Tuesday, August 26, 2014

2015 Kia Rio Sedan




Kia Motors America’s 2015 Rio continues to offer spirited road manners, tremendous value and cutting-edge features.  The award-winning subcompact offers an abundance of standard amenities, safety features and outstanding interior space.  A combination of world-class styling and advanced technologies make the Rio line-up an exceptional value.

The Rio’s previous model included changes to the engine as well as the body and rear bumper, providing improved aerodynamics.  In 2014, Rio also introduced a revised smart key remote that offers a folding design for convenience and interior features including a new water temperature gauge and an enhanced leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2015 Rio is offered with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic.  Previously available on only EX and SX trims, the 2015 model now offers LX customers the option of a six-speed automatic transmission with an Active ECO system, which optimizes fuel economy when activated.  The Rio sedan produces 138 horsepower with a fuel economy rating of 27/37 mpg (city/highway)1.

A sport-tuned suspension, front ventilated disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels and paddle shifters, give the 2015 Rio SX a sporty feel.  Meanwhile, Rio EX and SX models offer a chrome front grille surround, power windows with driver’s one-touch auto-up/down, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls2, and a tilt and telescopic steering column.

Impressive technology features also come standard on all trims, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio unit with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capabilities3, and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting MP3 players with full iPod®4 and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel-mounted controls.

Available packaging upgrades for the Rio LX include the Power Package (automatic transmission only), which adds power windows with automatic up/down functionality on the driver's window, and remote keyless entry.  For the EX trim, the available Convenience Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, UVO voice-activated infotainment system, Rear Camera Display5, automatic headlamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power-folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators, front fog lights, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, and dual map lights.  An available ECO Package can be added to the EX trim when the Convenience Package has been selected, which adds Idle, Stop and Go (ISG) technology for enhanced fuel efficiency.  The luxurious Premium Package available on the SX trim offers a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic3, push-button start with Smart Key, leather seat trim, heated front seats and a power tilt/slide sunroof, giving it an open, airy feel.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Kia Finally Reveals the All-New Sorento!



First photos of the all-new Kia Sorento released today confirm that the third generation of the popular SUV will feature a new look, with bold, swept-back styling and sophisticated surface detailing.

Longer, lower and wider, with an extended wheelbase, the new Sorento builds on the success of the outgoing model, delivering a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features.

With the brand's hallmark design features and a more mature appearance, the new model is instantly recognizable as a Sorento. The new look is an evolution of the current vehicle, incorporating fresh visual elements inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept that debuted at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, carrying over the long bonnet and the distinctive treatment of the wide D-pillars from the previous generation.

The exterior styling of the new Sorento was led by Kia's Namyang design studio in Korea, with significant levels of input from the brand's Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios.

The front of new Sorento features a larger, more upright 'tiger-nose' grille, with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern, and long, swept-back headlamps. The lower roofline, higher beltline and more muscular, rounded shoulders at the rear give the car a dramatic appearance.

The sleeker look is enhanced by an increase in length (+95 mm to 4,780 mm)* and a 15 mm reduction in height (down to 1,685 mm), while the 80 mm longer wheelbase (now 2,780 mm) ensures more passenger space in all three seat rows.

Soon-Nam Lee, Vice President of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corp., said, "While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the outgoing model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response."

The all-new Kia Sorento will be showcased in Korea in late August and make its European premiere on Thursday 2 October at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.