2014 Kia Forte -- first photo

Although offering no new facts regarding its platform mechanicals or powertrain components, we now have confirmation of what we'll see in the exterior redesign of the new-for-2014 Kia Forte. Like the teaser illustrations released earlier, these official factory photos show the automaker's global best-selling model will introduce an even edgier interpretation of Kia's current design language.

The automaker has confirmed that the 2014 Forte is longer, lower and wider than the vehicle it replaces, and that this compact front-drive sedan will arrive with a more spacious and even better appointed passenger compartment. Collectively, those attributes should help it meet the ever-intensifying challenge of primary foes like the Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla as well as its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Elantra. On sale here early next year, the 2014 Kia Forte sedan will ultimately be joined by a coupe and a 5-door hatchback with at least some version or versions expected to boast a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg or better.

The Extra Mile: 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

This week, we're driving the new 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, which does battle with several other competitors including Toyota, Nissan, Chevy and Ford (to name the majors).

Kia thus enters the hybrid market with its most popular mid-size car, Optima, and then adds a hybrid system for a surprisingly low base price of just $25,700. Compared to a gas powered Optima's $21,200 entry, the extra money spent for its hybrid is not overwhelming and allows Kia to fare well when consumers do comparative price shopping.

In deciphering the Optima Hybrid, Kia utilizes a lightweight 1.4-kWh, 40-horsepower lithium polymer battery powered motor that combines with a 2.4-liter, 13 to 1 compression four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It all results in a net horsepower output of 206 and torque rating of 185, which is more than many of the competing brands.

Similar to the other hybrids, Kia's Optima and cousin Hyundai Sonata Hybrid both deliver impressive results on the highway, with 35 city and 40 highway the listed EPA numbers. Depending on how you drive and road conditions (hilly, flat, winding road), expect Kia Hybrid to deliver 44 or more on a straight, flat, highway with a minimum of 33 on the tougher surface mountain roads.

As for procedure, Kia's Hybrid operates like most other gas/battery hybrids, although unlike Chevy Volt it does not need any "plug in" charging. Kia's battery pack rejuvenates via the 2.4 engine and also shuts the engine off when stopped. One feature I really like is the pedestrian and pet friendly "Virtual Engine Sound System," which plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation.

Thus far, both Kia and Hyundai Hybrids are receiving good reviews from owners, consumer magazines and auto journalists. In addition to its Hybrid abilities, adding a 10-year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty certainly attracts attention, as does the lower price of operation, overall.

Although mechanical twins, Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata hybrids are very different looking. Optima Hybrid features specific aerodynamic highlights and a hidden to the eye rear exhaust. There's also a different headlight design and even an underbody "aero tuning" system that reduces drag and adds to its enhanced slipstream abilities.

Optima's cabin is well done, visibility is good and room for passengers better than average. Standard are dual zone air, SIRIUS stereo AM/FM/CD, MP3, USB, Bluetooth, cruise, push button start, floor mats, Homelink, power seats, and more. All Optimas feature fully independent suspensions, all the airbags, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, electronic brakeforce, stability control, traction control and hillstart assist. (There are many more standard features your Kia dealer will gladly explain).

Our tester came with a $5,350 technology package, which adds rear backup camera, Infinity audio system, panoramic sunroof, 17-inch tires and alloy wheels, leather trim, heated and cooled front and rear seats, and more. It also featured a $700 Hybrid Convenience package that adds a rear camera display (not the camera), power seats and "in vehicle info" system. Although I love the rear backup system, I'd opt to pocket the $6,050 it takes to have one and just go with the base model.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 110-inches, 3,490 lb. curb weight, 35/40 MPG EPA estimates, 17.2 gallon fuel tank and 9.89 cu. ft. of cargo space.

In summary, unlike our last Hybrid test of the Chevy Volt, where we recommended the gas powered Cruze Eco instead, Kia's new Optima Hybrid passes the "Test Drive" return on investment (ROI) test, as just $25,700 parks this mid-size, front-drive, gas saver in your driveway well-equipped. As for options, that's up to you and your pocketbook.

*Courtesy of Google News

Great review on DealerRater from a first time car buyer. Great job team!

"Commonwealth Kia made my first car purchase very easy and stress free. I would absolutely recommend anyone who is looking for a new or used car to go to Commonwealth Kia." - nimprescia

Don't have to break any records or your wallet to get behind the wheel of a new Optima. Just have to come in and take a test drive...

