Kia BUZZ : Kia’s official corporate blog

Meet the Kia cee’d Family – Designed, Built and Sold in Europe

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:48:47 +0000

The Kia cee’d family offers a host of attractive and alluring benefits covering design, technology and safety. Each model is engineeredto meet our highest quality standards and you can see this in every detail. The cee’d range has a streamlined, sophisticated and unmistakably unique look, which was skillfully conceived by Kia’s award-winning Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, and his European design team. In fact, all members of the cee’d family earned the coveted red dot design awards earlier this year with the Kia pro_cee’d earning the ‘Best of the Best’ distinction.

Can you see the signature family look?

The Kia cee’d family also offers a host of clever technologies, like Adaptive Xenon headlights, 7” LCD TFT instrument cluster, Smart Parking Assist System, Lane Departure Warning System and touch screen audio with rear view camera.

Inside the cabin, the touch quality of the surfaces and fabrics are matched by the superior craftsmanship of fittings and the ergonomic controls.

Kia cee’d family is well equipped with a proven system of active and passive safety features you can count on. After all, you are transporting the most precious cargo there is – yourself and your passengers.

How about overall value and performance?

We’ll leave this one to the experts. Back in February, the renowned German automotive publication ‘AutoBild’ did a comparison of 20 compact vehicles and guess which one beat out makers like Ford, VW, Honda, Toyota and Mercedes for the number one spot? The cee’d!

We’ve also invested in green technologies focused on reducing fuel consumption and decreasing weight and friction of all engine types in the range. So rest assured that cee’d will help reduce your automobile foot print on the planet and your fuel consumption with less fuel and CO₂emissions for every mile driven.

Which member from the Kia cee’d family is your favorite? Here are the results from the current Kia-Buzz poll as of May 20, 2013.

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Need more cee’d? Learn more from our previous BUZZ postings:

The all-new Kia Carens – Not your average MPV

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:22:01 +0000

The all-new Kia Carens (known as Rondo in some markets) is ready to shake up the compact MPV segment with its contemporary and distinctive European styling, and cutting-edge features. Today on Kia-Buzz, we’re going to take a closer look at some of these key Carens’ features.

Style

LED Daytime Running Lights:

Fitted and black-bezelled headlamp enhances the cutting-edge look of the Carens as well as lateral visibility by adopting static bending light. It offers clearness but also safety that allows object on the side to be more visible according to the movement of the steering wheel.

Fog Lamps:

Stylishly integrated with the air intake holes of the front bumper using black housing, to accentuate the car’s athletic stance.

Wheels:

Choice of 16, 17, and 18 inch alloy wheels for ultimate appearance.

Side Mirror Repeater:

Wing-type electric folding two-tone side mirrors feature LED turn signal lamps and puddle lamps for added safety and convenience.

Space

Cargo under storage compartment:

A spacious compartment located under the floor at the rear of the vehicle is the perfect place to store away emergency safety and cleaning supplies.

Flexible 7 seats for smart space:

Available in a choice of 5 or 7 seat versions, new Carens boasts an imaginative interior layout – including three individual split folding 2^nd row seats – to deliver versatile seating configurations and ample cargo space ideal for people who are always on the go.

Cooled Glove Box:

The large 8L glove box has a cooling function that comes in handy when storing freshproducts or cold drinks, especially on long journeys.

Convenience

Panoramic Sunroof:

Seldom found in competing vehicles, new Carens has an optional powered panoramic sunroof spanning the entire roof surface that lets both natural light and fresh air flood into the cabin while adding to the ‘cool urban’ look of the exterior.

Ventilated seats:

Cool air is channeled and discharged through the both driver and front passenger seats via inner-mounted air ducts to prevent perspiration in hot weather.

Seat Warmers:

You can stay warm and cozy on cold winter seasons thanks to heated seats that rapidly activate at the touch of a button.

Heated steering wheel:

A heating device located on the inside of the steering wheel rapidly warms your hands on icy cold winter days.

Button Start/Stop system:

Conveniently turn on and off the engine ignition with just the simple push of a button. You no longer need to hassle with keys when starting or finishing your trip.

Fold-up tray:

The backs of both driver and front passenger seats are fitted with convenient trays that feature an additional cup holder for extra convenience of the 2^nd row seat occupants.

