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Kia recalling Soul, Sorento over wiring faults
Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Kia 
2010 Kia Soul and 2011 Kia Sorento - Click on either image for high-res gallery
 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall on two Kia vehicles - the 2010 Soul and 2011 Sorento - to replace interior lighting wiring harnesses. These faulty units, supplied by JCI, can apparently cause an electrical short resulting in a fire. This recall affects 35,185 vehicles manufactured between September 7, 2009 and July 30, 2010.
In the Soul, the wiring harnesses in question are located in the front doors and control the funky accent illumination in the speakers. The Sorento has similar problems, but these wires power the lighting in both the front and rear door trim panels.
The full recall is expected to begin within the coming weeks and dealers will inspect and fix the faulty wiring harnesses free of charge. Hit the jump for the full information from NHTSA.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 John Neff and Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading Kia recalling Soul, Sorento over wiring faults Kia recalling Soul, Sorento over wiring faults originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima
Filed under: Sedan, Kia, First Drive You've Come a Long Way, Baby
2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery
We admit it - we're genetically preprogrammed to be shallow creatures. Despite our moms' best efforts, recognizing inner beauty is all well and good, but it's physical beauty that first puts both people and consumables on our radar.
Exhibit A? The 2011 Kia Optima. You see, while exactly nobody was paying attention, the outgoing Optima actually became a reasonably competitive mid-size sedan. But with the lackluster reputation of its predecessor compounded by styling so banal that it might as well have had "John Doe" as a model designation, the Optima was seemingly forgotten by everyone but fleet managers.
That's not going to be a problem any more.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOLContinue reading First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia to upgrade 2011 Sorento shock absorbers to soften ride
Filed under: Crossover, Kia 
2011 Kia Sorento SX - Click above for high-res image gallery
Back in March, Kia debuted a new top-shelf version of its most popular vehicle, the Sorento crossover, dubbed the 'SX.' The announcement included word of a redesigned front clip and more equipment, but we were most interested in the SX's lower ride height and Dual Flow Damper shocks, which Kia says deliver sporty handling without undue ride harshness.
As we would discover after spending a week traversing the Midwest's broken roads with a lesser Sorento EX model, that last bit about ride harshness is particularly important, because while the Sorento had a pleasant highway demeanor and tracked well, it was surprisingly stiff and brittle on potholed roads, acquitting itself more like a body-on-frame vehicle than the unibody CUV that it is. Fortunately, Kia noticed this ride quality issue and decided to take the costlier DFD dampers and employ them not just on the new SX model, but across the model's entire range beginning in the fourth quarter. While Kia officials we spoke with at an Atlanta press event this week stopped short of admitting that the Sorento's ride quality has been an issue, they did note that once engineers sampled the DFD setup on the SX, they liked the ride so much they decided to institute the new units on all Sorentos.
During the event, we had a chance to sample a pair of Sorento SX models, and over some of the city's choppy, unkept stretches of pavement, we noticed a markedly less flinty ride, despite the SX model's large and flashy 18-inch alloy wheels. While we'll wait to drive a DFD-equipped Sorento back on the Midwest's mean streets before we give it a clean bill of health, our backsides were encouraged by what they felt, and we're likewise pleased to see Kia taking quick action to address a sore spot on a new model.
How was the rest of the $32,195 SX? Rather accomplished, actually. We like the SX's new lower fascia and grille (though the standard Sorento's a good-looking proposition as well), and the 276-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 felt predictably more capable than the merely adequate 2.4-liter four-cylinder we drove recently. Other SX-specific alterations include LED taillamps and a healthy dollop of chrome inside-and-out. The added flash won't be to everyone's tastes, but it's quite tastefully done and we suspect Kia won't have trouble finding buyers.
That said, if you're merely in the market for a new Sorento LX or EX and you live in an area where the roads are less-than-perfect, might we suggest holding on to your current ride until the fourth quarter-builds trickle into your local dealer?
Kia to upgrade 2011 Sorento shock absorbers to soften ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia confirms Hyundai Santa Fe to be produced alongside Sorento
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hyundai, Kia 
Officially confirming what we've all but known for some time now, Kia announced this morning that its West Point, Georgia plant will add a second vehicle to its production line, the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The move will also be paired with the addition of a second shift beginning October 1, although limited production of the Santa Fe is earmarked to ramp-up on September 27.
The move hasn't been driven by a need to consolidate as much as it is Hyundai-Kia's need to find capacity to keep up with demand. The Sorento crossover, which is also produced at the plant, is currently Kia's hottest-selling model, and Hyundai needs additional room to build more Sonata sedans at its Alabama facility, so it makes good sense to dual the two, especially as they share a sizable amount of components.
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, which opened just last November, has an annual capacity of some 300,000 units, so there's room to grow.
[Source: Kia]Kia confirms Hyundai Santa Fe to be produced alongside Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia axes plan for EcoDynamics branding in U.S.
