A Do-It-Yourself Upgrade on the Sportage

Updating a car can involve a new set of wheels or all-weather floormats, but what’s crazy about some newer cars is that people without any special automotive knowledge can add a useful feature to their car by following simple directions from the automaker. That’s what happened to our 2017 Kia Sportage EX AWD long-termer, which now has Apple CarPlay thanks to a few easy steps and one quiet drive home.

The Sportage’s infotainment system is already pretty good, but Apple CarPlay (and the also-available Android Auto) have some advantages. So as soon as I found out that Kia and Hyundai were offering an update to the car’s software that owners could perform themselves, I got started. Because our Sportage is equipped with a navigation system, I followed these directions with the car’s SD card, but if my 2017 Sportage lacked that feature, I would have used a USB drive and these directions. Curious if your Kia is eligible for the upgrade? In a July 19 release, the automaker noted that some trims of these cars might be eligible for a free update:

• 2017 Kia Forte
• 2015-2016 Kia Optima (and hybrid)
• 2015-2016 Kia Sedona
• 2014-2016 Kia Soul (and the 2015-2016 Soul EV)
• 2016 Kia Sorento
• 2017 Kia Sportage

With the SD card, all I had to do was follow the directions and continue with my work day until the update was installed. The only real sacrifice came with my drive home that day, which involved awkwardly listening to music from the single speaker of my iPhone while the car’s infotainment system updated itself, taking about 40 minutes.

Why Care About Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

14 PHOTOS

Apple CarPlay’s biggest advantage (and that of Android Auto) is on cars without an integrated navigation system, such as our long-term 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. Suddenly, with Apple CarPlay, you’ve got navigation, and as a bonus, it’s linked to your phone. In the Kia’s case, I sacrifice the navigation’s helpful speed-limit display for CarPlay’s ability to track what’s already on my phone. If, for example, I left open an address on the Maps app of my iPhone, once I plug in the phone to the car, the system makes it easy for me to pull up that address and get directions.

Apple CarPlay also makes text messaging much safer and easier. When a message comes in, the system can read the message aloud and, with voice command, compose a response message while you’re driving.

Now that iOS 10 has arrived for newer iPhones, the Maps app finally allows an option to avoid toll roads whether you’re using the 2-D or 3-D map view. Also with iOS 10, I can move compatible apps I use most frequently to the first display page of icons on the Sportage’s 8.0-inch screen.

Although I still like Kia’s own navigation system and especially the speed limit display, I’m thankful the automaker offered this update. Whether you are forced to update your own car after a notification from the automaker or get a car with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto already installed, I’ve found it to be a meaningful upgrade, and because I did it myself, it was free.

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Kia Motors America Expands Offer Of Free Apple CarPlay® And Android Auto™ Software Updates

IRVINE, Calif., July 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking the UVO platform to yet another level of enhancement, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that free Apple1 CarPlay® and Android Auto™2 software updates3 will be available for eligible vehicles when equipped with a compatible navigation system4 or UVO35.  Customers will be notified by the end of July via email to go to myuvo.com for vehicle eligibility and step-by-step instructions on updating their vehicle with the latest downloadable software.  All owners of new and pre-owned vehicles must register at myuvo.com to receive email notifications that the software is available for download.

The following vehicles are eligible for the software update:

• Forte (MY17)
• Optima (MY15-16)
• Optima Hybrid (MY15-16)
• Sedona (MY15-16)
• Soul (MY14-16)
• Soul EV (MY15-16)
• Sorento (MY16)
• Sportage (MY17)

"With the advanced growth of telematics and infotainment systems, Kia is excited to offer to more of our customers the opportunity to have the latest software update for their vehicle free of charge via myuvo.com," said Henry Bzeih, Managing Director Connected & Mobility Services, KMA.  "Providing CarPlay® and Android Auto™ to a greater number of vehicles in our lineup will revitalize our current owners' systems with an additional element of convenience while maximizing the benefits of connectivity."

Android Auto™ connects to the user's Android device and allows them access to smartphone apps and functions through Kia's UVO infotainment system, such as voice-guided Google MapsTM navigation, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition.  Android Auto™ also lets users stream music from Google Play Music™.  With a simple and intuitive interface, integrated steering-wheel controls, and powerful voice actions, Android Auto™ was designed to minimize distraction so that users stay focused on the road. 

A smarter and more convenient way to use the iPhone® in the car, CarPlay® gives drivers the ability to access the device's seamless user interface through Kia's UVO infotainment system.  By connecting the iPhone® into the USB port, users are able to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, get directions optimized for traffic conditions and more while concentrating on driving.  CarPlay® also features hands-free support via Siri®1 voice control or the vehicle's controls and touchscreen.

