Hyundai and Kia Now Have As Many Hybrids As Toyota

This year the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group will be selling as many hybrids and plug-in hybrids in the U.S. as king-of-hybrids Toyota, and what this might lead to remains to be seen.

Hyundai and Kia have said their goal is to become no less than the world’s second-biggest seller of electrified vehicles by 2020, with the assumption that Toyota will remain number one.

By the fourth quarter when the Ioniq plug-in hybrid is released, Hyundai and Kia combined will have eight hybrids and plug-in hybrids on offer – numerically matching Toyota, and excluding upscale Lexus – but sales is another matter.

2016 Prius Liftback. The other models of Toyota’s eight hybrids are: RAV4, Prime PHV, Camry, Prius c, Prius v, Avalon, Highlander. Its upscale Lexus division which normally is not cross-shopped with Hyundai/Kia has five more models.

Basically, Toyota crushes the hybrid segment, it’s also slowly branching toward plug-ins, and overall Hyundai and Kia do not hold a candle to its tremendous market advantage – but its product roster may begin to capture market share, or so Hyundai and Kia hope.

Hyundai is just now releasing its thrifty Ioniq Hybrid with the Plug-in due to follow, and Kia has also launched its hybrid Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

Hyundai has already launched the second-generation Sonata Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid version of the Sonata, and Kia likewise has its similarly positioned Optima hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

With revision of the 42 mpg Sonata Hybrid with unique automatic transmission, Hyundai released a plug-in version as well with 27 miles EV range. Kia’s Optima borrows the powertrain from both for its hybrid an plug-in versions.

Last year in the U.S., Hyundai sold about 23,000 of the two Sonata variants, and Kia sold 11,500 of its Optima Hybrid with the plug-in version coming to market this year – respectable, but not overwhelming.

By contrast, Toyota sold almost 114,000 of its Prius Liftback alone, over 45,000 of its RAV4 Hybrid, over 22,000 Camry Hybrids, over 20,000 Prius c models, almost 15,000 Prius v models, and its Prius Prime plug-in is coming online too.

Clearly Toyota dwarfs Hyundai and Kia but they are meanwhile posturing themselves on the assumption of further growth, and on paper, they have strong contenders to help do this and reinforcements are on the way.

The Ioniqs

Hyundai’s four hybrid models are the Ioniq Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. For extra measure the Ioniq comes in a battery electric too. Kia’s four hybrids are the Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid due this year, Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid. That’s eight for eight between Hyundai/Kia and Toyota.

Hyundai’s Ioniq – which also come in a battery electric version for which that Toyota does not have a corollary – was benchmarked against the Prius Liftback and Prime and beats it in a few ways. Arguably.

Hyundai has not said it will surpass Prius sales, but its 58 mpg Ioniq Blue hybrid, and 27-mile estimated range Ioniq PHEV hit Toyota in its chief bragging rights. Its Prius Liftback gets 52 or 56 mpg depending on trim, and its Prime PHV is rated 25 miles EV range.

Toyota has an enormous head start in establishing its quality, resale value, reputation for durability and reliability, so it is up to Hyundai to chip away where it can.

Styling also may help, as the Prius has caught flak for its design, whereas the Ioniqs – with conventional DCT automatic instead of CVT transmissions – are poised to win converts.

Niro

Kia has potentially as worthy a contender in its new Niro. With a plug-in version due, and available in three hybrid trims ranging from 43 mpg, 49 mpg and 50 mpg, this is excellent fuel economy with the extra added bonus of being a small crossover.

You may have heard crossovers and SUVs are trending in America and sedans are on the defensive.

Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid has rocketed to near the top of the hybrid sales chart this year.

Though only front wheel drive, and not AWD like Toyota’s second-ranked hybrid the RAV4, the Niro trounces it in fuel economy, and has good utility, styling and starts $7,000 less at $23,000.

Compared also to Toyota’s Prius c subcompact hatch and Prius v wagon which are yet to be refreshed, the Niro – and Hyundai Ioniqs mentioned – look like attractive alternatives to cross shop.

Just Getting Started

Hyundai and Kia plan 26 electrified vehicles including fuel cell varieties by 2020.