Performance & Safety

Electronic Stability Control:

ESC is an active safety feature that provides optimized braking and engine torque control by monitoring individual wheel speed, steering angle and skidding.

6 Airbags System:

Driver, passenger, front side and curtain airbags help minimize the risk of serious injury as the final line of defense in the event of a collision.

HAC:

By maintaining brake grip until you press the accelerator, HAC prevents the vehicle from dangerously rolling backwards when pulling away from a standstill on an incline.

Engines & Transmissions:

Choice of 3 engines, Gamma 1.6 GDI Engine, Nu 2.0 MPI engine, and U2 1.7 Diesel Engine.

Whether at work or at play, new Carens is the ideal companion for getting the most out of your daily driving needs. Never before has a compact MPV offered so much versatility, comfort and convenience – all wrapped up in a thoroughly modern and stylish package.

What do you think?

Leave any question you may have in the comment section below!

For more:

Auto News – Review on all-new Carens/Rondo

admin — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:23:35 +0000

The all new Kia Carens (Also known as Rondo in some markets) with a fresh look from the ground up with its sleek design changes made a grand world debut at the Paris Motor Show 2012. We’ve been emphasizing the new Carens’ functionality and spaciousness enough, let’s hear what some of the major automotive reviews had to say about it.

2014 Kia Rondo a roomy family mover with big style upgrades

“The Rondo is going to find many new fans because it is the antithesis of a minivan. It is attractive, it delivers a superior, almost sporty, drive and it has all the desirable creature comforts for less coin than its key competitors”

Read more: 2014 Ki a Rondo a roomy family mover with big style upgrades – Graeme Fletcher

Kia Carens 2 1.7 CRDi

“Family buyers will love the new Kia Carens – it looks great, feels robust inside and is good value. The compact dimensions and light controls make it easy to drive, while the seats offer plenty of flexibility and create enough space for demanding families. Add the competitive price tag, and it’s likely to be given serious consideration by compact MPV buyers.”

Read more: Kia Carens 2 1.7 CRDi – Paul Bond

Meet the all-new Carens starring the Croods:

Learn More:

Check out previous BUZZ postings for more information on Kia Carens/Rondo:

A Closer Look at the Kia Quoris

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:39:46 +0000

As Kia’s luxury flagship sedan by Kia Motors, Kia Quoris is a game-changer that pushes the horizons of its segment. It invites drivers to experience what we call “New Luxury,” a breakaway and brand new take of what it means in modern terms – feature rich technology. Passionate attention has been paid to the finer details including innovative, high-tech touches that enhance both Kia Quoris’ functionality and aesthetic allure. In addition to providing a dynamic driving experience never before seen in a Kia, Kia Quoris employs high-strength steel throughout the chassis to ensure a higher level of protection against collisions. Take a closer look at Kia Quoris and learn about the luxurious features rare in its class.

LED High-Mounted Stop Lamp

The elongated horizontal shape of the high-mounted brake lamp not only blends seamlessly with Quoris’ stylish rear design but also offers maximum visibility for trailing motorists.

Puddle Lamps & Pocket Lights

Innovative puddle lamps under the side mirrors illuminate the ground for better visibility when approaching and exiting the vehicle at night while convenient pocket lights under the door handles aid vehicle access in the dark.

Solar Glass

Featuring a thin film that reflects solar heat and blocks harmful UV rays, the solar glass used for Quoris’ windows not only keeps you and your passengers cooler on hot summer days but also protects the cabin interior from damage caused by the sun.

Power Door Latch

The mark of a truly luxury sedan is maximum convenience with minimal effort. The actuator motor built into the door latch automatically finishes closing the door in the event that it is not fully shut.

Safety Power Trunk

Featuring electric-power closing and opening capability, the trunk lid will instantly reverse and open when an obstruction to proper closing of the trunk is detected.

Tilt and Slide Sunroof

Enjoy the fresh air and rejuvenating sunshine with this powered privacy glass sunroof. For added safety, it detects obstructions and automatically reverses direction to prevent injury.

To get the most tangible feeling of having a Kia Quoris in your driveway, here’s a video for you to enjoy.

What do you think?