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Apple CarPlay arrives on Kia vehicles starting with Sportage, Optima

IRVINE, Calif., May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Adding to the constant evolution in telematics and infotainment, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that the 2017 Sportage and 2016 Optima, when equipped with a compatible navigation system[3] or UVO3[4], will be offered with Apple CarPlay® compatibility when the vehicles arrive at Kia retailers during the second quarter. Additionally, customers who have previously purchased the 2017 Sportage or 2016 Optima equipped with a compatible navigation[5] system or UVO3 will be provided with a downloadable update via myuvo.com that will be available beginning in the third quarter. Currently on sale, the 2017 Sorento is the first Kia vehicle to be offered with CarPlay®[6] support and other models in the Kia lineup eligible for the CarPlay® update will be announced at a later date.

"The arrival of CarPlay® compatibility follows on a promise we made when Optima launched last year. These running changes and available downloads will seamlessly bring iPhone's easy-to-use interface and functionality to our newest and best-selling models," said Henry Bzeih, Managing Director Connected & Mobility Services, KMA. "Kia is taking the UVO platform to yet another level of enhancement by extending the customer's personal mobility technologies safely and easily into a Kia vehicle. CarPlay® will bring an additional element of convenience while maximizing the benefits of connectivity."

A smarter and more convenient way to use the iPhone® in the car, CarPlay® gives drivers the ability to access the device's seamless user interface through Kia's UVO infotainment system. By connecting the iPhone® into the USB port, users are able to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, get directions optimized for traffic conditions and more while staying focused on the road. CarPlay® also features hands-free support via Siri®[1] voice control or the vehicle's controls and touchscreen.

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2017 Kia Sorento Enters Second Model Year With New Tech

The 2017 Kia Sorento is now available for order with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

On top of that, the automaker offers two new options to its best-selling CUV, the Advance Touring and Advance Technology packages, available on lower trim levels.

These are joined by the additional safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, advanced smart cruise control, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and dynamic bending lights, available at no extra cost on the range-topper SXL, which can be had from $43,900 in FWD and $45,700 in AWD.

Powering the L and LX is the same 2.4-liter I-4 engine, rated at 185 HP (188 PS) and 178 pound-feet (241 Nm) of torque, returning 21/28/24 mpg (11.2/8.4/9.8 lt/100 km) in FWD (city/highway/combined) and 21/25/22 mpg (11.2/9.4/10.7 lt/100 km) in AWD.

The EX continues to be offered with a 2.0-liter turbo, producing 240 HP (243 PS) and 260 pound-feet (353 Nm) of torque, EPA-rated at 20/27/23 (11.8/8.7/10.2 lt/100 km) in FWD and 19/25/22 (12/9.4/10.7 lt/100 km) in AWD.

The range-topping mill remains the 3.3-liter V6, with its 290 HP (294 PS) and 252 pound-feet (342 Nm) of torque, offered as standard on the SX and SXL and available as an option on the LX and EX. The first two return 18/25/20 mpg (13.1/9.4/11.8 lt/100 km) in FWD and 17/23/19 mpg (13.9/10.2/12.4 lt/100 km) in AWD, while the latter are rated at 18/25/20 mpg (13.1/9.4/11.8 lt/100 km) in FWD and 18/25/21 mpg (13.1/9.4/11.2 lt/100 km) with AWD.

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Kia’s 2017 Sportage has the “Power to Surprise”

What’s Good: Highly competitive pricing plus a bevy of standard features you might not expect.

What’s Interesting: Sportage makes hill descent control standard, a highly desirable feature found mostly in high-end CUVs.

Go anywhere in Canada today and you see the rise of the crossover, which presents any automaker with a big problem – how do I make ours stand out? I don’t think anyone really realized the compact CUV is like a Cuckoo bird chick pushing its siblings out of the nest, just as CUVs are doing to small sedans and wagons.

The migration to the compact CUV has become a full-blown stampede, with basic CUVs, entry-level luxury CUVs, premium CUVs – you name it.

The Japanese had what we now consider a CUV for years, until someone at Toyota had the bright idea to bring one to North America, which resulted in the 1995 RAV4 followed swiftly by the Honda CR-V, the Subaru Forester – and you know the rest.

In Korea, Kia had been building a very basic CUV based on the Mazda Bongo from 1993-2004, followed by a second generation that went on until 2010 selling in small numbers and which was largely ignored.

But by then Kia had entered the Peter Schreyer era and a lot of things began to change very quickly.

And one of those changes was styling. Schreyer and his team’s work on the Sportage transformed it from wallflower to a belle of the ball almost overnight.

It’s hard to believe the new, 2017 is only the fourth generation Sportage, and goes back some 23 years. But Kia has never strayed far from a winning formula.

"I don’t think anyone really realized the compact CUV is like a Cuckoo bird chick pushing its siblings out of the nest, just as CUVs are doing to small sedans and wagons."