These 26 planned Hyundai and Kia vehicles will be comprised of at least a dozen hybrids, half a dozen plug-in hybrids, two EVs and two fuel cell vehicles.

As one can see, the Korean carmakers are being more adventurous in the plug-in market with four models to Toyota’s one as of 2017. Also, they even beat it to the FCV punch with its Tucson compared to Toyota’s Mirai – neither of which is selling many units at this stage.

On the global scale, even with an onslaught of competitive products, Hyundai and Kia will have their work cut out for them.

Last year Toyota sold 1.2 million hybrids worldwide. Hyundai sold 42,900 hybrids and plug-in hybrids, and Kia sold 18,735 hybrids.

Toyota’s Take

The Prius Prime now has 25 miles EV range, 54 mpg in hybrid mode, and prices start competitively midway within the Prius price range.

While Hyundai and Kia did not start selling hybrids until this decade, Toyota began in 1997 with the original Prius in Japan and just last week announced sale of its 10-millionth hybrid worldwide.

Environmental Communications Manager Jana Hartline says the carmaker has established no specific 2020 electrification goals like Hyundai and Kia have, but Toyota has “a deep commitment to vehicle electrification and to advancing drive-battery technology.”

This includes “conventional hybrid, pure electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles” – to readers who’ve poked Toyota for being reluctant to head to battery electrics, take note of its stated general intentions.

And, while not resting on its laurels, Hartline did mention laurels.

“Since the creation of hybrid synergy drive in the mid-nineties,” she said, “no one has done more for the electrification of the automobile than Toyota.”

But where will it go from here? The plan to cut CO2 emissions will be market by market based on “energy issues and infrastructure in each county/region.” Harltine says Toyota will account also for customer needs as it steadily introduces FCVs, EVs and other zero-emission vehicles in markets around the world.

The Camry Hybrid was revised in 2015 but its powertrain was developed in 2012. The 2018 Camry Hybrid promises to remedy that with Prius-like fuel economy.

“The accumulation of knowledge and experience related to hybrid technologies, will help Toyota hone its motorization (electrification) technologies,” Hartline said. “Also, on Dec. 1, 2016, TMC established the EV Business Planning Department to help further development of zero emission vehicles.”

Meanwhile Hyundai and Kia hope to rapidly accelerate, they have developed products that stand to compete well, and they have as many of them as Toyota for what that is worth at this stage.

Clearly Hyundai and Kia’s eight hybrids are more a measure of quantity over quality with regard to sales at this point, but this, says the Korean automaker, is just the beginning, so time will tell.

Source

2017 Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe: 3,2,1, Fight!

Here we have the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe. If you had to pick one between the two, which model will you go for at the end of the day?

The Hyundai Santa Fe will come with a few engine options. There is the 3.3 liter V6 engine that will be mated to a six-speed auto transmission and also the 2.4 liters four-cylinder engine that will be pushing out about 185hp. The top of the range model will be running on the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will be pushing out about 240hp.

Under the hood of the Kia Sorento is a 2.4-liter I-4 engine that will deliver about 182hp. There is also a 240hp 2.0-liter turbo engine as well as a 290hp 3.3 liter V6 engine. The Sorento will come with safety features like auto emergency braking, forward collision warning as well as advanced smart cruise control.

Safety features like an emergency braking system, lane departure warning, cruise control and more will be offered as optional safety features on the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Who do you think has the upper hand?

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Rules of the road: seven summer road trip tips

Cheap gas got you itching for the open road? Step on the brakes! There are a few things you need to do before you hit the open road this summer. Follow these tips to arrive at your final destination safely. 

1. Maintenance tune-up

Before any road trip, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that you have your car's tires, battery, belts, fluids and air conditioning system checked by a qualified, certified mechanic. The vehicle needs to be serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and it should be in ready-to-travel condition.

According to Kevin Schechterle, service director at Gary Rome Hyundai, the tires should be the first things you check before hitting the road. "Based on summer heat, you want them to be inflated properly," he said. "The heat created by the friction between the road and the tire while driving in summer weather may cause your tires to become over-inflated and pop."