What luxury feature do you look forward to the most on Kia Quoris? Tell us what you think below.

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Check out more about Kia Quoris from previous BUZZ postings:

April Kia Fan Photos of the Month

admin — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:28:38 +0000

Last month we held a call for entries asking Kia-Buzz readers to send us photos of their Kia rides, whips, rigs and anything else people are calling their cars these days. We want to give a big hat tip to all participants because you proved to be quite the photographers. We received a lot of entries and it’s a shame we can’t post them all, but here is the first roll out of five rides we selected for the April fan photos of the month.

I’m Patrick from Quebec, Canada, also known as FMuscle on SoulHamsters.com, the premier forum for Soul owners. I took this picture in my backyard, but I also took the Soul out for pictures in Niagara Falls, Toronto, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Myrtle Beach, Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, New Orleans, Dallas and many others. The Soul is a great road trip vehicle, plenty of room to sleep in if need arises, and is a great in most situations!

Awesome Kia Soul Patrick! That decal work makes its tiger-nose grille look like a wild cat out in the jungle!

Hi, I’m Ivan from Penang, Malaysia. I just brought my Kia Forte last year July. I love my Kia more than I can say. How about you guys?

Hey Ivan, we love our Kias too, more than we can say. The street styling on it gives it a real edge. Be sure to stay tuned an upcoming article featuring an profile on Mark Ingalls, founder of street-kiaz.com, a street tuning Kia enthusiast community.

My name is Bill. I live in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. This is my 2009 Kia Rio named “Pumpkin”.

Ontario sure looks beautiful Bill. It was raining yesterday here at our Seoul office. Your Pumpkin sure suits the backdrop of that lovely scenery.

Hello, my name is Justin and I’m from the USA, and this is my 2011 Kia Optima SX. The moment I laid eyes on the Optima in January of 2011, I knew that I had to have this car. And less than 3 months after graduation from college I turned my dream into a reality! I’ve been smiling ever since, and am now a Kia fan for life!

What a way to top your college graduation with some new wheels. The Kia Optima SX is an impressive work of performance and art. Thanks for sharing.

Hello! My name is Sean Ooi from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia! It all started with the first generation 4 speed Kia Forte 1.6 SX. All of us loved the design and how highly equipped (and safe) it was! Now, my entire family drives a Kia. This is how much we love Kia!

Wow Sean, your family Kia photo is soon going to take place of our screensavers–We’re happy to hear your family is enjoying Kia. Thanks for this amazing photo.

We’d like to thank everyone for sharing photos of their rides and we encourage everyone to join in and share your Kia with our community. Submit your photo to become Kia Fan photo of May!

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Longing to show off your own Kia? Go here and submit now!

Call out for Kia Fan Photo Submissions

Auto News – Experts weigh in on the upgraded Kia Cadenza with first test drives and reviews

admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:54:08 +0000

The upgraded Kia Cadenza, which made its North American debut at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, has been making headlines as of late. We wanted to post some test drives and reviews by automotive experts over the past week and share what they have to say about our luxury sedan.

The Cadenza moves the Kia brand further up market by offering customers an impressive list of standard and optional equipment that takes in-car technology and premium features to an entirely new level.

But don’t take our word for it – be sure to check it out for yourself when it’s available in your area, and tell us what you think.

2014 Kia Cadenza, with features galore, challenges premium sedans

“Buyers looking for a roomy sedan with a lot of luxury features get a new choice this year, and it’s a good-looking, well-powered, impressively mannered four door with a Kia badge on the front.”

“With one engine — a 293-horsepower V-6 — the Cadenza offers more power than the Avalon and the base LaCrosse engine, too.”

Read more: 2014 Kia Cadenza, with features galore, challenges premium sedans – Washington Post – Bruce Benedict/Associated Press

2014 Kia Cadenza Test Drive

“Sleek and quietly stylish, the Cadenza occupies a new position in the Kia lineup as the company’s first-ever entry luxury sedan. Based on the midsize Optima front-drive sedan architecture, the Cadenza is bigger, roomier, and decidedly posh.”

2014 Kia Cadenza first drive from Consumer Reports

“The large Kia Cadenza serves up lots of luxury features at a likable price. Like other Kias, the styling is modern and attractive. First impressions are that the Cadenza is pleasant to drive.”