Like the previous generation, the new Sportage comes with two engines and a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive with a six-speed automatic transmission.

On the base LX and EX, the primary engine is a direct injection 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder with 181 hp and 175 lb/ft of torque. On the two, topline models, the EX Tech and SX, there is Kia’s potent 2.0-litre twin turbo four-cylinder with 237 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque in AWD form only. Both the 2.4-litre and 2.0-litre run on regular fuel and towing for each is up to 2,000 lb, when properly equipped.

A standout for the Sportage is the standard Down Hill Descent Control (engaged by a button on the centre console) which is usually found on SUV/CUVs costing double or triple the cost of a base Sportage LX.

On a steep incline, punch the button on the centre console and computers take over and allow the Sportage to go down at a steady 8 km/h without the driver touching the brake or gas pedals.

During the launch of the new Sportage, Kia let us go off-road near Vernon, B.C., on a rutted, soggy path, including a steep incline, in the woods with deer literally on both sides watching our progress.

Friends, I simply cannot, as much as I have tried, switch on downhill control, nose over and plunge down to a forest floor without having my foot on the gas or brake pedal. So I let someone else take over as I held my breath, closed my eyes while the deed was done with no drama whatsoever.

While the 2017 Sportage may look similar to the outgoing 2016, there are some subtle but important differences.

There are two separate nose treatments for cooling reasons, depending on engine choice. And, if you look closely, the area where front fog lamps used to be is now a duct to feed cooling air to the front brakes. Sportage features an innovative dual-level cargo floor and a widened luggage area resulting in cargo capacity behind the second row that has grown substantially from 739 litres (26.1 cu ft) to 869 litres (30.7 cu ft) by (US) SAE standards. By relocating the license plate from the bumper to the tailgate, the lift-over height has been lowered for easier loading and unloading. A Smart Power Liftgate, which automatically opens when the key fob is within three feet of the vehicle, is also available. During the press launch of the Sportage, Kia made the full model lineup available to autowriters.

One of the feature which should attracted Canadian intenders is the availability of Kia’s Magna Canada sourced Dynamax intelligent AWD system, which is available on every trim and features a 50/50 locking centre differential. The system senses, anticipates, and optimizes traction needs for all road and weather conditions.

I wish I had room to delve into the over-flowing cup of connectivity, but suffice to say the new Sportage is the first Kia to offer UVO3, featuring Android Auto, Apple CarPlay (April availability), 14 telematics services, and eight GB of music storage and all free of charge.

But that is what Kia does, isn’t it? They call it “The Power to Surprise” and I couldn’t agree more.

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Hyundai Motor Group Expands More Models Adopting Artificial Intelligence Systems

According to industry sources on March 12, Hyundai Motor Group, the world's fifth-largest automotive group, has recently adopted Google's Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay systems, and it also plans to increase car models featuring Android Auto and CarPlay and expanding the technology application of vehicle infotainment systems in the future.

An official from Hyundai-Kia Motors said, “The company will continue to step up its efforts to provide the convenience to more drivers through Apple’s CarPlay and Google's Android Auto systems, and to expand car models with the systems in the future.”

Hyundai Motor has offered Google's Android Auto system in the 2016 Sonata model, which was released in the North American market in May last year, and both Apple’s CarPlay and Google's Android Auto systems in the 2017 Elantra, named Avante in Korea, in January this year. Apple’s CarPlay and Google's Android Auto are integrated programs that connect iPhone and Android smartphone apps to the vehicle's infotainment system, enabling drivers to easily use their major functions through Siri voice control and a touch screen. In particular, the systems make it easy to use navigation systems, stream music and make phone calls via the vehicle’s digital display so that drivers can focus on driving.

With Apple’s CarPlay, drivers can easily operate functions by activating Siri through the steering wheel's voice button and touching the screen with their fingers. Connecting with Apple maps, the system can also predict where drivers most likely want to go using addresses from their email, texts, contacts and calendars, and gives drivers a safe way to call back missed calls, send text messages, listen voice messages while driving.

Google’s Android Auto can be used after drivers connecting their smartphones to the vehicles and touching an Android Auto icon on the display. The system also can make phone calls, answer phone calls, and receive and send text messages. In addition, it can stream music, set up the destination, check phone calls and calendar events through voice command.

Globally, Apple’s CarPlay is already used or will be used in more than 100 models from 23 auto brands, including Hyundai and Kia Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen. Google’s Android Auto is available in 11 countries, such as the U.S., Germany and the U.K.

Apple’s CarPlay available is also available to owners of the 2016 Sonata, a model with Google’s Android Auto system that was released last year, when they buy an SD card with a new software update. Kia Motors has also offered Google’s Android Auto system in the 2016 All New Optima K5 and the 2016 Sportage, and it will adopt Apple’s CarPlay in its models in the future.

