Thursday, February 28, 2013

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid in Motion

With world-class engineering, outstanding performance and advanced safety systems, the 2012 Kia Optima gives you good reason to be passionate about driving a midsize sedan. Click here to check it out!

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Caught: 2014 Kia Soul Prototype Shows Off Revised Interior

We’ve seen the 2014 Kia Soul’s heavily camouflaged exterior, but these latest shots show the tester’s revised interior. Among the updates is a new infotainment screen, which looks big enough to satisfy the Soul’s style-focused customers when the new car arrives.

The first thing you’ll notice is the much larger central touch screen, which looks similar in size to that of the 2014 Kia Sorento and appears to display the updated UVO system. The entire center stack has been redesigned, with a large, circular digital clock placed just below the infotainment screen and HVAC vents shifted from the sides to the top. Also redesigned is the steering wheel, which gets round infotainment controls on either spoke. The black leather-like seats feature yellow contrast stitching, which should appease the Soul’s fashionista customers before the inevitable special-edition models arrive.

Not much has changed on the outside since the last time we saw a 2014 Soul prototype. As we said previously, the grille appears to have been moved up and the lower intake opening has been enlarged. The headlights have also been redesigned, now appearing slightly angled in, as on the 2014 Kia Forte and 2013 Rio with an LED running light strip underlining the outermost projector lens. The taillights, however, remain in the middle of the D-pillar, flanking the liftgate to preserve the Soul’s quirky look.

Now that we’ve seen the 2014 Kia Soul’s interior, do you think the hatchback has what it takes to stay on top of its boxy competition?

















Courtesy of Automobile Mag

Monday, February 25, 2013

How to pack smart for a road trip

Going to take a road trip? Fantastic.

Before you hit the road it's key to plan -- carefully and thoroughly. Things like a true budget is vital, although a special “indulge” is permissible (but keep it sensible). 

Also important is what you take, as you don't want to have to buy what you forget at home. How you pack it in your vehicle (car, truck van, mini-bus, you name it) is vital.  The good news is whether it is a trip alone or with many there is a packing format.

Here are some tips I have learned along the way:

Bag It

Individual bags are packed or perhaps you choose individual plastic boxes with an individual small duffle bag for daily “things”. Daily items such as tooth brush, tooth paste, etc.  Label each “container’ with masking tape. You remember today, tomorrow but not in a few days. Put each person’s bags and items in separate piles by the door. Departure time is close! When you pack the car, keep in individual piles rather than just tossing into a heap. Packing space is never enough.

Access to the Vitals

Easy access, a separate bag/box with medical supplies is important, ie: band-aids, Neosporin, bug spray, sun screen, scissors, tweezers, Pepto Bismol, Milk Magnesia.  You know the things that you don’t need daily but when you do they are worth a king’s ransom.

Front Seaters

A couple of large towels- under front seats, back seats - will have multi purposes: as a blanket, cover for items in car, beach, and such.

In front, thermos bag for those “I’m hungry” snacks (15 minutes after lunch), bottled water and soft drinks. Frozen ice paks are good if feasible. Real ice can get a little messy, but it can work.  Plastic bags of several sizes can be so helpful especially the middle size for unexpected tummy happenings. A roll of paper towels – in front area will be used more than you expect. Always in your pocket, have a few folded paper towels. Never can tell, but the multi-use Duck tape if needed can be a treasure. A zillion good places to store it -even with medical supplies. Pillows-placed conveniently are a very useful must-haves.

Secret Space

There is a nice amount of space under the seats, so use it. Tightly rolled rain parkas, flashlight, and such can fit nicely. Another nice space is [usually] in the door which is perfect for umbrella, hand sanitizer, napkins, etc.

A large plastic pill bottle- preferably with dark sides – is perfect for coins, be they for tolls, newspapers, etc. Lottery! In a semi clandestine area,  like taped under glove compartment, but not so hidden it can be seen if looked for – an emergency card with contact numbers [written with a permanent ink pen] just in case.

If you have OnStar or a GPS, of course, they have their perches, but real maps, should be marked and folded BEFORE leaving for easy reading –not by the driver while driving.  NO!

 If your vehicle has a middle console, this can be a perfect place for more items: Cell phone car charger, reservation confirmation data with phone numbers, small amount of monies [just in case], camera, and such.

The pockets in back of seats are useful for toys, books, pencils and such, especially the individual spiral notebooks [I recommend]  that each has for their road trip memories. These will become keepsakes, even if they are a little hard to decipher.

There is a lot of useable space and if you use it wisely and carefully you will be surprise how much you can fit in the nooks and crannies of a vehicle. Speaking of “space” don’t squish passengers, or parcels.

Keep a List

As you carefully and excitedly pack your car, consider making an inventory or directory of boxes/bags and such. So helpful. Take a picture of what your car looks like packed as you start your trip and then what it looks like when you return home.

No matter how or what you pack, road trips are wonderful, therapeutic, rejuvenating, rewarding, surprisingly special. Enjoy.

Stay safe. Plan another.







