Friday, June 30, 2017

KIA SOUL NAMED TO LIST OF BEST FAMILY CARS OF 2017 BY PARENTS MAGAZINE AND EDMUNDS

2017 Kia Soul Recognized as Best Budget Vehicle
  • Kia’s iconic urban runabout a top pick for value, safety and family-friendly features
  • Soul outshines the competition with impressive cargo capacity, a six-speaker audio system and Sirius XM1 satellite radio and Bluetooth®2 connectivity 
IRVINE, Calif., June 8, 2017 – The 2017 Soul has been awarded a spot among the 10 Best Family Cars of 2017 by Parents magazine and Edmunds. The parenting and car experts tested hundreds of vehicles, selecting winners based on value, performance, safety and family-friendly features.

“We are thrilled to receive this award from Parents magazine and Edmunds in recognition of the Soul as a top family car,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “Kia is committed to offering tremendous quality, value and user-friendly technology across its entire vehicle lineup, and this latest accolade is a testament to those efforts.”

Parents magazine and leading car shopping and information network Edmunds have partnered for 10 consecutive years to share the awards, which serve as a reliable source for families interested in purchasing a new car. This year’s winning vehicles are equipped with features that support the needs of both parents and children, and suit a variety of lifestyles.

"The Kia Soul offers more than just unique styling at a reasonable price," said Ed Hellwig, Edmunds senior editor. "It's also a practical hatchback that packs plenty of useful features into a surprisingly spacious cabin."

The popular 2017 Kia Soul is available in three trim levels, including Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission, Soul Plus with a 6-speed automatic and the new 201-horsepower turbocharged Exclaim3. Prices start at $16,1004. With options5 for desirable features such as premium touch points, an 8-inch scrolling capacitive touch screen, LED mood/music lighting and a panoramic sunroof, the Soul continues to provide value to loyal fans of the funky people mover.


About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.



* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.


1 SiriusXM service requires a subscription, sold separately, after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase. If you decide to continue your SiriusXM service at the end of your trial subscription, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call Sirius XM at 1-866-635-2349 to cancel. See Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com. Programming subject to change. Sirius satellite service is available only to those at least 18 and older in the 48 contiguous USA, D.C., and PR (with coverage limitations). Traffic information not available in all markets. See siriusxm.com/traffic for details. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.

2 The Bluetooth® word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of the mark by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.

3 Quantities are limited.

4 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

5 Not all optional features are available on all trims.

KIA SOUL NAMED TO LIST OF BEST FAMILY CARS OF 2017 BY PARENTS MAGAZINE AND EDMUNDS

2017 Kia Soul Recognized as Best Budget Vehicle
  • Kia’s iconic urban runabout a top pick for value, safety and family-friendly features
  • Soul outshines the competition with impressive cargo capacity, a six-speaker audio system and Sirius XM1 satellite radio and Bluetooth®2 connectivity 
IRVINE, Calif., June 8, 2017 – The 2017 Soul has been awarded a spot among the 10 Best Family Cars of 2017 by Parents magazine and Edmunds. The parenting and car experts tested hundreds of vehicles, selecting winners based on value, performance, safety and family-friendly features.

“We are thrilled to receive this award from Parents magazine and Edmunds in recognition of the Soul as a top family car,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “Kia is committed to offering tremendous quality, value and user-friendly technology across its entire vehicle lineup, and this latest accolade is a testament to those efforts.”

Parents magazine and leading car shopping and information network Edmunds have partnered for 10 consecutive years to share the awards, which serve as a reliable source for families interested in purchasing a new car. This year’s winning vehicles are equipped with features that support the needs of both parents and children, and suit a variety of lifestyles.

"The Kia Soul offers more than just unique styling at a reasonable price," said Ed Hellwig, Edmunds senior editor. "It's also a practical hatchback that packs plenty of useful features into a surprisingly spacious cabin."

The popular 2017 Kia Soul is available in three trim levels, including Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission, Soul Plus with a 6-speed automatic and the new 201-horsepower turbocharged Exclaim3. Prices start at $16,1004. With options5 for desirable features such as premium touch points, an 8-inch scrolling capacitive touch screen, LED mood/music lighting and a panoramic sunroof, the Soul continues to provide value to loyal fans of the funky people mover.


About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.



* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.


