4 Hyundai-Kia EVs To Go On Sale In U.S. By The End Of 2019

Posted on December 17, 2018 by himi

Sister companies Hyundai and Kia have set a goal of becoming the second largest makers of eco-friendly cars by the year of 2020.

It’s a move that will see the Koreans deliver a number of new hybrids, plug-in hybrid cars and EV models in the U.S. over the next few years.

It’s going to be a tough goal to reach, but they are off to a fast start, with four long-range electric vehicles in development, all of which are scheduled to hit the U.S. market by the end of 2019.

It is those 4 electric cars from Kia and Hyundai that we are going to focus on in this news article.

Hyundai & Kia EV models to launch in U.S. by the end of 2019

Kia Niro EV (coming to U.S. in 2019)
Kia Soul EV (new generation model just launched in U.S.)
Hyundai Ioniq EV (to receive facelift in mid 2019)
Hyundai Kona EV (to be released in U.S. in January 2019)

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV

Hyundai Motor America has just released first official details about the 2019 Kona EV.

The US-market Kona electric SUV price starts at $36,450, which is slightly less than its main rival, the Chevy Bolt.

For that price, consumers get a small electric SUV with a 64-kwh battery pack and a driving range of 258 miles on a single charge.

The Kona EV goes on sale in U.S. in January 2019.

2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV (upgraded, possible facelift)

Hyundai Ioniq is unique in that it comes with a trio of different eco-friendly powertrains, the hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV.

The currently available Ioniq EV comes with an official 128-mile range, and is the most efficient model in the electric car segment.

The Ioniq EV has only been on sale for about a year, but we have already heard of rumors that Hyundai has been working on some major upgrades to the car.

Latest rumors suggest that a larger battery is coming, which of course would mean an increase in the driving range.

There has been no official word on that new battery and the range that it would deliver, but the rumors are that the new battery would be in the 39-42 kWh ball park, with the new driving range set at close to 180 miles.

The second half of 2019 is when we can expect to see the new longer range Ioniq EV hitting the U.S. shores.

Kia Niro EV (upgraded, possible facelift)

We have written extensively about the Kia Niro here at the Kia-world news blog, so most of you are probably already aware that it rides on the same platform as the above-mentioned Ioniq, giving it the option of multiple powertrains.

The hybrid and PHEV versions are already on the market, with the EV model set for release in 2019.

It stands to reason that since the Niro and Ioniq share a platform, they will also share similar electric drivetrain technology.

The battery pack in the Niro EV will be, however, slightly larger than in the Ioniq. The Niro electric will boast the same battery size as the Kona EV.

The all-new Niro EV is expected arrive to the Kia U.S. stores in the first half of 2019!

Kia Soul EV (next-generation model)

The Soul EV holds the distinction of being the longest running nameplate among Korean EV models, debuting back in 2015.

Production numbers come in around 5,000-10,000 units per year, so while it has not been a huge sales success, the Soul EV has proven that the Koreans can make great electric cars!

The technology used in the Soul EV is on a par with other compact electric models, but with a smaller battery, it comes up a little short in driving range.

The latest battery used for the 2018 model year went up to 30 kWh from 28, and while that did mean some extra range, it still falls short of the newer EV models released from Tesla, Chevy and Renault.

The Soul is almost at the end of its 5-year life cycle, which means a new generation will be rolled out in 2019.

The likeliest U.S. release date for the next-generation Kia Soul would be early 2019, with the electric Soul model coming shortly after that.

The 2020 version will ride on the same platform as the Hyundai Kona EV, which would mean space for a much larger battery.

The result of that would be a very large increase on the current driving range, which could well put the 2020 Kia Soul EV up around the 240 mile mark.

Kia Stinger Atlantica Limited Edition To Be Launched In U.S.

Posted on November 6, 2018 by himi

As far as sports sedans go, they don’t come much better than the Kia Stinger.

It’s no surprise that this great looking vehicle has become a must have for driving enthusiasts looking for a combination of style and performance.

The Stinger is about to get even more eye-catching, though, with the U.S. release of the recently announced 2019 Kia Stinger GT Atlantica.

Deep Chroma Blue metallic paint

The design of the upcomig Kia Stinger special edition model is what will really stands out. It’s an iconic look that is also fully functional.

However, the first thing that catches the eye is the Stinger Atlantica’s Deep Chroma Blue metallic paint for the exterior color.

The new model also gets 19-inch alloy wheels and some cool looking Stinger Atlantica badges.

From top to bottom, everything about this model screams “Premium.” From the front grille to the headlight set-up, the Atlantica embraces quality and brilliant design.

Stinger GT “Atlantica” interior

If you think the exterior of the new Kia Stinger Atlantica looks unique, wait until you get a look at the inside.

