Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Only a couple more days left to take advantage of these great service specials from Commonwealth Kia.
Click on the link below and claim your coupons now! http://bit.ly/QCX3gJ
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
2012 Kia Rio EX with Stop-Start Technology
The Kia Rio 5-Door is a subcompact hatchback that has stylish contours, an attractive style, spacious front and rear cabin, and a well designed interior that seats five adults comfortably and has high tech features that you would expect in luxury cars, but without the "luxury" price tag.
After undergoing a major makeover, the new Kia Rio is better than ever and can complete with many of the top subcompact cars in the industry with its high sculpted lines, distinctive grille, and aerodynamic spoiler. The Rio has been designed to offer a complete blend of quality, world-class design, safety features, safety, fuel efficiency, and state of the art technology that is practical and affordable.
The Idle Stop & Go feature is available in many luxury vehicles, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche, but now it is also available in the Kio Rio yielding 31 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, benefiting drivers who daily commute in heavy stop/go traffic in urban areas. The $400 system includes a battery, heavy duty starter, and adds 7% mpg city efficiency. The Idle Stop & Go (ISG) switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a full stop and restarts when accelerating. The system is very consistent, but I noticed some pedestrians look at the car when they hear the engine restart.
All Rios are powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection 4-cylinder engine that delivers 138 horsepower, 123 lb-ft of torque, and come with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is quick, the brakes have great modulation, and the new transmission and engine deliver impressive fuel economy. The interior front cabin boasts of plush materials, uncluttered controls, legible displays, and illuminated three-dial cluster behind the steering wheel. The seats are comfortable and supportive and there is plenty of headroom and legroom for taller passengers in both the front and rear cabin.
Standard features include power windows, a height-adjustable driver's seat, sliding center console, and trip computer available at a starting MSRP of only $14,095. The EX trim offers push-button ignition, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, heated steering wheel, a cooling glove box, satellite radio. You can get all of this and more with the EX Luxury trim for less than $21,000.
All of Kia's models include a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty, 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, and a 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour roadside assistance.
The new 2012 Kia Rio EX 5DR Hatchback with Stop-Start Technology offers great value in its class with features that rival top competitors.
I found the Kio Rio to be very comfortable, easy to drive, picks up quickly, and handles highways with ease. It is the kind of car that is great for young and old alike. It is also inexpensive and has a unique style.
If you have been looking for a vehicle that is stylish, comfortable, fun to drive, and affordable, then I highly recommend that you check out the new 2012 Kia Rio EX 5DR Hatchback.
Content Source: BurrellesLuce
Monday, August 27, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Thanks Oscar for this great review of our dealership on Yelp!
"For the first time, I can actually say I am 100% satisfied with the whole 'car-buying' process." - Oscar S.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Quick Drive: 2013 Kia Optima SXL
The interior of the Optima SXL is a nice place to spend time. The leather seats are heated in front and back, and the power front seats also have a cooling option included—a really nice feature for those Nappa chairs on a hot summer day. The leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel feel nice in hand, and the wood grain on the top section of the tiller sparkles pleasantly in the sun. The paddle shifters on the back of the wheel don't feel particularly substantial, but they are easy to reach and use.
The turbocharged Optima feels quick, and has no trouble at all reaching highway speeds or getting around other cars. Despite having 274 turbocharged horsepower, the power delivery of the 2.0-liter engine feels nicely stable. It doesn't really exhibit lag or peaks when climbing the rev ladder, but rather pushes the car to speed smoothly and predictably. Its tidy delivery of power means that occupants experience smooth acceleration that doesn't sacrifice promptness. Also, when driven around town, the power is really easy to manage, offering civil driving that requires no concentration to get right. Plus, being able to drive the car sanely and smoothly will only help to reach its stated 22/34-mile-per-gallon fuel economy figures.
In the corners, the Optima behaves itself the way a classed-up family sedan should. There isn't a lot of body roll, and what movement there is helps to suss out proximity to the grip limits. Turn-in isn't super sharp, and the steering feels tuned to offer a smoother turning experience rather than a twitchier response one associates with more sport-minded vehicles. The little bit of play on-center feels appropriate, and doesn't require a lot of corrections when cruising in a straight line at high speeds.
So, once again, Kia is proving that it is a brand not to be glossed over by those looking for a high-quality car. The Optima SXL is fairly fast and fun, very comfortable, and extremely rich in content. The one drawback to the Limited, though, is that it comes with a bit of a hefty price tag. Starting at $34,500 before delivery, it includes the Premium Touring Package, Technology Package, and Limited Package, meaning you're not going to have to tack on anything else to be happy with the car. Still, one can get into a turbocharged Optima for a base price of $26,800. At the SXL's base price, you're just two grand shy of a BMW 3-Series. It kind of makes you rethink your priorities, doesn't it?