The Cadenza proves Kia can do luxury

“Driving the 2014 Kia Cadenza, I contemplated the older-model Mercedes-Benz E320 sitting in front of me, and realized that the Kia had a much better cabin.”

“The thought of comparing Kia favorably with Mercedes-Benz was unheard of 10 years ago.”

“Issues of used versus new aside, this Cadenza’s leather-wrapped steering wheel felt excellent in my hands, while wood trim around the cabin had the substantial look of furniture. And I don’t usually like glossy wood trim. Soft-touch materials covered the dashboard, and the plastic parts had a nice finish that was decidedly un-plasticky.”

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Note: The model specifications and trim levels reviewed above are for the North American market. Please stay tuned or follow up with your local Kia head office for specifications and availability in your market.

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Picanto Club in Indonesia – “PiCA”

admin — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:24:07 +0000

We’ve got a special message from an Indonesian Kia Picanto enthusiast named Arwan who started his own customer community, which gathers Picanto drivers from all walks of life to participate in and enjoy a variety of on- and off-line social community events. His Picanto club piqued our curiosity because it’s not managed by Kia whatsoever and is 100% customer driven, so we asked Arwan to share how this all got started and posted his comments and photos below.

Hello Kia BUZZ fans,

My name is Arwan from Indonesia and I’d like to talk to you about our community called “PiCA” – Picanto Club Indonesia. Our community first started with Kia Picanto owners in 2004 via mailing lists, online instant messaging, Facebook and most recently through our official website, which launched in 2012 (www.picanto-indonesia.com). There are approximately 1,500 participants on our mailing list and 400 of them are premium members. Premium members have their own identity numbers with additional benefits as a community member.

Our members come from all over Indonesia, and some of them are from other countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Kuwait, UAE, Laos and more. As community members, we have online discussions about the Kia Picanto, and there are also offline events such as community gatherings, joint activities with Kia Motors in Indonesia (Kia Mobil Indonesia) and other related groups.

Six months ago there was a big event held in November 2012, which was a 1,000 km journey from Jakarta to Semarang. There were approximately 50 Kia Picantos and over 120 people participating.

Questions to Arwan from Kia-Buzz

What motivated you to first start and organize this community?

The Indonesian car market is flooded with Japanese brands, so we didn’t have much to compare them against and assumed they were good quality. When the Kia Picanto first debuted here in 2004, people started to notice its advantages over other brands, but it was too early to tell since there was a lack of objective information such as customer reviews in Indonesia causing many to have their doubts.

I decided to post an online discussion asking Picanto owners why they purchased it. And it turned out that most of us were basing our decisions on good reviews we read on European automotive news websites. That gave us the initial confidence in its quality, and the reviews proved to be true after purchasing it ourselves because we were happy with its overall performance.

We then wanted to bring other Indonesian customers together, so we can help each other organize and objectively share information about the Picanto, including its plus and minus points – this later evolved into actual meet-ups and special events for our members.

What do personally like about the Picanto?

Its features and value are a lot better when compared to similar vehicles in Indonesia
It has very good stability at high speeds
Nice exterior design, which keeps getting better with newer models, especially in the ‘tiger-nose’ grille era
Good fuel efficiency
Roomy cabin - it’s small outside, but big inside

Kia Customer Communities

We here at Kia-Buzz are very impressed by the passion of this community, and we hope it inspires others to join or create one of their own. In fact, soon we’ll be sharing another story about a community called “StreetKiaz” founded by an American Kia customer named Mark Ingalls. His community brings together street tuning enthusiasts who are passionate about customizing their Kia’s for both performance and style.

What do you think?

Are you a member of a Kia club in your country? Tell us about it!

Learn More

Kia unveils all-new Soul at New York Auto Show

admin — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:00:39 +0000

The Big Apple, perhaps America’s most iconic metropolis, played host to the global unveiling of Kia Motors’ most iconic people mover, the all-new 2014 Soul urban utility vehicle, at the 113^th New York International Auto Show. The signature Soul design is instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh, with more than a passing nod to the hot Track’ster concept that was unveiled last year. Riding on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider, the all-new Soul has grown up without losing its edge, allowing for more passenger and cargo room while reducing NVH levels. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments. Honoring Soul owners’ fierce individualism, three unique trim levels will be available when U.S. sales are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2013: Base, Plus and Exclaim.