Filed under: Hybrid, Kia, Diesel 
Kia Forte EcoDynamics LPI Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Kia Motors unveiled its EcoDynamics sub-brand at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the company claimed its new badge would begin to appear on U.S.-bound models soon. In fact, Kia promised that its eco-friendly moniker would be attached to several models sold worldwide. Now, Orth Hedrick, director-product planning at Kia Motors America, tells Ward's Auto that the company has nixed plans to introduce the EcoDynamics name in the U.S. Hedrick cited cost issues as the primary reason for the company's reversal, stating:
The issue is it's yet another brand. And given the fact we're trying to allocate our resources to other areas that make the most sense, does it make sense to introduce another brand out there?
The U.S. automotive market, in its still-depressed state, simply cannot support additional brands. The Detroit Three have pared down by axing Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Mercury, so Kia's move to drop EcoDynamics fits the trend. Jim Hume of Phire Branding Co. says Kia's decision makes sense. Hume told Ward's:
My guess is that they realized the concept of EcoDynamics created not only another brand, but also created the need to educate consumers - an expensive proposition. In this particular case the delineation is tricky. Kia setting apart Earth-friendly vehicles via a sub-brand may have taken away from any Earth-friendly story in Kia-branded vehicles. It is better to highlight everything Kia is doing under one strong brand umbrella.
Though the EcoDynamics badge will not adorn Kia's U.S.-bound models, the fuel-saving innovations and other elements that were to be featured under the new sub-brand are already appearing on some Kia models headed to dealerships across the nation.
[Source: Ward's Auto]Kia axes plan for EcoDynamics branding in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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2011 Kia Sportage bags IIHS 'Top Safety Pick'
Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Kia 
2011 Kia Sportage - Click above for high-res image gallery
When it comes to the 2011 Kia Sportage, there's a lot to talk about. From where we sit, it's one of the best-looking compact crossovers on the market, it's reasonably priced (starting below $20,000) and as we found out in our first drive, it's a pretty enjoyable steer, too. To add to these selling points, the Sportage was just named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning high marks in frontal, side, rear and rollover crash tests.
Top Safety Picks are nothing new for Kia these days - the Soul, Sorento, and Forte sedan have all been given this seal of approval. Follow the jump to read Kia's own words about the Sportage's safety recognition.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading 2011 Kia Sportage bags IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' 2011 Kia Sportage bags IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia Rondo discontinued in U.S. market with nary a whimper?
Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Minivan/Van, Hatchback, Kia 
2010 Kia Rondo - Click above for high-res image gallery
"Thank you for inquiring about the Rondo. As the saying goes, 'all good things must come to an end.' But with endings, come new beginnings..."
That's the message visitors receive when they attempt to learn about the 2010 Kia Rondo from the Korean automaker's U.S. website. Interestingly enough, when we contacted Kia officials for confirmation that the Rondo wouldn't be around for 2011, we received the following response: "Kia has not yet decided on a 2011 model, but the 2010 is still available in dealerships."
Yes, that sounds like a typical canned response, and our best guess is that the Rondo is pretty much a goner. Taking a look at sales figures from last year, the Rondo was Kia's third slowest seller just behind the full-size Borrego SUV and the faux-luxe Amanti sedan. Worse yet, the Rondo's 2009 sales total of 14,206 units was less than half of the 28,645 sales it managed in 2008.
Kia is naturally hoping it doesn't lose out on customers that would otherwise have considered a Rondo. In lieu of the micro-minivan, Kia's consumer website is pointing buyers towards its new-for-2011 Sportage cute ute, which does have a good bit of space for stuff but surely isn't quite as family friendly as the apparently outgoing seven-passenger Rondo.
Interestingly enough, Kia of Canada does not seem to have the same message on its site, so we wouldn't be surprised if the MPV soldiers on with our neighbors to the north. If you're still interested in getting a Rondo of your very own in these United States, there are massive incentives that remain active on the 2009 model, including $2,000 cash back, $1,000 for a competitive vehicle turn-in, $1,000 for Kia owner loyalty, and/or a $500 discount for military service. That's a whole lotta cash on the hood. Hat tip to Michael B!
[Sources: Kia; Kia Canada]Kia Rondo discontinued in U.S. market with nary a whimper? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Video: Kia AU delivers The Message about new Sportage with Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Kia
Kia Sportage delivers 'The Message' - Click above to watch the videos after the jump
Whoever is pulling the strings over at Kia's global marketing operations must love them some old school hip hop. Kia kicked off the urban vibe with its brilliant Soul commercial. The spot featured the marque's celebrated CGI hamsters and the classic Black Sheep track "The Choice is Yours," while poking fun at toasters on wheels like the Scion xB and the Nissan Cube. Good stuff, indeed.
