California Autos Examiner

Showing posts with label kia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kia. Show all posts

Monday, October 19, 2009

Honey I shrunk the minivan! Future of mini-minivans in USA


2005 Toyota Wish (courtesy wikipedia user Mytho88)

When it comes to the current crop of American minivans, there is very little that is actually "mini" about them. In the land where the recliner is king, the workhorse people haulers have morphed into front wheel drive versions of the rear wheel drive mastodons they replaced. The 2011 model year will offer a clean slate of new offerings from the Japanese, but with the exception of perhaps the next Nissan Quest, Honda and Toyota vans will likely keep their current stout stature.

View this slideshow for some of the current crop of small people movers and a view towards the future.

Chrysler has abandoned the short wheelbase minivan segment, leaving the Dodge Journey to pickup the slack, but I have a feeling that may change when Fiat announces its future plans for its American offerings. I expect to see a smaller van/people hauler slot below the Chrysler Town and County and Dodge Grand Caravan based off of Fiat underpinnings.

Currently, if you want a smaller people shuttle, you have to look to the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo. That will be changing in the very near feature. Chevrolet will be replacing its HHR with the Orlando and Ford will be offering its Ford Grand C-Max. Honda has continually teased us with its Honda Stream and while Toyota has given no hints, how far off could the Toyota Wish be? General Motors will also be offering a Chevrolet Aveo (Gamma) based people mover as well. In speaking with a Buick designer at a recent event, the designer mentioned that the "Baby Enclave" Gamma-based vehicle is deceiving in that its exterior size is quite small but its interior dimensions are quite large.

Over the next few years, when it comes to people movers, small may be the new big!

For more info: Information for this report comes from Automotive News and previous articles written by this author.
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Thursday, July 30, 2009

Kia: Hamsters will not define us! Forte sedan will not feature rodents


No Energizer bunnies: Kia Hamsters are 1 and done

While Kia has received a mountain of favorable press for its Kia Soul hamster spot created by the David&Goliath agency, the only hamsters you’ll be seeing in the brand’s new Forte sedan are the ones that customers have chosen to transport.

Click this linke for a slideshow of 2010 Kia Forte images, both inside and out.

Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing for Kia USA, told BNET Auto “We didn’t want the hamsters to become the spokesperson for our brand. We wanted to be a more serious brand.”

Because that’s what you buyers want, more seriousness? While Kia undoubtedly doesn’t want an Energizer bunny on its hands, using a playful character that has resounded with buyers doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Have you seen the actual 2010 Kia Forte commercial? It’s a bit of a snore fest.





It's a Kia, people, not a Mercedes, so why not keep it fun and friendly?

For more info: Vist Kia Motors online.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Festivus for your Soul? Foster your inner Seinfeld with the 2010 Denim Kia Soul


2010 Denim Kia Soul

Who can forget the classic 'The Strike' episode of Seinfeld with the 'two face' girlfriend, Festivus and the 'Denim Vest' character who took Elaine sub sandwich punch card? Relive those memories with the special edition 2010 Denim Kia Soul!

Kia Motors America today rolled out the first all-new special edition for the Soul model line, the 2010 Denim Kia Soul, a unique iteration of the popular urban passenger vehicle that further emphasizes Soul’s cutting edge style and youthful, fun character. Matched with impressive fuel economy and safety features standard on all models, the special-edition Denim Soul provides consumers with even more personalization options.

“Denim Soul incorporates edginess and confidence,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “It illustrates our commitment to fresh design, even on a vehicle that’s been in the marketplace only a few months, and it’s the first of more special editions to be offered in 2010 for the recently introduced Kia Soul.”

Exclusive to the Denim Soul is a unique denim exterior color, striking white side-view mirrors with matching white 18-inch alloy wheels, front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a bold off-set white racing stripe completing the rally-inspired look. The Denim Soul is based on the Soul+ model and is fully loaded with the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls, carpeted floor mats, moonroof and fog lights all included for this special edition.