Content Source: Google News (Connotate)
Monday, August 20, 2012
"2012 Kia Rio SX"
Most people are looking for more bang for the buck during these days of slow economic recovery, and Kias Rio sedan is loaded with it.
Such goodies as a navigation system, backup camera, great audio system, electronic stability control, sunroof and heated leather seats weren't even offered in this class of car just a few years ago. But they are in the top-of-the-line Kia KR:000270 +0.39% Rio SX, and many are standard equipment.
And thats a lot of stuff considering that even with a $2,200 "Premium Package" the test vehicle would roll off the dealers lot for $20,545. An impressive interior that looks like it belongs in a more expensive car rounds out an initial favorable impression.
That's important, since the Rio faces stiff competition in the subcompact category from the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic and Kia's Korean stablemate, the Hyundai Accent.
The Fit, Fiesta and Accent have received good reviews in this column. The Sonic has yet to be reviewed. See review of Honda Fit. See review of Ford Fiesta. See review of Hyundai Accent.
Congratulations to Kia for coming up with such easy-to-use controls. Key switches to adjust audio and ventilation are a very short reach away for the driver and dont require a trip to the owners manual to figure out.
The front seats have more than ample room for a 6-foot-tall driver and passenger. In a pinch two, similar-sized adults can be accommodated in the rear seats for short trips. Dont scoff at that. There are some cars that cost much more than cant seat two adults in back.
On the highway, the standard 1.6-liter four cranked out 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, but more is needed. While the six-speed automatic transmission was quick to downshift two gears when pushed, drivers should think carefully about any quick passing maneuvers. Interstate merging is OK for this class of car, whose acceleration iws in line with its competitors. With an all-out, pedal to the floor push, 0-60 comes up in the upper 9-second range. I longed for a standard transmission and small turbo. It would transform this car.
The EPA rates the test Rio at 30 mpg around the city and 40 mpg on the highway, for a combined 33 mpg. On mostly country roads and errand running, the Rio returned 38 mpg during a weeklong test.
Out on those country roads, the Kia showed off its sport-tuned suspension, which was set a bit to the firm side for this type of car. The payoff, of course, is improved handling and by using the shift-it yourself feature, the Rio was kind of fun on some back roads. On the interstates, the occasionally raucous four would settle in rather quietly, but downshifts of a gear or two were the norm up steeper grades. It was fun to scoot around town in the Rio doing daily tasks we all face, plus it was a no-brainer to park.
The seats were all-day comfy; the audio system was one of the best I have heard in this class of car; and road and wind noise were well in line with the competitors. Bluetooth along with USB and auxiliary input jacks were standard equipment.
The Rio comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile overall warranty and roadside assistance for that same period.
The bottom line? With its impeccable build quality, impressive standard equipment and affordable options, comfy interior and better than average handling, the Rio serves notice that it is more than ready to take on its subcompact rivals. The 2013 Rio, now in dealers showrooms, is virtually identical to the 2012 model except for minor trim changes.
Vehicles tested for this column are on loan from the auto companies through local distributors.
Content Source: Google News (Connotate)
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Kia models ranked best in class for consumer appeal
In the “Midsize Car” category, the 2012 Optima ranked highest in a tie with the Volkswagen Passat. The 2012 Soul outclassed other vehicles in the “Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle” group.
The 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout study measures the vehicle buyer’s gratification with their recent purchase. Design, layout, performance and content are among the factors taken into consideration. This year’s study focused on buyers’ needs and preferences to downsize their vehicles without sacrificing quality or amenities.
"As key entries in Kia's design-led transformation, the Optima and Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms, and the results of the J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL Study illustrates just how delighted these new buyers are with the purchase of their new Kia vehicles," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications at KMA.
Owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicles were gathered in the study, along with responses from more than 74,000 new car owners who had purchased a car within 90 days.
"Both of these popular models, along with the rest of the Kia vehicle line, continue to deliver on a promise to offer U.S. consumers high-quality vehicles with an impressive combination of design, performance, comfort, safety and technology,” Sprague said.
