Not all automakers are big fans of electrification. Kia is joining the ranks of companies like Toyota that are looking to hydrogen fuel-cell technology as a way we all get around in the future.
During a recent interview with Auto Express, chief engineer Albert Biermann emphasized that Kia will keep supporting the Soul EV, even though it won’t be working on a future “Tesla fighter” model. Instead, look for a fuel cell Kia production car in about two years, which could use the second-gen Hyundai fuel-cell powertrain tech.
This might make electric car fans laugh or shake their heads sadly. The current trends in the market point toward electricity as the future fuel of choice for vehicles. It’s important to note that Toyota isn’t exactly jumping on the EV bandwagon, throwing its support behind hydrogen fuel cells, and that’s a big deal.
Kia does sell some hybrid cars. There’s a hybrid version of the Optima, and the Niro hybrid is set to launch late in 2016. Eventually, Kia plans to develop a new EV, but it wants to focus on a fuel-cell model first as a way of covering bases. So Kia isn’t exactly abandoning electrification, it’s just really pushing forward on hydrogen more for right now.
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a record-setting month of new-vehicle sales in July, Kia's commitment to affordable excellence extends to pre-owned vehicles, too, as the Korean brand celebrates an all-time sales high in the CPO segment this summer.
Autodata's July CPO retail sales report confirms that when it comes to pre-owned vehicles, Kia is one of the fastest-growing brands in the industry, with an impressive three percent market share in Certified Pre-Owned sales for the month of July. Following an all-time high in June, July marks Kia's second-strongest month in CPO sales ever. With gains of over 20 percent in both months over the same periods last year, these consecutive sales records give the automaker major reason to celebrate its CPO segment this summer.
Kia's sales boost is reflective of an overall industry trend, with CPO sales on the rise in a major way. Previously dominated almost exclusively by the luxury market, leasing is now more widely available across all brands. As vehicles come off lease, they create a substantial pool of late-model, low-mileage cars that can be remarketed as Certified Pre-Owned. "With household budgets squeezed, CPO vehicles represent a great opportunity for consumers, especially Kia customers who place such emphasis on affordability and value," said Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst at AutoTrader.
KMA's rigorous CPO program accepts only Kia vehicles that are five years or newer with fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer and every vehicle undergoes a meticulous 150-point Quality Assurance inspection by certified Kia technicians. CPO vehicles also come with Kia's industry-leading 10-year /100,000-mile powertrain warranty[2] and 12-month /12,000 mile-Platinum Coverage. Whether it's the iconic Soul, the standout Sportage, or the midsize Optima sedan that drivers desire, customers get a great price matched with guaranteed quality, bypassing the stress, risk and uncertainty that typically comes with buying a used car.
There's no slowdown in sight for the Certified Pre-Owned market. In 2015, total CPO sales across all brands hit a high of 2.6 million vehicles, while Kia has seen double-digit gains in CPO sales (12 percent from January to April) as more vehicles come off-lease. "CPO sales growth will skyrocket in the near future, approaching three million in the next couple of years and surpassing four million by the end of the decade," predicted Krebs. "A robust CPO program will be critical to automakers and their dealers to build sales and customer loyalty, and maintain strong residual values for leasing customers and buyers trading in their vehicles."
Kia wants a slice of the lucrative compact crossover segment. The South Korean firm has all but confirmed that it’s busily developing an entry-level soft-roader built on the same platform as the next-gen Rio that’s set to make its debut next year.
Visually, the crossover will stay true to Kia’s current design language with styling cues such as the company’s trademarked “tiger nose” grille, swept-back headlights, and a tall belt line. Its cabin will offer seating for up to five passengers, like the Rio’s, but it will boast a higher seating position, more space for the rear occupants, and a bigger trunk.
The Rio on stilts will launch with a gasoline-burning, four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive will be the only configuration available because sales figures show that buyers in the market for a compact crossover are rarely interested in all-wheel drive. A four-banger, an automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive sounds like par for the course in the segment, but Kia has another trick up its sleeve.
