Drivetime with Vinnie Richichi-First Impression:2012 Kia Rio EX 5 Door

If the Korean car maker Kia is showing the world one thing it is that a subcompact sedan that gets 40 miles per gallon can have some style, pizazz, personality and a lot of zip. That is just some of what Kia was trying to build into its redesigned  small car and after spending a week in the Rio EX 5 door I found all of that and more in an appealing package that lives very comfortably in the $18,000 neighborhood.

Previous editions of the Rio were well… kind of bland and non-descript bordering on boring. This third generation of the Rio clearly has a European influence all over its 159 inch long body. Clean sculpted lines, carrying an arching roofline,  gives the Rio almost a chopped look. From the front the Rio wears the trademark Kia grille and nicely integrated headlights. Below the grille there is an attractive fascia of blackout paint and sculpting of the lower panel  that gives the front a racing type look. The Rio carries itself with an athletic wide stance.  Fit and finish on the Kia is way above average.  I think it is one of the more attractive sub compacts out there.

Jump inside the Rio and you feel like you are sitting in a car that’s much more in the mid 20’s price range. Quality materials cover supportive seats and a simple but functional dash.  Front seats are comfortable but the rear seat can be cramped for tall adults. Kia has moved a lot of the controls into the steering wheel making life a lot more convenient and helping you to keep your eyes on the road. The heater and a/c controls are easy to use toggle switches. Kia’s UVO infotainment system is simple and logical. Visibility is good especially with the small windows in front of the door pillar and the Rio comes with a backup camera if you get the nav system…a big help with the high beltline of the hatchback. Rear seats fold down giving you almost 50 sq. ft. of cargo space. The rear hatch opening though is smaller than average with that high beltline. The Rio was made for Costco runs!

Hit the gas and the Rio’s 138 horsepower 4 cylinder injected engine married up to the 6 speed automatic is geared for quick moves through traffic and to get up to highway speeds with a minimum of grunt.  The transmission is fairly straightforward and shifts clean. Highway cruising can get a little laborious if that cruising is done much over 80 MPH but stay around the posted limits and the Rio moves along quite nicely. Steering is taut and concise and stays that way as you go faster with a good feel of the road. The ride is surprisingly stable and soft especially on rough roads. The Rio tends to leave the teeth jarring ride to the older Kia’s.

The Kia Rio EX 5 Door I drove had a sticker price of $19,345 fairly loaded including the UVO system, power folding mirrors with turn indicators and alloy wheels. The 4 door sedan model starts at $13,400. Mileage figures come in at 30 city/40 highway MPG and the Kia has a 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. The Rio gets a four star rating in Federal Government Crash Tests.

I am a big Kia fan. They give you solid value in a very well constructed car loaded with a lot of options. Lots of bang for the buck. The Rio also has a lot of style and is an attractive fun car to drive. It by no means is a sports car but for good economical transportation with a lot ofstyle and value in the subcompact class it is hard to get more than you do out of the Kia Rio

Courtesy of Drivetime.com

Monday Maintenance Tip: Check tires for uneven wear

Check tires for uneven wear. If you’ve maintained tire inflation properly, uneven wear may indicate the need for a wheel realignment. It can also mean improperly operating brakes or shocks, a bent wheel, internal tire damage, or worn bushings.

Courtesy of rd.com

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Euro-Market Kia Carens/Rondo Mini-Minivan Teased Ahead of Paris Debut

Teaser images of the Euro-market Kia Carens have been released in advance of the MPV’s Paris auto show debut. The previous-generation Carens was sold in the U.S. as the Kia Rondo, which was dropped from the U.S. lineup in 2011.

The teaser images reveal the Optima and Rio styling influences we noticed when a Carens tester was spied in Michigan earlier this month. The headlights, which feature a sleek, swept-back design similar to that of the Optima, flank Kia’s characteristic “tiger nose” grille. In back, the Carens gets a rear hatch with angular, horizontal taillights. Kia says the roofline is lower compared to the previous generation, and that the wheels on the new Carens are larger. Though it’s not easy to tell from the teaser images, a chrome beltline accent runs along the bottom of the windows. Kia’s mini-minivan was built around the theme “dynamic space,” according to the automaker, and is meant to combine a bold exterior look with a functional interior space.

The Kia Carens is unlikely to make it stateside, as the compact MPV segment is dwindling in the U.S. That segment includes the Mazda5, which has dipped significantly in sales this year, and the upcoming Ford C-Max. Still, we can’t help but wonder if Kia should give the Rondo nameplate another chance with the new, less frumpy Carens/Rondo design.

The Kia Carens will be fully unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on September 27.

Courtesy of Kia

2014 Kia Forte Teased Ahead Of 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

The current Kia Forte, known as the Cerato in other markets, is a pleasantly styled and attractively priced alternative to the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in the compact segment. Penned in Kia’s California design studio, the current Forte first launched in sedan trim as a 2010 model and was later joined by new coupe and hatchback bodystyles.

