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Kia Canada Incentives, Deals For April 2017

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March was a good month for Kia Canada, with a total of 6,346 units sold, which was a 6.1% year on year increase.

Leading the pack was the Kia Forte, which sold 1,623 units, a 55% increase over last March.

Rounding out the top 3 were the Sorento SUV with 1,332 units, and the Sportage compact SUV with 1,180 units.

These numbers are significant, as they represent the best ever single sales month for the Forte and Sportage.

March was also notable, as it signaled the entry of the Niro hybrid into the marketplace. It jumped out the gate to a fast start, moving 90 units.

Canadians seems to really take to the fuel efficiency and fun driving experience that the Niro delivers.

Kia deals in April 2017 (Canadian market)

Kia Canada is looking to build on this success by offering new incentives for the coming months.

April will see the introduction of the “Competitive Edge” sales event, where buyers can take advantage of a 0% lease or loan plus $2,000.

Also on offer is 0% financing for 84 months,0% lease for 39 months, as well as up to a $2,000 bonus on select Forte and Sorento 2017 models.

The finance programs for the 2017 Sorento and Sedona has been expanded so that a $1,500 stackable finance credit can be applied to all trim levels.

2016 versions of the Forte5 and Koup models will have a $5,000 savings applied to certain trim levels.

For full details on all the Kia Canada deals and incentives in April, talk to a local dealer.

The Best Floor Mats For 2019 Kia Soul

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Things you need to know about the Kia Soul floor mats (rubber & carpet).

If you’ve purchased a brand-new Soul crossover vehicle, you are probably already looking for ways to keep it in pristine condition.

This is especially true of the interior, as the Koreans have done a fantastic job of giving the Soul interior a definite quality upgrade from the previous generation model.

That is something that deserves to be protected, which is why it is a good idea to invest in quality floor mats for 2019 Kia Soul.

Types of Kia Soul floor mats

Best Kia Soul Floor Mats

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Speaking in general, you can choose between the two types of Kia floor mats:

  • all-weather rubber floor mats
  • carpet floor mats

There are a wide number of products to select at Amazon.com, so how do you find the best one?

You have to do a little research and that is something Amazon does best.

They provide you a handful of product information, specs and details.

To top it all, they feature a Q&A section where you can learn more specific details about the product and even real consumers reviews.

Choosing the best 2019 Kia Soul floor mats may be slightly time consuming, but any amount of time spent on research is well worth it.

At the end, you do get the best fitting product to your vehicle!

Why do you need floor mats for Kia Soul?

The carpeting in your Soul hamster ride can turn nasty very quickly, if you don’t take steps to protect it. This is especially true in areas that get a lot of rain or snow!

If you are constantly getting in and out of your vehicle with wet or muddy feet, that great looking interior won’t stay great for long.

When shopping for the mats, you can choose between the OEM Kia floor mats or aftermarket products.

They are all perfect fit and can be easily taken out for cleaning . They are also durable enough to withstand the harshest elements that you track into your ride.

The basic black color fits nicely with any of the interior colors that come in the new Kia Soul, so you don’t have to worry about the mats clashing with your interior design.

What is the cost of Kia Soul floor mats?

The Soul all-weather floor mats cost more than the Soul carpet mats, that’s the fact!

But the prices of both are set at a level that just about anyone can afford, and it really is a small price to pay to protect the flooring on your brand new Kia Soul.

To find all important details and specs about the Soul floor mats at Amazon, check the blue–yellow link above!

2019 Kia Sorento SUV Release Date News & Changes

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The 2019 Kia Sorento SUV has yet to reach the U.S. soil, but here are some interesting facts that we have learned the popular 7-seater SUV so far.

2019 Kia Sorento release date

Kia hasn’t announced the official U.S. market release date of their 2019 Sorento sport utility vehicle yet.

According to the latest news, it is highly likely that the Korean carmaker will introduce the 2019 version of Sorento at the Los Angeles auto show in November next year.

