Use Your Vacation to Test Drive a Kia

Posted on June 15, 2016 by himi

Kia has become one of the fastest growing brands in the world over the past decade or so, leading more consumers to think about making the switch to the South Korean model.

While the vehicles in the Kia line-up look great, you don’t really get a feel for a car until you have been behind the wheel.

A test drive is fine, but what can you really tell about the ride and handling in 10 minutes or so?

One way to get a real feel for a car you are considering buying is to rent one while you are on vacation.

Rental cars are now commonly part of a standard vacation package, and many places will even let you choose the model that you rent.

Kia Truck Insurance If this is something that you are thinking about doing, it pays to perform a little due diligence before you book your package.

For example, if you have your heart set on testing out the latest Kia Soul, you will want to make sure that the people you are booking through actually have that model available on the dates that you need it.

Let the rental company know that you want this particular model when you are booking, and you can bet that they will do all they can to accommodate your request.

When you arrive at your intended destination, you may have to remind the agent on call about your special request.

Hopefully you will get the car that you want, but you may also end up with something totally unwanted.

Car rental companies are always looking to maximize their earnings, and you may be informed that an excess of $1000 to $3000 needs to be applied to your rental.

The agency will offer good news in the form of extra insurance that will take that amount down to $500 at a cost to you of between $7 and $9 per day that you rent the car.

That may not sound like much, but if you have your Kia Soul rental for a couple of weeks, it adds up quickly.

The good news is that there is a way to get around this rather obvious milking by the rental agency, and all you need to do is buy an excess insurance policy before you travel.

A quick Google search for “excess car rental insurance” will show you a list of providers who offer this up for a very small amount to be paid annually.

If you are someone who travels regularly, and who rents a car each time, this can result in a pretty large financial savings.

You will still be on the hook for the excess amount if you have an accident, but you can them claim it back from the car or truck insurance provider that you purchased the policy from.

As always, read the small print to be sure of all the little details.

Related news about Kia trucks, cars and other models: http://www.kia.com/kr/vehicles/bongo3/features.html

2018 Kia GT Spied For The First Time (UPDATE)

Posted on June 15, 2016 by himi

The long-awaited production version of the Kia GT sports sedan concept has finally hit the ground!

Those of you who remember the Kia GT concept from back in 2011 will likely also remember the talk of a potential production model.

That new model is now in the testing phase, with Kia eyeing a 2018 model year entry.

The production model is obviously not as stylized as the concept, but images shared at Motorgraph.com show a GT that is set to invade the coupe-style 4-door market in a big way.

Update: Kia GT rendering

Even though the GT spy pictures below show the car in camouflage, there are still some cool things to be seen, such as the quad exhaust tips, and intricate styling of the C-pillars, not to mention the chrome finish on the front grille.

The platform that the 2018 Kia GT will ride on is the same as the 2018 Genesis G70 compact sedan.

That means you can expect an RWD model powered by a 3.3-liter turbo V8 that cranks out 389 horsepower.

As far as the transmission goes, it is likely to be the same 8-speed automatic found in the 2017 Genesis G90 sedan.

There is also talk that a hybrid model could be delivered that features an electric motor and a 4-cylinder engine.

Rumor is that Kia will unveil the GT at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, while production will commence in early 2017.

We can expect to see pricing closer to the actual release date, but it’s already fair to assume that Kia will deliver the GT at a price that seriously undercuts their German rivals

2018 Kia GT spy pics

Update: Serial mass production is confirmed to commence in May next year…

Photo sources: bobaedream.co.kr, Motorgraph via Brenthon

Kia Entering The Small Crossover Segment In 2017

Posted on June 12, 2016 by himi

Kia is working on a small crossover vehicle which is scheduled to go on sale in 2017!

Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith recently spoke to their local automotive media and discussed plans for a B-segment Kia crossover that will hit the market in 2017.

He revealed that the inspiration for the new vehicle will come from the Provo concept that was shown in Geneva back in 2013.

Kia have yet to decide on a name for the new small crossover vehicle, but what they have revealed is that the vehicle will be built in South Korea, and will be going after the likes of the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Juke.

Meredith was quick to admit that the new crossover could well cut into the sales numbers of the Rio supermini, which is set for a new generation in the next few months.

