Friday, February 15, 2019

2020 KIA SPORTAGE DEBUTS AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

2020 Sportage
Refreshed SUV continues to evoke European design with rugged capability
  • New front and rear fascias add more aggressive flair
  • Updated option package enhancements add comfort and convenience features
  • New S trim includes sporty exterior and interior design elements

CHICAGO, February 7, 2019
– The refreshed 2020 Sportage made its debut in the Windy City today, boasting a bold new look, a new S trim, more convenience and available driver-assist features, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen for LX, S and EX variants. Following the introduction of the upcoming Telluride, Kia’s largest SUV, the Sportage appeals to those who don’t need or want the space of a larger vehicle but place a high value on Kia’s cutting-edge design, available AWD capability and convenience.  Set to go on sale in the first half of 2019, pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.

Euro-focused DesignThe design language around Sportage has always been distinctly European and the 2020 model carries on the tradition. From the first pencil stroke it was meant to convey the kind of presence associated with sweeping, thought-provoking curves and an equally aggressive stance. The significant exterior design changes for 2020 include:
  • New headlights with available LED turn indicators
  • Redesigned projector-beam fog lights
  • Available LED headlights with available LED fog lights
  • New front grille, bumper, air intake and skid plate
  • Newly designed 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Redesigned rear bumper and skid plate
  • New exhaust tip design
  • Redesigned tail light trim
  • A new metallic Steel Grey exterior color

The 2020 Sportage interior design is lightly enhanced and includes:
  • New available SOFINO leatherette seating surfaces
  • Standard 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available          modem-enabled telematics, and available navigation
  • Newly designed steering wheel and vent bezels
  • Available smartphone wireless charging tray

Engineered for Confident Capability
Along with the new S trim, Sportage is offered in LX, EX and SX variants in either front-wheel drive or    all-wheel drive. Two engines are available: a 2.4-liter GDI producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. or torque or a 2.0-liter turbo GDI that’s good for up to 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. New to the Sportage are a number of available driver assist features:


  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Smart Cruise Control with Start & Stop
  • Forward Collision Assist with pedestrian detection
  • High beam assist

Thursday, February 14, 2019

SOUL, SORENTO AND STINGER NAMED 2019 BEST CARS FOR THE MONEY FROM U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT


Soul and Sorento Maintain Spots as Favorites While Stinger is a New Standout
  • Soul and Sorento receive award for third consecutive year
  • Stinger’s posh cabin, affordable price tag help it earn high marks in the small luxury car category
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2019 – For the third consecutive year, the Kia Soul and Sorento were named segment winners by U.S. News & World Report for the Best Cars for the Money awards. In addition to the three-peat winners, the Stinger also earned an award in its first-ever win in a luxury class. U.S. News recognized vehicles across 14 categories that provide consumers with the best combination of quality and value, naming Soul the Best Compact Car for the Money, Sorento the Best 3-Row SUV for the Money, and Stinger as the Best Luxury Small Car for the Money.
“We’re honored that U.S. News once again named the Soul and Sorento winners within their respective categories for the third year in a row,” said Orth Hedrick, Director of Car Planning and Telematics, Kia Motors America (KMA). “In addition to the win for the high-performance Stinger, this is just another piece of evidence that demonstrates our commitment to making world-class vehicles with exceptional value that continues to be unmatched.”
The U.S. News & World Report rankings compare cars on the basis of safety, reliability and a consensus of industry experts' opinions, along with value – which is measured by a combination of a vehicle's estimated five-year total cost of ownership and the average price paid for the vehicle at the time the awards are published.
“Kia not only gives buyers plenty of high quality models to choose from, but the brand also backs them with one of the longest powertrain warranties in the industry,” said Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor of U.S. News & World Report. “In our analysis, that warranty works to significantly reduce estimated    five-year ownership costs, making the winning Kia models excellent long-term values."
The Sorento’s excellent U.S. News & World Report Rankings and upscale cabin helped it take the win, while the Soul’s spacious interior and abundance of standard features were just some of the factors that helped it take the lead. After being eligible since it first went on sale in Fall of 2017, the Stinger quickly became a favorite among the judges.
 “The Stinger has a potent engine lineup and lively handling, as well as a posh cabin that's loaded with features that many other luxury brands charge extra for,” said Jamie Page Deaton. The Stinger may not come from a dynastic luxury car brand, but in a short time on the market, it's more than made its mark and put the entire class on notice."
The Soul, Sorento, Stinger and other winners can be found at cars.usnews.com/cars-money.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

2019 FORTE NAMED BEST SMALL CAR BY MOTORWEEK


Forte Named Best All-Around Compact
  • Smart, sporty and exceptionally engineered, says long-running television automobile show
  • Excellent value and reliability additional factors
IRVINE, Calif., February 7, 2019 — Kia Motors America (KMA) is pleased to announce that the 2019 Forte has won a 2019 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for “Best Small Car.”
With the 2019 Forte, Kia has taken an already excellent small car approach and added more space, more technology, and dynamic styling,” says John Davis, creator and host of MotorWeek, television's longest running automotive magazine show. “The end result is a great looking, highly affordable car that we think is also the most enjoyable daily driver in its size class."
MotorWeek editors conduct upwards of 150 car and truck reviews annually, evaluating vehicles on an array of factors, including: price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records, and resale value. The Drivers’ Choice awards are based on these thorough evaluations.
“The Forte was all-new for 2019. We built it with the goal of it being the best in its class,” says Orth Hedrick, executive director of Car Planning and Telematics, KMA. “So, it really validates the efforts of the entire Kia team when a body of respected auto experts like MotorWeek gives it their top rating.”
Drivers’ Choice Award winners are featured on Motorweek.org, and will appear on a special episode #3823 of MotorWeek airing on public television stations beginning February 9, and on cable’s MotorTrend Network beginning February 19.