2019 Kia SorentoHowever, some sources state that the model could be launched in the US market slightly earlier.

The possible location of the US Sorento debut could be the New York auto show which kicks off in April next year, so nearly half a year earlier.

Kia Sorento dealership arrival

The new Kia Sorento 2019 model should arrive to your local Kia dealers shortly after its U.S. market premiere, however, the exact on sale date has yet to be defined and officially announced.

Kia Sorento 2019 changes

Kia’s large SUV has been given a mid-cycle facelift a couple of months, so we are not expecting to see major changes on the 2019 model.

The current model gained some cool looking styling tweaks, as well as some powertrain enhancements.

For example, the Sorento facelift gained an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is lighter and more refined than the previous 6-speed unit.

As far as other 2019 model year changes go, that remains a secret at this point, but we will find out soon and will keep you updated!

New colors

There are a couple of things that Kia will definitely upgrade on their 2019 large SUV and those are the trim levels and exterior color options.

The 2019 Kia Sorento color range may get a minor expansion with Kia adding one or two more paint shades to the SUV’s color palette.

Kia usually upgrades trim levels and standard features after a couple of years on the market, so expect the upcoming Sorento to get some changes in that area as well.

Sorento hybrid / specs

There have been some talk about the Sorento getting a hybrid drivetrain in 2018 or 2019, however, we can not confirm that news at this point.

Pricing

It’s still too early to speculate on the 2019 Sorento prices. We do not expect major increases in MSRP, though.

As already mentioned, the existing trim levels (L, LX, EX, SX, SX Limited) may be slightly upgraded to offer even more bang for the buck!

Reviews

Expect the 2019 Sorento reviews to start hitting the world wide web shortly after its inaugural US market launch next year.

Stay tuned for more Kia news at the Kia-world.net blog.

2019 Kia Sportage Size: Ground Clearance, Cargo, Dimensions

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Kia has enjoyed a lot of sales success in recent years, and much of the credit has to go to the Sportage compact SUV.

The vehicle has now entered its 4th generation, which means that it got an update both inside and out.

This is all great, but with so many compact SUV options out there, what sets the Kia Sportage apart from the rest?

This is a question that we hear quite often, which is why we thought it might be a good idea to give you more details about the vehicle.

We will be specifically looking at the 2019 Kia Sportage space and dimensions, so that you can leave the measuring tape at home when you go car shopping.

Kia Sportage cargo space

New Kia Sportage Size & DimensionIf you travel regularly, or have an adventurous lifestyle, you are going to need cargo space, and the Sportage delivers.

Behind the rear seats you will find 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space, a little more than the average amount of space in the compact SUV segment. Fold the rear seats down and the cargo space expands to 60.1 cubic feet.

The large space is delivered via the fact that the rear seats fold flat, but can also be set up in a 60/40 split so that cargo and passengers can be in the back at the same time.

Ground clearance of Kia Sportage (2019)

This is a vehicle that is designed to be taken off road, so no real surprise that it has more ground clearance than the average sedan or hatchback.

The FWD model comes with 6.4-inches of ground clearance, while the AWD model adds a little extra at 6.8-inches.

It’s not really enough clearance for serious off road enthusiasts, but it is enough to handle terrain a little tougher than city streets and highways.

Exterior dimensions

The Sportage is a compact SUV that tucks in nicely between the larger Sorento SUV and the smaller Niro hybrid crossover.

Compared to the outgoing model, this version of the Sportage is a little larger, with the dimensions coming in at:

  • Length 4,480mm
  • Width 1,855mm
  • Height 1,645mm

Interior dimensions

Young families have taken to the Sportage in a big way, thanks in large part to its spacious interior.

Again, the new model adds a little more than the outgoing model offered, with additional space in front and back. The interior dimensions come in at the following:

  • Headroom (front/rear) 998.2mm/993.1mm
  • Legroom (front/rear) 1054.1mm/970.3mm

Fuel tank size in Kia Sportage

Not a commonly asked question, but one worth answering anyway. The 2019 Sportage fuel tank capacity comes in at 16.4 gallons or 62 liters.