The car you see here is the all-new 2014 Kia Forte, in its sedan bodystyle, which is set to make its official world debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show in November before going on sale shortly after.

You can really see the resemblance in the front end, as the new Forte embraces Kia's bolder winged grille and aggressive character line design motifs. The lower valence looks familiar, too, with the same exaggerated openings for fog lights.

Charged with penning the rather stylish look is Kia design boss Peter Schreyer, who has introduced a much more premium look to Kia’s lineup, with his most recent design being the K9 (recently renamed Quoris) flagship sedan.  

The 2014 Forte is said to be longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model, which should promise more space inside, and will once again come in the choice of sedan, coupe and hatch bodystyles.

The current Forte features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering fuel economy as high as 27/36 mpg city/highway. We suspect a drivetrain with similar specifications will be offered in the new generation.

The Forte is one of Kia’s most important models. With sales of 445,000 units worldwide in 2011, the compact car is Kia’s most popular model and by the looks of this new generation should continue that tradition.

Courtesy of Motorauthority.com

 

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Monday Maintenance Tip: Extreme Summer Heat Can Burn Up Car Batteries

ummer’s extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle’s battery. The Car Care Council advises vehicle owners to have their cars’ batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.

Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

“When most motorists think of dead batteries that cause starting failure, they think of severe winter weather, but summer heat is the real culprit,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Many battery problems start long before the temperatures drop. A few simple steps now can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown later.”

To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following:

• Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.

• If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.

• Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.

• Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.

Courtesy of Carcare.org

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Rio Bravo: Upgraded 2013 Kia Rio SX Coming This Fall

With the new Kia Optima SX Limited signaling some definite upscale aspirations in the midsize sedan segment, the 2013 Kia Rio SX-in both sedan and hatchback configurations-will start showing a similar approach to the subcompact category when it arrives this fall. Now, the SX designation isn't new. In fact, it's been the name of Kia's range-topping trim level for years. But what is new is a much higher level of amenities that should help draw customers away from cars like the Ford Fiesta Titanium and give Kia an early foothold in the near-premium subcompact niche.

2013 Kia Rio SX: Features and Functions

Perhaps the biggest enhancement to the SX package for the 2013 model year is the addition of Kia's UVO telematics system as a standard feature. UVO is sort of the Kia equivalent of Ford SYNC, and in the Rio SX it will provide voice control over the car's audio and phone functions, including online music streaming and hands-free calling. It won't offer access to mobile apps in the way SYNC AppLink does on the Fiesta Titanium, but the UVO system on the Rio SX does provide an integrated rearview camera, something that's missing on the Ford.

Other Rio SX advantages over the Ford include a standard six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters-the Fiesta Titanium's standard transmission is a five-speed manual-and sporty-looking metal pedals, which are optional on the Ford.

Then there's the kind of premium creature comforts one would expect from a top-of-the-line entry, such as a leather interior, Kia's Supervision meter cluster, a soft-touch dash, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a subtle application of chrome around the grille. Kia designers also made a notable effort to brighten up the vehicle's light treatments. Thus, the Rio SX wears standard fog lights and new automatic on/off headlights, and showcases LED illumination for its positioning lights, taillights and front accent lights. Dual exhaust tips and the de rigueur sport-tuned suspension are part of the price of admission, too.

With this feature list, it's no surprise there aren't many options on the 2013 Kia Rio SX, but a power/tilt sunroof, heated front seats, push-button start and a nav system are among the available add-ons. And it's worth pointing out that the seat warmers and easy-start system are standard on the Fiesta Titanium.

Also, even though drivers shouldn't expect any powertrain changes in the Rio SX, the good news is that that means they can expect the same EPA marks of 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway achieved by the rest of the Rio lineup.

Courtesy of: Autobytel

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2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

Some automakers-notably Toyota and Honda-leaped upon the hybrid-powertrain bandwagon early. Others joined the gasoline/electric group later, but several continued to hold back, searching for other ways to boost gas mileage. Among the reluctant entrants was Kia, which finally launched its first hybrid model in 2011, echoing the introduction of a gasoline/electric Sonata sedan from its South Korean corporate parent, Hyundai. Like its corporate cousin, the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid sedan brings an appealing level of fuel-efficiency.

Up to 40 MPG on the Highway
Kia claimed "class-leading" fuel efficiency for the Optima Hybrid when it appeared as a 2011 model: up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 35 mpg in city driving. Two configurations are available: the base model, and a more costly version fitted with a Premium and Technology Package. The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid has added an HE Radio and power-folding mirrors to its available Hybrid Premium and Technology Package.

