2011 Kia Soul Review

Kia Soul

Inside, the Kia Soul isnt nearly as groundbreaking. Most Kia Soul wagons will sport a four-cylinder engine with 2.0 liters of displacement, 142 horsepower, and 137 pound-feet of torque; but theres also a 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. All Souls ride atop a conventional McPherson strut front and torsion-beam rear suspension, and they have four-wheel disc brakes. Base and mid-line Souls wear 15- and 16-inch wheels. The Kia Soul Sport leads the performance pack with 18-inch wheels and different suspension tuning. Dimensionally it checks in at 161.6 inches overall, 70.3 inches wide, 63.4 inches high, and it has a 100.4-inch wheelbase.

The front seats also have active head restraints, which help curb whiplash. Options on various Kia Soul models include a sunroof, that sound-system upgrade, and more than 60 accessories, from styling add-ons to interior trim. Two different Special Edition Soul models will be offered in the 2011 model year; both will be based on the Soul+ trim and include automatic climate control plus unique exterior styling and special accessories.

Debuting in 2010, the Kia Soul is a compact, 5-seat boxy hatchback designed for the young and young at heart. It is available in four trim levels: base, + (plus), (exclaim), and Sport.

The Soul’s spirit dwells somewhere between its snippy exterior and its comfortable cabin. Standard interior features include air conditioning, cruise control and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary audio jack. Exterior features include wheels, headlamps, doors and doorknobs. The Soul!

Having debuted in 2010, the little has changed for the 2011 Kia Soul. Other than the Scion xB and Nissan Cube, there are few cars that share the 2011 Kia Soul’s funky shape. Kia uses this box car’s hip style, unique exterior colors and affordable price to target young buyers. The Soul’s pep-less performance hasn’t inhibited its success in the industry. The Kia Soul has received a slew of awards. AAA even named the Kia Soul a Top Pick for Dog Owners.

Before you buy a Kia Soul, you should know that KIA recalled about 24,000 Soul vehicles to fix interior lighting panels that can cause fires. Although it’s more expensive than the Kia Soul, the Scion xB has bold exterior styling that reviewers like. The Soul is a hatchback, but it doesn’t offer lots of storage space.

The Kia Soul comes in four well-equipped trim levels -- a base edition, the Soul Plus (+), Soul Exclaim (!), and Soul Sport. The Soul was new for 2010, and the 2011 Kia Soul is very similar to last year’s model.

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2012 KIA Rio Prices

Kia Motors America announced Monday an incredibly affordable price for its new 2012 KIA Rio.
Kia’s 2012 Rio 5-door is available in three different trims to give the customer options. The Rio comes in the LX, EX and SX models. The starting sticker price for the Rio 5 door is $13,600 MSRP. Kia Motors also is offering their Rio 5-door A/T starting at $14,700. Kia’s top-of-the-line, sporty SX trim sticker price starts under $18,000. Rio 5-door has been critically acclaimed for several components. The car’s exterior and interior styling are beautiful and the car has class-leading horsepower and fuel economy. The GDI engine provides impressive power and fuel efficiency.

 The new 2012 Rio 5 door also comes a bit better equipped than the previous generation car. Safety features are important and the Rio offers Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
The all-new Rio is the first vehicle to offer ISG technology outside of the hybrid and luxury segments. The car will automatically restart when the driver releases the brake pedal.

The new subcompact hatchback is offered in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX) with the basic model offering standard air conditioning, electric power steering, an audio system with USB and SiriusXM satellite radio, plus several safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).

The gasoline unit delivers an output of 138HP returning 30mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
Unveiled earlier this year at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, the 2012 Rio 5-door offers critically acclaimed exterior and interior styling along with class-leading horsepower and fuel economy. With the ISG technology the 2012 Rio will offer consumers an impressive and fuel-sipping 31/40 mpg.

Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kias model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, 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.

- Class-leading horsepower claims based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of September 2011.

- Class-leading fuel economy claims for highway based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of September 2011. EPA fuel economy estimates 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy for 2012 Rio 5-door. Actual mileage may vary.

- Starting price is manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP excludes $750 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges.

- Class-leading fuel economy claims for highway based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of September 2011. EPA fuel economy estimates 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy for 2012 Rio 5-door.

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Kia pro ceed GT ready for launch

A GTI-like pro_ceed will in the second half of 2013 appeared at the dealers. That Kia has just officially confirmed and they have an immediate sketch of the car attached.