British magazine Auto Express has learned that the crossover could get a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain a little later in its production run. The electric bits and pieces — including a compact electric motor integrated into a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission — will be borrowed from the brand new 2017 Niro (pictured), but the 1.6-liter will be replaced by something smaller.
The yet-unnamed crossover will reportedly land a few months after the Rio, which is tentatively scheduled to debut during next year’s edition of the Geneva Auto Show. That means the soft-roader could break cover at the 2017 edition of the New York Auto Show, and go on sale shortly after in time for the 2018 model year. Pricing will start in the vicinity of $20,000, which will put it in the same price bracket as the Nissan Juke, the Jeep Renegade/Fiat 500X cousins, and the Honda HR-V.
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the best first half performance in company history, Kia Motors America (KMA) today reported best-ever July sales of 59,969 units, up 6.5 percent over the same period last year. The brand's sixth monthly sales record in seven months included:
The highest July sales totals for the Forte family of compact cars and Sportage compact CUV in company history
Double digit increases for Rio, Forte, Sportage and Sedona over July 2015
"Showroom traffic and sales have shot up over the last six weeks since J.D. Power recognized Kia as the highest scoring nameplate in the industry for initial quality and bestowed four APEAL awards to our world-class offerings in some of the largest and most competitive segments," said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. "With the market cooling and customers looking for smart choices, these recent accolades reflect the satisfaction of our owners – many of whom are new to the Kia brand – and help strengthen our position as so much more than simply a value leader."
Next year, the production-variant of Kia's 2011 GT concept car will hit the market and offer a package previously unseen from the carmaker. Some five years in the making, the road-going Kia GT is expected to remain true to the formula of the concept. That means it will retain the four-door coupe-like design and be available exclusively with rear-wheel drive, promising much better dynamics than Kia's other rear-wheel model, the K900 sedan.
While some had hoped the concept would in fact spawn a true two-door coupe, Hyundai-Kia design boss Peter Schreyer said that there simply isn't enough demand for the company to produce such a model.
“I think that acceptance or demand for two-door models has changed. I think it’s more towards four-door coupés or saloons, or coupé-like saloons, if that’s what you want to call them. Two-door coupés are a little bit on the decline. It would be nice to make a new coupé, but if there is no demand, what’s the point?” he said.
When it reaches the market as Kia's range-topping model, the GT will be available with a plethora of different engines. One of those is expected to be a derivative of the 315 hp turbocharged four-banger that debuted within the GT4 Stinger concept. Elsewhere we're expecting to see a 2.2-liter diesel with 197 hp and a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 squeezing out 380 hp in standard guise. With some tweaking, power from this engine could exceed the 425 hp of the BMW M4.
The car's name remains somewhat of a mystery. It certainly won't be called the GT but with a launch next year, we won't have to wait too long to find out. Source
When I started working in the auto industry back in 2000, Kia was antithetical to quality and reliability. Despite low prices and, starting at around the same time, an industry-leading warranty, consumers told me that buying a Kia made them nervous, that choosing one represented a risk, and that the issues they expected to crop up would create inconvenience.
Plus, back then, Kias weren’t exactly easy on the eyes.
But now, in 2016, the times they have a-changed, and Kia has become a brand to watch. Just ask LeBron James. While the King himself does not drive a 2016 Kia Optima, the nearly loaded SX model that I tested commands attention even without his endorsement. It’s sharp looking, fun to drive, and feature-for-feature is one of the best-priced midsize sedans out there.
A family car with attitude...
With Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille, the Optima SX looks like it’s ready to pounce, without being overly aggressive. The grille has elegance, wrapping gently into crisp bi-Xenon HID headlights. A sloping roofline means the car looks pulled taut, ready to perform. It’s an athlete on the starting line, or as the case may be, a family car with some attitude.
My test model, the SX Turbo with Premium Technology Package, came well equipped, as it should for a sticker price of $35,315. The SX’s black leather interior, accented with red stitching, looks sporty, upscale, and especially sharp with the Remington red exterior. The dash has what I would call a traditional, if somewhat old-school, look. It screams of a German design influence: simple, with clean lines and nicely integrated materials.