We hope that we have answered all of your questions in regards the dimensions of the Sportage SUV.

If there is anything else you want to know, please feel free to ask and we will do our best to answer.

Korea: Kia Stinger Goes On Sale In May, Priced Below $30,000

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The official release of the Stinger sports sedan is right around the corner and so far, all the news and comments about the new Kia sports sedan have been positive.

Listed below are the two latest pieces of news we have learned about the upcoming Stinger release.

Korea: goes on sale in May

The 2018 Kia Stinger will make its debut at the Seoul Motor Show, with the vehicle set to be released to the Korean market in May.

The Korean-spec model will come with two unique engine choices, both of which pack a punch.

Kia Stinger To Be Launched in KoreaThey are the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that delivers 250-hp, as well as the 3.3-liter turbo V6 that will crank out 370-hp.

There was a diesel-powered Stinger on display at the Geneva Motor Show, but that model will be for the European market only.

Korean-market Stinger pricing

The next bit of Stinger news is in regards the pricing, and it’s very exciting, as the new vehicle will undercut its main competition by thousands of dollars.

Pricing for the base Stinger with 4-cyclinder model is set to come in around 30 million won, while the turbo model will be set at around $50 million won.

Converted to US dollars, you are looking at starting prices of $27,000 and $45,000, respectively.

This should not necessarily be construed as the pricing with which Kia will enter the US market with.

It’s just here as a comparison.

It goes without saying that we will let you know the price of the US models as soon as we hear about it.

All About Kia Optima Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid (Q&A)

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Kia are very quickly building a solid stable of eco-friendly vehicles, with the newest model in the line-up being the Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid car (PHEV).

It’s the perfect blend of the versatility of the traditional Optima “wagon” combined with the highly efficient powertain found on the Optima PHEV sedan.

This set-up allows the vehicle to go 60 kilometers in all-electric mode before switching to the 2.0L GDI engine.

You also get a whopping 440 liters of cargo space, which is 133 liters more than the sedan variant.

There is a lot to learn about this new Kia plug-in hybrid vehicle, which is why we are taking time to answer some of the more commonly asked questions.

Kia Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid facts

BuiltHwasung, South Korea
For saleQ3 this year, Europe and Korea, not available in US / Canada
EV rangeup to 60 kilometers
Cargo size440 liters with seats up
Warranty7-Years or 100,000 miles (also covers the battery pack)

Q&A

  • When can we expect to see the Optima Sportswagon PHEV on sale in Europe, North America?

Kia Optima Wagon PHEVThe Optima Sportswagon PHEV was officially unveiled last month at the Geneva Motor Show. At that time, Kia announced that the vehicle would hit the European market in Q3 of 2017.

Unfortunately, they also announced that it would be a European model only, which means drivers in the US and Canada will not be able to get their hands on it.

  • What range can we get in all-electric mode?

The technology used in the plug-in version of the Optima wagon means that it will be able to ride in all-electric mode for periods of time. You’ll find an 11.26 kWh batery pack mated to a 50 kW electric motor, which allows for a driving range of around 60 km, or roughly 38 miles, with a top speed of as much as 120 km/h.

  • What are the fuel economy ratings?

While the final numbers have yet to be released by Kia, we do know what their targets are. They are looking at carbon dioxide emissions of 34 g/km, and fuel economy of 1.5-liters per 100 km. We will post the actual figures when they are released.

  • What is the cargo capacity of the new Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV?

You certainly get a ton of cago space with this Optima model, as it delivers a cavernous 440 liters with the seats in the upright position. Fold the rear seats flat and that space expands to 1,574 liters.

There is the ability to get creative with the use of space, thanks to the 40/20/40 rear seat split, with everything controlled via levers just inside the boot entrance.

The battery pack is placed beneath the Optima boot floor, which means that the cagro space is not really negatively affected.

  • Does Kia use regenerative braking system in the Optima PHEV?

Yes, the regenerative braking system is in place, which will allow the vehicle to store kinetic energy while it is braking or coasting.