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Don Adair: Made-over Kia Optima is confident in own skin

Though you won’t notice it at a glance, Kia’s midsize Optima sedan is fully redesigned this year.

Like most cars undergoing generational change, the Optima ($22,840, including destination) is a little larger this year. Its cabin is roomier, quieter and more luxurious. Its cabin-tech array grows richer.

The Optima’s platform is lighter, stiffer and stronger. Myriad suspension tweaks — including a longer wheelbase — bring a new sense of refinement. A new turbocharged four-cylinder engine expands the powertrain lineup to three.

These are big changes; yet, aside from a nip here and a tuck there, there’s little to visually distinguish this car from its predecessor. Nothing screams “I’m new! Pick me!”.

The Optima has shed its previous bargain-basement aura and, with it, any need to prove itself. It’s not yet the equal of the segment’s best, but it holds its own in a very good field.

As always, Kia raises the bar with abundant standard features and the availability of so-called “class-up” options.

Every Optima includes full power accessories, cruise control, A/C, a six-way power driver seat (including power lumbar), a rearview camera, alloy wheels, a 5-inch central display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a fully equipped six-speaker sound system.

Available driver-assist technologies include adaptive cruise, blind-spot detection with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, front collision-warning, lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

Also available: road-searing bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with automatic high beams and adaptive bending lamps.

The Optima is also the first Kia to offer Harman Kardon's Quantum Logic surround sound. The 10-speaker, 630-watt system employs H/K’s Clarifi, a technology that reconstructs audio signals lost during digital compression.

A trio of four-cylinder engines brings the power. There’s a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four that makes 185 horsepower; a 245-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four; and a new 1.6-liter four, also turbocharged, that makes 178-hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The first pair are mated with a six-speed automatic, the third with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual.

Optima press materials nod to “athletic” and “sporty” but, though it’s composed and serene, the Optima lacks a sporty dynamic. Body control during cornering is very good and the suspension adjustments improve composure on rough surfaces. But, whether the drive mode is set to Sport or Normal, the Optima’s responses are measured. Its power-assisted steering system provides scant feedback, and turn-in is vague.

With its turbocharged, 245-hp mill, sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloys, my SX Turbo tester ($30,640) — the sportiest Optima — never provoked me into anything like road-play. Optima feels engineered to convey a sense of luxury-by-isolation, the kind of feel Lexus rode to popularity.

Accordingly, interior design is clean, simple and elegant. Simple design updates — a horizontal dashboard layout, wider console — lend a spacious, open feel. Controls are simplified, encouraging less reliance on the touchscreen and more on hard buttons, and ergonomics improved.

The infotainment system now includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The made-over Optima improves in all the ways it needs to; just don’t expect to see it all at a glance.

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2016 KIA Optima First Drive Review: Don’t Mess with Success

When a carmaker sells over 100,000 copies of a single model, it is understandably conservative when it comes to redesigns. That’s exactly what the new 2016 Kia Optima is – a conservative update on a successful sedan.

Visually, the new Optima looks a lot like the old one, and indeed the basic styling philosophy is there. It has the same wide trademark grille – which Kia calls a “tiger” grille – and the same signature roof line that made the old Optima one of the best looking midsize sedans on the market.

But on closer inspection, the differences show. The front end is redesigned, with the grille a little thinner than before. The headlights are now Bi-Xenon, high intensity lights, which could be optioned to move with the car around turns for better visibility. The whole car, in fact, is slightly longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model.

Inside, the theme of refinement continues, as the dash has been redesigned to be more functional and stylish, with a liberal use of soft-touch materials. One complaint, however, is with the console. Kia made the console wider, and in doing so, made it less comfortable for taller drivers whose knees hit the edge. The fact that it’s hard plastic adds to the discomfort and is a clue that, despite the luxury applications, the Optima is still a budget sedan.

Driving dynamics have been improved as well. Although hardly a sports car – and not quite up to the sporting levels of the Honda Accord or Mazda 6 – the Optima handles well for a family sedan and outshines other stalwarts in the class.

Under the hood is a choice of three engines. The base model Optima gets a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four cylinder rated at 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Upper trim levels get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder rated at 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The turbo is actually down on power from last year, as Kia re-tuned the engine for better economy and mid-range torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

New for the Optima is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder making 178 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Available only on the LX model, the 1.6 is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

As is becoming customary in 2016, the new Optima comes with a host of safety features like lane departure warnings, emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, among others. The new Optima is also the first Kia to have both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing customers to use their smartphones to control music, messaging, voice calls and navigation.

The Georgia-built Optima will start at around $23,000 and top out at over $35,000. It will be in dealerships this month.

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2016 Kia Optima First Drive Review: Don't Mess with Success!