Kia of Australia is going back even farther back with a one minute spot for the Sportage featuring the 1982 Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five hit "The Message." But instead of rocking some overplayed rodents, the ad folks Down Under put the Grandmaster and Scorpio in the car with the suburbanite dad who lip syncs along with the forefathers of rap. We think the commercial has something to do with the guys being close to the edge. Hit the jump to watch the commercial, then scroll down for the second "making of" video. Not quite as entertaining as hip-hopping hamsters, but it's one heck of a song to put in a commercial. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
Photos by Jonny Lieberman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL
[Source: Kia Australia via YouTube]Continue reading Video: Kia AU delivers The Message about new Sportage with Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio Video: Kia AU delivers The Message about new Sportage with Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia adding fizz to Paris Motor Show with Pop Concept
Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Kia, Design/Style, Electric 
Kia Pop Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
When the Paris Motor Show opens up next month, Kia will roll out a new battery powered commuter concept.
Thus far, Kia has only released a few details about its door-stop-shaped Pop Concept, including its sub-10-foot length and its three-seat layout. Interestingly, Kia has gone with a bench with the driver on the left rather than a central driver layout like the Gordon Murray-designed T.25. For a tiny car like this, it would seem like putting the driver in the middle would be more space efficient, allowing the driver to be shifted forward between the front wheels for better legroom. Perhaps Kia is going for a more traditional motoring experience, however, or they may have some other spacial tricks up their sleeves.
Either way, it's too early to tell if the Pop EV concept is a precursor of Kia's future styling, but this is certainly a different look. Check out the images in our high-res gallery below and visit the jump for the Korean automaker's official press release.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Kia adding fizz to Paris Motor Show with Pop Concept Kia adding fizz to Paris Motor Show with Pop Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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NHTSA reportedly opens Kia Soul investigation after steering shaft failure
Filed under: Budget, Safety, Hatchback, Kia 
2010 Kia Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has opened an investigation into a potential problem with the Kia Soul. According to the Los Angeles Times, the government safety watchdog is looking into an incident where the steering shaft in one vehicle separated from the steering wheel and then blocked the brake mechanism. The problem resulted in a total loss of control. It's unclear as to whether or not anyone was harmed in the incident from the LAT report. Typically, the federal government doesn't investigate single incidents, but in the case of the Soul, the problem presented itself on a fairly new vehicle and was so serious that NHTSA has elected to investigate. The hatch in question is a 2010 model and had just 4,300 miles on the clock when the problem occurred.
Kia hasn't commented on the situation other than saying that it is waiting for NHTSA's findings. The 2010 Kia Soul has been one of the Korean automaker's best-selling vehicles, with over 37,000 of the boxy econocars sold so far.
Photos by John Neff / Copyright (C)2010 AOL
[Source: Los Angeles Times]NHTSA reportedly opens Kia Soul investigation after steering shaft failure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors
Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Luxury 
Consumer Reports picks the best cars for teens and seniors - Click above for high-res image gallery
The car-savy folk over at Consumer Reports have released a new list of its best picks for vehicles suited for teens and seniors. The group suggests parents looking to send their teens off to school with a newer vehicle should try to avoid the common misstep of assuming that a larger SUV is safer than its smaller, more efficient counterparts. Instead of opting for a heavy roller, Consumer Reports suggests that parents look toward cars with standard traction control and side curtain airbags - cars like the Mazda 3, Scion xB, Honda Accord or Nissan Rogue.
Meanwhile, the publication points to a number of models for seniors that offer good visibility and easy access, including the Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Azera and Subaru Forester XT Limited. As you might expect, CR notes that each of the vehicles on the list can boast at least average reliability and carry the publications' Recommended label.
Interestingly enough, the only vehicle that Consumer Reports recommends for both driver types is the Honda Accord. Check out our galleries of the winners below and hit the jump to peruse the full press release.
[Source: Consumer Reports]Continue reading Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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2011 Kia Optima configurator goes live with estimated pricing starting at $18,495*
Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Kia 
The 2011 Kia Optima doesn't go on sale until sometime this Fall, but the configurator is now live on Kia.com. The new Optima brings Kia design to a whole new level, with a sleek coupe-like profile that should be backed up by some pretty impressive performance when equipped with the new 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo.
Kia hasn't released official pricing yet for the new Optima, but in an odd move, it is listing estimated prices on the configurator. The base, 200-horsepower 2.4-liter LX model with a six-speed manual is listed at an affordable $18,495 (*sans destination charges, which are likely to add $695), while the least expensive model with the 274-hp 2.0T engine is the $23,895 EX. A maxed-out SX with the premium and technology packages comes in just shy of $30K, which actually strikes us as pretty reasonable based on what we've seen so far of the car. That means that the 2011 model is more expensive that the staid but surprisingly competent current model (which starts at $17,995), but we're thinking the better-looking sheetmetal is worth it alone, not to mention all of the other equipment and material upgrades. Appreciate the tip, Matt!
[Source: Kia]2011 Kia Optima configurator goes live with estimated pricing starting at $18,495* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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