But this is the way the business is going right now, though, as Mazda has seen the CX-3 steal sales from their Mazda2 hatchback, as consumers are making the move from B-segment cars to B-segment crossovers.

There are, as of yet, no technical details released about the new B-segment Kia crossover model, but there is a good chance that it will share some of its elements with the Rio.

Under the hood, we can probably expect to see the new 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo that cranks out 100- or 120-hp depending on the configuration.

There is speculation that an AWD model might be available, but it’s more likely that it will come as FWD only.

Kia small crossover – 5 facts we know

1. The upcoming Kia crossover will be about the same size as the Rio hatchback, which means it will be positioned below the Soul crossover.

2. Exterior design of the small Kia crossover will be inspired by the Provo concept car

3. The vehicle will be manufactured in South Korea and exported to the United States, Europe and other markets worldwide.

4. Under the hood, the vehicle will offer a range of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines. FWD to be standard, but Kia may also launch an AWD model.

5. Rivals: Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Chevy Trax, etc…

Other Kia models coming in 2017

Kia has other things on tap besides the new crossover and the next generation Rio.

The company also plans on delivering the next generation Picanto, as well as a rear wheel drive GT sedan that may well go under the Stinger moniker.

All-Electric Kia Niro EV Coming With 238-Mile Range

Posted on June 9, 2016 by himi

We have some exciting exclusive news out of Korea, and it has to do with the upcoming electric version of the Kia Niro.

In addition, we have information about when it might land in the US.

It’s no secret that Kia are looking to expand their eco-friendly offerings in the US, and it now looks as though the new Niro EV will be hitting this side of the pond in late 2018.

The addition of this model will take the number of models in the Niro family to 3:

Niro hybrid
Niro plug-in hybrid
Niro EV

Niro EV

The addition of the all electric model would mean that Kia would be the first automaker to have a pair of different all-electric compact cars available, with the Soul EV being the other.

The powertrain of the Niro EV is no secret (anymore), as it will share the same one used in the upcoming Hyundai Kona EV.

That means we will see a 192-hp motor and a 64-kwh battery pack under the hood, with a 238-mile range delivered on a full charge.

The Niro EV will feature a 100-kw fast charger that will get the battery to an 80% charge in about 20 minutes.

Owners will also be able to charge the vehicle using a standard electrical outlet, but it will of course take longer.

There are many consumers also wanting to know if the upcoming 2019 Kia Niro EV will offer AWD. Well, it won’t, unfortunately.

We would all love to see the all-wheel-drive system in the electric Niro, but it simply won’t make it. That would significantly increase the cost of the vehicle.

What Kind Of Car Is Kia Soul? 5 Things You Need To Know

Posted on June 9, 2016 by himi

The Soul urban crossover vehicle has been a major hit for Kia since they launched it a few years back.

The style of the Soul car has become iconic, and the hamster ads that help make it a sales success are also a big hit.

Let’s take a closer look at what kind of a car is Kia Soul and when was it first released.

1. When was the Kia Soul first released?

The production version of the Soul was first shown at the Paris Auto Show in 2008, with the design work being done in California.

Kia Soul - What kind of car is it?

Head designer Peter Schreyer oversaw the design, but the real credit is thought to belong to Mike Torpey.

2012 saw the Soul get a minor facelift, with a fully re-designed model delivered to Kia showrooms in 2014.

The second generation model was given some major improvements to the ride and handling, and it’s expected that even more changes will come when another facelift is applied to the 2017 model.

2. Is the Kia Soul all-wheel-drive?

There is not currently an AWD versions, as all Kia Souls are front-wheel drive.

There is talk, though, that a Soul AWD model will be made available when the third generation Soul hits the market in either 2019 or 2020.

3. Who are the Soul hamsters?

Marketing is key to the success of a new vehicle, and the David&Goliath ad agency hit a home run when they introduced the “A new way to roll campaign” featuring a trio of cool hamsters behind the wheel of the Kia Soul.

The Soul commercial ads have all gone viral online, and have also received critical acclaim via the “Automotive Ad of the Year” from Nielsen.

Music is a major component of the ads, and some of the featured songs include Fort Knox by Goldfish, Do What You Do by Marz, The Choice Is Yours (Revisited) by Black Sheep, Junkyard by the Potbelleez, Colours by Calvin Harris, and Applause by Lady Gaga. The spot shown during the 2011 MYV Video Music Awards featured Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO.