  • Tell us about the Optima Sportswagon PHEV warranty?

The vehicle comes with a 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty, in which the battery pack is included.

  • Where is it built?

The new Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV will be built at the Hwasung manufacturing plant in Korea, and will be made solely for the European and Korean markets.

Can You Really Make Money Driving For Uber?

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Working for a major corporation usually means having to put in hours that are dictated to you, and basically having very little freedom on the job.

There are some exceptions to the rule, though, and Uber appears to be at or near the top of the list.

Uber have created a way for people to make money by working whenever they want, and if you love driving and meeting people, it may be a perfect opportunity for you to put a little extra money in your pocket.

What is Uber?

We imagine that most of you are already aware of what Uber delivers, but for those of you unfamiliar with the brand, it can best be described as a taxi service for the smartphone generation.

Kia Soul for Uber driversRather than falling under the taxi umbrella, though, Uber describes what they offer as “ridesharing.”

How it works is incredibly simple.

Users install the app on their mobile device, and when they need a ride, they click the Uber icon.

At this point, the location of the user is pinpointed by GPS, and drivers in the area are alerted to the fact that someone needs a ride.

When a driver accepts the gig, the user is shown a picture of the driver who will be getting them, as well as a potential cost, vehicle description, and a little map showing exactly where the car is en route.

How can drivers apply to drive for Uber?

The first thing that you need to do to start working as an Uber driver is to fill out the application on their website.

There are some restrictions in place here, such as:

  • need to be 21 or older
  • have a working smartphone
  • a clean driving record
  • the owner of a newer (2011-17 model year in most states). There is a way around this restriction, which we will discuss a little later

Once your application has been accepted, you can get started right away.

You set your own hours, so simply make it known within the app that you are on and ready to drive, making sure to set it to off once you are done for the day.

The beauty of setting your own hours is that you can become an Uber driver on a part-time basis, only working when you need a little extra money, or when you are sitting around doing nothing else.

The app keeps track of all the rides that you take, as well as the earnings, and you are issued a check each week for the money that you have earned.

Uber uses are required to input a valid debit or credit card before using the app, so you are never going to need to carry money or worry about someone skipping out without paying.

Maximizing Your Earnings with Uber

One of the most common questions that Uber driver have is in relation to their costs.

You are responsible for gassing up your vehicle, as well as for any wear and tear that may come with the territory.

If you plan on driving for Uber on a full-time basis, you may want to consider using their vehicle lease program.

With this option, you use one of their cars when you are ridesharing, which means your car remains fully intact.

They do take a percentage of your earnings here, so you may still want to go with your own vehicle.

If you do decide to go with your own ride, it makes sense that you would want a vehicle that is great on gas, and which has a low cost of ownership.

Take your pick of any of the vehicles in the Kia line-up, as they all fit this bill.

The Kia Forte is an excellent option, as it is a great looking vehicle that gets around 29 mpg combined.

According to Hyrecar.com, here are a few other ways to maximize your Uber earnings:

  • Treat it like a business – You are your own boss when you drive for Uber, which essentially means that you are your own small business. With this in mind, you should be thinking about ways to set yourself apart from the competition. Keep in mind that users can rate your performance, and that Uber expects you to maintain a 4.6 out of 5-star rating. This can only be achieved if you deliver exceptional service. Think about how you can do that.
  • Pack a lunch – If you were working a traditional 9 to 5 job, you might well pack a lunch to save you from wasting money at vending machines and fast food joints. You will get hungry and thirsty on the job, so be sure to take some food and water with you in the car. Every time you load up at a fast food joint or convenience store, you take a bite out of your earnings, so plan ahead.
  • Anticipate the surge pricing – Uber does not always offer the same rate to its users, and will implement surge pricing when demand is particularly high. This often happens during holidays or times when a special event will see a lot of users jammed into one specific area. While Uber will alert drivers of potential surges and busy spots, it’s not always a good idea to go rushing off to those areas, as you can bet everyone will. Use the app to see where customers are, and try to anticipate demand and surge pricing. This can add to your weekly earnings in a big way.