The dashboard and seats are both draped in lush Espresso Brown Nappa leather, while the black suede headliner is used to add a little touch of character.

Stellar performance

Under the hood, you will find a 3.3-liter V6 engine that cranks out 365-hp and 376-lb.-ft. of torque.

The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. This all adds up to a powerful, yet incredibly smooth, ride.

This is not a gas-guzzling ride either, as the Stinger GT Atlantica delivers 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Video

Limited availability

You are going to need to be quick to get your hands on a 2019 Kia Stinger GT Atlantica, as only 500 will be produced!

2020 Kia Soul Image Rendering, News & Rumors

Posted on April 27, 2018 by himi

Latest news & rumors about the new-generation Soul crossoverer ( with image rendering)!

The 2020 Kia Soul is currently in the prototype phase, with some test models spied on the roads.

The current spy shots don’t give too much away, but kksstudio have taken the shot of the new generation Kia boxy car, which is being codenamed SK3, and have created some renderings of the new model.

For the purposes of the rendering, Koo Ki Sung Studio have given the new Soul a two-tone color scheme that looks particularly sharp.

One thing that really stands out in the rendering are the slim headlights and the absence of a tiger-nose grille.

While it looks great, we can certainly expect the iconic grille to be on the 2020 Soul given that it has recently been used on the all-new versions of the Ceed and Stonic.

It is believed that the new Soul will ride on the B-SUV platform used on the Hyundai Kona, which suggests that the new model will be able to handle gas, diesel, and all-electric powertrains.

Soul AWD

For the first time ever, the Soul hamster car will also offer all-wheel-drive!!

2020 Electric Kia Soul

As mentioned above, the 2020 Kia Soul will also go on sale as an electric car.

Again, it will share its drivetrain technology with the Hyundai Kona EV sibling. That means both models will have a similar driving range and performance specs.

Some of those are already well known, so let’s have a closer look.

The all-electric version of the Kona comes with the option of a 39.2 kWh or 64 kWh model, delivering 135 and 204 horsepower, respectively.

As per the WLPT regulations, the driving range of both models are reported to be 300 km and 470 km, respectively.

In North America, the Kona electric only comes with a larger battery and a range of 250 miles.

As you can see, the future Soul EV will be a highly potent electric car with a big improvement in the driving range (over the current model which boasts 111 miles).

2020 Soul release date

We have yet to officially hear when the 2020 Kia Soul will be officially unveiled, but the rumor is that the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show in November may be where it drops.

If not at that show, then the smart money would be on it making an appearance at the 2018 North American Auto Show, which is held in January next year.

We will keep our ears open and let you know as soon as Kia makes an official unveiling announcement.

The 2019 Kia Forte 4-Door Sedan Has Arrived

Posted on January 16, 2018 by himi

The new 2019 Kia Forte 4-door sedan has now been officially unveiled, giving us the perfect opportunity to dig a little deeper on what it delivers.

The new design is certainly more mature, and it now comes equipped with the highly efficient 2.0-liter engine mated to an i-CVT transmission.

The new Forte was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and it looks set to offer stiff competition to the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and VW Jetta.

Exterior design of 2019 Kia Forte

The first thing that jumps out on any vehicle is the exterior, and the new design of the Forte looks to be Euro-inspired, with a sporty look that borrows elements from the great looking Kia Stinger sports sedan.

2019 Kia Forte 4 dr sedan The hood is now longer, courtesy of the windshield being moved back a full 5 inches.

The roofline is also longer, which helps with the sporty styling.

You can definitely see the influence of the Stinger in the headlight design and the sculpting of the hood. The now familiar Kia tiger nose grille is still there, but it is a more refined version that looks great.

The new Forte comes with a high beltline that makes the roof seem somehow lower. An impressive side character line runs from the headlights to the LED lights in back, as well as across the lid of the trunk.

The vehicle appears wider in back, and that carries forward to the front, where deep vents add real width.

Interior

A clean, horizontal design style has been employed for the interior of the Forte, with elements of the Stinger once again carried over.

The design is particularly smart, as it makes the cabin feel really spacious, which is very nice when combined with the use of soft touch materials throughout.

The new vehicle is longer, which means additional legroom. Taller riders will love the extra ½ inch of headroom space, as well as the extra 0.7 inches of width.

Cargo space is excellent, with the trunk expanding from 14.9 cubic feet to 15.1 in the new model.

Engine specs & transmission

The base engine on the 2019 Forte 4-door sedan is a 2.0-liter Nu 4-cylinder that uses Atkinson Cycle technology and a cooled EGR system, both of which are usually found in hybrid cars. Both systems are designed to improve fuel efficiency.