Amazing review for our service department on Yelp!

"I look forward to a new, long-standing relationship with this dealer and hope to bring my family's business here as well for future vehicle purchases." - Theresa B.

Kia Stands by 10-Year Warranty

Kia is on a roll with strong sales, but it aims to stick with its vaunted 10-year warranty. Executives at the Korean automaker stood by the 100,000-mile powertrain policy - mirroring Hyundai's defense of the same warranty last year amid questions as to whether it was still necessary.

"We continue to get the cross-shopping set," said Tom Loveless, Kia's U.S. sales chief. "Customers who are continuing to purchase other brands who are coming to Kia expressly for [the warranty] ... actually make the decision to purchase because of the warranty coverage. I see no reason to change. It's part of the Kia recipe."

Does Kia need the warranty? The brand still ranks below average in J.D. Power's three-year Vehicle Dependability Study, but Consumer Reports says four out of the automaker's six ranked vehicles have average or better reliability. (A seventh car, the Rio, has insufficient reliability data.) Sales are churning right along, up 18% through the first half of the year. It's not because Kia shoppers are getting huge discounts, either. Besides the soon-to-be-redesigned Sedona minivan, cash incentives on Kia's lineup maxed out at just $1,500 through the first six months of 2012 - not bad for a carmaker whose products range from $13,600 to the high $30,000s.
"We're growing in the meat-and-potato segments," Loveless said. He expects the boxy Soul to find more than 100,000 buyers for the second year in a row as the brand builds on its 22nd consecutive monthly sales record.

But some of that encroaches on Hyundai, which bought a controlling stake in then-bankrupt Kia a decade ago. Bloomberg News noted as much earlier this year, and the carmakers have competing products in a number of segments. Kia's Rio, Forte and Optima sedans compete respectively with Hyundai's Accent, Elantra and Sonata.

Michael Sprague, vice president of U.S. marketing at Kia, says there's "not as much [competition] as there used to be, quite honestly." Sprague said shoppers compare the Optima to the Sonata, but the Toyota Camry ranks No. 2. Shoppers compare the Kia Sorento SUV, meanwhile, to the Toyota RAV4 most often - not a Hyundai.

The popular Kia Soul remains without a Hyundai equivalent while Hyundai's Veloster and Genesis Coupe don't have similar variants in Kia showrooms.

That balance may change if Kia tries to move upscale. The automaker's rear-wheel-drive K9 flagship, announced for Korea last February, could take a bit out of Hyundai Genesis sedan sales if Kia brings it here. Loveless wouldn't share any plans, only saying that Kia is "looking at all sorts of segments" in the U.S.

*Courtesy of Google News

Kia's International Design Credibility Blooms

A trifecta of prestigious international design awards has confirmed what the public and media experts have been saying Kia stands out from the crowd.

Kia's baby Rio, winner of the Carsguide Car Of The Year for 2011 and Australia's Best Car for the Light Cars under $20,000 segment, picked up a pair of prestigious international awards for its styling, quality, innovation and practical capabilities.

The Rio was awarded a 2012 Red Dot Design Award in March this year against the best the world has to offer and backed up this month with a bronze medal in the transportation design category of the IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) program, administered by the Industrial Design Society of America.

Since its inception in 1955, the Red Dot Design award has become one of the world's largest and most recognized design competitions. This year 1800 companies from 58 countries submitted to the Red Dot product design category.

The new Kia Rio was awarded thanks to its "powerful personality, created by a distinct wedge shape, a low roofline and its metal-to-glass ratio". The jury praised not only the Rio's self-contained design, but also its sound workmanship. Kia has won six Red Dot awards since 2009 with vehicles like the Soul, Optima and Sportage.

The IDEA awards are decided on by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and recognize designs that affect a person's quality of life in 18 categories. This year, the Kia Rio received Bronze honours in the Transportation category.

The judging panel cited its fresh, sporty feeling; exciting design, and environmental credentials, saying "the Rio is a car that is extremely attractive with a fresh feeling of sportiness _ a car that people will want to buy for its looks as well as its environmental credentials In the 2012 model Kia created a car that answers consumer demand for more quality, more choice and a more attractive, exciting design."

The third leg of the design trifecta went to the Picanto which, in addition to a Red Dot Design Award, collected an iF (International Design Forum) Award from the Hanover-based global design recognition organization.

*Courtesy of strategyone.net