An air-cooled 270-volt lithium-polymer battery pack, developed in partnership with LG Chem, works with an electric motor. Compared to the older nickel metal hydride batteries, Kia's Li-PB battery is said to be 20-30 percent lighter, occupies 40 percent less volume, and is 10 percent more efficient. According to Kia, it also holds a charge 25 percent longer than many competitors' batteries, and is warranted for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Hybrid Power and Performance
Developing 166 horsepower, Kia's 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine is connected via a wet clutch to the electric motor, which yields 40 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque in full-electric mode. Rather than using a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as in most hybrids, Kia's gasoline/electric system is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Because it's a full parallel hybrid system, the Kia Optima Hybrid can be driven in full-electric mode at up to 62 mph, for a relatively short period. When the car comes to a halt and the electric load is slow, the engine shuts off completely, restarting again as the driver touches the accelerator pedal. Or if it's starting off from a stop in electric-only mode, the gas engine restarts later. A Virtual Engine Sound System plays a prerecorded engine sound during electric-only operation at up to 12 mph, to help notify pedestrians (including the blind) that the car is approaching.

Couple-Like Styling
Claiming a "coupe-like profile," the 2012 Optima Hybrid sedan sits 5 millimeters (0.2 inch) lower than regular Optimas-a difference that isn't likely to be noticed. Distinctive Optima Hybrid features include a chrome version of the customary grille, lightweight 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglamps, heated outside mirrors, and LED taillamps. Unique headlights help to channel air, while smooth underfloor panels aim to improve airflow.

Front/rear lower bumpers and side sills were inspired by the sporty SX trim level. An active air flap system in the grille automatically opens and closes based on speed, engine temperature and airflow, to help reduce drag. At 0.26, the car's drag coefficient is 10 percent "slippier" than non-hybrid Optimas. Models equipped with the Premium Technology Package get 17-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, power-folding mirrors, and high-intensity-discharge headlights.

Interior and Safety Features
Inside, the instrument panel is said to be "contoured toward the driver." Standard Kia Optima Hybrid features, comparable to the LX trim level, include an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, pushbutton start, a "Supervisor" instrument cluster with LCD display for hybrid information, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Fixed rear seats include a ski pass-through.

Six airbags are standard, along with electronic stability control. Kia's Premium and Technology Package adds a panoramic sunroof, four-way power front passenger seat, driver's seat memory, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, and a navigation system with backup camera.

Kia Optima Hybrid Driving Impression
Magnificent is the word for operation of Kia's hybrid powertrain system, which stays in EV mode for quite a while as long as you don't push hard on the accelerator pedal. Battery/gasoline transition is barely perceptible-sometimes, not noticeable at all. Excellent sound insulation keeps engine sound well subdued. Occupants get plenty of front-seat space, with a comparatively long driver's seat bottom. Visibility is top-notch.

Smooth and quiet on the highway, the Optima Hybrid has a pleasantly light steering feel-but not excessively so. Thus, you can expect nice control in turns. A superior ride is the rule, too, at least on good roads.

Acceleration is rather enthusiastic from a standstill, but more modest when pushing the pedal at 50 mph or so. Either way, response is quick, with no significant delay for a downshift. In fact, the transmission often feels almost like a CVT in terms of smoothness.

Courtesy of automedia.com

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2012 Sorento: $1500 Cash Back

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Cash back from Kia Motors America. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 7/6/2012 to 7/31/2012. Cash back offer when you purchase a new car only and may not be combined with Special Low APR offer. See dealer for details

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2012 Kia Performance Awards for LPGA players

The Kia Performance Awards for 2012 has have been announced and the LPGA players are excited about the announcements.

The awards will be in four categories that cover the performance statistics of the players. The awards are highly appreciated by the players. This awards announcement is a continuation of the relationship between KIA Group and LPGA.

The golfer with the longest driving distance, on average, will receive the Kia Power Drive, which is the first category of the performance awards.

The nominees are: Maude-Aimee Leblanc, Brittany Lincicome, Vicky Hurst, Lexi Thompson and Yani Tseng. So far, the winner appears to be Maude-Aimee Leblanc with a mean drive distance of 282 yards.

The second category is Kia Drive to the Top, awarded to the player with the most top-10 finishes. This is a tough category with a tie between two top golfers, Yani Tseng and Ai Miyazato. Each player posted a record 8 top-10 finishes out of the ten events this year.

The third category is Most Compelling Performance. This will prove to be the most awaited category, as the selection will be carried out through online fan votes.

Jessica Korda, Yani Tseng, Ai Miyazato and Stacey Lewis are the four nominations so far.

The final category is Kia Community Assist. This award recognizes the player or players who have contributed the most to charities or community assistance programs.

This category is expected to drive the players towards contributing part of their earnings to programs designated to assist the less fortunate members of the society.

So far, only one name has been nominated for the fourth category. Christina Kim has been nominated for her contributions towards "A Home for a Hero". This is a charity that offers housing to disabled veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Kia Performance Awards are given as recognition of the collaboration between LPGA and Kia group. Winners of the awards will get a brand new Optima Limited, the top of the line product of the KIA Group.

Talking about the collaboration, Jon Podany, LPGA Chief Marketing Officer said, "The KIA Performance Awards are a great extension of our expanding relationship with Kia." Kia has been a great sponsor of LPGA events and this relationship will grow strong as a result of these awards.

Courtesy of Bettor (Blog)

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