Another Soul hamster ad, this one released to promote the 2013 Soul, featured “In My Mind” (Axwell Remix) by Ivan Gough, Feenixpawl, and Georgi Kay. This ad saw the hamsters in period dress at an 18th-century opera house.

The latest ad featuring the hamsters has just been released, and can be viewed here.

4. Which Cars are Most Like the Kia Soul?

If truth be told, the Kia Soul is pretty much in a league of its own.

The Scion xB was the first boxy car to hit the market, and it was particularly popular with younger drivers, at least until the Soul arrived on the scene.

The second generation of the xB found it impossible to compete with the Soul as consumers made the switch.

The Nissan Cube was another entry into the boxy car segment, but it was never really able to break through.

There are other urban crossovers on the market, such as the Mazda CX-3 and the Fiat 500X, but neither really looks much like the Kia Soul car.

5. Is there a Kia Soul hybrid?

The only Soul hybrid that we have seen to this point is a concept model shown off in 2008.

That Soul hybrid vehicle featured a Gamma 1.6-liter gas engine and a 20-hp electric motor, but the only real reason for this model was to show off the developments being made by Kia with hybrid technology.

Kia Motors America Reports May 2016 Sales Figures

Posted on June 1, 2016 by himi

May 2016 sales figures have been announced by Kia Motors America, and it’s more good news for the Koreans.

The 62,926 units sold was a record for the month of May, and that means that Kia has had 4 record breaking months out of the first 5 in 2016.

The Sportage and Sorento proved to be the big winners for the automaker last month.

The Sportage is all-new for this year, and that had to help drive sales.

With a new commercial in place for the Soul, we can also expect to see it’s numbers rise in the summer.

The Soul was the top seller for Kia once again, moving a little over 13,000 units in May. The second place spot was taken by the Sorento SUV with 11,194 units sold.

The Forte and Sportage both performed solidly, moving 9,910 units and 8,568 units, respectively.

The Sedona minivan proved to be a pleasant surprise, as it sold over 5,000 units in May, which is among the best ever monthly numbers for the MPV.

It was a bit of a year on year drop for the Kia Optima, which dropped from 16,000 units in 2015 to roughly 10,000 units this year.

While that is still a very solid number, it is the second straight month that the Optima has had dramatic sales drop over the previous year.

This may well prove to be a minor blip on the radar for the Optima, as it’s still a great vehicle that is generally always well reviewed.

Kia sales by model – May 2016

Stay tuned for more news about Kia Motors sales and upcoming models…

Kia Soul Commercial Ad 2016: Hamsters Are Back

Posted on May 31, 2016 by himi

The hip-hop hamsters are back, but this time they are broadening their musical horizons for their latest appearance in a Kia Soul ad.

The new spot, which is titled “Soul Jam,” sees Kia’s advertising agency of choice, David&Goliath, take things to an all new level, as it required over 3,000 hours of CGI imagery just to create the parts that contain those loveable hamsters.

The 2016 Soul commercial ad begins with a guitar player playing the iconic “Dueling Banjos” piece on his guitar.

He is quickly joined by the hamsters playing their instruments in a variety of different styles.

Before long, people are flooding into the local park to play instruments from all over the world, including the sitar and the bagpipes.

It’s a blend of cultures and styles that clearly shows that the Soul is a fun-loving vehicle that is a perfect ride for just about anyone.

Latest Soul video:

Latest Kia Soul Commercial Features Wild Baby Hamster & Hot Blonde Girl

2016 Kia Soul hamster commercial

It’s a fun commercial ad to be sure, but it also features a little detail that is sure to excite Kia Soul lovers the world over.

In the closing frames, tucked away neatly in tiny print, is the mention of three specific Soul models.

There is the traditional Soul GDI, the EV, and now also the Soul turbo, which is, according to the text, arriving in winter 2016.

The Soul turbo is a model that has long been rumored, and one that is on the wish list of many existing Soul owners.

The fact that it is set to become a reality is something that could well make the cold winter months a whole lot more bearable.