Unfortunately, some of the interior details looked or felt cheap, not quite matching the Optima’s upscale look.For example, the side mirror controls seemed misaligned in my test car. The print on the infotainment system’s hard keys also seemed like it would not wear well over time. Small details. More concerning is that the more I drove on the rough city streets of Los Angeles, the more rattles I heard.
Maybe it’s due to lingering bias, but I couldn’t help but wonder: How will this car hold up in the long run? On the other hand, while I was in possession of the Optima J.D. Power released its 2016 Initial Quality Study (IQS), where Kia topped the list of brands for quality, making it the first non-luxury brand to do so in 27 years. Maybe it’s time I squash that old bias, once and for all?
...amped up by a long list of luxury car details
The number of features on my test model blew me away. The 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar was impressive enough, but add to this an 8-way power adjustable passenger seat with 2-way lumbar, and Kia is beating some of the luxury competitors at their own game. You might be surprised to know that a height adjustable passenger seat, powered or otherwise, is not a given, even for a luxury brand.
Other upgraded features included memory for the driver’s seating position, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic power-folding side mirrors, a Harman Kardon premium surround sound audio system, and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, which is a savior in tight parking situations. And that’s just the start...
Impressive user-friendly technology...
The layout of the Infotainment system is intuitive. The clearly labeled hard keys can be used to toggle between functions, but I did not use them because I preferred the large 8-inch touch screen, which proved responsive and easy to use. My only complaint is that the virtual “home” button could be larger and easier to spot.
Kia’s voice recognition technology worked surprisingly well. The system recognized most of what I said, even if it was rather slow to respond. Still, I would rather have a slow system that understands me than a fast system that keeps saying, “Pardon?” until I’m ready to throw something at the screen.
As this review was written, only Android Auto smartphone projection technology is offered on the 2016 Optima. I’m a Mac girl, but I did not miss Apple CarPlay because the vehicle’s Your Voice (UVO) infotainment system proved sufficient for my purposes. I did, however, engage Siri Eyes Free for one key function: voice texting.
...combined with a full suite of driver assistance features
The SX Turbo’s Technology Package includes many driver assistance features, and they are impressive. For example, the Advanced Smart Cruise Control’s braking and accelerating was seamless and subtle. The blind spot warning system was alert, expertly picking up cars and motorcycles zipping past, and the lane departure warning system was responsive almost to a fault, especially on winding roads. Thank goodness for the “off” button.
However, just as I was getting giddy about their capabilities, I had a quibble with the forward collision warning system’s alerts, which were so subtle I almost missed them. I know the point of this technology is to assist you and not to jar you with too many ringing bells and flashing lights. Still, if the warnings are so subtle to not grab your attention when distracted, how are they ultimately going to prevent accidents?
A little stutter when stepping on the gas...
The Optima SX is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While the engine is plenty powerful, I found the 6-speed automatic transmission to shift roughly, especially in stop-and-go-traffic, or to delay shifts, such as when punching it to get out of another driver’s way. Part of the hesitation I felt could be attributed to turbo lag, which was barely noticeable. Typically, when accelerating hard in a straight line, it didn’t take much to get this midsize sedan moving.
...but capable and enjoyable the more it’s driven
On open roads, the more I drove the SX, the more I liked it. It feels like a big car, but when pushed, it’s surprisingly agile, capable and fun in many driving conditions.
Steering is precise if a bit heavy, and I didn’t feel much body roll when taking canyon curves, even if I did slide around in my seat a bit. The Optima SX may not be exactly what I would call a true “sport sedan,” but it certainly pumps up the excitement more than is expected from a front-wheel-drive sedan that is racking up accolades as a top choice among “family cars.”
There are certainly plenty of family car seekers who still want to enjoy their drive, and the Optima SX delivers, with reasonable gas mileage. The EPA rating in combined driving is 25 mpg, which is exactly what I observed on my test drive loop.
The 2016 Kia Optima SX is no bench warmer
In the midsize sedan segment, there are many strong players. The Optima SX is no equivalent to LeBron James, though I’m not sure any of Optima’s direct competitors are either. Instead, consider this Kia to be an incredible supporting player like Tristan Thompson. He looks like he’s happy to be in the game, plays hard and does his job consistently, and brings genuine value to the team.