The special edition Denim Soul starts at $17,300 with a five-speed manual transmission, and $18,250 with an automatic.

Denim Soul builds from the Soul+ model, which offers standard keyless remote entry, privacy glass on the rear and rear side windows, body-color door handles and dual body-color power side mirrors along with 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires. Soul+ offers additional standard features including cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity, dual 12-volt power outlets and tweeter speakers, all enhancing creature comforts on the road, as well as a covered upper storage bin, dual visor vanity mirrors with covers and dual map lights. Black cloth seats are adorned with Soul logo inserts, further personalizing the cabin.

About the Kia Soul

Designed by Kia Motors’ Southern California-based design team, Soul is currently on sale at dealerships across the United States and has already been recognized as a “Best Value” by the Texas Auto Writers Association and by Ward’s Autoworld for its “Interior of the Year” list. Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,300 for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950. Enhancing to the Soul! or Soul sport offers a price beginning at $16,950.

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and is standard on Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport models. The engine produces 142 horsepower with 137 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy offers a thrifty, fuel-sipping 24/30 mpg for both the automatic and manual transmissions², better than the Scion xB.

Offering plenty of standard features, the Soul trim offers a chrome-accented grille, clear lens auto-off headlamps, solar glass, black door handles and side mirrors, body-colored front and rear fascias with black inserts, black bodyside molding, rear wiper/washer, variable intermittent windshield wipers and 15-inch steel wheels fitted with P195/65R15 tires.

Passengers will find comfort in the Soul’s roomy cabin that offers 40.2/39.6 inches of headroom (front/rear), shoulder room of 55.2/55.1 inches, 42.1/39.0 inches of legroom and a passenger volume of 102.3 cubic feet, more spacious than the Scion xB.

Soul’s interior design is decidedly influenced by the car’s highly specified audio system.

An uncluttered dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination and floating center stack design is the key visual feature and offers enticing access to the AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service³. Standard USB and auxiliary input jacks also are in the center console with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls achieved with an optional accessory iPod cable.

Additional standard interior features include air conditioning, tilt steering column, power door locks, power windows with driver’s side auto-down, external temperature display and digital clock in the radio, an upper storage bin, dual-level glove box, 12-volt power outlet, rear window defroster, cargo area light and a dome light with delay out. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs.

Standard Kia Safety Features

Soul continues to offer the same high level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags. An Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also are standard. Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard on all Soul models, making for a comprehensive list of standard safety features.

For more info: Visit kia.com

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Friday, June 12, 2009

Just doing its 'Civic' duty: Kia announces prices for 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan


2010 Kia Forte sports around town

Korean car manufacturers are on a roll. The genius of the generous warranties was that it got people comfortable with buying a Korean car. Sure the models were a little frumpy at the time, but hey they were well priced and reasonably well screwed together. Now the Koreans are well on their way with phase two of the plan: Cars that people would buy even if the warranty wasn't so extensive. I have not had any seat time in the Forte, but it looks like a very credible entry that merits consideration from any shopper looking for a Mazda3 or Honda Civic. The Mazda still has my vote, but it has not gotten any prettier with its latest design. For many the Forte will offer a richness of content without a styling penalty.

Following the successful launch of the all-new, widely acclaimed 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle in Miami earlier this year, Kia Motors America launched the all-new 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan in Seattle. The Emerald City, known for its innovation and creativity, provides the perfect backdrop for Forte, a true pioneering player in its segment. On sale in North America early this summer, Forte is the first of its kind to offer consumers an impressive combination of standard safety, comfort and convenience features.

“On the heels of several successful vehicle debuts and introductions, Forte finds itself in good company and follows in the stylish steps of Borrego and Soul,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. “With a heavy emphasis on design, Forte sedan is poised to help consumers make that emotional connection with their vehicle by offering the entire package of style, safety features and value.”