Keeping what made the current Soul special while addressing areas for improvement was no easy task. As the design team at Kia’s California studio began putting virtual pen to virtual paper, engineers in the U.S. and Korea focused on making Soul a joy to drive. Starting with a solid foundation was a key factor, and the new body enjoys a 28.7 percent increase in torsional rigidity over the current Soul. With the hard points set, the all-new Soul was boiled down to three focus areas: Maintaining the iconic design while adding modern cues; providing premium features and content; and improving driving dynamics that would make the 2014 Soul more desirable than ever.

Iconic Design

Well-known for the close link between its concept vehicles and production models, Kia Motors took no chances with the 2014 Soul. When the wild Track’ster concept made its debut in 2012, Soul enthusiasts and pundits alike urged Kia to turn fantasy into reality. With 18 months from design freeze to production, the stage was set for the all-new Soul and many of the concept’s dramatic design cues can be found in the production vehicle. Tom Kearns, chief designer at the California studio likened the Track’ster to a bulldog and that theme is expressed from almost any angle of the all-new Soul.

The upright stance, squared shoulders and distinctive fender flares are instantly recognizable as Soul. Combining a longer 101.2-inch wheelbase (up 0.8 inches), overall width that’s broadened to 70.9 inches (increased by 0.6 inches) and the same overall height of 63.4 inches, adds a more aggressive edge to the all-new Soul’s appearance. Likewise, the wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and tall ride height are all hallmark design elements. Premium touches such as available LED front positioning lights and rear LED “halo” lights help connect Soul to siblings within the Kia lineup that share similar design cues, such as the 2014 Sorento CUV and 2014 Forte sedan.

Exterior Track’ster similarities are easy to spot. The large trapezoidal lower air intake is nearly a direct carryover of the concept, and the location of the available fog lights – down low and pushed to the leading edges – mirror those found on the Track’ster. Kia’s signature grille is present, but it’s been reworked to more closely resemble the concept. Adding a touch of flare, the unique “floating” body color panel inset into the lift gate has its roots based in the Track’ster as well. Subtle enhancements include a wider (by 2.4 inches over the previous Soul) opening for the lift gate, allowing Soul to swallow more stuff. While final color names have yet to be determined, the 2014 Soul will be available in seven new exterior hues, including the two seen on stage in New York: Solar Yellow and Inferno Red.

Overall, the design team paid particular attention to instilling a more premium look and feel to the 2014 Soul’s interior. Liberal applications of soft-touch materials are found on the instrument panel, center console and door panels. Details such as available leather seating with improved lateral and thigh support, and the use of high-gloss piano-black trim pieces on the center console and dash elevate the Soul’s interior to new levels of sophistication.

Front and center is the triple-circle instrument cluster with deeply recessed gauges. Along the door panels, sculpted circles incorporate the power windows and door locks. The center console features a round gear shift knob and push-button start – its location exclusive to Soul in the Kia lineup – which also are direct carryovers from Track’ster. The front door-mounted speakers mirror the circular, high-mounted “floating” tweeters and utilize available LED-string light technology to create ripple-effect red-hued mood lighting. The steering-wheel mounted controls are housed in Soul-exclusive circular groupings along the lower spokes with the buttons for the audio system and trip computer falling readily to the thumbs, enabling the driver’s hands to remain on the wheel at all times.

A Street Soul Named “Desire”

An attractive package is a let-down if the contents don’t deliver. Fortunately, the all-new Soul is set to delight right out of the gate. Most prominent in the new instrument panel is the available eight-inch touch screen – the largest ever offered on Soul – which houses Kia’s second-generation telematics and infotainment system, UVO eServices, combined with Kia’s first use of the Android-based operating platform. Launching with Soul, UVO eServices is now compatible with the iPhone and Android Smartphone.

