 2013 Kia Soul Hamster Commercial (Video)

They're back. And this time they've gone way back in their time-traveling Kia Soul. That's right, the hamsters are bringing down the house, only it's an 18th century opera house. Click here to check out the commercial!


http://youtu.be/o0B5vuAYk94

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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

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.

             

                     

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Owners Loyalty

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2012 Kia Rio SX… full of features for the frugal

Most people are looking for more bang for the buck during these days of slow economic recovery, and Kia’s Rio sedan is loaded with it.

Such goodies as a navigation system, backup camera, great audio system, electronic stability control, sunroof and heated leather seats weren’t even offered in this class of car just a few years ago. But they are in the top- of-the-line Kia Rio SX, and many are standard equipment.

And that’s a lot of stuff considering that even with a $2,200 “Premium Package” the test vehicle would roll off the dealer’s lot for $20,545. An impressive interior that looks like it belongs in a more expensive car rounds out an initial favorable impression.

That’s important, since the Rio faces stiff competition in the subcompact category from the Honda Fit HMC +1.55% , Ford Fiesta F +0.42% , Chevrolet Sonic GM +3.19% and Kia’s Korean stablemate, the Hyundai Accent KR:005380 +0.20% .

The Fit, Fiesta and Accent have received good reviews in this column. The Sonic has yet to be reviewed. See review of Honda Fit. See review of Ford Fiesta. See review of Hyundai Accent.

Congratulations to Kia for coming up with such easy- to-use controls. Key switches to adjust audio and ventilation are a very short reach away for the driver and don’t require a trip to the owner’s manual to figure out.

The front seats have more than ample room for a 6-foot- tall driver and passenger. In a pinch two, similar-sized adults can be accommodated in the rear seats for short trips. Don’t scoff at that. There are some cars that cost much more than can’t seat two adults in back.

On the highway, the standard 1.6-liter four cranked out 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, but more is needed. While the six-speed automatic transmission was quick to downshift two gears when pushed, drivers should think carefully about any quick passing maneuvers.

Interstate merging is OK for this class of car, whose acceleration iws in line with its competitors. With an all- out, pedal to the floor push, 0-60 comes up in the upper 9-second range. I longed for a standard transmission and small turbo. It would transform this car.

The EPA rates the test Rio at 30 mpg around the city and 40 mpg on the highway, for a combined 33 mpg. On mostly country roads and errand running, the Rio returned 38 mpg during a weeklong test.

Out on those country roads, the Kia showed off its sport-tuned suspension, which was set a bit to the firm side for this type of car. The payoff, of course, is improved handling and by using the shift-it yourself feature, the Rio was kind of fun on some back roads. On the interstates, the occasionally raucous four would settle in rather quietly, but downshifts of a gear or two were the norm up steeper grades.

Source: Marketwatch

Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition

Spark plugs do need changing

The advent of electronic ignition and on-board computers has eliminated the need for regular tune-ups, but you still need to change your spark plugs. Many manufacturers recommend changing plugs every 30,000 or 40,000 miles (48,000 or 64,000 km) to ensure good fuel mileage and engine performance. Some new cars come with long-life plugs (sometimes called double platinum plugs) that can last for 100,000 miles (160,000 km). If your car isn’t so equipped, make the switch after 30,000 miles. The extra cost is only a few dollars per spark plug. While you’re at it, change your spark plug wires as well. Their typical life is 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Deteriorated wires can cause those high-tech new spark plugs to foul.

7 Summer Car Care Tips

This summer has been a scorcher in certain regions of the globe, and many of you know tough weather conditions can be harsh on automobiles, so Kia-Buzz wants to give its readers 7 tips on how to maintain your cars during the grueling summer season.

1. Cover your car

Although we may want to wear fewer layers in the summer, our cars need extra clothing.

    Use a reflective sunshade to protect your car’s interior from excessive heat and sun damage.
    Apply quality vinyl or leather protectant on your dashboard and seats to guard from discoloration.
    Always remember not to leave explosive objects in your vehicle like a lighter!

2. Sunglasses for your car?

Tint your windows. Make sure the type of tint material can block out ultraviolet rays. We realize there are rules according to your state/country, so we advise you to do this in accordance with your local laws.

3. Check your battery

Check your battery’s fluid level. If it’s near depletion, you need to fill it with distilled water. Note that not all models require water supply.

4. Top off coolant

Top off the radiator coolant tank whenever needed. Slowly open the cap with caution because the pressure inside the tank might be high. Give your car at least an hour to cool down.

Did you know?

If your car is exposed to strong sunshine, the temperature inside the car can rise to over 50°C

(122° F) in less than 10 minutes.

 

5. Monitor Tire Pressure

Use a tire gauge to monitor your car’s tire pressure and make sure you do this after the sunset since tire pressure rises during the daytime due to increased temperature.