You will have the choice of pairing the engine with either a 6-speed manual transmission or the new i-CVT.

Both the engine and the transmission were designed and built in house, and are part of the Kia Smart Stream powertrains that the automaker will be introducing in future models.

Forte interior The power and torque numbers on the new Kia Forte sedan are expected to be the same as the outgoing model, which means 147-horsepower and 132-lb.-ft. of torque.

Kia were all about improving efficiency in this model, though, and they have done that with this powertrain.

The all-new 2019 Forte will deliver a combined 35 MPG, which is 3 MPG better than before. The official numbers will be released by Kia when the new model arrives in showrooms later this year.

On-sale date

We are not yet totally sure when that release date will be, but out best guess would see the new 2019 Kia Forte hit the US market sometime this spring or summer. As soon as we hear the official release date, we will pass on the info. (Pics: KMA, freep)

2019 Kia Optima Spied Fully Undisguised For The First Time

Posted on January 14, 2018 by himi

Kia Optima midsize sedan is expected to receive a mid-cycle refresh in 2018.

Latest reports coming from South Korea suggest the official unveiling is scheduled for summer this year, while domestic sales should commence shortly after.

It is not known at this point when does Kia plan to launch the Optima facelift in the U.S. and Canada, but we think the automaker will officially unveil it at the L.A. Auto Show in November.

2019 Kia Optima spy shots

Here we have the very first spy photos of the heavily camouflaged prototypes, which confirm that the vehicle will raceive a major makeover, rather than just simple cosmetic tweaks.

This could be due to the fact that the current model’s design hasn’t been accepted well with the customers, so sales have nosedived compared to the predecessor.

What is evident is the fact that the refreshed Optima will get a more sportier exterior layout with major changes being made to the front fascia, while the rear end will remain nearly intact.

We are pretty confident that the carmaker will also alightly upgrade the interior design, as well as introduce latest safety features such as the smart cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.

It remains to be seen whether Kia plans to do any upgrades to the powertrain.

Stay tuned! (photo source: motorgraph)

2019 Kia Forte Sedan Teased Ahead Of Its Official U.S. Debut

Posted on January 12, 2018 by himi

The North American International Auto Show starts next week, and Kia will be there with a fully redesigned version of their popular Forte 4-door sedan.

The good news is that you don’t need to wait till next week to get an idea of what the new model will look like, as the carmaker has delivered 3 cool image renderings of the new Forte.

As is always the case with renderings, some of the vehicle elements are more exaggerated than they will be on the real thing.

But, there is still enough in these images to give s a very good idea of the style and design changes that the 2019 Kia Forte will undergo.

2019 Kia Forte exterior design changes

The new 2019 Kia Forte will be officially unveiled on January 15, and it is clear that the compact sedan will have a sportier, more sophisticated look, with inspiration drawn from the Stinger sports sedan.

There are elements of the Stinger that are clearly visible in the Forte, perhaps most notably around back, which appears to be wider and more muscular than before.

The redesigned rear bumper now features turn signals and reverse lights that sit separately from the new tail lamps which now come in a connected horizontal strip like on the Sportage.

Bolder creases on the hood are just one of the changes up front. The front fascia has undergone some modest changes, including the lights being separated from the grille.

The headlights have been redesigned, and the tiger nose grille has undergone some changes that Kia describe as a “fresh approach.”

Other styling tweaks to the front include a lowered, redesigned valence that has broad air intakes and running lamps on either side.

Interior of the Kia Forte 2019 (MY)

On the inside, the changes begin with a sporty new steering wheel and a newly designed dash that features an infotainment screen that has now been relocated to a spot above the horizontal vents.

The horizontal theme carries through the interior, creating a sense of openness that is sure to appeal to the driver and passengers.

The 2019 Forte will be available as a sedan and a hatchback, but the 2-door Koup has been discontinued in order to keep pace with current buying trends.

No word from Kia about which engines will be under the hood in the new Forte, but we can almost guarantee that there will be a 4-cylinder of some kind as the base engine. A turbo 4-cylinder is also likely, and when mated to the 7-speed DCT transmission, you can expect a power output as high as 201-hp.

We will get to see the new 2019 Kia Forte in the flesh on January 15 in Detroit.

2019 Kia Niro Pricing & Cost Of Optional Packages

Posted on January 1, 2018 by himi

The marketing blitz is over, which means it’s now time for Kia to get down to the serious business of preparing the Niro hybrid for sales, and that means revealing the pricing for the new model.

Already on sale in the US, the new 2019 Kia Niro prices start at $23.490, before destination fees.

The all new Kia hybrid crossover comes in 4 different trim levels, the FE, LX, EX, and Touring.