The 2016 Kia Optima SX is no different. It looks sporty without being flashy, provides consistently solid performance and handling, and offers a ton of value in its class. It is the automotive equivalent of a pro athlete who can hang with the stars, and it is certainly worthy of your attention.
The recently-launched second-generation Kia Optima is a clean-sheet re-do of the original that advances on all fronts to, once again, take a place as a convincing choice in a highly-attainable, high-style family sedan.
Daring sculpts, big dual exhausts, bold lines, and Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille, flanked by bi-xenon headlamps, help set the Optima apart. The body is rich with detail, including numerous touches that could do double-duty in a pricier ride.
It’s a similar story on board. Occupants are surrounded by stitching, quilted leather, modern interfaces, and trim materials of various colors, textures and lustres, layered one over the next. Attention to detail is apparent throughout in a cabin that generates a luxurious, formal, high-tech, and uniquely modern atmosphere.
Feature content in the top-line tester included a massive panoramic sunroof, a potent Harman Kardon stereo, and a big, bright central command screen underlined with logical tactile buttons for easy navigation through hundreds of functions. Control interfaces spill down onto the center console, with various controls placed around the shifter, like a Lexus or BMW.
The suspension sees a layer of softness dialed in around mildly-stiff shocks, for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. Optima neither floats nor crashes into bumps and potholes, preferring instead to absorb them with minimal upset, minimal noise, and a feel of durability. It’s notably stable when tossed around on empty back roads: it’s laid-back, comfortable, and capable. The steering is smooth with no harshness transmitted back to the driver, and is light and lazy at low speeds for easy maneuverability in tight quarters.
Even generously-sized adults should find space to spare up front, with numerous at-hand storage implements, cupholders and cubbies close by. Power outlets, even wireless recharging technology are within easy reach, too. Rear seats are spacious where legroom and width are concerned, though headroom is tight for taller passengers. The trunk is extra deep, largely square, and can easily handle a week’s worth of shopping.
Optima’s top-level 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder generates 245 horsepower, 30 less than last year’s model. Torque output is generous, and the less-powerful engine still flings the Optima along with urgency when called upon, though the turbocharger gets into its game more slowly, and with less ferocity than before. Mileage on my watch, including plenty of highway cruising, landed at a respectable 9.5 litres/100 km.
On the other hand, paddle shifting isn’t responsive or quick enough to warrant much use. And the brakes are powerful, but lack any meaningful feel at the pedal, which itself feels like it’s connected to a cinder block. Finally, given the luxury look of the cabin, the ride could be quieter.
Ultimately though, the Optima is a comfortable, well-equipped family sedan that punches well above its weight.
You’ll like this car if ... rich styling, an upscale cabin, advanced features, and a well-sorted ride top your new-car wish-list.
TECH SPECS
Base price: $23,695; as tested: $38,129
Engine: 2.0-litre GDI Turbo four-cylinder
Transmission/Drive: Six-speed automatic with paddle-shift/Front-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (litres/100 km): 10.9 city, 7.4 highway, regular fuel
Alternatives: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda6, Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy
RATINGS
Looks:Optima is one of the market’s most distinctive and instantly-recognizable family sedans – and is packed full of visual details and drama that form a rich, sophisticated look.
Interior: Trim and accents are well used toward an upscale look, and the cabin is roomy, offers plentiful storage, and is largely logical in layout.
Performance: Performance is pleasing, though a syrupy steering feel and poor brake feel may leave driving enthusiasts wanting.
Technology: The Optima offers a collection of must-have features, including wireless recharging, radar cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and navigation.
Cargo: The Optima’s trunk is deep, wide, largely square, and ready to accept camping supplies for a two-person weekend getaway with ease.
THE VERDICT
8.5
A top-line Optima SX-L amounts to a luxurious, well-equipped and efficient family sedan with world-class styling and a reasonable price-tag. Where style, feature content and comfort are concerned, it’s a compelling value.