Courtesy of Fox News

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Superman Kia Optima Hybrid -- Built for Justice

Kia Motors America & DC Comics have teamed up to build a new Justice League themed Kia vehicle: the Superman inspired Kia Optima Hybrid. Click here to take a closer look!

http://youtu.be/WKDACH6z2es

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Here's A Tip To Extend The Life Of Your Car

Preserve door and window seals.

Wipe a rubber protectant (such as Armor-All) or silicone on door and window weatherstripping to keep it in good condition. Don’t use an oilbased product, such as WD-40, because the oil will damage the rubber. Regular cleaning and treatment of your car’s weatherstripping will also lessen the likelihood of your door sticking to its rubber seal in cold weather, a common cause of damage to the rubber.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

2013 Kia Sportage Given "Best Bet" Distinction By The Car Book

With its impressive list of safety features, dynamic styling and advanced technology, the 2013 Sportage has been named a "Best Bet" by The Car Book 2013.

"We are very proud to have the 2013 Sportage recognized as a "Best Bet" by The Car Book," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA. "As Kia's longest running nameplate, the Sportage offers sleek styling, modern amenities and fun-to-drive performance in a capable compact CUV."

The "Best Bet" distinction is based on objective information collected from government and independent sources that evaluate the safety and performance needs of the American consumer. Cars that have ratings in all of the key Car Book categories – safety features, fuel economy, rollover, front and side crash tests, maintenance and repair costs, warranties, insurance costs, and complaints, with the greatest emphasis placed on crash test performance – are potentially titled as "Best Bets."

The Car Book is an annually updated guide to buying a new car, van, truck or SUV. It's the one-stop shop for the latest safety ratings, dealer prices, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, tires and is published in cooperation with the Center for Auto Safety, the nation's leading auto safety advocacy group.

"The Car Book, the consumer's best guide to smart and sensible car buying, analyzes multiple new cars each year and selects the top picks for the American car buyer," said Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book. "We appreciate Kia's commitment to deliver high-value market choices for the American car buyer."



Courtesy of Kia Motors America

Friday, February 15, 2013

College Student & Graduate Progam

Kia Motors America is helping students make the transition from school to their careers by making it easy and affordable to buy a new vehicle. Click here for more details: http://bit.ly/XeDaRb

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

February Soul Sale

ATTENTION FANS: We are having a February Soul Sale! Our Kia Souls are starting as low as $13,888 and we have lease payments as low as $189 per month. Please call Brad Ferris for more details 817-579-4532.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Superman-inspired Kia Optima Hybrid helps those affected by drought and famine in Africa

Kia, DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine worked as a team to develop this one-of-a-kind Superman-themed Optima Hybrid that made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show today. The joint effort is designed to raise awareness for DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" campaign, a charitable relief effort to bring help and hope to people affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.

The metallic blue and red sedan, which thankfully manages to look better in person than it does in the pictures, is the seventh vehicle in a 10-month partnership between the automaker, comic book company and tuner as they build themed vehicles representing all of the Justice League heros. A yet-unseen eighth vehicle will be an amalgamation of all seven Super Heroes in one.

There is no mistaking the blue metallic finish with red chrome accents, or the world's most recognizable superhero's chest emblem glowing on the hood, but you have to look closer to see the Superman logo on the rear fascia and catch the red glow from the headlights. The theme has been carried into the cabin, where occupants will find custom upholstery and Superman's iconic shield on the seats and airbag cover. While the hybrid sedan's gasoline-electric powertrain remains untouched, the Optima features flared fenders, oversize 22-inch wheels and a height-adjustable suspension that is controlled from the cockpit.

Courtesy of Autoblog


Thursday, February 7, 2013

Kia Cross GT First Pictures Released

The first official pictures of Kia’s concept car for the 2013 Chicago Auto Show are released ahead of its official debut. The Kia Cross GT is a large crossover vehicle that could be the replacement for the Mohave/Borrego SUV.

Save the signature ‘Tiger nose’ front grille, not much else about the Cross GT seem to be production-intended. It features small headlights, large wheels, massive gills, a fancy glass roof and all in all, too many curves and twists for a production Kia. But it has the making of a premium car, which can introduce the Korean car maker to a whole new market.

Kia is expected to reveal more details on the Cross GT and its purpose at the Chicago show.


Courtesy of Motorward

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

"Hotbots" 2014 Kia Forte Big Game Car Ad

The all-new 2014 Kia Forte is designed for those who love technology. And nobody loves technology more than high-tech robots. Watch as two beautiful hotbots unveil the new Forte at a press event. Things take an unexpected turn after one reporter gets a little too close to their prized possession.

http://youtu.be/emhtp2prOxQ

Friday, February 1, 2013

Thank you for this recent 5-star rating!


"This is the second car i have bought from Van Griffith and i must say i am very happy with the service i received. everyone was nice and professonal. thank you for all the help you gave me and believe me I am telling everyone i know to check out Van Griffith Kia in Granbury."

To view more customer feedback, visit us on DealerRater!