Before we dive into details about the cost of optional packages and features, let’s have a look at the official Niro MSRP.

Kia Niro prices in the US

FE …………………… MSRP …. $23,490
LX …………………… MSRP …. $23,800
EX …………………… MSRP …. $26,300
S Touring ……………… MSRP …. $28,700
Niro Touring ……….. MSRP $32,150

Entry-level FE

Kia Niro Hybrid SUV MSRP The lowest priced model in the 2018 Niro hybrid line-up is the base FE model which costs $23,490.

It comes with plenty of features, such as the 6-way power seats, 16-inch wheels, 7-inch touchscreen display, keyless entry, power windows, rear-view camera, 6-speaker audio system with steering wheel mounted controls, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2018 Kia Niro LX is the next level up, and it starts at $23,800. Along with the aforementioned features, it adds roof rails, LED taillights, and Smart Key with push button start.

The next in line is the Kia Niro EX which has a MSRP of $26,300, and adds a leather -wrapped steering wheel heated front seats in cloth or leather, heated power folding side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Launch Edition (not available anymore!!)

The Kia Niro Launch Edition is a limited model that comes with unique Snow White Pearl and Aurora Pearl Black exterior colors.

The starting price for this trim level is $28,000, and it features Hyper Gray 18-inch alloy wheels, which can only be found on this trim level, and metallic color grille.

Other features include 8-inch touchscreen navigation, 10-way power driver’s seat, and an 8-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.

Range-topping S Touring trim

Kia Niro Touring sits at the top of the range. It starts at $32,150 and adds heated and ventilated seats, front and rear park assist, power tilt/slide sunroof, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory function, heated steering wheel, and an 8speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Niro pricing conclusion

The hybrid car segment is one that has been stale for a while now, with the Toyota Prius dominating a less than busy segment.

The price of the 2019 Kia Niro hybrid is just one reason why Kia’s entry into the segment means that there is now a legitimate competitor to the Prius.

With the Kia Niro MSRP making it affordable for just about anyone, and a huge list of standard features, it may well be that the Kia hybrid SUV is going to be a better option than the Prius.

Kia U.S. sales figures in November 2017

Posted on December 8, 2017 by himi

The hope was that Kia sales in the US would improve after a few sluggish months.

After all, November has traditionally been a strong sales month for the Korean automaker.

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned for Kia U.S., as the trend of slower sales numbers this year continued.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Kia, though, as several models hit great numbers, leading us to believe that December may prove to be better.

Let’s take a closer look at the November sales figures.

Best-selling Kia models in November 2017

Kia sales in November The Forte family of vehicles led the way in November, moving a total of 8,363 units.

These numbers are all the more impressive when you consider that these are outgoing models, with a new Forte set to arrive in 2018.

This year has proven to be a very good one for the Forte, as it has achieved its best sales numbers of all time.

The Soul, Optima, and Sorento were not far off the pace set by the Forte, selling 8.121, 8.154, and 8.153 units, respectively.

The Kia Sportage was also a solid performer in November, with the year on year sales numbers basically being the same.

The Niro hybrid crossover has been a pleasant surprise for Kia, as it once again crossed the 2,000-unit mark, moving a total of 2,235 units last month.

Year to date sales for the Niro are just shy of 25,000 units, which means that by the time the year comes to an end, it will be very close to 30,000 units sold in its first year of availability in the U.S.

Those are very solid numbers for Kia’s first-ever mass-produced hybrid vehicle.

The eco-friendly category has been good for Kia, with the Soul EV moving another 250 units in the month of November.

The stunning Cadenza premium sedan also deserves some recognition, as it came close to hitting 1,000 units sold in November, which was almost 3X as many units as the same period last year.

Now that we have the good news out of the way, let’s turn to the models that did not perform so well.

The brand-new Kia Rio sold 1,533 units, but there may be a couple of reasons for this number.

Supplies may be limited on the new model, or it may just be having a tough time in a country where drivers prefer a larger vehicle.

Sales of the Sedona minivan continue to slow, with Kia losing more ground in the segment. The Sedona sold 1,289 units last month, a 50% drop over last year.

It has been the same issue for the K900 luxury sedan, with only 50 units sold in November.

There is still much to look forward to in November, including better numbers on the new Stinger sports sedan.

Only 19 units were sold in November, but the vehicle has just been released in the U.S. and needs some time to gain traction.

We think that the Stinger is destined to become a sales success in this part of the world, so we will be keeping an eye on its sales figures in December, as well as through 2018.

Kia sales by model

Best-selling Kia models

Stay tuned for more news about Kia Motors.

