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2017 Kia Rio Grows Up Kia is redesigning the new 2017 Kia Rio, for the first time since 2012. The older redesign was a crisp modern look but was extremely mild design. For the 2017 model, Kia redesigned the Rio with a leaner, more aggressive look. The South Korean auto maker only released the renderings and now has released photos of the car. Kia states that the styling changes were made to emphasize on the car’s width inside and out.   The headlights are slimmer and more aggressive than the wide-eyed lamps of the previous model, and much of the gently curving sheetmetal has been removed to make room for more flat planes. Not just that, but the new Rio is slightly longer, wider, and shorter than its predecessor. Inside, Kia has spruced things up with what looks like a nicer mix of materials. The most unusual part of the interior is the infotainment system, which Kia describes as "floating."  Kia did not reveal any other specs on the car, but those specific details ...

2017 Kia Cadenza Gets New Sporty Upgrade

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2017 Kia Cadenza Gets a New Sporty Upgrade The Kia Cadenza was first introduced to the United States in 2013 but has been selling overseas since 2010, which is why the Korean brand already is releasing a new version of its large, front wheel drive sedan. Known as the K7 in Korea, it was unveiled in the home market recently. The new design was first shown on Kia’s Novo concept car , with the brand’s signature tiger nose grille sitting up front and flanked by tapered-back LED headlights. The front bumper sports Kia’s latest treatment for fog lights: four LEDs arranged in a grid pattern. Meanwhile, clean, continuous body panels lead to a Lexus-like rear. Here, square-shaped exhaust tips are integrated with the rear bumper. The new interior looks to have the same layout as the current model, though it has a more elegant look with less of the wood trimming. Expect the current model’s 3.3-liter V-6 to carry over though perhaps we’ll see a second, smaller engine like a four-cylinder als...

Kia: Innovation at its Finest

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Kia has always been a forefront of innovation in the motor vehicle industry and today is no different. They have just released a new eight speed automatic transmission to be used front wheel drive vehicles. This technology is unlike that of any to date and is changing the game for Kia. The new technology is set to debut in the newest Kia Cadenza, which is their largest car. Moving forward, it is anticipated that the technology will also be added into other medium and large Kia models in the next model car season. As released by Kia, this new technology was developed by the Korean manufacturers themselves with an emphasis on mechanical efficiency and smooth shifting of the gears. One of the main perks of this new system is that it takes up the same amount of space as the six speed automatic transmission used in the past, yet weighs 3.5 kilograms less. Kia has been working restlessly since 2012 to create this masterful innovation and has claimed 143 patents over new technologies in t...

2017 Kia Sorento

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2017 Kia Sorento Van Griffith Kia introduces the new 2017 Kia Sorento. The 2017 Kia Sorento achieved the top safety pick plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Kia Motors America’s best-selling CUV, the 2017 Kia Sorento, has earned top honors from the IIHS when equipped with the optional front-crash prevention. With the 2017 Kia Sorento, Kia continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to safety. We at Van Griffith Kia proudly introduce the 2017 Kia Sorento with its award winning safety. The third-generation Sorento is available in five trim levels. The handsomely equipped LX, EX, SX, and SXL models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque, or a 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque, while the EX trim is also available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Stop by Van Griffith Kia today and test drive the ...

2017 Kia Cadenza

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Kia has always been associated with things like affordable, safe, good value.  None of that has changed.  But a few words have been added recently.  The biggest one is Luxury.  Still much better priced and equipped than any direct competitor to their luxury line, they have begun to impress even the toughest critics.  What do we need to know about the new Cadenza? It has a very athletic, muscular appearance, yet also very elegant.  Like designer Ray Ng said at the introduction, “it is a clean design with minimal adornment.”  As a result, it has crisp lines, and sheet metal that fills out its form.   If you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver that makes a terrific highway companion, look no further. Kia’s investment in noise/vibration/harshness has paid off handsomely. The ride is quiet and comfy. The steering is intuitive and feels natural, the brakes are even-handed, and the acceleration is predictable. Inside, there’s wireless phone ...

2016 Kia Rio LX

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Last redesigned back in 2012, the Kia Rio sports a handful of interior and exterior changes that help it remain a relevant option in the subcompact car class. Even without the upgrades, though, there's plenty to like about the 2016 Rio. Already one of the more handsome vehicles in this segment, the Rio, now with some subtle front and rear restyling, manages to avoid the awkward proportions that plague a number of subcompact competitors. It's also a standout in terms of interior space, offering a roomy backseat and a trunk to match. Like most other Kia models, the 2016 Rio's long list of available features and competitive price make it one of the value leaders in its class. Although the base Rio LX is rather spartan, the higher-end EX and SX trims pack respectable rosters of technology features and creature comforts. The 2016 Kia Rio has been restyled up front, but the differences are very subtle. No matter the trim, the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine ...

2016 Kia Optima LX

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The midsize sedan segment is filled with sedans so renowned that they need no introduction. Camry. Accord. Fusion. Even though the Kia Optima has been on sale in the United States since 2001, it only recently elevated itself from the bargain basement to become a serious competitor. Kicking off a new generation, the 2016 Kia Optima raises the bar set by its esteemed predecessor, a car that helped shift the perception of the brand over the last half-decade. The redesigned 2016 Kia Optima maintains the previous generation's stylish looks, with just a few updates to the front and rear. One thing that hasn't changed much for 2016 is the Optima's exterior styling. Slightly longer, wider and taller than the car it replaces, this Kia is still a head-turner, but you'll need to take a hard look to notice the subtle differences. Underneath the skin is another story. High-strength steel is used extensively in the chassis, which Kia says makes for better structural ...