Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Kia Optima Punches Way Above Its Class
I would be completely remiss if I did not tell you about my latest driving familiarity. This afternoon I took a small propel in a Kia Optima. This vehicle was completely off my radar until I walked into a Kia dealership today and they told me about the vehicle that won the 2012 AJAC Family Automobile of the Year Award (under $30,000) and the Motoring 2012 Best Family Automobile and Overall Automobile of The Year.
Courtesy of Jesse Haze's blog
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
2012 Kia Rio SX: Cool Styling Plus Good Fuel-Economy
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If you haven’t noticed, the South Koreans have the Japanese and everyone else in the automotive world looking over their proverbial shoulders. Kia, who is owned by Hyundai Motor Group is bringing new and innovative cars and designs to the market faster than any other carmaker. And it’s not just quantity, but the South Korean auto company is producing quality cars.
The 2012 Kia Rio is is yet another example of what Hyundai and Kia are bringing to the automotive world. The Kia Rio is completely redesigned for the 2012 model year and will compete with anyone in the subcompact segment. It comes with all the right numbers, in terms of power, fuel-efficiency, and price. It even comes with the style and refinement found in more expensive cars.
f you haven’t noticed, the South Koreans have the Japanese and everyone else in the automotive world looking over their proverbial shoulders. Kia, who is owned by Hyundai Motor Group is bringing new and innovative cars and designs to the market faster than any other carmaker. And it’s not just quantity, but the South Korean auto company is producing quality cars.
The 2012 Kia Rio is is yet another example of what Hyundai and Kia are bringing to the automotive world. The Kia Rio is completely redesigned for the 2012 model year and will compete with anyone in the subcompact segment. It comes with all the right numbers, in terms of power, fuel-efficiency, and price. It even comes with the style and refinement found in more expensive cars.
The 2012 Kia Rio is fun to drive and has a youthful spirit and energy about it. The Rio is offered with only one engine, but it’s a good one. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine uses direct fuel injection, which yields good power and fuel economy. The Rio’s 138 horsepower and 123 lb. ft. of torque is better than anything in the non-turbo class. Fuel economy is a strong selling point for the Rio. EPA numbers are 30/40 mpg city/highway, which are unmatched by anything in the subcompact segment.
The Kia Rio uses a six-speed automatic where competitors only offer a four or five-speed transmission. The extra gear allows for better acceleration and lower highway engine rpm’s which help in performance and fuel-efficiency. On the road, the Rio feels quite comfortable and the sport-tuned suspension is tight without being too firm, and the Rio feels stable at high speeds.
The Kia Rio SX gets the top of the line in luxury and sportiness, by adding bigger front brakes, a sport-tuned suspension with firmer settings, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The extras give the Rio a sportier look on the outside, and improved performance on the road with added responsiveness for more spirited drivers. If you are more inclined to get where you are going quickly, SX buyers will find the features more to their liking and pay the features-heavy price premium to get them.
The Kia Rio SX is a good choice in the subcompact segment because it does a lot of things well. It gets excellent fuel economy, it’s fun to drive, has a sports car mentality and the hatchback is highly functional.
Courtesy of automoblog.com
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sporty sedan: Kia Rio features good looks, stylish interior and is technically sound
The object of my crush is the new 2012 Kia Rio sedan. Obviously, exterior styling of Kia vehicles is eye-catching and much improved since being under the direction of former Audi and Volkswagen chief designer Peter Schreyer. Just take a look at other Kia vehicles — the Optima, Sportage and Soul — that have been launched since Mr. Schreyer’s tenure at Kia. I don’t doubt that I’ll like the looks of this sporty sedan.
But like the anticipation of meeting a cute guy about whom your friends have been raving — “He’s such a nice guy, too” — I maintain a healthy skepticism about Kia Rio’s personality, performance and interior.