*Courtesy of OCMetro
Monday, August 13, 2012
Rio 5-Door Redesign A Leap Forward For Kia
*Courtesy of Kia Media
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
2012 KIA OPTIMA AND KIA SOUL RANKED HIGHEST IN CLASS IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES APEAL STUDY
"As key entries in Kia's design-led transformation, the Optima and Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms, and the results of the J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL Study illustrates just how delighted these new buyers are with the purchase of their new Kia vehicles," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA. "Both of these popular models, along with the rest of the Kia vehicle line, continue to deliver on a promise to offer U.S. consumers high-quality vehicles with an impressive combination of design, performance, comfort, safety and technology. All of this while still maintaining the brand's unmatched value proposition."
This year's study emphasizes the point that although buyers are continuing to downsize, they are looking for vehicles that are as appealing and well-contented as the larger ones they previously owned. Both the Optima and the Soul allow consumers to shop for a smaller, more affordable vehicle without having to make sacrifices in quality and amenities.
The 2012 APEAL Study is based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes. Responses were gathered between February and May 2012 from more than 74,000 new car and light truck owners who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.
Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality1 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking2. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.3 Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
*Courtesy of Kia Media
Monday, August 6, 2012
2013 Chevrolet Spark Maximizes the Mini Car Segment
Spark also is the only car in its segment to provide MyLink Radio – a seven-inch color touch screen radio capable of displaying smartphone-based music, videos, photos and contacts for hands-free calling. MyLink Radio comes with two embedded apps for Pandora internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio and later, BringGo, an embedded app for full-function GPS navigation, will be available for purchase.
Though compact, Spark offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini-cars such as the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and the Scion iQ. Equipped with the Ecotec 1.25L four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, Spark offers competitive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 38 mpg hwy.
The Spark is already on sale globally. In the U.S. and Canada, Spark is offered in LS, 1LT and 2LT models.
“Spark is ideal for active city dwellers because it is easy to drive, easy to park and easy to own,” said Chris Perry, Global Chevrolet vice president for marketing. “For these customers, Spark is their key to the city.”
1. Design that grabs
In a segment of “cute” cars, Spark’s solid, powerful stance is designed to challenge the status quo, and its interior reflects refinement, craftsmanship and personal technologies normally associated with larger, more expensive vehicles.
While the Spark looks like a three-door hatch, designers cleverly disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. The technique gives Spark its sporty appearance without sacrificing five-door comfort and utility. An integrated spoiler over the rear hatch door enhances Spark’s dynamic appearance while also improving the car’s aerodynamics, for fuel efficiency.
The Spark’s prominent two-tier grille and bowtie logo preserve Chevrolet’s signature global look. A wheels-out, body-in stance, stretched windshield accentuated by a single arc roofline, body-color front door handles and body sides free of cladding make the Spark appear more sleek, aggressive and upscale. Spark’s wheels-at-the-corners stance is further emphasized by standard 15-inch aluminum wheels.
Dramatically sized, elliptically shaped halogen headlamps stretch from the front fascia to the A-pillar. Their clear, polycarbonate lenses and chrome-coated headlamp bezels are sculpted into the forward corners, and accents within the housings offset the chrome bezels for a strong visual statement. Projector-type fog lamps are standard on the 2LT Spark model.
2. Vibrant colors that can’t be ignored
One look at the Spark’s color palette proves designers intended for it to stand out in a crowd. For buyers who are all about self-expression, attention-grabbing exterior finishes include Salsa Red, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade (late availability) and Techno Pink, as well as traditional hues such as Black Granite, Silver Ice and Summit White.
3. A cabin that’s stylish and spacious
Spark’s interior complements its sporty exterior with comfort, spaciousness and style. Its most identifiable element is a motorcycle-inspired column-mounted instrument cluster that features one of two large, full-color LCD screens and provides digital feedback to the driver in a design that’s bold, fun and easy to view at a glance.
Decorative inserts in the front door and instrument panel add a premium touch, as does ice blue ambient lighting and faceplates across the door pockets and dash. Heated leatherette seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel are included on Spark 2LT. Air conditioning and power windows are standard across the lineup.
When it comes to storage space, numerous bins are located throughout the cabin, while the cargo area offers 11.4 cubic feet (323 L) behind rear seat. That’s 20 percent more than Fiat 500 and 225 percent more than Scion iQ’s 3.5 cubic feet (99 liters). Spark also offers 31.2 cubic feet (884 L) with the rear seat folded – and the rear seat features a 60-40 split that allows long items, such as skis, to be transported along with a rear-seat passenger.
4. Infotainment designed for today – and tomorrow
For Spark, Chevrolet MyLink – standard on 1LT and 2LT models – consists of a seven-inch color touch screen, AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with three trial months of service) stereo with seek-and-scan, digital clock, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, six speakers and voice recognition for connected phones with this capability.
