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2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Car – 5 Facts We Know

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The 2017 Kia Niro hybrid SUV is the Korean automaker’s first-ever dedicated hybrid vehicle.

Scheduled to go on sale in the US market and Canada this month, the hybrid offers bold, crossover style while providing impressive fuel economy of up to 50 mpg combined.

Here we have the very-first official details about this cool-looking hybrid crossover, including the 2017 Niro release date, mpg figures, color options, engine specs and dimensions.

Let’s have a closer look at what the Niro is and what kind of hybrid drivetrain technology does it feature under its hood.

Kia Niro 2017 – what kind of a hybrid is it?

2017 Kia Niro Hybrid VehicleThe all-new Kia Niro is the automaker’s first-ever dedicated hybrid electric vehicle.

Simply told, it’s a Toyota Prius-like stand-alone hybrid vehicle that looks like a crossover / SUV.

This exciting Kia hybrid is relatively small compared to an average American vehicle.

Still, it’s far from being the smallest Kia vehicle offered in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

As a matter of fact, Kia’s dedicated hybrid slots in-between the highly-popular Soul (full length: 163 in.) and Sportage (full length: 176.4 in.) crossovers.

Kia Niro release date

The new Niro hybrid goes on sale in the first quarter of 2017.

Here we have the list of official 2017 Kia Niro release dates and launching events:

  • Kia Niro release date USA, Canada: first quarter of 2017
  • European launch date: already on sale

Kia has also revealed it plans to launch the Niro plug-in hybrid car. The Niro PHEV Will be released in US in the second half of 2017 and will be sold as the 2018 model year vehicle.

Also confirmed is the fact that themodel will also be released as an all-electric vehicle!

Kia Niro mpg ratings & engine specs

The 2017 Niro is powered by a 1.6L direct-injected “Kappa” GDI gasoline engine which generates 103 horsepower and 108 pound-feet of torque.

Mated to the engine is a 6-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission).

Also included in the “mix” is the 32-kilowatt electric motor and a 1.56 kilowatt-hour lithium-polymer battery pack.

Kia has noted earlier that this hybrid vehicle will achieve around 50 mpg US.

We have now official mpg figures of the Niro hybrid and they are as follows.

Please, note that the Niro fuel economy ratings depend on the trim level, but the model can achieve up to 52 mpg in the city, 49 mpg on highways and 50 mpg combined.

Related news:

– Kia Niro exterior accessory guide…

FUN: our readers oftenly mistype the Niro name writing the following phrases in Google:

  • Kia Nitro
  • Kia Nero

How To Make Your Kia Engine Run Smoother For Longer

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Follow these 4 easy tips to help take care of your Kia car.

Caring for your Kia engine makes a huge difference to its well being, efficiency and also how long it will last.

So, how do you care for it?

Well, here are some simple tips to help keep your auto tip top for the long run.

Monitor your tire pressure

You should keep an eye on your tire pressure; try to check it at least once per week.

If your tire pressure is not ideal, it can affect how many miles to gallon your car gets.

Checking the tire pressure is not a complicated process, so there is no reason why you can’t take this step yourself. Here are some good tips.

auto-1006216_960_720Monitor your belts

Your car has rubber drive belts near the front of the engine. These belts help with the air conditioning compressor, the alternator and more.

Rubber does not last forever, so it is important to make sure the accessory drive belt and timing belt are looked at every 25,000 miles.

Generally, they need to be replaced at the 50,000 mile mark.

Monitor your engine coolant level

Regardless of how much experience you have working with cars, you should be able to monitor your coolant level on your own. Coolant is very important to engines.

No two engines are the same, so if you want to figure out where the reservoir for the coolant is located, you should read through your handbook. It is usually in the shape of a bottle. It is also usually white and may be slightly see through.

Do not attempt to monitor the coolant level while the engine is still hot. Once it is safe, take a look at the reservoir.

You should notice a “high” notation and a “low” notation. Your coolant needs to fall between these two marks.

Monitor your oil

You do not need to be a car expert to monitor to your oil level. The process is generally fast, and you will know right away if extra oil is necessary. You must have the right amount, because too much or too little will be bad for your engine.

Before getting started, make sure your car is parked on a flat service. Allow the engine time to cool off before you open the hood.

Once it is safe, find your dipstick. Remove it from the container, clean it off, and then push it back in as far as it will go. Give it a second and then take the dipstick back out.