Next Kia Cee’d To Debut In Geneva (2018)

Posted on November 21, 2017 by himi

Christmas is the season for giving, and we are spreading the joy by sharing leaked Kia photos that are sure to make you say “Ho, Ho, Ho!”

The photos in question are of the upcoming 2018 Kia cee’d 5-door hatchback that was spotted without any form of disguise while being tested in South Korea.

While this model has been spied in Europe during testing, it was always under heavy camouflage that prevented us from getting a good look at its design.

With the covers now fully removed in Korea, we get to see an exterior design that is sportier than the outgoing model.

The newly styled LED lights and Kia grille are drawing comparisons to what we saw in the Proceed concept vehicle.

Next Kia cee’d to debut in Geneva

The 2018 Kia cee’d will be formally introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and will then hit European showrooms in the first half of 2018.

There will likely be other members of the cee’d family unveiled at that show, but we are not yet aware of all the details. Keep in mind that there are no less than 3 different models set to hit the market in 2018.

The 5-door hatchback model will also be joined by a wagon, as well as a rather rugged SUV variant.

Will the Kia cee’d be available in the U.S.?

Since the cee’d has been exclusively made for the European market, we do not expect to see it in the U.S. in the near future.

The good news for North American consumers who like the look of the cee’d is that the Forte, the sister model of the cee’d, is currently being developed in Korea for sale in the U.S. in the second half of 2018.

While the design will be different, the cee’d and the Forte will share the same platform and engines.

It’s a little bit of a wait, but when the next generation Forte arrives, it will essentially be the same model as the cee’d, albeit with a different look.

Powertrain & specs

The platform, engine, and transmissions used in the upcoming cee’d will be the same as those found on the Hyundai i30 hatchback.

As far as engines go, diesel and gas options will be offered, with a 1.0-liter turbo GDI serving as the base unit.

You will also be able to get a 1.4-liter turbo GDI engine, while the top of the line model will come equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine.

For fans of diesel, the 1.6-liter engine will come with three different power outputs, which are 94-hp, 109-hp, and 134-hp.

The transmission will either be a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT, and will be dependent on your engine choice.

Will there be Kia a cee’d hybrid?

There are rumors that a hybrid version of the Kia cee’d is in the works, but this is one that has yet to be confirmed.

Perhaps the arrival of that model will come as a Christmas gift next year. (photosource: motorgraph)

Kia Stinger Goes On Sale In December, Priced $31,900

Posted on November 21, 2017 by himi

Kia are diving head first into the performance car market with the release of the new Stinger sports sedan.

A stunningly fast, great looking model, the Stinger is still all Kia, as it comes with a host of features at an affordable price point.

We are going to get into the details of the Stinger in a moment, but for now, here are the basics:

1. The 2018 Kia Stinger will arrive in US dealerships in the early part of December with a starting price of $31,900 for the base model. The top of the range Stinger GT2 will come fully-loaded and equipped with AWD, and start at $52,300.

2018 Kia Stinger MSRP 2. For the US release, the Stinger will come in 5 different trim levels – base, Premium, GT, GT1, and GT2 – as well as two different powertrains.

3. The Stinger comes standard as a RWD, but you can upgrade to AWD for an extra $2,000 on all trim levels.

Let’s get into some more details on the U.S. market pricing.

Pricing of 2018 Kia Stinger (US-market)

Stinger starts at $31,900
Stinger Premium starts at $37,100
GT starts at $38,350
GT1 starts at $43,250
GT2 starts at $49,200
All-wheel drive: $2,200
Destination: $900

Base trim level

The base model comes with a starting price of $31,900, and is equipped with a 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates 255-hp.

It is mated to an 8-speed automatic, has RWD, 18-inch wheels, and comes loaded with features.

These include power adjustable heated front seats, 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 7-inch infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Premium trim level

The same engine and RWD set-up found on the base model is also in the Premium, but it adds a few extra features.

You get a power sunroof, LED headlights, and a 15-speaker premium Harmon Kardon sound system, for a starting price of $37,000.

GT, GT1, GT2 trims

If you need a little more power, you can move up to the Stinger GT trim level for a starting price of $39,000.

This model comes equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine that cranks out 365-hp and goes from 0-60 in under 5 seconds.

Even more power, as well as some upgraded features, can be found in the GT1, which has a starting price of $43,500.

If you have $49,500 to spend, you can get the top of the range GT2, which comes with all the bells and whistles.

You get 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, cooled front seats, leather upholstery, a killer sound system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a laundry list of safety features that includes active lane control, forward collision with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors

AWD price

The prices listed above are for models with RWD. You can upgrade all Stinger trims to AWD for an additional $2,200.

You will also need to add a destination and delivery fee of $900 to the final price.

Be aware that these prices may be adjusted before the Stinger lands in dealerships in December.