UVO eServices is optional and takes in-car connectivity and media interplay to the next level, integrating a number of other Kia firsts. Topping that list is the high-definition capacitive touch screen. Its wide viewing angle affords better visibility and allows the user to scroll with the stroke of a finger. Living side-by-side for the first time in a Kia vehicle, the audio/video and optional navigation controls are viewable on the home screen. Combining the most accessed ancillary controls on a single screen helps reduce driver distraction and improves overall functionality and ease-of-use. Additionally, the available larger Supervision Cluster/TFT LCD color screen found in the instrument binnacle now displays turn-by-turn directions from the navigation system, helping to keep the driver’s eyes looking forward.

Another first is the integration of Pandora internet radio, the revolutionary online radio network that allows the user to customize their listening experience. Users will no longer manage Pandora through their Smartphone. Instead, Pandora is preloaded into the headunit and accessible through the touch screen and Voice Command, displaying the artist, title and album cover art as well as allowing the user to conveniently skip songs, “like” the song with Pandora’s thumbs-up rating system, or manage preferred stations.

Arriving with a three month complimentary subscription to SiriusXM™ Data Services and Travel Link, the all-new Soul has access to travel information such as road conditions, weather and security alerts as well as sports scores, movie times, stock prices and fuel prices through the screen’s graphical interface and electronic program guide. Better still, customers will continue to have All Access to both Sirius and XM channels for the price of one should they elect to continue a paid subscription after the three month trial period concludes.

Making all of this available technology easy to use is the industry-first integration of on-screen quick guide videos. Easily accessed through the touch screen, users have the ability to view instructional videos that highlight all of the features and functionality of UVO eServices along with the Smartphone app and MyUVO.com, including MyPOIs, powered by Google Maps. Combined, UVO eServices represents one of the most powerful and comprehensive infotainment systems on the market today. Making UVO eServices even more impressive is that there is no cost to the owner.

Technology aside, driver and passengers will enjoy a larger and significantly quieter cabin with incremental increases in front leg room (42.9 inches, 0.8 inches more than the current Soul), rear leg room (up 0.2 inches to 39.1), front headroom (increased 0.2 inches to 39.6) and front seat shoulder room (up 0.3 inches to 55.5). The all-new Soul also offers a 0.5-inch lower hip point and a step-in height that’s reduced 0.2 inches, allowing for even easier ingress and egress. Overall cargo capacity is increased by a half cubic foot, to 24.2. Liberal use of expansion foam (replacing the previously used block foam) thoroughly fills body cavities, reducing outside wind and road noise. A reinforced isolation pad in the cargo area and poly-urethane-layered carpet helps reduce overall interior noise levels by approximately 3 decibels.

The Base Soul comes standard with a long list of features that set it apart from the competition. Power windows, door locks and (heated) outside mirrors, a telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker AM/FM/MP3 audio unit are all standard. Bluetooth^®hands-free wireless technology, SiriusXM™ satellite radio with three months complimentary service and USB/AUX inputs round out the Base Soul’s impressive audio/infotainment equipment. Desirable options include remote keyless entry, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Soul Plus takes a step up in standard and available optional amenities. Attractive 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 215/55R-17 tires, outside mirror turn-signal indicators, auto-on/off head lights and unique fender garnish distinguish the Plus from the Base exterior. Inside, the Plus benefits include a floor console stowage box with integrated arm rest, UVO eServices, Rear Camera Display and rear seat center arm rest. Options include navigation, an upgraded Infinity^®audio system, string-LED front speaker surround mood lighting, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof – a Soul first – leather seating with segment-exclusive ventilated front driver and passenger seats, and seat heaters for all four outboard positions, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather wrapped and heated steering wheel and a leather-wrapped gear shift knob.

The Soul Exclaim adds to the Plus as standard features 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45R-18 tires, fog lights, body-color bumper “tusks,” projector head lights, front LED positioning lights and rear LED “halo” lights. Open the door and standard amenities include a high-gloss piano-black center console, cooled glove box, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Optional equipment includes navigation, Infinity audio, front speaker LED mood lighting, panoramic sunroof, leather seating with front driver and passenger ventilation and heating for all four outboard positions. Supervision Cluster/TFT LCD screen, HID head lights, push button start and automatic climate control make the Exclaim the most premium Soul ever.