Look at your oil level. It should fall between the two marks that are designated as “high” and “low.” If it does, you do not need to do anything else. If it falls below the low mark, put in some oil.

Many people wonder why they have to go through the process of cleaning the dipstick and then putting it back in to read the oil level.

When you first get it out, the oil is everywhere, which means you may not accurately be able to figure out how much you have. This is why you must clean the dipstick first and then check it.

2017 Kia K900 Luxury Car Release Date, Price Range, Specs

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We have absolutely no idea when the 2017 Kia K900 luxury car will be launched in the U.S. market.

The automaker has yet to officially announce the 2017 K900 release date, but here is some speculation and rumors about the upcoming Kia luxury sedan.

The word is out that the fast growing South Korean carmaker has been hard at work on a K900 redesign.

While details on that are scarce at this point, you should know that the timing for a full makevoer of the Kia K900 luxury sedan is just right.

The carmaker’s first ever RWD luxury sedan has been first launched in Korea in 2012.

2017 Kia K900It has took Kia one year to bring the model Stateside with the K900 being on sale in the US since June 2013.

Kia Motors America has released several advertising campaigns to push the US K900 sales, however, the vehicle struggled in sales, having sold less than 200 units per month on average.

Kia teamed up with basketball player LeBron James who was named the K900 luxury ambassador and has aired the K900 Matrix commercial during the Super Bowl.

Inspite of aggressive marketing, the K900 sales have yet to make any significant gains.

What could help, though, is the 2017 Kia K900 redesign.

Latest rumors suggest that the new Kia luxury sedan will be unveiled next year and may go on sale in the US as a 2018 model.

If that turns out to be true, then you can expect the new Kia K900 to makea significant leap forward in terms of desig, luxury, driveability and safety.

Since the future Kia flagship car will be built on the same platform as the Genesis G80 AWD luxury sedan, we could also see the K900 AWD with all-wheel drive system.

Kia K900 changes (rumors at this point)

  • Full makeover rumored for 2017
  • US launch: late 2017
  • It may go on sale as the 2018 K900 in the States
  • Sportier exterior design
  • Enhanced luxury styling inside the cabin
  • next generation K900 may be getting AWD
  • Up-to-date safety features

Kia K900 plug-in hybrid

We would love to see the 2017 Kia K900 being launched as a plug-in hybrid car.

Kia has a lot of “eco friendly” cars in works at the moment, so we may see a hybrid drivetrain fitted under the hood of the fully redesigned model.

Note, there are no reports on such K900 hybrid model at this point but things change fast in the automotive industry, so don’t be surprised to hear such an announcement sometime in the near future.

Note: the information about the Kia K900 2917 (model year) is based on latest rumors, so don’t take things for granted. Kia has their own plans and when the time is right they will officially reveal them all.

Kia Motors America June 2016 Sales Jump 15,6%

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The power of landing at the top of the J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Survey became quickly apparent to Kia, as they saw their sales jump 15.6% over last year after the results of the survey were released.

All told, Kia moved 62,572 units in June, which helped them achieve their greatest quarter and half-year sales to date.

This is the 5th time in a six-month span that Kia has set a monthly sales record, with the Forte, Sportage, and Sorrento all having big sales months in June.

Kia top-sellers in June 2016

As has been the case for a while now, it was the Kia Soul that led the way with 12,229 units sold, followed closely by the Sorento CUV with 12,118 units sold.

Coming in third after those two hot sellers was the Optima sedan with sales of 9,180. This is not such great news, though, as that number is quite a big drop over last June.

The Forte performed rally well, delivering 9,100 units sold, while the Sportage compact crossover more than doubled its sales output from June 2015, moving 8,549 units.

The Rio subcompact also did well, crossing the 5,000 units sold mark last month.

All told, Kia have sold 328,327 through the first half of the year, and have a number of contributing factor to thank for their success, such as:

  • The Sportage compact SUV experiencing a 76.3% increase in sales over last year, including its best ever sales month in May.
  • A record braking first half performance by the Forte family, which included an all-time record of 10,406 units sold in March.
  • The continued success of the Soul, which is well on its way to breaking sales records for 7-straight years.

Meanwhile, Kia sold 134 units of the all electric Soul EV!

Kia sales by model detailed

Kia USA sales figures

There is a pretty good chance that things are going to get even better for Kia Motors America, especially now that the busy summer sales months are here.

P.S.