When I spoke with Schreyer during a telephone interview a few months back, I asked him if a vehicle could be beautiful on the outside but technically lacking or wanting. His answer: “You can’t separate the two. Good design is only good if the product is technically good. It has to hold the promise. I always look inside the car at traffic lights if it’s one of my designs, to see who is driving and who are the passengers. Do they look happy in it?”
In the first few days of driving the 2012 Rio, I wondered if Mr. Schreyer was next to me at a traffic light, peering inside his creation to see if I was happy? This is where Kia’s slogan, ‘The Power to Surprise’, comes into play.
I’m surprised I ended up liking the sweetie-pie. During its testing period with me, I didn’t have any exciting missions for it.
I did deliver a daughter back to university after a short Easter break. Delivering my daughter meant a 220-kilometre run on mostly four lanes with some two-lane mix of hilly and twisty terrain in pouring sideways rainstorms for most of the way.
The 6-speed automatic transmission has the option of a manual mode which proved quite responsive downshifting on long hills. The automatic mode also did its job nicely, and the ‘eco’ mode button changed the acceleration and the points where the transmission shifts, making the vehicle even more efficient; but clearly not as much fun to drive.
Another efficiency Kia has integrated into the 2012 Rio is GDI, Gasoline Direct Injection. Fuel is injected directly into each of the four cylinders, which means the 1.6-litre engine needs less fuel to get more power. A rarity for this small-car segment. Also, the Kia Rio sedan achieves 138 horsepower and Transport Canada gives it a fuel economy rating of 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 4.9 L/100 km.
With a price range that starts at $13,795 and goes to $21,695, depending on the trim level, you get a lot of bang for your buck. For instance, there are features in the Rio sedan that wouldn’t normally appear in vehicles in this segment. Shouldn’t every vehicle sold in Canada have a heated steering wheel?
During the 220-km rain-soaked road trip, getting home at midnight was late enough without having to stop for fuel.
The navigation system, another surprise feature in a vehicle at this price point, helped me determine exactly when I would pull into my driveway. Pair that system with the digital gauge on the instrument cluster that gives the distance to an empty fuel tank, and the tension of making it home before running out of fuel virtually disappears.
The driver’s seat is comfortable and covered in leather that ups the feeling of luxury in the vehicle. I found the passenger seat quite low and not adjustable for height. But on a positive note, our six-foot-two daughter didn’t scrape her head on the ceiling when she sat there.
With one day at home before leaving on a trip. I drive the 2012 Kia Rio around town with my mind on other things as I prepare. Pick this up here. Drop that off there. Oh, I can’t forget to do this. I have to go back out to do that.
In the midst of a hectic day and a flight to catch the following morning, I realize I need photos of the Rio for this column. I look at the filthy Rio. A photography session is definitely not on my schedule. I have to wash the vehicle, rub it to a shine. Do the windows. Find an interesting spot to stage the Rio. Wait for the right light.
This is when it happened. My Kia Rio just got a lot cuter and I’ve got a new crush.
Source: The Province
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Car Maintenance Tip : Replace air filters
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In honor of National Car Care Month, here’s another tip from us to help you save gas. Keep a close eye on your engine's air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Kia Racing and Colin Braun Capture First Pirelli World Challenge Podium Finish on the Streets of Long Beach
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"It's fantastic to get our first podium in just our third race with the Optimas, and to do it in front of a big crowd of Kia Racing fans makes it even more special," said Braun. "I had to work hard to stay out of trouble, which can be difficult on this street circuit, but I can't think of a better way to spend my honeymoon."
After a great qualifying session in the morning, which placed Kia's two Optimas third and fourth on the grid, Kia Racing started the race side-by-side on the second row and battled with Justin Bell's Ford Mustang before settling into a groove and running nose to tail in fourth and fifth place. The Optimas separated when a flat-spotted tire caused Michael Galati to take the No. 36 Optima to pit lane for a replacement midway through the race. He would ultimately recover to finish 11th in class. Braun remained strong for the duration of the race en route to the final spot on the podium.