From the abstract computer sketch is little concrete information to get on the final design of the so-called pro_ceed GT, but rather let Kias chief designer already know that he visually model separate sought to convert the remaining range. Calculation store on another, burly bumpers all around and bigger wheels.

200 hp
the most important thing is running at a hot hatchback, because as you may feel the pro_ceed GT qualify, the powertrain. Kia says the brief press release that the model will be equipped with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine; produce a performance of "something over 200 hp. A 6-speed manual transmission will be standard, and even the manufacturer itself is silent about all of this, it is plausible that a dual-clutch automatic in the option list.

Frankfurt
as with the Kia pro_ceed GT will take on the Golf GTI and consorts we expect a show debut in Europe. Given that fact, the Geneva Motor Show (early March) is a possibility, but the IAA Frankfurt next year takes place, namely in September. And that is the belly of the beast...

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2011 Kia Forte Review

Kia Forte sports

The Kia Forte sports crisp styling that gives the sedan an athletic shape. For 2011, the Kia Forte lineup finally gets a six-speed automatic transmission, a new four-door hatchback body style and a minor equipment shuffle.

The 2011 Forte also receives a standard six-speed manual transmission on all models and a new six-speed automatic.

The 2011 Kia Forte is available in three body styles: four-door sedan, four-door hatchback and two-door coupe ("Koup"). The sedan is available in LX, EX and SX trims, while the hatchback and Koup come in EX and SX trims only.

Standard equipment on the base LX includes 15-inch steel wheels, a six-way-adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering column, 60/40-split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity and a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system (with satellite radio and USB/auxiliary audio jacks). The EX adds keyless entry, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a six-speaker audio system and cruise control, while the EX Koup adds 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, sport front seats and a sportier exhaust note.

The SX trim comes equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, wider tires, foglights, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an enhanced gauge cluster, a trip computer, unique cloth upholstery and metallic interior trim. A Fuel Economy package for the EX sedan and hatchback adds electric power steering, low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic enhancements. SX options include a sunroof and heated leather seats, while a Technology package offering keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, automatic climate control and chrome exterior door handles is available on the EX and SX.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2011 Kia Forte LX and EX get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 156 hp and 144 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the Fuel Economy package bumps the EX sedan/hatchback figures to 27/37/30.

Kia estimates the more powerful Forte SX at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the manual and 23/32 (23/31 for the Koup) with the automatic.

Safety

Standard Forte safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

The Kia Forte has not been rated using the governments new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. In the side-impact tests, the Forte earned five stars for the driver and four stars for rear passengers. Cargo space is plentiful in the coupe and sedan, measuring 12.6 cubic feet and 14.7 cubic feet, respectively.

Driving Impressions

The 2011 Kia Forte isnt exactly a drivers car in LX or EX guise.

The Kia Forte receives a few aesthetic and mechanical changes, but the most noticeable shift is the introduction of the Forte five-door hatchback. Kia succeeded, and the 2010 Forte became a reviewer favorite for its ample cargo space, affordable price and strong list of standard features. For 2011, Kia Forte sedan and Koup models remain largely unchanged. Kia, however, has added another model to the Forte lineup: a five-door hatchback.

The new transmission should improve fuel economy, but neither Kia nor the EPA has released fuel economy ratings.

In addition to a new transmission, the hatchback is shorter in length than the 2010 Kia Forte sedan and Koup, but it’s still longer than the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf. Some aspects of the five-door hatchback carry over to the 2011sedan and Koup models. The 2011 Kia Forte five-door hatchback will be available this fall, but Kia has not provided a release date for the 2011 Forte sedan and Koup. The hatchback’s seats fold down -- but not all the way -- to provide 26 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front row. Unlike the Fiesta and Forte, the Fit is only available as a hatchback.

If you don’t want a hatchback, there are plenty of sedans available that offer a complete package: ample cargo space and good fuel economy. Details: 2011 Kia Forte

The 2011 Kia Forte has three model options: a sedan, Koup and a five-door hatchback.

Kia hasn’t released pricing information for the 2011 models. The 2010 Forte models, however, are priced affordably, and start at $13,695 for the sedan and $16,595 for the Koup.