Thanks for visiting the Kia-world blog!

Make sure to keep coming back here to read our monthly-updated Kia sales figures reports.

Tips For Getting A Replacement Car Key Made Without Breaking The Bank

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Replacement keys can be expensive and can affect the value of your car.

If you are trying to find a way to get a replacement key for your car without costing a fortune, continue reading.

This article from UK locksmiths Coronation Locksmiths in Kent, is packed with information on how to attain a replacement key at an affordable price.

File a Car Insurance Claim

If the key to your car is lost or stolen, you might be able to file a claim with your automobile insurance company.

Companies such as Nationwide and Co-Op Bank provide insurance coverage for a lost or stolen key. Nationwide Insurance offers unlimited coverage while Co-op has a coverage limit of £750.

Other insurers such as Sainsbury’s Finance and M&S Money offer coverage for lost or stolen keys if you have their ‘Premier’ coverage. These companies will cover the cost of replacement keys or locks up to £1,000.

Key Coverage Policies

Insurance companies like Boomerang-Tag or Keycare offer stand-alone policies for replacement keys. These policies are add-on coverages that can be added onto your existing car insurance policy.

Some of these policies include more than key replacements.

For example, AA’s Warranty Key Protection Insurance provides car hire coverage in the event you are stranded and cannot drive your car because your key has been lost or stolen.

Always read the fine print of your insurance policy to determine the coverage offered. Certain policies state that your keys must be stolen or lost for a particular amount of time before coverage will begin.

Breakdown Services Can Help

Breakdown services, such as Green Flag, provides a plethora of services, including help if you accidentally lock your keys inside your car. Both Green Flag and RAC can provide this service at no extra cost.

However, these services cannot get you back on the road if you have lost your key or had your key stolen and do not have a spare key.

Policies can differ from company to company and insurer to insurer. This is why it is essential that you know what your insurance company covers.

For example, Green Flag’s Total Protection coverage will cover the cost of recovering a spare key from your home and getting the key to you.

Buying a Replacement Key

This option is the most expensive. Ordering a replacement from a car dealer can cost more than £200.

When the replacement key is ordered, it must be coded and programmed so it can activate the car’s alarm system and remotely lock and unlock your doors.

A replacement key for a Kia Rio from the dealer will cost between £120 and £170.

Contact different dealers in the area to price check as labor costs can vary from location to location.

Purchasing a replacement key is not always an immediate solution. Sometimes the dealer must order the replacement and have it shipped, which can take between five and ten days.

Get a Key Cutter to Make You a Spare

If you have a key, you may want to have a spare key made in the case of an emergency. Key cutters, such as Timpson, can make a duplicate key from an existing key.

Another option is a mobile locksmith company. These companies can provide you with a replacement key.

These mobile locksmiths are often less expensive than a dealership; however, prices can vary from locksmith to locksmith so always shop around.

In order to get a replacement key, you will need to prove that you are the vehicle’s owner by showing your driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Once you have provided this information the locksmith or car dealer can get you the replacement key you need to get back on the road.

2016 Kia Sedona Minivan Pricing & Cost Of Packages

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How much does the fully loaded 2016 Kia Sedona cost?

The Kia Sedona was officially launched roughly two years ago, and the 2016 model comes with a few minor little tweaks.

Flexibility is the name of the game for the Kia minivan, which continues to be offered in both 7- and 8-passenger configurations.

All told, there are 5 different Kia Sedona trim levels available in 2016.

You can choose from the L, LX, EX, SX, and SXL trim levels.

2016 Kia Sedona MSRP

Kia Sedona 2016 MSRP

In the L and LX trims, a modern looking pattern is used in the cloth material, which is now tricot. The 2016 Kia Sedona MSRP is $26,400 for the L, and $28,500 for the LX trim level.

The Kia Sedona price goes up a little more at the EX trim level, where heated front seats have been added. Starting price comes in at $32,700 for this one.

The SX and SXL trim levels can now hold 8 passengers, as long as they have been equipped with the Technology package.

The SXL trim also comes with side sills, upscale chrome accents, and 19-inch chrome wheels as standard.

There are even more luxury features to be found on the SXL, such as Nappa leather seat trim, which is the same material that is currently being used in the Kia K900 luxury sedan.

The interior of the SXL has not gone unnoticed, as it already has an award from Ward’s Automotive.

The Kia Sedona price range runs from $36,400 for the SX, up to a $39,900 starting price for the SXL.

