Next-Gen Kia Optima to Get Sharper Design

The second generation Kia Optima will reportedly feature a sharper design when it debut in the first quarter of 2015.

According to TheKoreanCarBlog, the vehicle will premiere Kia’s new design language for sedan models that will be also used by the next Cadenza in 2016. The Korean company’s design team has told our source that the new Optima won’t look like the Sorento and the Sedona. It will continue to feature a “tiger nose” radiator grille with new headlights, while at the back there will be larger taillights.

The petrol variants will get aggressive and sporty air intakes in the front bumper, while the hybrid models will be equipped with closed grille that opens when cooling is required. New alloy wheels and colors are also expected.

As we have already reported, the interior will feature a three-spoke steering wheel, a new infotainment system with an 8-inch display and plenty of chrome trim. Our source also says the model will get a new leather-wrapped dashboard.

The 2016 Kia Optima is expected to debut in April this year during the New York Auto Show.

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2015 Kia Soul EV Review Of A Review

The 2015 Kia Soul EV was relatively recently released into select markets in the US, and has now been out long enough for some of the first comprehensive reviews to come out, giving us a better insight into what it’s like to use the vehicle on a daily basis.

While test drives are nice and everything, they don’t necessarily tell you much about what it’s like to actually own a car — and to be forced to rely on the car. So the comprehensive reviews that come out some time after the initial release are, to my mind at least, of notably more value.

With that in mind, the New York Times recently published a review of Kia’s new electric offering. Here are the main points to take away from the review (imo):

• The positioning of the battery pack under the cabin floor (ala Tesla’s Model S, and many others) was certainly a good call — resulting in a roomy design, a nicely lowered center of gravity that improves turning, and a still-good ground clearance.
• The added weight of the large battery pack gives the Soul EV good handling — with the previously mentioned maneuverability, as well as “punchy” acceleration.
• The car is just not that fast. The acceleration from 0-60 mph takes ~11 seconds — not terrible, but certainly not the car for people obsessed with movie car chases or anything like that.
• The range is “uninspiring.” 93 miles to on a full charge isn’t bad, especially for an “affordable” EV, but that sort of range does limit potential uses somewhat. Or as the author of the review pointed out it: “it’s like having a four-gallon gas tank, one that takes five hours to fill on a 220-volt current.” (The other side of that, however, is that you are normally charging at home without having to pay any attention to the car or ever visit a dirty gas station.)
• Overall, not bad for the price. Certainly not a bad car. But not on par with higher-end “luxury” offerings… of course.

The Kia Soul EV’s starting price (before tax credits) is $33,700 (which would be $26,200 after the federal tax credit). While availability is still rather limited (with regard to states where it’s being sold), that is expected to change in 2015 — with a rollout in much of the rest of the country expected to occur.

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2015 Kia Forte

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento: Which Comes Out On Top?

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento are both superb choices of cars, but which of them comes out on top?

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good attractive medium sized SUV that could be perfect for families. It isn’t intimidating or cumbersome to drive and it is affordable as you can get the top of the range for around the same price as a mid-level in some other brands. It has the 2.2 litre turbo-diesel engine and comes with a huge list of luxury features that are fitted as standard. This includes heated front and centre seats, dual zone air-con, and fan speed control that is separate for the third row. It offers 19 inch alloys and low profile tyres and comes with plenty of safety features, including 7 airbags and a 5 star ANCAP rating.

You get 145Kw with the 2,2 litre turbo diesel engine at 3,000rpm from the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe and it comes with the 6 speed automatic transmission. It is comfortable on the road and just as at home off the road. It is also fuel efficient. There are plenty of electronic aids for vehicle stability and the 4WD lock mode gives 50/50 front to rear drive split with speeds up to 40km/hour at the push of a button.

The Kia Sorento Platinum 4WD has the 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine with the 6 speed automatic engine and it can be difficult to split them when it comes to the on road ability along with space and comfort. The Platinum comes well equipped and offers something’s that you don’t get on the Santa Fe, such as active headlights, daytime running lights and front seat cooling. However it doesn’t have the rain sensing wipers of the heated seats in the back or hill descent control.

The Kia Sorento Platinum 4WD does offer a ride that is comfortable and the handling is well balanced and the car is easy to drive. Of course the Flex Steer isn’t going to suit everyone thanks to the road feel and lack of feedback.

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Kia Cadenza 2014 Review - Driven

2015 Kia Sedona Real-World Cargo Space

The minivan segment hasn't received much love in recent years; image-conscious consumers who'd rather buy SUVs mean many minivans in the segment haven't been redesigned in some time. That hasn't stopped Kia from reviving its Sedona for 2015, now with crossover-SUV-infused styling and that hard-to-beat cargo functionality of a minivan. Inside the Sedona's 142 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume are some trick features.

Cars.com reviewer Kristen Varela writes in her first drive of the Sedona, "Kia's Slide-N-Stow second-row seats do a nifty jig to fold, slide up and lock against the front seats when more cargo space or third-row access is needed; this process is easy and can be done single-handed, though I still think Chrysler's Stow 'n Go seats take the cake."

Then there's the Sedona's nifty power liftgate that brings a new twist to the hands-free power tailgate.

"With Kia's power liftgate (standard on the upper three trims), you stand within the 1-foot detection-range around the minivan's rear with the key fob in your pocket or purse. The Sedona will beep for 3 seconds, letting you know you're within range, and then it will beep faster to alert you that the liftgate is opening. You step out of the way, load up all your stuff and then once your hands are free, press a button to close the liftgate. The height of the open liftgate is easily programmable by simply pulling it down manually," Varela said.

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“Showdown” | Official Kia Optima Blake Griffin NBA Partnership Commercial