6. Wash and Wax the Car

Wash and wax your car to remove heat-absorbing dirt and oxidation.

7. Get regular service

Take your car to a service center for scheduled maintenance before something big happens.

Stay cool, safe and prepared with these car care and regular maintenance tips.

 

 

Courtesy of Kia Buzz

Weekly Specials

Hey fans! Be sure to check out our weekly specials going on now. You can get up to $6,000 off a 2012 Kia Sedona. Click here for more 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 Griffin Rogers

Kia picks up the product pace

After a slow 2012 for new products, Kia will be back on the gas in 2013.

A redesigned Forte compact sedan will be launched in January, followed by a five-door hatchback and a coupe by next summer. The upscale Cadenza sedan arrives at Kia's U.S. dealerships next summer.

A rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan, known as the K9 in South Korea and the Quoris in overseas markets, arrives stateside for the 2015 model year.

Here's the rundown for Kia for the 2013-15 model years from company and other sources.

Cadenza: Kia will launch the Cadenza sedan next summer as a 2014 model. The upscale, front-wheel-drive sedan shares a platform with the current generation Hyundai Azera and is expected to be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine used in the Korean version of the Cadenza, known as the K7.

The Cadenza, nearly five inches longer than the Optima mid-sized sedan, will sit above the Optima in Kia's lineup. Pricing is expected to be between the high $30,000s and low $40,000s, Kia Motors America's sales boss Tom Loveless has said.

Forte: Kia's compact sedan will be redesigned for the 2014 model year. A modified version of the Hyundai-Kia compact platform, used by the Hyundai Elantra and the European Kia Cee'd compact, will underpin the second-generation Forte.

The redesigned Forte sedan will be launched in January. The two-door Forte Koup and a five-door hatchback are scheduled to go on sale next summer.

A source says Kia is aiming for at least 40 mpg on the highway with the Forte's 1.8-liter four-cylinder base engine.

GT Concept: Kia is wrestling with whether to build a production version of its head-turning GT Concept car shown at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show.

The rwd concept car is powered by a 395-hp, 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 with gasoline direct injection.

Peter Schreyer, Kia's global design boss, is pushing management to green-light the project. But a source says a business case strong enough to put the car into production has yet to materialize fully.

Optima: The Optima mid-sized sedan was redesigned for the 2011 model year. A freshening is planned for next summer for the 2014 model year.

Rio: The subcompact was redesigned in 2011.

The large sedan should go on sale sometime in mid-2014 as a 2015 model.

Kia says a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with gasoline direct injection producing about 330 hp will power the flagship in overseas markets starting in its second year of global sales, which begin in the fourth quarter. The engine will be paired with a new eight-speed transmission.

The car will boast active safety features unseen on Kia vehicles to date, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot detection and other systems.

Sorento: Kia's top-selling crossover gets a freshening for the 2014 model year, and the next-generation Sorento should arrive two or three years later, but the precise timing is uncertain.

The redesign will place the Sorento on the chassis underpinning the upcoming 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Soul: The next generation of Kia's funky subcompact crossover is slated to arrive stateside in late summer 2013 as a 2014 model. The redesigned Soul will be built on a modified version of the Hyundai-Kia subcompact platform underpinning the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent. The current Soul is based on Hyundai-Kia's older subcompact platform.

The 2014 Soul's sheet metal will be new, but the car's proportions will remain intact to maintain its distinctive look.

Sportage: Kia engineers updated the Sportage's suspension for a smoother ride for the 2013 model year.

A freshened Sportage is scheduled to arrive in the late summer of 2013 with a new grille and fascia for the 2014 model year.

New sheet metal and major platform changes are in the works for either the 2015 or 2016 model year, but a source says the launch timing has yet to be determined.

Courtesy of Automotive News

Congratulations to Rita Bridges!

Congratulations to Rita Bridges who won the $500 Gas Card Giveaway! Don't forget to enter our current contest to win a brand new laptop before it's too late, the contest ends in two days!

Road Test: fun, powerful '12 Kia Sorento

In 2003, Kia introduced the midsize Sorento SUV, which for a while replaced the Sportage, which had been the brand's only sport utility since the South Korean automaker arrived in the United States in the mid-'90s.

The Sportage two years later was reintroduced as a compact crossover, and remains in the Kia lineup.

But the Sorento has racked up much better sales, and that continues this year.

Kia had sold 26,011 Sorentos through March, compared with 9,888 of the smaller Sportage.

There was no 2010 model for the U.S. market, but a completely redesigned Sorento went on sale in early 2010 as a 2011 model, based on the architecture of the Hyundai Santa Fe.

It was the first product to come out of the new Kia factory in West Point, Ga., which now also builds the Santa Fe on the same assembly line.