The prices will rise if any of the available packages are added in.

Cost of Kia Sedona packages

Convenience Package ($1,900) – available on the 2016 Sedona LX

Features: power sliding doors, 2nd/3rd row sunshades, 3-stage heated front seats, dual glovebox with cooling, UVO and telematics unit with rear camera display, rear park assist system.

8 Passenger Technology Package ($1,800) – available on the 2016 Sedona SXL

Features: 8 passenger slide-n-stow seating, 8 passenger seating (with 2nd row center tumble seat), chrome accented side sill molding, leather seating, smart cruise control, surround view monitor, lane departure warning and forward collision warning systems, xenon HID, 3-stage heated 2nd row seat cushion, 115V inverter (luggage zone)

Premium Package ($1,900)  – available on the 2016 Sedona EX

Features: supervision gauge cluster info center, power 4-way driver lumbar support, power passenger seat 8-way, 3-stage heated 2nd row seat cushion, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, memory seat/ mirror system

Technology Package ($2,800)   – available on the 2016 Sedona SXL

Features: smart cruise control, surround view monitor, lane departure warning system, forward collision warning system, chrome accented side sill molding, Xenon HID / auto leveling and high-beam assist, 115V inverter (luggage zone)

As you can clearly see, the Kia Sedona is an excellent family vehicle that comes in multiple great options.

There is sure to be one price of Kia Sedona that is the perfect fit for your budget.

Kia Soul Energy Edition Already At Dealerships In Canada

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There are few vehicles on the road today that are as open to customization as the Kia Soul.

If you regularly follow our Kia blog, you will have already read our interview series that features people who have made a variety of changes to their Soul crossovers.

As fun as all of that is, it’s not everyone who has the time or money to make their Soul a little sportier or flashier looking.

Those people are in luck, as the Kia Soul Energy Edition looks for all the world like a custom model, and all at a price that anyone can afford.

The new limited edition Soul Energy model is being released by Kia Canada, and features, quite literally, a number of highlights that make this one stand out from the traditional Soul model.

Kia Soul Special Edition in Canada

Some of you may remember the Alien Green exterior color that was available for a while.

That bold color is making a bit of a comeback, and is being used as a highlight on certain body parts of the Soul Energy Edition vehicle.

The car comes in either basic black or white, but it’s those Alien Green trims, as well as some sporty touches, that make this model really pop.

The green accents can be found around the grille, side skirts, rear spoiler, side windows, as well as on the sporty front and rear bumpers.

The little additions may seem pretty subtle, but they really make this version of the Soul a whole lot sportier and stylish.

These additions are made to the base Soul EX model, which is good news for those on a bit of a budget.

Better yet is the news that the additions also come at a price that is a whole lot less than you might expect.

The limited edition kit would actually cost around $3,000, but Kia are slashing that price in half, which means you can get this sporty Soul Energy Edition model for just $22,695.

Kia Soul Energy Edition – leaked official details

Kia Soul Energy Edition

Stay tuned for more pics of the 2016 Kia Soul Energy Edition!

Kia Edges Out Other Carmakers In 2016 Reliability Ranking Survey

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Kia tops US car quality rankings!

The people who have made a habit of driving Kia cars are well aware of the quality of the brand, but they still have a tough time convincing other drivers of that fact.

They are routinely looked down upon by luxury car owners, but the pecking order on the totem pole has changed, and Kia is now sitting proudly on top.

The J.D Power and Associates Initial Quality Study is something that all car owners pay attention to, as it is an unbiased survey that rates brands based on the ownership experience during the first 90 days.

It is a survey that has been going on for 27 years now, and every year has seen a luxury brand come out on top.

That is, until this year’s results were released and Kia became the first non-luxury brand to land at the top of the list.

Kia Quality

Photo source…

A total of 33 brands were part of the study, with Kia owners reporting 83 problems per 100 cars, which is well below the average of 105 posted by the group as a whole.

That impressive number was good enough to take Kia from their second place finish last year to top this time around.

Needless to say, Kia officials are over the moon with the results of the survey, with chief operating officer for Kia Motors America, Michael Sprague, saying that it’s proof positive that Kia now has to be viewed as a world-class automaker.

This has been a long time coming, and it’s well deserved for a company that has worked so hard to create quality vehicles while they relentlessly built their brand.

Hyundai finishes 3rd, just behind Porsche

It was also a good year for sister company Hyundai, as they finished in 3rd place in the study, just behind Porsche, who won it last year.