 2. Maximize fuel efficiency

You can extend the value of each dollar you pay at the fuel pump by practicing a few fuel-efficient driving techniques. Avoid jackrabbit driving, or aggressive starts and stops, because a heavy foot on the gas and brake pedals not only uses more gas but also causes more wear and tear on your vehicle. Secondly, slow down. While each type of vehicle is different, fuel efficiency drops off sharply after about 50 miles per hour. The US Department of Energy estimates that, for every five miles per hour you drive over 50, it's like paying 14 extra cents per gallon. Besides, driving slower avoids speeding tickets.

Enabling cruise control may save fuel and make a drive more relaxing, but Schechterle cautions against using cruise control. "Even though cruise control might save on fuel, driving using the throttle keeps the driver more engaged and alert."

3. Gear up with safety gear

Make sure your car is equipped with a properly inflated spare tire with a jack and tools, jumper cables, reflective items and a stocked medical kit. "Most people do not have medical kits in their cars, but it is always a good idea to be prepared for an emergency," said Schechterle.

4. Prepare yourself for the long haul

There is a lot to pack the day before your trip. Make sure you pack essential items, like a cooler full of snacks and drinks, especially when traveling with children. It'll help you avoid making unnecessary stops throughout your travels.

5. Remember to fuel yourself

Drivers also need a good night's sleep to stay alert during the trip. "Don't drive when you're tired," added Schechterle, "and you don't need to rush to your destination."

6. Save your selfies and keep your eyes on the road

More than a quarter of all car accidents in the United States are caused by cell phone use, according to a study by the National Safety Council. Your friends and family care more about you getting safely to your destination than a selfie behind the wheel.

7. Enjoy the moment

Vacation getaways can be few and far between. Make the most of your time.

"You can make the road trip a fun part of your vacation if you stop to take breaks and take in the sights along the way," said Schechterle.

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The insider's guide to buying a car for teenage drivers

The number of US parents footing the bill for their child's first car has increased in recent years, according to a 2012 study by Autotrader. In the survey of parents with children of driving age, 41 percent say that they have opted to buy their child's first car.For many, the motivation behind this decision is based on safety. For those just learning to drive, inexperience with busy roads, mechanical malfunctions common in older vehicles and similar vehicular issues can be problematic. However, financing and insurance considerations also play large roles. 

Keeping your teenager safe

Breakdowns and other common mechanical issues can be particularly worrisome to parents of novice drivers. David Nathan, general manager of Gary Rome Kia of Enfield, noted that parents who visit the dealership often express worries that their child will be stranded alone while dealing with a vehicle malfunction. "I have two kids," he added, "and my biggest concern is not their driving ability, but that [their] car is in good working order so that they can get home, especially at nighttime. My biggest fear is breakdown."

New cars can be a good way of insuring against unexpected mechanical errors; however, the right pre-owned car can also provide parents with peace of mind. Parents shopping for used cars should prepare to thoroughly vet these vehicles through a background check to learn about the car's history and any past accidents. Another helpful resource is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which rates vehicles according to crash test performance.

Financing options

While many older drivers will remember months spent slowly scrounging up enough money to buy their own car, modern parents concerned with safety may want to consider buying their child's vehicle instead. More often than not, a parent's financial stability allows them to provide their child with a much safer vehicle than the child would be able to purchase on their own. However, this doesn't mean that you can't still shop around for a good deal. Websites like Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book are excellent resources for anyone trying to ensure that they receive a great value for a used car.

Insurance costs

Another aspect of vehicle purchasing to take into account, especially when new drivers are concerned, is the high cost of car insurance. "Insurance for teens can go through the roof," Nathan explained. "Parents should buy a car under their name and list [their] child as a driver, not as a primary owner of the car." Most insurance agencies will also reduce the cost of insurance if a teen driver has taken formal driver's education courses. There are also reductions for young drivers who perform well academically. 

Making your purchase

As any experienced driver knows, the car-buying process can be complex. Adding an eager teen to the mix can only make things more complicated. "Many kids can't wait to have their first car. They see something they want, and they're not apt to make a comparison [and] go look at other cars," Nathan stated. When parents visit his dealership, he noted, "more than 50 percent of the time, the parents are doing the legwork [first] ... and when the parents have made their decision, that's when they get their children involved." 