"Our Southern California racing debut was a big day for Kia Racing, Colin Braun and our partner, Kinetic Motorsports, who put on a great show for the Kia team members in attendance." said Michael Sprague, VP Marketing & Communications, KMA. "Securing the Optima's first podium in Long Beach is something we will remember for a long time."
Race fans can watch the No. 38 Optima race to Kia's first-ever Pirelli World Challenge podium on the NBC Sports Network on Sunday, April 29 at 3 p.m. ET. (Time and date subject to change. Check local listings). Round four of the PWC will take place at Miller Motorsports Park on Saturday, April 28 at 2:35 p.m. MT/ 1:35 p.m. PT. Check out live race status, photos and updates at facebook.com/kiaracing, and watch live streaming race coverage at world-challengetv.com.
Courtesy of kiamedia.com
Monday, April 16, 2012
Thank you for your kind words!
"I checked with other dealerships and Paramount Kia of Hickory NC was the best. They were very informative, courteous, and friendly. They went above and beyond to help with anything that was of concern. Kristopher Stevens was a very outstanding sales person. I feel like Paramount Kia is fortunate to have a sales person like him" - Janice
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Best Bang for the Buck: Kia Sportage
The Sportage is a sharp-looking, multitalented, mechanically sound SUV that can be ordered as a miserly commuter or as a zippy road warrior. The cost of AWD is $22,300.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Kia Rio 5 stretches limits of standard features in entry-level cars
With the Rio5, Kia is stretching the envelope when it comes to thinking about entry-level cars. The sample I drove had a heated steering wheel, full navigation system and numerous other features not normally associated with sub-compact automobiles.
Kia can do this because it has established a reputation for building high quality vehicles across a wide spectrum of segments and no longer has to play the bargain card. With both initial and longer-term quality surveys showing the advances the company has made in that area, Kia is putting even greater pressure on the competition. It is stressing the value of its products by providing extensive standard equipment and high-end options – for a price the others can only dream of. It can do this because of the vagaries of international exchange rates, just as the Japanese manufacturers did in the ’80s.
The test vehicle, the smallest car Kia makes, was absolutely loaded with features normally found in larger and far more expensive vehicles. In addition to the standard features on even a $14,995 Rio5 (power windows and locks, heated mirrors, height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt wheel and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio and USB and Aux inputs, and intermittent rear wiper) the tester had air conditioning, wireless connectivity, heated seats, remote keyless entry, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, audio and trim upgrades trim, power folding mirrors, power sunroof, tilt and telescope steering wheel, keyless ignition, cooled glove box, heated steering wheel, rearview camera and two-tone leather seats. All this for $21,784.
Styled in Kia’s California studios under the under the direction of noted designer Peter Schreyer, the Rio5 is a distinct departure from its predecessor and a very contemporary looking vehicle. It is longer, lower and wider that the model it replaces and boasts more interior space. Front seat headroom has been increased by 22-mm while rear seat occupants, while not exactly ensconced in the space of a limo, get 15-mm more headroom and 40-mm more legroom than in the old Rio5.
The interior also showcases Kia’s interest in design as a way of pleasing customers and standard apart from the pack. The dash is comprised of a speedometer flanked by the tachometer and fuel gauge. The center stack is topped by the audio system with big easy to decipher and use HVAC controls just below. There are plenty of storage bins and a sliding, padded armrest.
The refined interior feel is further cemented by the use of soft touch materials and pleasant textures. Fit and finish are first rate and there is no sign this in inexpensive little car.
Because this is a totally new platform, the engineers were able to update everything from the engine to the brakes. In fact it is as new body on a new platform, powered by a new engine coupled to a new transmission.
If economy is your want, press the little green button to the left of the steering wheel marked ECO. The control unit will soften throttle inputs and adjusts shift points to ensure maximum efficiency. It cuts back on response considerably but does have a positive effect on fuel use. With a light foot and level terrain you can expect to use up to five per cent less fuel. The system automatically reverts to normal when passing, climbing grades or other situations where full power is necessary use.