The top 5 was rounded out by Toyota and BMW. Generally speaking, it was a good year all round, as 21 of the 33 brands in the survey improved upon their scores from last year.

It was also a good year for US-made vehicles, as the big 3 out of Detroit averaged fewer problems per 100 than their import competitors.

That is only the third time in the history of the survey that this has happened. Jeep and Chrysler ended up being the most improved, with each of those brands getting 28 fewer problems than they did in last year’s survey.

The reason why doing well in this survey is such a big deal is because it generally means that owners will stick with a brand if they are happy with the ownership experience.

People who didn’t find a problem in the first 90 days are 54% more likely to stick with the brand than those who did have an issue.

Kia is now looking down at the other 32 brands in the list, and they are a long way above the brands at the bottom of the pack, which were Volvo, Fiat, and Mercedes-Benz.

With all of this in mind, the net time some uppity luxury car driver laughs at your vehicle of choice, point to your Kia label, and then point them in the direction of this study. We think you’ll find that they will be very quickly silenced.

2017 Kia Rondo 7-Seat Minivan Getting A Facelift

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The 2017 Kia Rondo facelift scheduled to go on sale in Canada next year.

Kia has taken the wraps off their refreshed Rondo 7-seat minivan and here are the very-first pictures revealing the model’s mid-cycle styling tweaks.

Speaking in general, the refreshed Kia minivan, also known as the Carens in Korea, incorporates more dynamic exterior design, up-to-date safety features and more affordable price tag.

Let’s have a look at the most important changes of the 2017 model year Rondo minivan.

2017 Kia Rondo changes

2017 Kia RondoAs evident from the pics attached here, the new Rondo vehicle incorporates a new front fascia with larger Kia signature grille, revised front bumper with newly styled fog lamps and slightly updated headlights.

Completing the refreshed exterior are a set of revised LED taillights, slightly restyled bumper and new alloy wheels.

Under the hood, the Korean-specs Rondo comes available with a choice of two 4-cylinder engines.

The 1,7L CRDI diesel engine generates 141 horsepower, while the 2,0L LPi (liquid petroleum gas) boasts 154 horsepower.

For the first time, the new Rondo is fitted with the 7-speed DCT, which improves performance and fuel economy.

In terms of seating, the 2017 Kia Rondo is available as a five- or seven-seater.

The upgraded Kia Rondo is already on sale in Korea.

2017 Kia Rondo release date (Canada)

Kia Canada has yet to reveal the official 2017 Rondo release date, but we expect it to debut early next year at one of the auto shows in Canada.

The likely candidate is the Canadian International auto show which kicks off in February 2017.

U.S. release date

It is highly unlikely that the Rondo would re-appear in the U.S. market.

Kia Motors America has axed the compact minivan from their line up a couple of years ago and there are no signs of bringing it back any time soon.

2017 Rondo pictures

Kia-Rondo-2017  New Kia Rondo  Kia Rondo interior

Stay tuned to read more news about the upcoming Kia Rondo 2017 MY (model year)!

What Kia Vehicles Are IIHS Top Safety Picks

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Safety is an incredibly important part of any vehicle, and with each passing generation, Kia continues to deliver cars that are safer and of a better quality than those that went before.

The Koreans are ahead of the game in this regard, and have a number of different vehicles that have been named as 2016 IIHS Top Safety Picks.

Let’s take a look at the ones that made the list.

.

2016 Kia Soul Top Safety Pick Rating

Kia Vehicle Safety Ratings

This is more than just a cool looking car, it’s also one of the safest on the road.

The iconic style of the Soul is what you notice first, but the latest generation comes with more space, more technology, and a host of advanced safety features.

The 2016 Kia Soul is the perfect combination of style and safety.

2016 Kia Sorento Top Safety Pick Rating

Flexibility and family safety are what’s important in the Kia Sorento.

This eye-catching Kia SUV is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and it comes in 5- and 7-passenger configurations so that it is perfect for families of all shapes and sizes.

A great looking new design helps this one stand out on the highway.

2016 Kia Sedona Top Safety Pick Rating

Kia has made the people hauler cool again with the 2016 Sedona.

This one looks more like a stylish CUV than a minivan, and with 7- and 8- passenger configurations, as well as a ton of cargo space, it’s one of the most practical vehicles on the road.

It also helps that it’s one of the safest in its segment.