Improved Driving Dynamics

Built on an all-new chassis that is nearly 29 percent stiffer than before, the Soul’s stout skeleton provides the base for a vehicle that places a premium on driving dynamics. Engineers put their efforts in strengthening the body at key connection points along the cowl, upper and lower B-pillars, cross members, and at the C-pillars. Fully, 66 percent of the chassis utilizes either Ultra High Strength Steel (35 percent) or High Strength Steel (31 percent). The A-pillar is 0.8-inches narrower, allowing for improved outward visibility, but through the use of Ultra High Strength Steel, it’s lighter and stronger. The application of structural adhesive around the door openings and along the roof also helps improve torsional rigidity.

Significant attention has been focused on improving the all-new Soul’s ride and handling through heavily revised front and rear suspension set ups. The front subframe utilizes four bushings (none are used on the current Soul) to reduce ride harshness and impact booms over rough pavement. The stabilizer bar has been moved rearward on the McPherson strut front suspension, while the steering box has been moved forward, lending better balance and subsequently improved handling.

Relocating the steering box has also yielded benefits to on-center feel. The new one-piece steering gear housing is stronger than the two-piece unit used on the current Soul, improving steering response and reducing impacts felt through the wheel. Optional is a new Flex Steer™ system, which allows the driver to select from three distinct steering settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport.

The shock absorbers on the torsion bar rear suspension have been turned vertically (they were positioned at an angle on the current Soul) and lengthened. This arrangement allows for more suspension travel, improving ride comfort.

Motivation for the Base Soul is delivered by a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 130-horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine. The GAMMA engine produces 118 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The Plus and Exclaim models enjoy the more powerful 2.0-liter NU power plant. For the all-new 2014 Soul, the engine is updated with GDI technology. Power is rated at 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,000 rpm. Both engines have been tuned to provide more low-end torque (nine percent more torque at 1,500 rpm on the 2.0-liter; five percent more on 1.6-liter) for an improved around-town driving experience. The 1.6-liter engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or, optionally, to a six-speed automatic. The Plus model may be equipped with either transmission while the Exclaim is available exclusively with the six-speed automatic.

What do you think?

What do you think about the new & improved 2014 Soul? Tell us what you think below!

Wonder Woman-inspired Kia Sportage lassos New York

admin — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 06:59:56 +0000

Kia Motors has teamed up with DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine to build a head-turning Kia Sportage inspired by Wonder Woman’s power, inspiration and sense of equality. Unveiled in conjunction with the 2013 New York International Auto Show, this uniquely customized Sportage signals the continuation of a 10-month, eight vehicle partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg. An eighth and final vehicle will be an amalgamation of all seven Super Heroes in one. Influenced by the artistry of comic book visionary, Jim Lee, the Justice League-inspired Kia vehicles serve as a force for good in the world by raising awareness for DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign, a relief effort to bring help and hope to people affected by the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org).

“As one of the most well-known Super Heroes in the world, Wonder Woman portrays an impressive balance of power, agility and confidence, all of which are inherent characteristics of the Kia Sportage crossover,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Like the rest of the Justice League-inspired vehicles, this customized Sportage signifies a meaningful collaboration between cars and pop-culture. And for the first time, here in New York, all seven vehicles are standing together in one place to raise awareness for DC Entertainment’s very worthy ‘We Can Be Heroes’ giving campaign.”

The Wonder Woman-inspired Sportage features a sleek and stylish look thanks to an aero kit which grants a streamlined but powerful appearance. The red and blue exterior color scheme, accented with stars, was derived directly from Wonder Woman’s outfit, while the gold trim wrapped around the vehicle represents the heroine’s weapon of choice, “The Lasso of Truth.” Up front, Wonder Woman’s eagle chest-plate emblem was creatively integrated into the production grille and is flanked by blue headlight beams, which reflect her piercing blue eyes. The Sportage’s windshield features a banner portraying Wonder Woman’s tiara, and the chrome side panels on the vehicle are graphical interpretations of her invisible jet. Beneath, the 5-spoke wheel design was chosen to match the stars on the exterior of the vehicle.

Within, red upholstery and dash pieces combined with blue LED lighting were added to continue the Sportage’s exterior color scheme into the cabin. The custom seats were inspired by Wonder Woman’s signature garb and embroidered with her logo, while the cargo area of the vehicle is adorned with stars and an eagle and features a see-through panel, which displays Wonder Woman’s tiara, bracelets and glowing Lasso of Truth.