The “gritty” sound you hear at idle is typical of direct injection engines. It is the result of the high pressure injection which is sending fuel into the cylinders at more than 2,000 pounds per square inch of pressure. Once underway the engine is smooth, quiet and reasonably powerful. It is able to propel this car with some fervor because of the light weight.
The Rio5 comes with your choice of six speed transmissions, automatic or manual. The test car, in SX trim comes with the automatic. An internal design, it is so efficient it actually matches the fuel mileage numbers of the manual transmission with the same number of ratios.
On the road the Rio5, even the SX level with “sport tuned” suspension provides a reasonable supple ride. The low profile tires on this trim level don’t have enough sidewall to absorb abrupt surface changes, but they do contribute to a sharper steering feel. Despite the reference to “sport tuning” don’t mistake this for a sports car. Push it into a corner with semblance of speed and under-steer will set in early.
The Kio Rio5 has an eye-catching look, a raft of standard equipment, awesome fuel mileage and you can load it with all kinds of high-tech gadgetry and not break the bank.
Courtesy of thechronicleherald.ca
Another great review for Paramount Kia Hickory!
"I would highly recommend this dealership to anyone looking to purchase a vehicle and it's the first place I plan to look when it's time to buy my next vehicle." - Swatman117
Monday, April 9, 2012
2012 Rio 5-door Trims – Special Low 0.9% APR (36 months) for qualified buyers
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Friday, April 6, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Sowing the Ceed of more success
So dramatic was the change that even Kia staff refer to the history of the company as being “Before Ceed” and “After Ceed”.
The car has been so successful that it was largely responsible for the 60 per cent rise in Kia sales between 2005 and 2010. Importantly for the UK it was also the first Kia to be developed for Europe and the first Korean car to achieve a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. It’s not just the Ceed that’s doing well. Kia itself is on a roll too. This latest generation Ceed is the fourth new model from Kia in 12 months and its sales and market share are on the up despite car markets falling throughout Europe. In fact Kia is now the fastest- growing car brand in Europe.The new Ceed enters a very different world from that of its 2007 predecessor. The brilliance of the Kia Picanto, Rio and Sportage means expectations are higher than they were five years ago and merely being good and relying on customer goodwill is not enough.
As with other Kias of late the Ceed has been designed by Peter Schreyer, the man behind the original Audi TT and unlike some of its rivals the Ceed is anything but bland. Initially there will just be a five-door hatchback with an estate following in October and a sporty three-door Pro-Ceed coupe arriving early next year.Courtesy of express.co.uk
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
2012 Kia Rio Names to Best Cars for Teens list by Vroomgirls.com
"Rio being recognized as one of the 'Six Best New Cars for your Teenager' by Vroomgirls.com further validates all of the virtues which have made it popular with both parents and young drivers," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Excelling in design, fuel economy, value and driving enjoyment makes the Rio a truly well-rounded choice in the competitive subcompact segment."
Editors from Vroomgirls.com evaluated vehicles based on several main parental-focused criteria, including safety, reliability and value, but also considered factors important to teenage drivers such as user-content, fun-to-drive character and styling. Vroomgirls.com selected the vehicles that offer the best combination of these characteristics.
"Parents want a safe, reliable car for their kids, but teens only care about what's cool," said Tara Weingarten, Vroomgirls.com editor-in-chief. "The 2012 Kia Rio checks both of those boxes."
To read Vroomgirl.com's "Six Best New Cars For Your Teenager," please visit vroomgirls.com/6-best-new-cars-for-your-teenager/.
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 quality2 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking3. 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 sedan4. 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
Monday, April 2, 2012
Car Maintenance Tip: Keep leather from drying out and cracking
Courtesy of rd.com
More great reviews for Paramount Kia Hickory!
"Everyone was very nice and concederate toward us.The salesman even went out of his way to make us a fresh cup of coffee while we waited,answered every question we had and didn't try to push us into buying a car..We were very pleased with the staff and their professionalism!!!" Melissa and Ronnie Causby