2016 Kia Optima Top Safety Pick + Rating

This may well be the best of the bunch, as the 2016 Optima actually received a Top Safety Pick + from the IIHS when equipped with front crash prevention technology.

That system, combined with autonomous emergency braking, make this one of the safest cars out on the road today.

No wonder it’s such a sales success for Kia Motors America.

Picture Of 2019 Kia Optima Large Panoramic Sunroof

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If you are a fan of the great outdoors, but have to spend a lot of time in your car, the 2019 Kia Optima with panoramic sunroof may well be the solution.

It really is the next best thing to driving a convertible, as you get plenty of natural light and cool air flooding in without having to fiddle with a foldaway roof.

As far as midsize sedans go, the Optima sedan has proven to be among the best on the market, and the current version has a number of design and feature upgrades that make it a better value proposition than ever before.

Kia Optima sunroof photo

Kia Optima panoramic sunroofIf you are interested in getting your hands on a new Kia Optima, and you want one with the panoramic sunroof included, you are going to have to pay attention to the trim level.

The only model that comes standard with the large panorama sunroof is the range-topping Optima SX.

You can also get the large panoramic sunroof as an option on the S and EX trim levels, but it is not available at all on the base models (LX trim levels).

If you have never seen a Kia vehicle with a panoramic sunroof, we suggest that you take a look at the image above, as it shows you just how big it actually is.

It goes well beyond what you get with a traditional sunroof, and with the power shade option, you also get a great feature that helps block out some of the sun when it gets a little too bright.

2019 Optima trim levels with panoramic sunroof

  • LX (2,4L engine) – not available
  • S (2,4L engine) – optional
  • LX (1,6L turbo engine) – not available
  • EX (2,4L engine) – optional
  • SX (2,0L turbo engine) – standard

Any sunroof problems?

There are no major problems or issues with 2019 Kia Optima to report. If you know of any, please let us know, so we can update this news article.

Kia Soul Rentals – Where To Rent?

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Where to rent a Kia Soul?

If you are planning on taking a trip where renting a car is involved, there is probably a specific model that you have in mind.

If it’s the Kia Soul, you are in luck, simply because car rental places are well aware of the popularity of the vehicle.

Good car rental companies are now making sure that their fleet consists of a number of Kia Souls in different colors and trim levels.

The big problem here is making sure that you are able to get your hands on what is sure to be a limited supply.

Rent a Kia Soul

Your best bet here is to book your car rental well in advance of your trip.

The further out you book, the better shot there is of getting the Kia Soul that you want.

If you haven’t booked, you can always try visiting each of the rental car dealers to see what they have.

This is best done if you are flying into a major airport, as there are usually several different companies doing business there.

It can’t be guaranteed that you get a Kia Soul as a rental car, but with a few different companies to choose from, your chances do increase.

Kia Soul rental companies

Do you know of any car rental companies in your local area that rent Kia Souls?

7 Questions & Answers About 2017 Kia Optima

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The 2017 Kia Optima has been a major success for the Koreans, and is in fact the top-selling vehicle for the company in the United States.

The latest version of the Optima was released a couple of months back, and features a new design inside and out, as well as an improved powertrain.

Despite its popularity, there are sure to be some questions asked by customers not familiar with the 2017 Optima nameplate, so let’s see if we can answer a few.

What, does, where?… 2017 Optima Q&A

  • made by Kia
  • awd not available
  • main rivals: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata
  • yes, turbo is available
  • mpg figures
  • range-topping trim level

1.Does the Kia Optima have AWD?

What Kia Optima Q&AThe Kia Optima midsize sedan is not offered with an all-wheel drive system. The powertrain on the Optima, which is the same as the Hyundai Sonata, delivers power to the front wheels.

The size of the sedan is a little larger than the 4-door Kia Forte, whilst also being a little smaller in size than the Cadenza premium sedan.

2. What are the cars like Kia Optima

The biggest rivals for the Optima are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, VW Passat, Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda 6, and its sibling, the Hyundai Sonata.

3. Is There a turbo version of the Kia Optima?

There are 3 distinct engine options available with the Optima, and they are a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder GDI, which comes in the LX and EX models, as well as a 2.0-liter turbo GDI that can be found on the SXL and SX trims.

The third engine, which is new for 2016, is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo variant, which ca be found in the LX model. This particular powerplant cranks out 178-hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque when mated to Kia’s new 7-speed DCT.