What it does not have is a CD player. MyLink Radio operates by integrating the owner’s compatible smartphone and stored media – via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB – with the radio. This lets owners enjoy simple, safe and personalized connectivity while their smartphone is stowed.
MyLink-equipped Spark models come with two apps: Pandora internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio. Later, BringGo, an embedded app that delivers full-function navigation and live traffic updates, will be available for MyLink and priced at about $50.
BringGo will enable easy access to emergency information such as police, fire and the nearest hospital; thousands of points of interest; local search via Google; Where am I? locator; live traffic functionality that provides crash reports, lane closures and alternative routes; three-dimensional maps and more.
5. A powertrain that saves gas and money
In the United States and Canada, the Spark is powered by an Ecotec 1.25L dual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing that delivers SAE-certified 84 horsepower (64 kW). It is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic transmission is available.
The Spark achieves an EPA-estimated 34 mpg in combined city and highway driving with the manual transmission, and 32 mpg with the automatic transmission. The Chevrolet Spark also has the lowest estimated fuel cost of any Chevrolet small car, except the Volt. It also uses regular unleaded fuel, while the Fiat 500 requires premium fuel.
The engine was developed using best practices from GM Powertrain technical centers. For North America, its displacement was enlarged slightly over other markets’ 1.2L displacement, giving the engine more mid-range torque that translates into a greater feeling of power on the highway. It also combines competitive performance with sophisticated technologies such as dual continuous variable cam phasing and an electronically controlled thermostat to give customers a low-maintenance engine with reduced emissions.
6. A driving experience that impresses
Spark’s body-frame-integral structure is tight and stiff for sportier driving dynamics. The electric power steering and MacPherson strut front suspension are designed to deliver taut, tight handling characteristics that better connect the driver with the road and provide outstanding overall stability. Anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and Hill Start Assist are standard.
Hill Start Assist helps prevent drivers from rolling when restarting from a stopped position on a hill. It allows drivers to take their foot off the brake long enough to use the accelerator and move forward.
Spark is equipped with vented front disc and rear drum brakes for excellent stopping performance and good pedal feel. Low rolling-resistance tires use a silica compound and revised tread design for a solid road feel and improved fuel efficiency.
Spark also has a tight turning circle of only 32.5 feet (9.9 meters), which enhances its maneuverability in urban areas.
7. Quietness that is unexpected
A host of noise-abating features block, absorb or eliminate sound to give Spark an exceptionally refined feel:
- Thicker glass
- Front-of-dash mat
- Hood seals
- Nylon baffles and expanding foam in hollow sections of the body structure
- An acoustic headliner
- Melt-on damping patches on the interior body structure, as well as extensive sealing throughout the vehicle.
8. Safety that brings peace of mind
Designed with occupant safety in mind, Spark has won safety awards in both Europe and Korea, where it is already on the road. Its safe design begins with a strong, body-frame-integral structure. High-strength steel makes up more than 62 percent of the Spark’s underbody and 42 percent of its upper body.
In addition to crash-avoidance technologies such as StabiliTrak and ABS, Spark is equipped with 10 standard air bags, including both driver and passenger front knee air bags to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries in frontal crashes. Dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags that extend over the front and rear seating rows are also standard.
Other safety technologies include:
- Rollover sensing system
- Three-point safety belts in all four seating positions
- Seat belt pretensioners in the front driver and passenger seats
- LATCH child seat attachment system
- Adjustable head restraints
- Collapsible steering column
- Remote keyless entry on LT
- OnStar safety and security system.
9. Quality that is assuring
Spark is the only mini-car covered by a five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, which also includes roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. Other quality and convenience enhancements include:
- Gap and flush relationships between body panels among the best in class
- No-maintenance timing chain and transmission fluid, and 100,000-mile spark plugs
- Electronic power steering means no fluid checks or top-offs
- Technology that tells when it’s time to change the oil
- OnStar vehicle diagnostics check engine, transmission, brakes and more, and provide automatic email updates.
In addition to powertrain coverage, Spark is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a six-year/100,000-mile rust-through warranty.
10. OnStar service that is unmatched in the segment
Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on Spark. OnStar is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology.
OnStar’s RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. A new, opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.
** Courtesy of Chevrolet Media
Way to go Team! You Earned Two Amazing Reviews Yesterday!
"I would buy my next vehicle here.. and I have been recommending to friends and family." - B.I.
To read more reviews on Yahoo Local just click HERE
Congrats to our Team for Earning This Outstanding Review!
To read the rest of this review just click HERE
Thursday, August 2, 2012
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