“It’s exciting to join Kia in revealing the final car to represent a member of the Justice League, Wonder Woman, at the New York Auto Show,” stated Jim Lee, co-publisher of DC Entertainment. “This joint effort to raise awareness for the ‘We Can Be Heroes’ giving campaign continues to be a huge draw for fans across the country, and I’m sure New Yorkers will agree that the new Wonder Woman-inspired Sportage is a ‘must see’ feature at the show.”

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Meet rest of the Justice League gang, from previous BUZZ postings:

Kia unveils all-new turbocharged Forte (Cerato) Koup at New York Auto Show

admin — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 06:45:49 +0000

Kia Motors announced the third and final member of the completely redesigned Forte (Cerato) lineup when it unveiled the sleek and purposeful all-new Forte Koup at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Following the launch of the Forte sedan and Forte 5-door, the all-new two-door Forte Koup SX boasts European-inspired design and performance to match with a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected (GDI) turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. As equipped, the SX is the most powerful Forte Koup ever. Sales are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2013, and pricing will be announced closer to the Koup’s launch.

Similar to its Forte 5-door sibling, the Forte Koup is offered in two trim levels, EX and SX, with two engine and transmission choices. The EX comes equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, and the tarmac-carving SX comes standard with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The EX comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the SX may be mated with either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Advanced Technology and Premium Features

In keeping with the rest of the Forte family, the all-new Forte Koup offers buyers an impressive list of technology and safety features. The Koup EX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices with Rear Camera DisplayBluetooth^®wireless technology, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, FlexSteer™, tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows, and LED positioning headlights with fog lights.

The Koup SX rewards buyers with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, and LED tail lights. Forte Koup SX also offers an aggressive front fascia with larger bumper and grille openings, black gloss grille inserts, larger front brakes, alloy sport pedals, front and rear seats with carbon fiber-style accents. The lower front fascia and rear valance also feature carbon fiber-look trim pieces.

Both EX and SX trim levels offer optional HID headlights, navigation system with HD Radio™, sunroof, heated steering wheel,10-way adjustable power driver’s seat, heated front seats and cooled driver’s seat, leather seating surfaces, SmartKey with push-button start, electric chromatic rearview mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Continuing Kia’s Design Leadership

Created by the design studio at Kia Motors America’s corporate campus in Irvine, Calif., the Forte Koup’s sporty two-door profile, swooping roofline, and large 18-inch alloy wheels give it an athletic and aggressive stance that continues Kia’s tradition as a design leader.

The Forte Koup’s swept headlights stretch deep into the front fenders, and the raked windshield and broad shoulders give the front end a sleek, sporty appearance. LED positioning lights add a premium look to the front fascia. At the rear, LED tail lights complete the premium look of the exterior. A rear valance with twin chrome exhaust tips maintains the Forte Koup’s sporty demeanor.

Sporty Cabin with Premium Features

The interior of the Forte Koup features premium materials and soft touch points. Large, easy-to-read white-on-black gauges nestle deeply into the instrument cluster. Chrome accents around the HVAC controls and optional push-button start, along with carbon fiber-like textures on the dash and seats, add a sporty touch. A grippy leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are further evidence of the Forte Koup’s performance intentions. Class-exclusive available features such as front heated seats, an air-cooled driver’s seat and driver-selectable electric steering further set the Forte Koup apart from its two-door competition.

Dynamic Driving Experience

Utilizing a 1.6-liter GDI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the SX is the most powerful Forte Koup ever. Power is seamlessly transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The GDI powerplant produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,750-4,500 rpm. The advanced powertrain features double overhead cams with dual continuously variable valve timing to help improve efficiency and performance.

The Forte Koup EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter GDI powerplant producing 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. During durability testing, the engines are run 300 continuous hours at redline under full load then for an additional 20 hours at 10 percent above redline under full load.

To help further improve performance, the Forte Koup features a sport-tuned suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a torsion beam rear design. The Koup rides on standard 205/55R-16 tires while 225/40R-18 tires are included with the SX trim for an even more sporting driving experience.

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Check out our Flickr page for more New York International Auto Show photos!