4. What gas mileage does the Optima deliver?

The estimated fuel numbers are totally dependent on the trim level and engine option that you go with.

The Base LX model featuring the 2.4-liter engine delivers 25/37/30 mpg city/highway/combined, while the top of the range turbo model delivers 22/32/35 mpg city/highway/combined.

The mid-level model that boasts the new 1.6-liter turbo engine delivers 28/39/32 mpg city/highway/combined.

5. Which Optima trim level is the range topper?

All told, the Optima comes in 5 trim levels: LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SX Limited (SXL). It is the SXL that sits at the top of the range, and which comes with a host of luxury features.

These include Nappa leather trim, panoramic sunroof, Bi-Xenon HID headlights, heated and cooled front seats, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Front Collision Warning System, chrome alloy wheels, and more.

6. Is a panoramic sunroof an option on the Kia Optima?

It is possible to get a panoramic sunroof on the Kia Optima, but it all depends on the trim level. As mentioned earlier, the large panoramic glassroof comes standard on the top of the line SXL trim, but it’s also available as an option on the EX and SX trims.

7. Does the Kia Optima come with a manual transmission?

There is no manual transmission in the Kia Optima sold in the US market. Consumers have a choice of a pair of different transmissions, including Kia’s new 7-speed DCT or 6-speed automatic.

The 2017 Kia Sedona Release Date Approaching Fast

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We still have to wait a few more months before the 2017 Kia Sedona is officially released, with the launch potentially set to take place at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

That said, the official 2017 Sedona release date really isn’t that far away, so it might be time to start thinking about why you should get into a Kia minivan.

The current model was released a couple of years back, so don’t expect any major changes for the 2017 model.

We expect that the styling both inside and out will stay about the same as it looks now.

2017 Kia SedonaAs far as engines go, there are no plans to expand the line-up, which means we will see the 3.3-liter V6 engine under the hood of the 2017 model.

2017 Kia Sedona – possible changes

  • enhanced trim levels
  • new colors added
  • more standard features
  • turbo engine (possible, but not yet confirmed)

We really would be shocked of Kia were to spring a hybrid or turbo powertrain on us at this late stage in the game.

The changes that we will see are most likely to be with the trim levels and the pricing.

If the prices so change, they will be minimal, and trim changes will likely be to add on more standard features.

There will also be some new colors to the existing palette, with there currently being 7 different exterior colors to choose from.

What will also remain is the quality of this great minivan.

The Sedona made a triumphant return two years ago, and it has certainly played a part in making Kia the first non-luxury automaker to land atop the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality survey.

2017 Kia Sportage Colors – 7 Exterior Paint Shades Available

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List of 2017 Kia Sportage color options…

While we generally all wait to see what features will be available on the new model year of a car, the exterior color options are also something that generate a lot of interest.

The fact of the matter is that exterior color plays a major role in the new vehicle buying decision, and there are certainly plenty to choose from in the case of new Kia Sportage.

Speaking of that, there are 7 Kia Sportage exterior colors to choose from in the 2017 model year.

Without any further do, let’s take a look at the available color options on 2017 Sportage SUV.

Exterior 2017 Kia Sportage color options

  1. 2017 Kia Sportage Color OptionsBlack Cherry – The addition of the word cherry in the name is a little deceiving, as it may make you think red. This color is definitely black, but perhaps not as dark as you might imagine.
  2. Mineral Silver – If the idea of a silver exterior strikes you as a little too bright, this is a great option, as it’s a little on the darker side.
  3. Pacific Blue – Imagine if blue and grey paint fell into the same pot, and you would get an idea of what this beautiful color looks like.
  4. Burnished Copper – This great take on the usually bland brown is one that will definitely make the Sportage pop.
  5. Hyper Red – If you want to be noticed while you are out on the road, you can’t do much better than this brilliant shade of red.
  6. Snow White Pearl – White is still one of the most popular exterior color choices, making this one a classic.
  7. Sparkling Silver – Another great exterior color that is designed to make the Sportage stand out in a crowd.

Kia Sportage colors 2017 (MY)

2017 Sportage exterior colors

Available in 3 distinct trim levels – LX, EX, and SX Turbo – the 2017 Kia Sportge comes with a great new look, and a list of standard features that are sure to make it a continued sales leader for the Koreans.

Let us hear your thoughts on the new Sportage color options.

Are there enough paint shades available or there should be more?

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