While parents can't make the roads any safer, taking the reins on the purchasing decision allows parents more peace of mind when their new driver gets behind the wheel.

Gary Rome speaks out about this may be the best year for sales in automobiles in 20 years

With gas prices dipping below the  $2.00 a gallon benchmark and customers looking to upgrade their automotive technology, car dealers are revving up for a banner year in 2016.

"2015 was an excellent, excellent year", said Edward S. O'Grady, sales manager for Central Chevrolet in West Springfield, pointing out that the dealership was up 23% in sales over 2014. He projects that because of the Chevrolet products and new options on the vehicles that 2016 will be "even bigger than 2015"

Several Chevrolet models have been redesigned including the 2016 Cruze, Volt, Silverado, Malibu, and Camaro. Body styles have been refreshed, new safety devices added (like lane departure warnings and lane-catering technology) and "infotainment" upgraded to allow increased hands-free cell phone use.

An OnStar remote link cell phone app allows users to unlock, lock and remotely start their vehicle from wherever they are. This feature is "even more refined now and more common," O'Grady said.

Gary Rome, president and CEO of Gary Rome Auto Group, is looking forward to 2016 being the "biggest and most robust year we've had in the past 20 years" because of a "pent-up demand" with people looking for new models that are greener and more fuel efficient.

Popular models are CUVs, small sport utility vehicles. The Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage are "very, very hot", Rome said, explaining that many vehicle buyers like the utility vehicles because the "ride like a car" but have more room and get good gas mileage.

All vehicles now come with some popular options like interactive cruise control that automatically slows the vehicle down in cruise control mode if the vehicle in front slows down and then accelerates accordingly. Other options like lane departure warnings are also available on some models.

To work with the latest communications technology, vehicles have a larger display screen to work with Apple or Android devices, the smaller screens of which can be viewed on the larger car screen.

"Car manufacturers have to come up with the next best thing to convince people to buy their cars," said Rome, who sold his first car when he was 16. He sees more hybrids, more electric hybrids and more "trendy, dynamic stylish models" in the offing, "not as many plain, vanilla cars."

Dana A. Calderone, marketing assistant for Lia Auto Group, which includes 18 dealerships in Massachusetts, CT and NY said vehicles are now "techy," with certain models equipped with features that allow the cars to parallel  park or give a swivel back-up view. "A lot of people want to make their lives easier, especially if they are not good at backing up," she said. Such features "make it easier for them to get around in those vehicles."

Last year was a "very good year" and included the opening of a Nissan dealership in Glens Falls, New York, and 2016 looks good for Lia, Caldrone said, with many new models like the Nissan Titan XD and Honda's new Pilot and Civic models.

Rome said the industry-wide estimate is that 17.7 million new cars and trucks will be sold in 2016; more than 15 million in 2015.

"You're going to see more customers drawn to dealerships that can provide them with an atmosphere that is convenient and compliant with their needs," Rome said, giving as example not only loaner cars but facilities that offer customers a place to get work done or a quiet space, food and amenities to make their stay at the dealership more comfortable and even shuttles to shopping malls. "People are busy, and their time is important to them," he said.

Source: The Republican, Powering Masslive.com

Kia and Hyundai Beat Japanese Brands In J.D. Power's Quality Study

The twin South Korean brands, Kia and Hyundai, have moved to the top of the pack in the 2015 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study released Wednesday, the most closely watched gauge of quality in auto manufacturing.

The Kia brand ranked second behind the top brand, Porsche, which took first for the third year in a row. And the Hyundai brand moved up to fourth place, right behind third-place Jaguar. Both Kia and Hyundai are owned by the same company, Hyundai.

"We believe the J.D. Power report leaves no doubt that Kia builds world-class vehicles, and the results are especially gratifying as the IQS study truly reflects the voice of our customers," says Michael Sprague, executive vice president of Kia Motors America.

The latest rankings represent a turnabout from the many years in which Japanese brands have dominated the listing. Overall, Power says Japanese brands are now collectively below industry average for the first time in 29 years. The highest-rated Japanese brand is now Nissan's Infiniti in fifth place, up from below average last year.