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2012 Kia Sportage Reviews

Overviews

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage has a range of five-seat four-cylinder engines, including turbocharged versions. The all-new Sportage which provides increased levels of performance and efficiency, satisfaction and comfort and the latest in vehicle technology are combined into a new vehicle every new Kia.

For 2012, every Kia Sportage will be revised to give improved suspension tuning. Kia also added more sound insulation to reduce noise. The LX models get alloy wheels 17-inch standard and low-rolling-resistance tires. EX and SX models now come standard with Kia Interface Uvo hands free for mobile phones and portable music players.

Performance
Kia Sportage base engine is a 176-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. A 260-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection engine is also available. Options include a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with clutch less manual mode.

Interior
2012 Kia Sportage interior has a comfortable blend of complex and organic shapes that create more interesting than most competitors manage. There is quite a bit of hard plastic throughout the cabin, but for the most part, it is good and the texture is soft enough where passengers generally make contact. Contoured front seats that provide both the best entertainment, with enough headroom and legroom. Prepared 60/40-split rear seat for three passengers, but tight enough it can only be passed on to some adults.

Exterior
Redesigned last year, the Sportage has a metal sheet which is sharper than the model it replaced. The front is dominated by black lattice is limited by the angle of light propagating front fenders. A side door accents fine wrinkles, as well as sharply slanted roof pillars behind draw your eye to the back of the crossover. Nevertheless, the first to draw attention to the new CUV is a driver for deep connection with a striking design of the all-new Kia Sportage.

Safety
Safety standard on all models including the 2012 Kia Sportage front side seat airbags, full length side-curtain airbags, active front head limitation, antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control and control of the hill and started down the hill features. At the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, Sportage receive the highest value of Good in frontal-offset impact, side and roof strength tests.

For a better combination of performance and good cargo space, consider the Mazda CX-7. Review called it one of the most exciting vehicles in its class (the second in line to the Volkswagen Tiguan pricier and smaller). It has more cargo "Kia Sportage" place and have the option of turbocharged engines, but does not come standard with many features such as Bluetooth or USB port.

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Kia Carens more of the new

Kia Carens: more of the new. Or is it actually less? Because the previous drawings showed already pretty much seen. Anyway, Kia wants us warm for the arrival of their latest achievement: an MPV.

For the second time in a short time shows how the new Kia Carens will look like. The model that we end of September at the Paris Motor Show expects strengthened the family ties with the rest of the range properly. Especially with the new Ceed. And that is not surprising. Since the arrival of chief designer Peter Schreyer and the introduction of the so-called tiger nose hammering the brand merrily on the new design language.

Cee’d MPV
the Carens will be basic parts with the Ceed and that probably also applies to the engine range. For now, the Koreans lip tightly together some further details. We also know not whether there is also a seven-seater on the list quoted. The design will no longer pose a surprise, because thanks to these drawings, but also the previous illustrations, the picture easily complete.

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KIA Win Prestigious Design Award

Kia

Never again look trivial cars from South Korea. In quality and design of the South Korean brands in the world of good and recognized.

Kia, South Korean car manufacturers, often received design awards. Finally, KIA Motors Corporation gets Automotive Brand Contest 2011 from Rat for Formgebung (Germany Design Council).

Kia jury panel won in two categories; Brand Design (where the focus of the overall strategy and brand design rated) and Exterior (car design into the limelight).

In the category of Brand Design, KMC earned the title Best of the Best. While the Kia Sportage, Kia Rio, Kia Optima sedan and was asked as the winner of the category of Exterior.

"We are all very proud of Kias win well in this new competition. The contest is very important in the automotive industry, "said Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer KIA Motors Corporation.”With the changing focus of basic design, we provide a brand new face, a different identity."

Victories Kia cars design is inseparable from the presence of Peter Schreyer. The man with the glasses is the former chief designer Audi / VW and Kia since joining on July 31, 2006. Some of his work while in the Audi / VW like the New Beetle, Eos, Microbus, Golf MK IV, and the Race Touareg.

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2011 KIA Rio Review

Kia Rio

2011 Kia Rio is a subcompact vehicle that delivers respectable fuel economy and is offered in hatchback and sedan body styles. The Kia Rio falls in to the less expensive category. As a four-door hatchback or entry level sedan, the Rio is clearly short on features. The base model doesn’t come with power steering, power accessories, antilock brakes and air conditioning.

