Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Six Spring Cleaning Tips for your Car Interior

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Springtime is here and you know what that means. It’s time to throw out those filthy fast food cups, wipe down that dusty dashboard and let in some fresh air to dispel that smell that’s been bothering you for the last 3 months. Yes, it’s time for some spring cleaning and we want to share six simple tips using common household items to properly clean your car interior without a fuss. Let’s start with the ceiling.

1. Ceiling: If the ceiling of your vehicle is made out of fabric material, wiping it too hard with a wet cloth may cause some fuzz. You want to make sure you use a slightly damp washcloth made out of superfine fibers and you can add a bit of neutral detergent as needed.

2. Dashboard: You can wipe the dashboard down with a washcloth and use a car brush or toothbrush to dust any hard to reach spaces.

3. Handles & Steering Wheel: Many cars have leather handles, so you may be tempted to use household leather care products, but it’s not advised. These can make your steering wheel slippery and hinder you from having a good grip. We recommend keeping a dry cloth in your glove compartment to wipe it down every now and then.

4. Heater: Use a dry cloth and cotton swabs to easily access those narrow vent spaces. It’s good to clean these areas to help prevent any allergies and respiratory ailments caused from too much dust.

If you smell something foul when turning on your heater – It could be fungus or a special surprise from a skunk. Mix some mustard powder in warm water and spray it into your vents. Afterwards, run your heater on the strongest mode for 4-5 minutes. This is a very effective way to eliminate odor.

5. Car Seats: Car seats are often the culprit of unpleasant stenches (Think about all the spills, pets and people that have been in your car). You can certainly use various products to clean your seats, but as the saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ so try to wipe down seats often. Leather seats are easier to clean with a damp cloth and a bit of neutral detergent. For fabric seats, spray water mixed with a neutral detergent and wipe down the seats with a damp cloth, followed with a dry cloth. Make sure to keep the windows down to allow the upholstery to dry completely.

6. Car Floor Mats: For rubber, simply spray it down with soapy water and wipe, and for fabrics, you can always use your household vacuum.

Hopefully we’ve shared some tips you can put to good use and make your car squeaky clean and ready for spring

Courtesy of kiabuzz.com

Cleaning

Thursday, February 23, 2012

UEFA EURO™ 2012 Kickoff with Kia!

UEFA EURO 2012 is only a few months away and Kia is proud to be a sponsor of this continental sporting event for the second time in a row. We wanted to share some eye-catching EURO 2012 themed Kia cars that have been touring the football (soccer) crazed streets of Europe and stirring up anticipation for this year’s tournament. Check them out!

We have plenty of more photos on our Flickr page, so be sure to check them out and tell us which EURO 2012 themed Kia is your favorite.

Courtesy of kiabuzz.com

Kia

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Kia Track’ster concept car unveiled at 2012 Chicago Auto Show

What happens when a dream becomes reality?  In the case of the Kia Track’ster concept unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, car enthusiasts begin to salivate.  Amid the driving rhythm of heavy-metal music, smoke and blinding lights, Kia Motors America (KMA) took the wraps off a performance-oriented three-door Soul coupe concept that hints at what could possibly be the future of Kia’s wildly successful Soul.
“The idea was to make the Track’ster tough looking, like a bulldog,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer for KMA.  “But the car had to be approachable as well.  We wanted to base the car in reality so people instantly knew it was a Soul, but with a lot of attitude.  It had to be a bold interpretation that would change people’s conceptions of what a sporty Kia could be.”
Mission accomplished.

The bold attitude Kearns refers to starts with the eye-catching Whiteout and Inferno Orange paint scheme.  While the white portrays complex layers and shades that contribute to dramatic depth, the orange is perfectly suited for racing. Kia’s signature grille features an air intake slit and is trimmed in lightweight carbon fiber. Smoothly integrated headlights sweep back suggestively over the sculpted front-wheel arches. The deeply recessed lenses echo the trapezoid themes found throughout the Track’ster and are accented with compelling LEDs.
Soul fans will instantly recognize the Track’ster’s angled roof, accented with Inferno Orange. Closer inspection reveals this concept, while Soul inspired, is missing the production car’s rear doors. The front doors have been lengthened and adorned with smooth billet push-style handles which echo the racing-inspired billet fuel filler door. Carbon fiber lower side valances are also accented in Inferno Orange and incorporate functional rear-brake cooling ducts. The back hatch incorporates a horizontal Inferno Orange “backpack” panel that accentuates the Track’ster’s 75.5-inch width, which is more than 5-inches wider than a production Soul.
With performance as the top priority, the Track’ster rolls into Chicago with a concept drive train sure to kick start any driving enthusiast’s heart. KMA’s design team dreamed big, but also kept their vision firmly rooted in reality. A 2.0-liter turbo charged inline-4 engine pumps 250 horsepower to the pavement, a 66 percent increase over that of the production Soul. Power is routed to all four wheels via an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system.