The Perfect Wheel And Tire Combo For Kia K900

Posted on November 2, 2017 by himi

The K900 is Kia’s entry into the luxury performance niche. If you didn’t know that Kia made a luxury sedan, you’re not alone.

And while it doesn’t have the same performance of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a BMW 7 Series, it doesn’t sport the same price tag either.

Whether you get the base V-6 or opt for the more muscular V-8 package, this luxury sedan is quick off the starting line (0-60 at 6.2 seconds for the V-6) but a tad mushy in the steering department.

Because it is one of the few rear wheel drives made by Kia, it can be improved by replacing the OEM wheel and tires with an upsized aftermarket wheels and tire package with a staggered fitment.

Why a staggered fitment

Kia K900 Tires & Wheels In a staggered fitment, you put larger wheels on the rear drive wheels and smaller wheels on the front axle.

This arrangement changes the dynamics of the vehicle and the end result is better cornering and better braking. It’s just what the doctor ordered for the K900.

In addition to better handling, wider wheels have wider tires.

That means better traction.

So, while switching to a staggered fitment is a no-brainer to improve performance, selection of the right wheel and tire combination is tricky.

The best staggered fitments also upsize the wheel. This means switching to a larger diameter wheel and wrapping it in a tire with a smaller standing height.

That adds to the unsprung weight of the car and the K900 isn’t a light car to start. It’s a fine line to walk, but matching the best wheels and tires to any given vehicle is what Wheelfire.com does best.

Here’s our recommendation to improve the performance and looks of the K900.

Best staggered wheels and tire package for K900

The base weight of the K900 with a V-6 and all the bells and whistles is a hefty 4,376 pounds and its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is only 5,357.

The V-8 plus options checks in at 4,700 pounds with a GVWR of 5,622.

So, you don’t have much room to add weight if you still want passengers to ride in the car.

Stock wheels on the K900 are 18” with a 33 mm positive offset and a 5 lug pattern.

We think you will get maximum improved performance by upsizing to 20” wheels, with 9” wide wheels on the front and 10” wide wheels on the rear.

So, the question is what wheel and what tire?

Rohana RC-10 Wheels

Let’s start upsizing with the Rohana RC-10 for the wheels. Rohana is known for manufacturing wheels for high-end luxury and performance vehicles.

They understand the need to design wheels that provide enough room to clear the performance brakes standard on these vehicles.

The RC series wheels are pressure cast, a manufacturing process that compresses the aluminum alloy into the mold. The result is a wheel with greater strength and less mass than a typical monoblock wheel.

So that fits our need for keeping weight in check. Next, the multi-spoke design of the RC-10 provides rigidity without piling on pounds.

The concave design accentuates the spoke structure while meeting the positive offset needs perfectly.

So, the RC-10 fits the practical needs for our 20” wheel, but it’s also a perfect aesthetic match for the K900.

It’s available in a variety of finishes from a machined silver to machined or matte black or gunmetal.

These finishes are the perfect complement to the Snow Pearl White, Bright Silver or Aurora Black Pearl exteriors of the Premium trim or the Mineral Silver trim on the Luxury package.

Hankook Ventus V12 Tires

Now that we’ve selected the perfect wheel, it’s time to wrap them in the perfect tires.

For the front, we recommend the Ventus V12 evo² in a 245/40/20 and on the rear the same in a 275/35/20.

You may have noticed that those are not the OEM size tires for the K900.

As part of upsizing the wheels, you must downsize the standing height of the tire.

That’s because Kia engineered the K900 to travel a set distance with each wheel rotation.

When you start tampering with the wheel diameter, you must compensate with the tire size to keep the overall wheel and tire combined size the same.

Otherwise everything from the gearing to the speedometer must be re-tooled. We like Hankook because they are a global manufacturer with a great track record (pun intended) for delivering quality performance and passenger tires.

And the tires will be on the only part of your K900 that ever touches the road.

It’s an ultra-high-performance summer tire. That doesn’t mean you can’t drive it in spring, winter or fall.

It’s just a tire classification. Summer tires are built for speed and agility. They have less grooving, so more tire is on the asphalt. That’s what we need to improve the K900 performance.

The Ventus V12 evo² is a steel belted tire that was designed to deliver a sport driving experience. The tread features blocks with slanted walls to reduce road noise and grooves that help dissipate heat at speed.

The bead filler adds stiffness for better handling. Speaking of handling, the sidewalls on the V12 evo² resist distortion at speed and while cornering.

Because why have a luxury performance car if you aren’t going to drive it aggressively?

The pros and cons

Upsizing the wheels and switching to a staggered fitment has several benefits.