Conclusion

While we have covered the basics of making money with Uber here, there is a lot to learn, and plenty of information online that will help you boost your potential earnings.

If you need to know more about which Kia cars might help with that, feel free to contact us here at the Kia-world.net, or follow this link to learn more about how can you make money driving for Uber.

Kia Vehicles With Ventilated Front Seats

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The hot summer months are just around the corner, and that means trying to find an effective way to stay cool when you drive.

One option available to you is to invest in a Kia vehicle that offers a seat cooling system.

After all, even with the AC on high, you can still feel hot and sticky in your driver’s seat, especially if you have leather as your fabric of choice.

You now have the ability to keep cool with Kia’s ventilated seats, as there are several models in the U.S. line-up that come with this feature.

Best of all, many of the Kia cars with ventilated seats start at less than $25,000, so it’s not as though you need to spend a fortune on a luxury model to get this feature.

Kia Ventilated SeatsIf you have ever owned a vehicle with heated seats, then you basically already know how the Kia ventilated seats technology works.

The seats come equipped with a cooling system on the inside, with cool air sent to the back and bottom of the seat when the system is engaged.

Since this technology tends to be pricy, not to mention quite heavy, it is usually only found on larger luxury models.

The Kia cooled seats are, thankfully, on models that don’t have to break your budget, and these models are listed below.

Which Kia models in 2019 come with ventilated seats?

  • Soul
  • Forte
  • Optima
  • Cadenza
  • K900
  • Sorento SUV
  • Sportage SUV
  • Niro hybrid

While Kia’s ventilated seat system appears on many non-luxury models, this is not a sign that it is inferior to what you would find in higher priced cars.

Their ingenious system is powered by an electric motor inside the seat that pushes cool air through a duct system.

This ensures that the temperature is even, and that no dampness will be present when the system is in use.

Both front seats can be independently controlled, which is great when you consider that the summer sun will often beat down on one side of the vehicle.

The great news here is that Kia’s seat cooling system is incredibly easy to use, as it is activated by simply turning a dial located on the center console.

One flick of the wrist will have cool air passing through your seat in a matter of moments.

The summer months can often mean being subjected to a hot, sticky ride, with countless hours stuck in traffic with sweat rolling down your back.

With Kia’s seat cooling system, those days can be a thing of the past.

2017 Kia Soul EV Specs & Prices (What’s New?)

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The all-electric 2017 Soul EV has yet to be officially announced by Kia, but head on over to the US version of their site and you will see it showcased there.

The all electric Soul crossover has an official page complete with pictures and specifications, not to mention color options and the all-important pricing of the new model.

After a little bit of research, we discovered that the same powertrain as before will be in place, which will mean that this model will come equipped with a 27 kWh battery that allows for a 93-mile range on a full charge.

The same electric motor is also in place, delivering 109-hp and a maximum torque output of 285 Nm.

2017 Soul EV – what’s changed?

2017 Kia Soul EV PricingStarting with the base model of the Soul EV, you will find a new center armrest, as well as a 5-inch color screen that features rear camera display, and a new audio head unit.

The higher trim levels have new dark gray 16-inch wheels, and Cloud White added to the exterior color options.

Charging has been improved, with the fast charge delivering more energy in a shorter time.

It also helps that owners can set the charge times so that the car will be ready to go whenever it is most convenient.

Also included is the second-generation Pedestrian Warning System, which alters the sound and frequency levels based on the speed of the car.

Kia Soul electric car trim levels

The 2017 Kia Soul EV will come with 3 different trim levels. Let’s take a quick look at each, including the pricing.

2017 Kia EV-e price

The EV-e serves as the base model, and comes with a starting price of just $32,250, the lowest priced of the three.

The only downside with this model is that you need to be a California resident to get your hands on it, as that is the only state it will be available in.

Soul EV price

The middle trim level is known simply as the EV, and it starts at $33,950.