Hybrid Cars From Kia; For Sale In U.S. In 2018

Posted on May 20, 2016 by himi

In the next few years, automakers expect to see a sales spike in eco-friendly cars, with the likes of EV’s, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids gaining popularity.

It’s believed that by 2020, there will be 6.6 million electric vehicles on the road, and Kia wants to be at or near the top of the list.

That is why more and more vehicles in the Kia line-up are coming equipped with hybrid-electric powertrain technology.

Let’s take a look at what Kia hybrid models will be available in the US market this year.

Kia hybrid cars 2018 (model year)

Kia Optima hybrid car – The 2018 Optima Hybrid will be the second-generation model that just received a very nice makeover.

The vehicle was originally unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, and it features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic, generating 154 horsepower.

The electric component of the car is a 38-kilowatt electric motor and 1.62-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

Kia Optima plug-in hybrid car – This will be the first time that a plug-in hybrid version of the Optima has been made available.

Some markets will get to see the Optima PHEV later in 2016, and what they will find is a 9.8-kWh lithium-polymer battery and a 67-horsepower electric motor.

The engine part of the set-up will be a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder which, when combined with the electric component under the hood will deliver 202 horsepower. The whole system will be rounded out by a 6-speed automatic transmission.

When running on electric only, the 2018 Optima PHEV will deliver about 27 miles of range, which ranks it among the best in the US market.

One of the coolest features of both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be the active front grille shutters that help with aerodynamics, and which will drop the drag coefficient down to 0.24.

Kia hybrid SUV

For a while now, the only Kia hybrid available was the Optima, but that is set to change, as the Koreans showed off the Niro at the Chicago Auto Show this year.

The crossover represents a first for Kia, as it will be their first dedicated hybrid, as well as being a totally new vehicle built from the ground up.

This vehicle could put Kia ahead of the game in the hybrid market, as the Niro will be among the first hybrid SUV’s out there. As such, a big sales performance is expected.

The compact crossover will slot in between the Soul and the Sportage, and will be powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed DCT, as well as an electric motor and a lithium ion battery.

The set-up will deliver 146-hp and 195-lb.-ft. of torque, whilst also having a fuel economy rating of 50 mpg.

Not too far in the future, we should also be seeing a plug-in hybrid version of the 2018 Kia Niro hybrid SUV.

Kia Cadenza Diamond Butterfly & Intaglio Grille Designs

Posted on May 19, 2016 by himi

The 2017 Kia Cadenza grille comes in two different designs (called Diamond Butterfly and Intaglio), which one looks better?

It’s easy to get excited about the features and luxury components that will be part of the new Kia Cadenza premium sedan, and believe it or not, that includes the front signature grille.

Check in your rear-view mirror and you can’t help but notice the signature grille of the car behind you.

The tiger nose grille has become a staple for Kia Motors cars, but they are doing things a little differently with the new Cadenza.

The fully redesigned Cadenza luxury car is unique in that it comes with a pair of different grille options (Diamond Butterfly and Intaglio), which are dependent upon the trim level.

Both feature the tiger nose shape, but have unique touches that set them apart.

Kia Cadenza grille options: Intaglio or Diamond Butterfly

Diamond Butterfly grille

The Diamond Butterfly grille is available on the lower trim levels of the Cadenza.

This particular style is similar to the 3D diamond pattern found on other Kia vehicles, but with a totally unique take.

Intaglio grille

The upper trim levels feature the Intaglio grille, which is something totally new for Kia.

The Cadenza Intaglio grille is comprised of faceted blades set vertically across the front. This creates sharp edges that give the front of the vehicle a bold look.

Both signature grilles of Kia Cadenza have a concave design that curve them toward the engine compartment, conveying a look of luxury and power.

Both are just another great addition to a vehicle that is already loaded with great features.

Cadenza grille of your choice

Which of the two Cadenza grille designs would you choose?

Jellybeans Replace Kia Hamsters In 2016 Soul Commercial Ad

Posted on May 9, 2016 by himi

Kia have always had a fun way of showing off the Soul in their ads.

Not so long ago, it was 2017 Kia hip hop hamsters selling the funky urban vehicle, and now it’s jellybeans.

The latest Kia Soul TV spot focuses on showing the amount of space in the vehicle compared to the 2016 Honda Fit, and the Koreans have come up with a creative way of showing that off, which is to go in through the sunroof and fill each of the vehicles with jellybeans.