Aside from the obvious enhancements to the look of the vehicle, you’ll get better performance and better braking. The benefit of the increased skidpad is obvious as well.

However, as Car and Driver discovered during their testing, acceleration is negatively impacted.

Since the K900 is pretty swift, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Gas mileage suffers a bit as well. But the EPA highway estimate for the K900 is 25 mpg, not bad for a luxury performance vehicle.

And, if gas mileage is your main concern, you are only looking longingly at the K900 while shopping the Optima.

Life is full of compromises. But if you want an affordable luxury vehicle, you don’t need to sacrifice performance if you go with the K900 and customize with a staggered wheel fitment.

2019 Kia Stinger Comes With Head Up Display (Q&A)

Posted on November 1, 2017 by himi

The all-new Kia Stinger has been talked about a lot on these page over the past few months, but now that the vehicle has finally arrived in dealerships, there are a lot more details we can share.

A pair of engines and drivetrains are available with the Stinger sports sedan. Choose the standard RWD, or go with the optional AWD.

Advanced safety features are in place, as are a number of luxury features, including an incredibly cool heads up display (HUD).

While some may view the HUD as nothing more than a techy gimmick, it’s actually a very handy safety feature, as the display allows the driver to see all their important info without taking their eyes off the road.

What is a head-up display?

Kia Stinger Head Up Display A head up display (or HUD) is a transparent digital display that is projected onto the car’s windshield, showing all the vital information usually reserved for the dashboard.

Typically speaking, the head up display system will show your current speed, engine revs, and perhaps even temperature gauges.

The data that is shown sits on a part of the windshield that allows the driver to see that data while still keeping their eyes on the road.

Driver distraction is becoming more of a problem with phones and sound systems often pulling the attention of the person behind the wheel. The HUD helps reduce some of those distractions.

What does the head up display in Kia Stinger show?

The head up display in the 2019 Kia Stinger is height-adjustable and in color, allowing the driver to access important data from a projection on the windshield.

The info displayed is:

current speed
blind spot detection information
audio and cruise control settings
turn by turn navigation

Is HUD considered a safety feature?

It certainly is. With all the important information the driver needs displayed on the windshield, they need not ever take their eyes off the road. This is a perfect example of a safety feature in action.

Do all Stinger trim levels come with head up display system?

Since the HUD is considered a luxury item, you are not going to find it on all the Stinger models. If you are interested in the head up display system, you will need to purchase the Stinger GT2 trim level, which sits at the top of the range.

Does the HUD appear in any other Kia models?

For now, the only other Kia vehicle that features the HUD is the K900 flagship sedan. It may only be a matter of time before this great safety feature starts to show up on other high end models in the Kia line-up.

Kia Niro Graphite Edition Launched In U.S.

Posted on October 25, 2017 by himi

The hybrid car market is booming, but there are still some consumers who need a little nudge in that direction.

Kia have released a limited edition version of the Niro hybrid crossover that is surely going to be one that makes people sit up and take notice.

The model in question is the Niro Graphite Edition, and while we know it will be a limited release, we are not yet sure how many will be made.

The total number made may be as little as a couple of hundred, or as high as 2000 – 3000.

Kia Motors America will eventually release all the details, at which time we will provide you with an update.

For now, let’s get into the details of the 2018 Kia Niro Graphite Edition.

Niro Graphite Limited Edition details & specs

Within the Kia Niro Graphite Edition, you will find a whole host of exclusive accessories and convenience features.

On the outside, there are unique 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, black roof rails, as well as a metallic grille insert.

The interior features an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and charcoal cloth and leather seats.

It is the exterior color that is sure to catch the eye, though. The color of the Niro Graphite Edition is known as Platinum Graphite, and it’s a hue that is certainly going to make this cool hybrid crossover really pop.

Graphite Edition MSRP

The official word from Kia USA is that the Graphite Edition is based on the Niro EX, which means an MSRP of $26,050.

The additional features that come with the Graphite model come in at $2,400, putting the price of the new Kia Niro Graphite Edition at $28,450, which does not include a $940 destination fee.

Hybrid drivetrain & MPG

While there are a lot of differences to be found between the Graphite Edition and the standard Niro, the powertrain technology remains the same. That means that a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed DCT and an electric motor will be found under the hood.

Fuel efficiency ratings for the Niro are excellent, regardless of trim level. Listed below are those figures (city/hwy/combined):

FE: 52/49/50
LX: 51/46/49
EX: 51/46/49
Touring Graphite Edition MPG: 46/40/43

With the release of the Niro, Kia did little in the way of changes, with a few minor tweaks all that you will find.

They probably saw little reason to changes based on the fact that the vehicle is still one of the most highly regarded compact crossover models on the market.