"For so long, Japanese brands have been viewed by many as the gold standard in vehicle quality," says Renee Stephens, a Power vice president, in a statement. "While the Japanese automakers continue to make improvements, we're seeing other brands, most notably Korean makes, really accelerating the rate of improvement."

Detroit's Big 3 makers fared generally well. Chevrolet placed highest among traditional U.S. brands at seventh, followed by Ford's Lincoln in eighth. Both were ahead of Lexus and Toyota, which placed ninth and 10th. Ford has now climbed back above average after falling near the bottom two years ago.

The index is based on responses from 84,000 drivers who have bought or leased a 2015 car or truck model. It is based on defects or problems in the first 90 days of ownership. Another Power study covers how vehicles hold up in the longer term.

Overall, the study finds that cars are getting better. There was a 3% improvement in this year's study compared to last year. That translates to the finding of 112 problems per 100 cars, down from 116.

At the opposite end of the quality scale, Fiat was the worst car for quality, followed by Daimler's Smart car and the Chrysler brand.

Automakers that fared poorly were often tripped up by balky or complicated infotainment systems that frustrated owners. For the third year, Power says connectivity and entertainment systems were the biggest trouble spot. Buyers complained of phones that couldn't be paired to the Bluetooth systems or voice recognition systems that didn't understand them.

"Smartphones have set high consumer expectations of how well technology should work, and automakers are struggling to match that success in their vehicles," Stephens says.

Yet for all the trouble they have caused, the systems have become more popular. The numbers of owners who said they had voice recognition in their new car hit 67%, up from 57% in 2013. Automakers have been pushing hard for the systems as a way of reducing distraction behind the wheel.

Average problems per 100 vehicles of brand's whole line:

Average problems per 100 vehicles of brand's whole line:

Porsche 80
Kia 86
Jaguar 93
Hyundai 95
Infiniti 97
BMW 99
Chevrolet 101
Lincoln 103
Lexus 104
Toyota 104
Buick 105
Ford 107
Ram 110
Honda 111
Mercedes-Benz 111
Industry Average 112
Audi 115
GMC 115
Dodge 116
Volvo 120
Nissan 121
Cadillac 122
MINI 122
Mazda 123
Volkswagen 123
Scion 124
Acura 126
Mitsubishi 126
Land Rover 134
Jeep 141
Subaru 142
Chrysler 143
smart 154
Fiat 161

BEST INDIVIDUAL MODELS BY TYPE



City Car: Chevrolet Spark

Small car: Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Sonic

Small premium car: BMW 2 Series, Acura ILX

Compact car: Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla

Compact sporty car: Mazda MX-5 Miata, Volkswagen Eos, Scion tC

Compact premium car: BMW 4 Series, Lincoln MKZ, Lexus ES

Compact premium sporty car: Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayman

Midsize car: Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima, Toyota Camry

Midsize sporty car: Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro

Midsize premium car: BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Infiniti Q70

Midsize premium sporty car: Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Jaguar F-Type

Large car: Chrysler 300, Kia Cadenza, Chevrolet Impala

Large premium car: Lexus LS, BMW 7 Series, Porsche Panamera

Small SUV: Hyundai Tucson, Buick Encore, Kia Sportage

Small premium SUV: Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Land Rover Range Rover Evogue

Compact SUV: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain

Compact premium SUV: Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, Infiniti QX50, Lexus NX

Compact MPV: Kia Soul

Midsize SUV: Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Traverse

Midsize premium SUV: Infiniti QX70, Lincoln MKX, Porsche Cayenne

Midsize pickup: Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier

Minivan: Nissan Quest, Chrysler Town & Country, Kia Sedona

Large SUV: Toyota Sequoia, Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe

Large premium SUV: Infiniti QX80, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Lincoln Navigator

Large light duty pickup: Chevrolet Silverado LD, Ram 1500 LD

Large heavy duty pickup: Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD

Source

Kia's Minivan, SUV Sales Set to Top 10 Million in June

Kia Motors Corp., South Korea's No. 2 automaker, said Tuesday the cumulative sales of its minivan and SUV models are likely to surpass the 10-million mark in June amid its push to raise its brand value in those segments.