With aggressive design cues, the new Forte firmly establishes itself as a strong contender in its segment. Sporting a bold look set apart by crisp lines, swept-back headlamps and a sleek profile, Forte exudes a wide, stable stance that conveys motion both while cruising the highway and parked in the driveway. Available in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX), Forte offers a sleek, sophisticated design. The SX trim offers a more athletic profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, pricing for the all-new compact sedan will start at $13,695¹ for the LX trim, while the Forte EX begins at $15,795. Moving up to the SX trim, pricing begins at $17,195.


With one of the roomiest interiors in the segment, Forte boasts a spacious 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, while driver and passengers have an impressive 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.8 inches of headroom and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Forte’s trunk also offers a best-in-class 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for luggage and weekend getaways or around-town grocery shopping.

Capitalizing on its spacious interior, Forte makes every effort to incorporate style and function, starting with a crisp, high-visibility center stack and a driver-oriented three-gauge instrument cluster exuding a stylish red glow. Forte continues to pamper its riders with a host of interior features, starting with comfortable, nicely appointed full cloth seats. A six-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering column, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver- and passenger-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle.

EX and SX models offer a number of additional standard luxurious touches such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; tweeter speakers; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats. Forte EX models also offer an optional Premium Package that includes a power moonroof and 16-inch alloy wheels, or a Leather Package that includes leather-trimmed seats with front seat warmers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal-finish trim.

The SX model brings even more standard features, including a unique black interior with sport cloth fabric adorned with red stitching, a telescoping steering column, Supervision™ gauge cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal-finish trim and pedals. The SX model also offers the optional power moonroof and leather-trimmed seats with front seat warmers.

For more info: Vist Kia Motors online.
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Friday, April 17, 2009

Kia Soul, A Car Even a Hamster Can Love



I like the Kia Soul and I think this ad is pretty clever. It grabs your attention, it stays fresh by swapping out the music and it shows you some of the features of the car. I think it hits its target spot on!

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

2010 Kia Sorento






The current Sorento is one of those vehicles that from time to time, I forget that it is still obeing sold. The new U.S. made 2010 model should help turn things around, with a much more attractive design and unibody platform. It's going to need to bring its best wares to the party, because it is getting c-r-o-w-d-e-d in this space. Every full-line manufacturer out there realizes that this type of vehicle is important and will take over where truck based SUVs left off. It's all great news for customers however, as we finally get back some sanity in the people mover market.

For a refresher, here's what the current model looks like:

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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Kia Soul



If you get a chance, check out the Kia Soul microsite. In particular, I really like the gallery section: sporty! It's a fun site that really captures the "soul" of its product.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Not My Kia Forte



A tidy little design if you ask me. It doesn't break any new ground, but you won't hide it from your co-workers.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Kia Soul'ster Concept






A fun little riff on the Soul production vehicle. Not sure what, if any, inent there is to produce this puppy.

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Thursday, November 20, 2008

Orange Kia Soul
















Kia has a ton of Souls on the floor and I rather liked this orange one. The Soul is a fun box and Kia is promising a ton of customization options. You'll have to choose between the base model Soul, the Soul+ (Plus), the Soul!(Exclaim) and the Soul Sport. The soul feels to me like bump up in size from the Cube but not as big as the xB. I haven't looked at any numbers, so I don't know how accurate that impression in. Please note the red interior shots are from a different Soul. The orange model had a ho-hum charcoal interior, not as snappy as the red model. Note the rear view will have some sightline issues so be sure to adjust those mirrors!

Kia didn't give us any pricing info, but they did say that all the models will start out "comfortably" in the teens. I am going to enjoy seeing these puppies on the road!

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Saturday, October 25, 2008

Win a Borrego (12/31/2008)



If you can't visit Tampa's Guavaween party today (10/25/08) and test drive a Kia Borrego in person, then you can do the next best thing and enter to win a Borrego online. Visitors to the Kia area at Guavaween can score a $20 gift card for taking a Borrego for a spin.

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