The winner is obviously the one that holds the most candy. It’s certainly a delicious marketing tactic.

2016 Soul commercial video

The 30-second TV spot shows both cars sitting side by side, with large tubes sitting over top.

A technician in a white lab coat pushes down on a shiny green button, and next thing you know, jellybeans are pouring into both cars.

Both cars quickly start to fill up with the candy, but the tube is still shooting beans into the Soul longs after they have stated pouring out of the top of the Honda Fit.

A disclaimer lets viewers know that the models being shown are the 2016 Soul Exclaim with the Premium Package, and the 2016 Honda Fit EX-L.

Official numbers have the interior volume of the Soul at 121 cubic feet, while the Fit comes in at 110.4 cubic feet.

Jellybeans may not be the most scientific way to measure volume, but it may well be the most fun way to get the job done.

2017 Kia Sorento SUV Changes, Pricing, Colors

Posted on May 8, 2016 by himi

The 2017 Kia Sorento launched in US – let’s have a look at what’s new (colors, mpg, prices, etc…)

The Sorento SUV is in with a tough crowd in the SUV segment, and the 2017 version is looking to make a step up with some great new technology and a very modest price hike.

One of the long-awaited features in the upgraded 2017 Kia 7-seat SUV is the Apple CarPlay system.

The Advance Touring and Advance Technology packages are now available in the lower trim levels, and add active safety features that include forward collision warning, dynamic bending lights, lane departure warning, smart cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking.

All of the aforementioned features can be found as standard on the top of the line SXL trim.

On the base 2017 Kia Sorento L and LX trim levels, you will find a 2.4-liter inline-four under the hood, generating 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

The EX has a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four, while the SX and SXL trims get a 3.3-liter V6 that cranks out 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque.

All trim levels come with a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. Each of the Sorentos with the V6 engine come with seating for 7 passengers.

Colors of Kia Sorento

2017 Kia Sorento color options: this Kia SUV with 3 rows of seats is available with 9 exterior color options.

MPG & fuel economy figures

The 2017 Kia Sorento fuel efficiency ratings vary depending on the engine choice.

The 2.4-liter models get 21/28 mpg city/highway in FWD drive configuration and 21/25 mpg with AWD.

The 2.0-liter turbo on the EX delivers 20/27 mpg in FWD and 19/25 mpg in AWD.

The V6 gets 18/25 in both configurations, whole the SX and SXL models deliver 18/25 mpg in FWD and 17/23 mpg in AWD.

Kia Sorento 2017 price: The base price for the new Kia Sorento is $26,295, which includes an $895 destination fee. That is a small $300 increase over the outgoing model.

The top of the line 2017 Sorento SXL costs $46,595.

What’s new?

2017 Sorento LX 2.4L

Convenience Package
- UVO3 telematics audio with headunit Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® (late availability)
Advanced Technology Package (requires Convenience Pkg)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking

2017 Sorento EX 2.0L Turbo

Paddle shifters
Advanced Touring Package (requires Premium Pkg)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking

2017 Sorento LX V6

Convenience Package
- UVO3 telematics audio with headunit Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® (late availability)
Advanced Technology Package (requires Convenience Pkg)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking

2017 Sorento EX V6

Advanced Touring Package (requires Premium Pkg)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking

2017 Sorento SX V6

Advanced Technology Package
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Dynamic Bending Headlamps

2017 Kia Sorento SX Limited V6

Autonomous Emergency Braking
Dynamic Bending Headlamps

Kia Owner From Latvia: Only 10 Souls Have Been Sold In The Country

Posted on May 7, 2016 by himi

The latest in our Kia owner’s series sees us head north to Canada, where Haralds from Riga, Latvia will be taking up residence for the foreseeable future.

Haralds actually had his first experience with Kia after seeing a Soul crossover vehicle on an earlier visit to Canada.

Upon returning home, he was delighted to find that he could get a Soul there, although he would have to wait 6 months before taking possession.

He ended up settling for a used Soul model with 5000 km on there, and while it wasn’t his first choice, he has still been delighted with the ownership experience.

Haralds has owned the boxy little car for a year and a half now, and gets a lot of attention because there have only been 10 Kia Souls sold in Latvia to this point.