With the remake, the Sorento switched from a truck-style body-on-frame configuration to a crossover unibody design that offers more interior space, with room for up to seven passengers.

The exterior was all new, with Kia design cues such as wraparound headlights lined up to the sporty grille (in a nice, friendly grin).

For 2012, prices range from $21,250 for the base front-wheel-drive model with a 2.4 liter, 175-horsepower engine and six-speed manual transmission, to $34,850 for the fully loaded, V-6 powered SX all-wheel-drive model, which I tested.

My Kia was fun and easy to drive, with lots of power.

Handling was responsive and secure, thanks to features like anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, and downhill brake/hill-start assist control.

The 3.5 liter V-6 engine delivered 276 horsepower and 248 foot-pounds of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly.

Inside, the SX was very comfortable, with just-right thigh support; power heated/cooled driver's seat with lumbar support; tilt/telescopic, leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with controls for the audio system, Bluetooth wireless devices, and cruise control; and dual-zone climate control with an ionized air filter. An ECO indicator alerts the driver when achieving optimum fuel economy, to help adjust driving habits to stretch the time between fill-ups.

Five passengers can sit comfortably in the front and middle seats, and two additional can fit in the third seat, if necessary, but that seat is quite small and is probably good only for children or very short trips.

 
2012 Kia Sorento
PRICE: $21,250

PRICE AS TESTED: $34,850

EPA FUEL ECONOMY: 21 mpg city; 29 mpg highway

ENGINE: 2.4-liter, upgradable to 3.5-liter V6

POWER: 175 horsepower at 6,000 rmp

HEIGHT: 67.3 inches

LENGTH: 183.5 inches

WHEELBASE: 106.3 inches

CARGO SPACE: 72.5 cubic feet

BOTTOM LINE: Fun, easy to drive with lots of power

 

Courtesy of Long Island Newsday

Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition

Wax to protect your car’s paint job

No way around it! Waxing your car is work. But it’s satisfying work that will help keep your car looking new. Car wax preserves paint by slowing oxidation and forming a barrier against bird droppings, sap, and pollution. Plus driving a nice shiny car is just plain fun.

Here’s what to do to ensure the maximum in protection:

    - Liquid and spray waxes are tempting to use — they make the car shiny with less work than rubbing in paste wax. But there’s still no beating paste wax for the hardest, longest-lasting finish. Look for paste with a high carnauba wax content.
    - Apply a thin, even coat of wax to the car’s surfaces with a damp sponge. Avoid applying too much, or it will be difficult to remove and some residue will inevitably mar your finish.
    - To avoid fine scratches, use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove wax once it has dried.
    - Apply an extra coat of wax to the nose and hood. The wax film in these areas wears away quickly.

Explore All Things Sportage with this New App

If you’re a past, current or potential Kia Sportage driver who enjoys exploring car info interactively then you’ll love our new Kia Sportage iPad app. It’s developed by the same award winning app team that brought you both the Picanto and Rio iPad apps.

First Impressions

We were scratching our heads when we first downloaded this app, and wondered if our mobile app team could top themselves again. After all, they set a high standard with the Kia Rio app, which recently received the highly sought-after “best of the best” award in the communication design category from the Red Dot Design Awards, one of the largest and most-acclaimed international design competitions.

At a quick first glance you might think it looks like an ordinary e-publication app, but once we started to navigate the content, we were surprised. The Sportage iPad app has answers to absolutely everything one needs to know about the vehichle, from detailed tech specs to design philosophy. We realize apps are said to be ‘interactive,’ but after playing with this app, we really liked its realistic simulations and sharp viewing quality.

You can definitely lose track of time exploring the ins and outs of the Sportage through this app, but don’t take our word for it. Check it out for yourself and give it the full hands-on review.

App features:

    Available for iPad
    European and general market specification
    360° exterior / interior view
    Customization tool to view available colors and wheels options
    3D intro movie and interactive elements to experience features & benefits
    Photo & video gallery
    Kia company and design story content

The app starts with an awesome featured video, of an orange Sportage racing through a Gotham-like city.

Going ‘underneath the hood’ is an understatement to describe the interactive x-ray cutaways that show off some of key performance features of the Sportage.

Check out some of the Sportage’s safety features such as the rear-view camera display (RCD) and electro-chromic mirror (ECM)

As the old safety belts commercials used to say, “You can learn a lot from a dummy” and this one is demoing some the unique seat protection features of the Sportage.

If you think this Sportage app only features the latest model, you’re mistaken – there is a groovy little video highlighting its design history and transformation from 1996 –

A must see for any Sportage owner.

 

Courtesy of Kia Buzz

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Van Griffith Kia - Coupons

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Used Vehicles At Van Griffith Kia

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