While there are no current plans to produce the Track’ster, Kia’s California design center team enthusiastically took on the project.  “Concept cars are icing on the cake,” said Kearns.  “They allow KMA’s design team to dream about what could be. Whether that dream becomes a reality or not is a separate question.”
Courtesy of kiabuzz.com
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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Kia Reveals Sketches Of All-new Flagship Sedan

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Kia Motors today revealed the first official sketches of its all-new flagship sedan, which is expected to establish new standards for design flair in the large sedan segment.

Codenamed KH, the new model is Kia's first ever rear-wheel drive sedan and combines innovative design with high-tech features. KH is among the company's most eagerly anticipated new models and will be launched in Kia's domestic market in the first half of 2012.

The design concept behind KH is 'distinctive, modern and classic', which is expressed through sophisticated, technically-advanced elements combined with Kia's existing dynamic design language to create a vehicle that truly stands out from its competitors.

The new model features a bold front-end design appropriate to a luxury car. Kia's charismatic family-look radiator grille is flanked by modern headlamps that reinforce the brand's innovative challenger image, and the proportions of the unique hood design give KH a classic car-like feel.

KH's profile, which was a key focus for Kia's designers during development, features a simple side character line to give a feeling of spaciousness while emphasizing the new model's bold and dynamic image. The high-tech rear combination lamp clusters, plus the luxurious, bold chrome accent give KH a sophisticated and stable rear view.

Soon-Nam Lee, Kia's Director of the Overseas Marketing Group, says, "Our all-new flagship sedan integrates all of our key capabilities such as design, performance, high-tech features and infotainment into one striking model.

"Although launch timings for overseas markets are yet to be confirmed, this all-new rear-wheel drive large sedan will definitely become the leading model of our line-up around the world, showcasing the best of the best of Kia."

There is no right hand drive program for this vehicle, a Kia Motors Corporation spokesman said.

Courtesy of paddocktalk.com

Kia

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Kia Motors America Announces its Seventh Special Edition Soul is Inspired by the Red Rocks of the American Southwest

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 10, 2012 - Kia Motors America (KMA) announces the seventh version in a series of unique Soul special editions. Inspired by the beautiful rock formations found in the Southwest United States, the Red Rock Special Edition Soul!1 adds style, class and unique features inside and out with a starting price of just $20,6002.

"The wildly popular Soul has been a game-changer for Kia since it arrived in 2009, and our series of special editions over the past three years have added individualism and exclusivity to an already fun and youthful vehicle," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications, KMA. "Style and flair are key to Soul's success, and the Red Rock Special Edition, which has plenty of both, will help drive sales into 2012."

Unveiled at last year's New York auto show, the Red Rock Special Edition concept toured the U.S., allowing KMA to gauge consumer reaction. Due to popular demand, the concept has become a reality and is now available at Kia dealerships. The production model includes a number of unique features designed to set it apart from other Soul variants. Most evident is the lustrous Canyon exterior color. Other Red Rock Special Edition exterior features include high-gloss black front fascia and mirror housings. The interior is adorned with exclusive black leather trim and brown cloth seats. Standard amenities include automatic climate control and heated front seats, all combining to make the Red Rock Special Edition a truly special Soul!

About the 2012 Soul
Refreshed for the 2012 model year, the Kia Soul has been fine-tuned with a significant number of technological, powertrain and style enhancements. The 2012 Soul delivers class-leading horsepower3 and significantly improved fuel efficiency of up to 35 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway4. Kia Motors' hatchback remains a class-leading value with the lowest starting price of its competitive set at $13,900 MSRP5. Later this model year, Soul also will be the first among its competitors to offer the fuel-saving ISG technology, which turns off the engine when the vehicle is not in motion, such as at a stop light or in traffic.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the 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 quality6 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking7. 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 the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan8. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year 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, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of kiamedia.com

Soul

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Kia Motors America Announces Production Schedule for New Optima SX Limited at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO, February 8, 2012 - The ultra-popular midsize Kia Optima sedan again turned heads today at the Chicago Auto Show when Kia Motors America (KMA) revealed production plans for a new range-topping Limited. The Limited, which will begin production at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia1 later this month, builds on the Optima SX's strong foundation of class-leading horsepower2 and fuel efficiency3 and adds a number of design and amenity enhancements to further stand apart from traditional competitors in the segment.

"The Optima SX Limited was introduced to the world in our 'Drive the Dream' Super Bowl commercial and now visitors to the Chicago Auto Show will experience it firsthand," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "The Limited delivers upscale features and premium materials that discerning midsize sedan customers are not able to find in many of our competitors. The Optima has been earning design, performance and value awards since arriving in showrooms in early 2011, and the Limited is the latest example of the brand's compelling package of style, fuel economy, technology – and now opulence – to appeal to an even wider consumer base."

Expected to arrive in showrooms in March, the Optima Limited is based on the fully loaded turbocharged Optima SX, which Edmunds' Inside Line hailed as an "Editors' Most Wanted" mid-sized sedan. Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima Limited features many details that are mainly found on luxury vehicles, including LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler, lower door sills and wood interior trim. Standout red front-brake calipers can be seen through the Optima Limited's uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers class-leading 274 horsepower4 and achieves 22/34 mpg5 (city/hwy).