Worldwide cumulative sales of such cars, which auto firms here refer to as recreational vehicles (RVs), hovered just below the record figure at 9.94 million units as of end-May, according to Kia Motors. The South Korean carmaker first entered the RV market in 1990.

The figure accounts for nearly a third of Kia Motors' total accumulated sales since the company was founded in 1944. In the January-May period alone, the carmaker sold 497,227 units of the RV models at home and abroad, taking up 39.3 percent of its total sales in the same period.

By car model, cumulative sales of the Sportage crossover reached 3.61 million units, followed by the Sorento SUV and the Carnival minivan at 2.31 million units and 1.57 million units, respectively.

Kia Motors has been working to push up global sales of its flagship RV models in recent years. Nearly half of the cumulative RV sales was achieved in the last five years, as the number first topped the 5-million mark in 2010, according to the carmaker.

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7 Reasons Why Buying a Hyundai or a Kia Could Be a Smart Decision

I find it fascinating how Korean companies Kia and Hyundai have become synonymous with both value and quality, and how these companies have raised themselves from a “sub-par status” to a genuine contender in today’s market. Once considered a cheap alternative to buying Japanese, these two firms have invested insane amounts of capitol in the American market since the mid-1990s. They also have spent large sums on developing their own brand identities, creating their own high-tech R&D departments, and purchasing legitimate materials that rival those found on vehicles costing twice as much. So how is it that these Korean companies have gone from worst to first?

Kia’s history started with bicycle manufacturing in the early 1950s, and by the 1970s the company had shifted to the manufacturing of motorcycles, cars, and trucks. It later partnered with Ford in the 1980s to make versions of Ford/Mazda collaboration cars, and by 1994 Kia had outgrown its humble roots and began selling the Sephia and the Sportage in America. But the Asian financial crisis forced Kia to file for bankruptcy, at which point Hyundai took over the company and to this day remains majority stakeholder. Over the next decade Kia grew slowly but steadily and became a genuine contender as it fixed its earlier miscues, opened a U.S. corporate headquarters and design center, and solidified its dedication to the American market in 2010 with the opening of its Georgia manufacturing plant.

Hyundai’s history draws some interesting parallels to Kia’s, as it also began not with cars (it began with engineering and construction), and it has also had dealings with Ford in the production of vehicles. After developing its own technologies for the Sonata in 1988 and its own engine and transmission line in the early 1990s, Hyundai began to invest heavily in the quality, design, manufacturing, and long-term research of its vehicles in order to raise its status and value in the American market. It added a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty to all of its cars and launched an aggressive marketing campaign, and in 2006 Hyundai hired former BMW designer Thomas Bürkle as head of the company’s design department. The automaker has opted to show a devout dedication to the American market by stationing its North American headquarters in Michigan, and an assembly plant in Alabama.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for these Korean car makers, and back in the 1980s and 1990s many Americans avoided these “Japanese wannabes” for fear of poor craftsmanship and public ridicule. These fears were rightly founded, as early models from either maker was typically appalling on every level. But after equally rocky starts, and incessant criticism from both critics and consumers alike, these Korean firms began to gather some steam in the American marketplace and are now giving companies like Honda, Toyota, and BMW genuine cause for concern as the world realizes that it is OK to buy Korean.

1. Good value

What started out as just a cheap Korean economy car has blossomed into quite the value-packed product, as both Hyundai and Kia continue to offer more for less. Features that were often reserved for high-end luxury makers like Lexus and BMW can now be found on many models, and it is not uncommon to run across amenities like genuine Napa leather interior, heated rear seats, automatic high-beam assistance, and ventilated front seats. All of these features come at a fraction of the cost of their Japanese and European competition with cars like the Sonata ranking third on U.S. News’ list of “Best Midsize Cars For The Money.” And while the Sonata was bested by the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid and 2015 Toyota Camry, it rolls in at thousands of dollars less than either of these two, further enforcing the fact that it has excellent value for the money.