1 SiriusXM service requires a subscription, sold separately, after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase. If you decide to continue your SiriusXM service at the end of your trial subscription, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call Sirius XM at 1-866-635-2349 to cancel. See Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com. Programming subject to change. Sirius satellite service is available only to those at least 18 and older in the 48 contiguous USA, D.C., and PR (with coverage limitations). Traffic information not available in all markets. See siriusxm.com/traffic for details. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.

2 The Bluetooth® word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of the mark by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.

3 Quantities are limited.

4 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

5 Not all optional features are available on all trims.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

2017 KIA OPTIMA RECEIVES TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS RATING FROM THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

2017 Optima Earns the Prestigious Safety Award Under New Headlight Testing Standards


IRVINE, Calif., June 1, 2017 – Kia Motors America’s (KMA) top-selling sedan, the 2017 Optima, has earned the highest designation possible – Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) – from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for vehicles built after March 2017 when equipped with optional front crash prevention and LED headlights with High Beam Assist. The rating reflects top scores in each of five crashworthiness tests as well as the integration of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)1 for crash prevention and new headlamp testing standards which were introduced this year. Aside from earning “good” crashworthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system, the 2017 Optima achieved a “good” rating in IIHS headlamp testing2.

“The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety sets some of the highest standards when it comes to evaluating vehicle safety, and the Top Safety Pick Plus designation is a significant achievement that substantiates Kia’s ongoing effort to improve the quality and integrity of our world-class model line,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “We are pleased that the Optima received strong ratings across all of IIHS’ rigorous testing, validating the high priority we place on safety for our customers.”

To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require each vehicle to earn “good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention and an “acceptable” or “good” rating in headlight testing.

The 2017 Optima offers a suite of available driver assistance systems3 such Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC),3 Blind Spot Detection (BSD)3 with Lane Change Assist,3 Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA),3 Rear Parking Assist System (RPAS),3 Front Collision Warning System (FCWS),3 Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)3 and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)3.

About the 2017 Optima
Conceived under the watchful eye of Kia’s president and chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, with modern and instantly recognizable design cues, the Optima exudes an athletic and sophisticated identity. Available with three engine choices, including a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the Optima is highly confident on the road. The Optima’s cabin features an impressive level of craftsmanship that comes standard across five trim levels – LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SXL.


About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.



* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

2017 KIA SOUL FEATURED ON KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KBB.COM 10 COOLEST CARS UNDER $18,000 LIST

Soul’s Fun and Funky Personality Recognized Once Again on KBB.com’s Top-10 list
  • Stylish urban runabout keeps things cool thanks to being “fun-to-drive and fun to own”
  • Soul appears on KBB.com’s annual list for the 6th year in a row
IRVINE, Calif., May 25, 2017 – Kia Motors America’s funky urban commuter, the 2017 Soul, has again been named as one of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 in 2017, according to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. This year marks the sixth consecutive time the Soul has been selected for the list, which features some of the most fun-to-drive and fun-to-own vehicles on the market. Once again, Kelley Blue Book editors chose the Soul for its unique combination of technology, design, feature content, and excellent value. With a base MSRP price of $16,1001, the Soul offers crossover practicality, plenty of passenger room, and a feature-rich interior.



“It’s exciting to see that the Soul continues to be recognized as the stand-out vehicle it is,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America. “We’ve really upped the fun factor this year with a new turbocharged model and its personality is infectious regardless of which model a customer buys. The fact that it’s been consistently included on Kelley Blue Book’s list of 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 is a clear indication that the Soul offers the perfect blend of style and substance.”
The 2017 Soul is available in three trim levels: Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission; Soul Plus with the 6-speed automatic; and the Exclaim turbo with the new 7-speed DCT.  Redesigned headlights and fog lights, along with front and rear fascias lend a more aggressive appearance while the availability of two dedicated USB charge ports and an 8-way power passenger seat add convenience and comfort.

“The Kia Soul continues to find a spot on our list of 10 Coolest Cars under $18,000, because it delivers so much personality and versatility for the money,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.  “In fact, there are very few vehicles we can think of that offer more usable interior space, features and sheer presence for the money than the Kia Soul. It is truly a car whose value exceeds its cost.”

The Base Soul comes standard with a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine that makes 130 horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) and 118 lb.-ft. of torque (at 4,850 rpm). The Plus model enjoys the more powerful 2.0-liter engine with GDI technology.  Power is rated at 161 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 150 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,700 rpm.  Meanwhile, the Exclaim model comes standard with a turbo engine that produces 201 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 195 lb.-ft. of torque (at 1,500-4,000 rpm).


About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.


About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new and used cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies.  Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a Cox Automotive™ brand.



* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.