Inside the cabin, high-grade black or white Nappa leather adorns the seats, door panels, center console armrest and center fascia trim for a premium feel. Wood accents can be found on the steering wheel, interior door trim and shift knob, and a black tricot fabric lends a premium feel to the headliner, sun visor, and A, B and C pillars. The Optima Limited also boasts a first-aid kit and cloth door weather strip.

Like every Optima, the Limited projects a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic with a sleek silhouette, aggressive stance and sculpted elements that embodies the styling language chief design officer Peter Schreyer has created for the brand. Every 2012 Optima comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, and the Optima Limited builds on the technology, performance and convenience features found on the Optima SX, including: unique front and rear lower bumper design, sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, Supervision meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals, illuminated door scuff plates, panoramic sunroof, four-way power front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic™6 and Infinity®7 audio system and speakers.

Standard Kia Safety Features
The 2012 Optima is equipped with a high level of standard safety features. All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags8, front seat-mounted side airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags, front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Industry-Leading Warranty
The 2012 Optima is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program9, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the 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 quality10 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking11. 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 the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan12. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year 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, all-new Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and 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 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. 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.

 

Courtesy of kiamedia.com

Kia

Thank you for your wonderful feedback!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

2012 Kia Sorento LX Special Lease Offer

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Have you had your eye on the all-new Sorento LX? Right now, enjoy $239 a month for a 39 month lease, with $2,999 due at lease signing. Visit Paramount Kia Hickory for full details!

Sorento

Thursday, February 2, 2012

2012 Kia Optima Dream Machine

Test-drive a 2012 Kia Optima by March 31, 2012, to receive a $25 Kia Visa Prepaid Card. Start by entering your information here. When you’re done, click “Print My Personalized Certificate”.
When you’re all set, bring your printed certificate to Paramount Kia Hickory and take the wheel!

Optima

The Kia Sportage Cross-over Turn Heads into 2012

When we transition directly into 2012, just one car to check out once again is the 2012 Kia Sportage. It absolutely was entirely refurbished, and so the 2012 Kia Sportage design provides just a few modifications. For that matter, the only real new components for that forthcoming year are definitely the suspensions and some additional audio insulation. In any other case, there are several new additions in some of the trims. The Competition involves the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV, both providing a little more cargo space. Other competitors are the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Chevrolet Equinox, and that is generally companies to companies within this comparability.
Features of the Kia Sportage incorporate snazzy cabin and outlook appearance which will make heads turn. Additionally, there are top quality found inside the Kia Sportage that could improve the value in some other manufacturers.
The Kia Sportage has 5 seats and is presented in the basic foundation, EX and LX trim levels, along with the modified turbocompresseur SX trim.
The base provides specifications like 16inch cast aluminum wheels, all-power accessories, air-conditioning, pull back on steering wheel together with audio and phone features. It arrives with material furniture, but there’s a premium package deal you may get with all the top grade EX for a leather alternative.
The Kia Sportage LX provides you with convert signals on the outlook mirrors, keyless entry and also tinted rear windows. Together with the Kia Sportage EX you will have LED daytime running lights, chrome exterior features, 18-inch wheels, fog lights, a rear spoiler, dual-zone automatic hvac, a leather-wrapped controls, roof rails and also telescopes, a power driver seats, and, fully grasp this, a chilled glove-box.
Obviously, you can also find deals such as the EX Premium-package that not only present leather-based covers, but additionally heated up front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a ventilated driver seat, rear parking sensors, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. With the EX and LX models you can also find the choices of a modified sound system and a voice-controlled navigation system with a backup camera.
Underneath the hoods, the EX and LX are all 2.4 liter inline 4 engines applying 168 pound-feet of torque and 176 Hp. You will get the base using a 6-speed of manual transmissions. The EX and also LX features a 6-speed automated, as well, however, you can easily select front or perhaps all wheel drive or even the turbo-charged with 2.0 liter engine SX trim, which with front-wheel-drive has been examination automobile for this car reviews.
The Kia Sportage precautionary features incorporate front side and also full-length side window curtain safety bags, active front head rests, anti lock disc brakes with brake support, traction’s control, balance control, and mountain lineage and also mountain start control.
Inside the Kia Sportage, the actual top-of-the-line cabin turns on the EX trim with many different shapes and user-friendly controls which are well-placed and simple to locate and use.
The seats inside all the trims are stand apart, with more comfortable shaping to the entire body, there are lots of leg-room and head-room for adults. Even just in the rear seat, 2 adults can fit in effortlessly. A third passenger in the rear seat will make this a bit of a confined, except if the 3 passengers are rather little.
To get an effortless to drive and a pleasurable “around town” car, evaluate the SX if you would like more power when driving. However, the ability from the four-cylinder engine is sufficient and the automatic transmitting can make it a simple drive throughout. Without requiring the maximum amount of cargo space as some of the competition cross-overs, there is 26.1 cubic feet at the rear of the back seats and 54.6 cubes using the 60/40-split-folding seats laid toned.

Coutresy of managedspeed.net
Kia