 

2. Amazing warranties

Sick of people calling its products crap, Hyundai rolled-out an industry first 10-year/100,000-mile warranty in 1998, with Kia shortly following suit. Labeled as “America’s Best Warranty,” this warranty covers the powertrain, a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper coverage, 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance, seven years of rust protection, and even carries a lifetime hybrid battery warranty. Hyundai saw an 82% sales jump the year after the program was put in place, and while Kia’s powertrain and new vehicle warranties are the same as Hyundai’s, it’s roadside assistance is limited to 60,000 miles, and its rust coverage is two years less than its Korean counterpart’s.

3. Turbocharged and hybrid-powered

Kia and Hyundai were quick to hop on the hybrid bandwagon a few years back, and with the aforementioned lifetime battery warranty and favorable reviews, it is no wonder that the hybrid versions of these cars are selling well. The hybrid versions of the Optima and Sonata are no slouches either, with both vehicles topping-out around the 200 horsepower mark. But some of us don’t give a hoot about fuel efficiency, and just want some uncompromising power. Korean auto makers were tapping into this trend way before most, so while auto makers are scrambling to put turbos on their engines to increase powerbands, Kia and Hyundai have already been established as turbo specialists.

4. Cute and quirky

Kia and Hyundai have something for those of us who aren’t into turbos and hybrids, and surprisingly it is still fun and fuel-efficient. With budget-minded Generation Z  buyers demanding tech-savvy, compact economy cars, it is no wonder that cars like the Veloster and Soul are proving to be popular with today’s car buyer. These cars are affordable, adorable, and completely quirky in their own technology-laden little ways.

5. Individualistic options abound

Tired of blending in and looking like everyone else on the block? Korean car companies have been listening to Americans gripe about this for decades, so they have rolled-out tons of customizable options as well as luxury vehicles like the Equus and performance machines like the Genesis R-Spec. The latter of these two features a fire-breathing 3.8-liter V6 that churns-out 348 horses (besting a comparable Mustang) and is available with Brembo brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and comes standard in rear-wheel-drive. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the 429 horsepower Hyundai Equus, which offers more interior room, horsepower, and amenities than its competition, all at a fraction of the price.

6. Sharp styling

Once considered a hideous laughingstock of the automotive community, modern Korean cars are actually becoming quite sharp looking. From the use of LED illumination, to redesigned lines and interior cues, all the way to performance aero kits, recent models from both manufacturers are truly a step above previous generations. A dozen years ago no one was ogling a Korean car save for the sticker price on its windshield, nowadays fully-furnished models are cause for statements like, “There’s no way that’s a Kia.”

7. Improved quality

Long gone are the days when people complained about inferior Korean quality. These cars are made in America, offer fantastic value for the money, and every year land tons of awards for their overall quality. This shift all started back in 2004, when Hyundai shocked everyone when it tied with Honda for initial brand quality in a study by J.D. Power and Associates. It then placed third overall in J.D. Power’s 2006 Initial Quality Survey, trailing only Porsche and Lexus. Meanwhile Kia has been busy cleaning-up as well, winning awards recently for its safety, design, and ingenuity.

Source 

KIA Roadshow 2015 Concludes Successfully

Al Majid Motors Co., the sole distributor for KIA cars in the UAE, has concluded its highly-acclaimed UAE KIA Roadshow for 2015. During its eight-week run, the popular automotive tour brought Kia’s range of SUVs, compact cars and family sedans to eight major shopping malls and prime locations in Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain.

“This year’s KIA Roadshow proved to be yet another great success, having attracted more than 80,000 visitors keen to view the Kia’s diverse range of passenger vehicles. Such was the demand during the two-month itinerary that we reached full occupancy for booked test drives,” said Mohammed Khader, President, Al Majid Motors - KIA.

“Each year, Al Majid Motors strives to make the KIA Roadshow bigger and better to reflect the excitement around new KIA models and each year this is reciprocated with increased levels of interest from the region’s car lovers who recognise the brand’s quality and value for money,” he added.

The KIA Roadshow 2015 commenced at Lulu Mall, Fujairah on February 13th and finished at Manar Mall, Ras Al Khaimah on April 3rd. During the event, Al Majid Motors Co. unveiled the all-new KIA Grand Carnival CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle), which formed a major attraction throughout the tour.

Source