While we are certainly pro Kia, the awards that it has picked up support the claims we make about this model.

It has received the two major awards already: J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award, and J.D. Power’s 2017 Initial Quality Study (IQS) accolade in the small SUV category

The addition of the limited Graphite Edition model is one more reason to buy a hybrid vehicle that is one of the best in its class.

2018 Kia Niro Release Date, Colors, Changes & News

Posted on October 5, 2017 by himi

Latest news and rumors about the 2018 Kia Niro hybrid (release date, new color options, plug-in model launch, possible AWD)!

Kia Niro crossover vehicle has set the world on fire and has sure shaken up the hybrid car segment!

The vehicle has been first launched to the market late last year and has already won hearts and minds of many consumers living in the United States, Korea and Europe.

Built on the “Kia dedicated hybrid car platform”, the Niro boasts an eye-catching exterior, quality interior and highly-sophisticated powertrain technology.

It has been on sale in the U.S. since late 2017, which means the Niro remains a fresh product that doesn’t need big changes to stay competitive in the fast rising hybrid electric vehicle segment.

While the 2018 Kia Niro release date has yet to be officially announced, we can already confirm that the upcoming model will not receive any styling changes.

There may be some minor trim level upgrades, so let’s have a look at what changes and improvements consumers can expect from the 2018 Niro hybrid.

Kia Niro 2018 model year news, rumors

Niro release date & dealership arrival: late 2017
Upgraded trim levels
Updated pricing
New Niro colors may be offered (to be confirmed)
Kia Niro plug-in PHEV to be launched (confirmed)

Apart from the 2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid, which has already been confirmed for production, the changes suggested above are highly speculative and have yet to be officially confirmed by Kia Motors America!

2018 Kia Niro PHEV plug-in

As we already said, the Niro plug-in launch has been confirmed. The exact dealership arrival has yet to be announced, but we expect the model to appear at your local dealership stores in late 2017 or early 2018.

The plug-in version of the Kia Niro is estimated to provide an all-electric driving range of more than 25 miles.

Niro AWD, Electric model coming in 2018

There have been rumors that Kia is working on an all electric Niro with a 110+ mile range. It is highly likely that we will see the Niro EV coming to the US-market in 2018.

Less likely is the launch of the Niro AWD. Although the vehicle boasts a crossover-like exterior design, its platform hasn’t been developed to support the all-wheel-drive system (unfortunately)!

That’s it, guys. This is all we know about the Kia Niro 2018 at this point. We will keep you updated with all the latest news and rumors about the possible changes, so stay tuned!

Top-Selling Kia Models In September 2017

Posted on October 5, 2017 by himi

Kia Motors America are used to sales success, and while the numbers in 2017 have been good, they have been a bit off the pace when compared to 2016.

As 2017 draws to close, though, there are signs that Kia may be ready to finish with a little bit of a flourish.

Kia sales figures from September are now out, and the news is good for the Korean automaker.

September represents the first month in 2017 that year over year sales have improved, and quite dramatically at that.

Kia US Market Top Sellers The official numbers from Kia Motors America show sales of 52,468 units in September, as 6.6% increase over the same period last year, as well as being the best September in company history.

Now that we have the numbers, we can dig a little deeper to see which specific models helped contribute to this sales success.

Best-selling Kia models

The Soul crossover and the Forte compact were the sales leaders in September, moving 10,499 and 10,631 units, respectively.

September proved to be the best ever sales month for the Forte since its release.

While the Soul and Forte led the way, there were other vehicles playing their part in the big sales numbers.

The Optima moved 9,982 units, while the Sorento SUV managed 8,389 units. The Sportage logged another good month with 6,002 units sold.

Since being added to the Kia US line-up, the Niro hybrid crossover has been a sales star, and September was another good month with 2,554 units sold.

Through the month of September, Kia has sold over 20,000 units of the new model.

We cannot finish this wrap-up without mentioning the Kia Cadenza luxury model. With 774 units sold in September, it may not seem as though it belongs in this list, but that number is double what it old in September of 2016.

The Kia Rio subcompact maintained its sales figures over the previous year, but look for this model to take a sales leap soon once the fully redesigned 2018 models become available in dealerships all across the country.

Slow selling models

Only 2 models saw their sales numbers drop compared to last year.

The Kia K900 flagship sedan moved 31 units, while the Sedona minivan managed 1,569 units.

This should not be considered a reflection on the quality of these models, as both are great vehicles with a lot to offer.

What’s coming soon?

There is an awful lot of buzz and excitement about the new Stinger sports sedans, which should start hitting dealerships in a couple of months.

It’s tough to predict what sort of sales numbers we can expect for the new model, but given the positive reviews, the Stinger may well prove to be a sales success in the US.