This suits him to a tee, as he wanted a vehicle that was unique and would stand out, which is certainly what he got with his Soul.

There is a lot that he likes about his car, and it’s the unique design and seating position that really stand out for him.

Haralds has a lot more to say about his Kia Soul and his ownership experience, so be sure to read on to see what else he shared with us.

Kia Soul – Latvia specs

Engine: 1,6L gasoline, 132 -horsepower, 6-speed automatic transmission
Colour: white / red
Trim: EX (which is base level in Latvia)
Model year – 2015
Tires: 215/55 R17
Kilometers driven so far: 37840 km

Soul owner Q&A

1.Tell us a few words about your Kia Soul ownership experience so far!

Actually, I am very suprised about Kia quality, it is a very well built car. Very good visibility from seating position, smooth ride and handling and easy to get in and out of the car.

2. How long have you owned your Kia Soul?

1,5 years.

3. Honestly, what was your intention when you bought your Soul?

Honestly, after I sold my Volvo, I was looking for something that is unusual in design, and something out of the everyday routine cars such as the BMW, WV, Toyota etc…

4. What do you like the most about your ride?

Design, of course, and seating position.

5. What do other people say about your ride?

Because I left the Soul sign on a car other people are asking, is it my firm name or whats this car is. And then they are suprised, when I tell them it’s a Kia.

6. What is it that makes your ride look unique?

Still in Latvia we have less than 10 Souls in all country, I bougt 4th. Also attractive two tone (red-white) colour and stickers.

7. Have you installed any Kia Soul accessories / do you have any future plans?

Hood, front vings, mirrors and inside door handles I stick 3M protection film. My plan for next summer is to get 18-inch alloy wheels.

Kia Announces Best Ever April Sales, Sportage Sales Hit 7,000 Units

Posted on May 3, 2016 by himi

Kia Motors America have barely finished celebrating their best first quarter in company history, and now they have something else to get excited about.

Kia had a spectacular sales month in April 2016, delivering 56,508 units, good for a 6.1% jump over last year’s number.

The 2017 Sportage (78.9% sales increase), which was all-new for this model year, and the Forte (35.6% sales increase) were big winners, but it really was a sales success across the board for Kia.

Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA, said that the push made to introduce new Kia buyers to the models on offer was really paying dividends.

He doesn’t feel that this is a major surprise, especially since Kia is now being recognized in the industry as a leader in design, quality, and technology.

All of this has helped advance Kia in what is arguably the high point of their time in the US.

Besides the aforementioned Sportage (7,645 units) and Forte (9,740 units), there were a number of other strong performers.

The Soul once again led the way, moving 11,517 units in April, followed by the Optima (11,224), Sorento (10,353), Sedona (2,896), Rio (2,523), Cadenza (533), and K900 (77).

Meanwhile, the Soul EV recorded the sales of 139 units lat month (all together 359 units have been sold in 2016).

All signs point to Kia being able to maintain this upward trend, as the demand for their vehicles is higher now than it has ever been before.

It’s going to be interesting to see which Kia models emerge as the big winners in the coming months.

Kia sales by model – April 2016

Looking for more information about Kia Motors America? Find latest news here…

Kia Vehicles With Autonomous Emergency Braking – AEB System

Posted on May 3, 2016 by himi

What is Kia AEB (autonomous emergency braking) and how it works…

Safety has always been considered an important part of the automotive industry, especially since a host of safety features can prove to be a major selling point.

Automakers are constantly doing all they can to make improvements to those safety features, but every now and again they will deliver new technology that is a game changer.

One that is sure to have a major positive impact in the field of driver assist technology is the Kia AEB or Kia Autonomous Emergency Braking system, so let’s take a closer look at what it’s all about.

How Kia AEB system works

The Kia autonomous emergency braking is a system that actively helps to avert a collision.

While it may sound complex, the technology is actually quite simple.

It works with sensors and a camera (placed upfront of the vehicle) that monitor the distance to the vehicles in front, as well as relative speed.

If the system detects a collision risk, it warns the driver with a sound in the cabin. If there’s no response, the system applies the brakes automatically to avoid the accident.

This clever Kia safety technology is designed to work in various environments. From higher speed areas to urban areas.