The wagon is offered in SX and LX trim levels only. The LX model gets power steering, split folding 60-40 rear seatbacks, antilock brakes and air conditioning.

The high end trim SX trim level of 2011 Kia Rio is equipped with 16 in alloy wheels, two additional speakers, fog lamps, Bluetooth, rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering column with audio controls, heated car mirror with incorporated turn signals, upgraded cloth upholstery, power windows, cruise control and remote keyless entry.

The 2011 Kia Rio is equipped with standard safety features which include fully side curtain airbags and side impact airbags.

If you can’t afford the Honda Civic or Kia Forte, and don’t mind driving a car that offers the bare minimum, the Kia Rio will suit your needs. In a class crowed with cars that offer a fair price, numerous standard features and good performance, the Kia Rio has difficulty competing. Kia offers another car, the Kia Forte, which makes up for the Rio’s meager list of standard features and small trunk. Details: 2011 Kia Rio

Rio5 hatchback models come in LX and SX trims. A manual transmission comes with the Base Rio, and an automatic transmission is standard on the $15,095 Rio5.

For 2011, the Kia Rio gains optional Bluetooth Connectivity.
Considering the Rios low price, the driving experience is surprisingly good, with a peppy feel in most respects. The Rio handles reasonably well, brakes seem strong, and theres enough gumption from the powertrain and 110-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine for most driving, aside from high-speed passes.

The 2011 Rio offers a well-designed interior, but it doesnt step outside its small-car roots or offer any packaging magic. While the base-model Rio strictly offers reliable transportation on a tight budget, the 2011 Kia Rio and Rio5 come well-equipped in their upper trims. The Rio SX model gets a sportier suspension, alloy wheels, fog lamps, and a spoiler, plus sport seats, leather trim, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

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2011 Kia Sportage Review

2011 Kia Sportage

2011 Kia Sportage is considered as one of the best crossover utility vehicle with its overall value, unmatched levels of styling, performance and technology. The top of the line EX trim level is equipped with 18 inch wheels, chilled glove box, daytime running LED lights, power driver seat, fog lamps, leather wrapped telescoping steering column, chrome exterior accents, two-zone automatic climate control system, rear spoiler and roof rails. There are some additional features found in EX and LX trim levels such as upgraded stereo system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation system with voice recognition capability and backup camera, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, keyless entry and ventilated driver seat.

The base trim level of this Kia is equipped with six-speed manual transmission, while the EX and LX come with six-speed automatic transmission with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive system.

Like some other reviewers, they conclude that the 2011 Kia Sportage might be the new standard for compact crossovers.

Reviewers also love the angular, masculine styling on the Sportage. The Kia Sportage is also Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, which adds to its stylish, high-tech family-car appeal.

The Kia Sportage isn’t perfect, however. While reviewers largely like the Powertrain, they’re divided about the handling on the Kia Sportage. If you’re looking for a practical alternative to the Kia Sportage, check out the Hyundai Tucson. Also, the Equinox matches the Sportage’s Powertrain warranty when it comes to mileage.

The 2011 Kia Sportage is available in three trims: base, LX and EX. The Sportage is available with front- or all-wheel drive. The Kia Sportage shares some components with the 2011 Hyundai Tucson.

The Kia Sportage has been completely redesigned for 2011.Thanks to chiseled lines and a sleek-looking interior, the 2011 Kia Sportage is one of the best-looking small crossovers for this model year.

The 2011 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five. Soon after launch, a turbocharged SX model will be available.

The Kia Sportage EX comes with 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, foglights, chrome exterior accents, a rear spoiler, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel that also telescopes, a power driver seat and a chilled glove box. Some EX features are available on the LX as options.

Powering the base, LX and EX examples of the Kia Sportage is a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that produces 176 hp and 168 pound-feet of torque. LX and EX buyers may also choose between front- and all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive Sportage models are suitable for light off-road duties only. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway mpg and 25 mpg in combined driving for a 2.4-liter automatic with front-wheel drive. In our performance tests, a front-drive 2011 Kia Sportage accelerated to 60 mph from a standstill in 9.5 seconds, an average time for this class.

Standard safety features on all 2011 Kia Sportage models include front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front headrests, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control and stability control, as well as hill descent and hill start control. The 2011 Kia Sportages interior in EX trim features a pleasing mix of complex and organic shapes.

Despite rather average test numbers, the 2011 Kia Sportage is reasonably fun to drive.

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