The reason why this new technology is so important is because of its ability to protect the driver, as well as those in the other vehicles on the road.

It goes behind that, too, as the pedestrian detection part of the system also helps protect people crossing the street.

If you drive in a regular basis, you have almost certainly seen a pedestrian stepp out from between parked cars or try to cross the street against the light.

It can be hard to react quickly enough to avoid a collision with these pedestrians, but the system makes it possible for that collision to be averted.

Which 2017 Kia models feature the autonomous emergency braking system?

The new system is not yet available on the entire Kia line-up, although that is likely to change in coming years.

Current Kia vehicles with autonomous emergency braking system:

2019 Kia K900
2019 Kia Optima
2019 Kia Sportage
2019 Kia Forte
2020 Kia Soul / Soul EV
2019 Kia Sorento

The upcoming Niro hybrid, the Sorento, and facelifted Soul will be next to adopt the automated emergency braking, with others to follow.

It is only a matter of time before this system becomes standard on all Kia models.

The Koreans have emerged as a major player in the automotive market over the past decade or so, and much of that has to do with their commitment to safety and driver assist technologies.

You can bet that Kia will continue to be on the cutting edge of these types of safety systems moving forward, as they help new customers take notice of the brand.

Kia Showed 3 New Exciting Cars At 2016 Geneva Motor Show

Posted on May 2, 2016 by himi

The 2016 Geneva International Motor Show (86th Salon International de l’Automobile), held in March this year, showcased some of the finest cars from around the world.

Kia also took the opportunity and revealed three new exciting vehicles including a Kia Optima Sportswagon, Optima plug-in hybrid sedan and the most anticipated Niro hybrid crossover.

Let’s discuss in detail Kia’s three new exciting cars one by one:

1.Kia Optima Sportswagon

Optima Sportswagon GT

The KIA Optima Sportswagon, inspired from the 2015 Sportspace concept, is launched exclusively for the European markets.

The idea behind the Tourer body style is to improve its practicality and make it more competitive in its segment.

The use of 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, enables the owners to fit in outdoor equipments like snowboard etc.

On the inside, the KIA Optima Sportswagon features latest audio-visual navigation (AVN) system along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing the motorists to connect their smartphones wirelessly.

The Kia Optima Sportswagon will be accessible in 3 engine options; a 1.7-liter turbodiesel, a 2.0-liter CVVL (continuously-variable valve lift) gasoline and a 2.0-liter T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) mill.

The 2016 KIA Optima Sportswagon will arrive at the dealerships by the end of this year carrying a base price of around $33,600 (£23,000).

2.Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid

The KIA Optima Plugin Hybrid is the automaker’s first car to employ a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

It is equipped with a 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine mated to a 50 KW electric motor churning out a combined 205 horsepower and 375 Nm (276 lb ft) torque.

The electric motor is powered by a 9.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack that allows it to run around 54 Kms solely on electric power.

The Optima Plug-in hybrid boasts two innovative technologies that help saving the battery power. These include a regenerative braking system and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning system) system.

The exterior is aerodynamically designed featuring an improved front and rear bumper design accompanied by a new exclusive active air flap grille that keeps the drag coefficient limited to 0.25 Cd.

The 2016 Kia Optima plug-in hybrid is planned to go on sale during the fourth quarter of this year, however the pricing details have not been revealed yet.

Kia Niro hybrid crossover

Kia hybrid SUV

Dubbed as the ‘Hybrid Utility Vehicle’, the KIA Niro hybrid was first revealed at the Chicago Motor Show.

It incorporates a brand new platform specifically designed for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles of Hyundai.

Powering this hybrid crossover is a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a 32 Kw electric motor.

On the whole, this system yields 139bhp and 195lb ft of torque. A 1.56kWh lithium ion polymer battery which KIA claims is the lightest and the most efficient ever made powers the electric motors.

The fuel economy statistics have not been revealed yet, but KIA is aiming to achieve a target CO2 emissions rating of 89 g/km.

In terms of design, the KIA Niro hybrid is smaller than the new Sportage and 2016 Kia Sorento with a wheelbase measuring 2,700mm.

The boot space is 421 liters and there would be enough room for 4 passengers. The Niro is currently in production and will hit the markets late 2016 or sometime in 2017 with an estimated starting price of $26,000-$30,000.