As you might imagine, it comes with several features not found on the base model, including LED positioning headlights, Integrated LED turn signals, 16-inch allow wheels in dark gray with satin metal spokes, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen with the UVO infotainment system.

Range-topping Soul EV+

The EV+ is he top of the range trim, and it starts at $35,950.

You have 7 different exterior colors to choose from, a pair of which are of the two-tone variety.

If you want a panoramic sunroof as an option, this will be the only model you will get it with.

It features the same 16-inch alloy wheels seen on the middle trim level, and it also adds leather seats on the inside, which can be heated or cooled.

Read latest Kia news at www.kia-world.net…

Best Low Cost Kia Cars In U.S. (Under $20,000)

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Kia has long been known as an automotive brand that delivers quality vehicles at affordable prices.

It is in fact possible to get a number of Kia models for less than $20,000, and that doesn’t mean having to give up on features, too.

We have complied a list of the cheapest Kia cars in the US, all of which come in at less than 20 thousan dollars.

This is your chance to get into a great ride at a terrific price, so let’s see what’s on offer, keeping in mind that the prices are for the base models of each Kia car in the list.

3 lowest priced Kia models in U.S.

  1. Rio – base model starts at $14,165
  2. Soul – base model starts at $16,100
  3. Forte starts below $20,000

Kia Rio

If you are on the lookout for a sub-compact car to get around town in, then look no further than the incredibly stylish Kia Rio.

Top 3 Kia cars under $20,000

Besides the advanced technologies and amazing fuel efficiency, you also get a pair of different models to choose from: the 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback.

If it’s the 4-door you like, you can get in for as little as $14,165, when opting for the manual transmission, or $15,395 for the automatic.

The 5-door is a little on the higher end of the price scale, starting at $15,495.

There is a new generation Rio coming later this year, so don’t be too surprised if those prices go up just a little. Whatever happens, the Rio should remain the cheapest Kia car in the US market.

Kia Soul

You can’t talk about Kia vehicles under $20,000 without mentioning the incredibly popular Soul crossover.

The boxy vehicle is one of the top-sellers for the Koreans in the USA, and the 2017 model received a nice little facelift to make it even more stylish. As always, cool color options abound, and you can now get a turbo engine for the first time ever.

The Soul base model comes in at just $16,100 when opting for a manual transmission, and $17,700 with the automatic.

Kia Forte

The compact Kia Forte has seen its sales continue to steadily climb after the model underwent a refresh last year.

This is another model that comes with style options that include a 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and 2-door coupe, which is one for fans of sportier vehicles. That one sits at the top of the price scale with a starting price of $19,890.

If you want something a little more practical and a lot more affordable, you can get the 4-door sedan starting at just $16,600.

Sitting in the middle of those two models is the 5-door hatchback, which comes with a starting price of $18,200.

Conclusion

All of the above prices are minus the destination fee, which comes in around $900.

Now that you know what Kia vehicles can fit into your tight budget, the next step is to take a look at each one to see which best fits your driving needs.

You will also be able to answer the question of what is the cheapest Kia model when you head on out to the showroom.

It’s always good to be well informed before you shop, and we hope we have helped with that.

Tom Drives Kia Soul ! 2017 (Phoenix, Arizona)

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The latest in our owner’s series is a bit of a special one, as it features a Kia vehicle that all of you have been waiting for.

We are talking about the 200-hp 2017 Kia Soul Turbo, and Tom, a software developer from Phoenix, AZ, was more than happy to share the details of his sweet, bright red ride.

Tom’s previous car was a Mini Cooper, so it’s obvious that he has a definite thing for vehicles with a cool design.

He was looking for something a little bigger this time around, not to mention a vehicle that would be comfortable when driving 45 minutes to work.

This was his first Kia vehicle, but he was sold by the look of the facelifted 2017 Soul turbo the moment he saw it for the first time.

Red Kia Soul TurboThat happiness extended to his first driving experience, with the smooth shifting 7-speed automatic and the host of standard features a joy to behold.

It was an easy decision for Tom, and he now takes great pride in telling people all about his Soul, and all the cool features that it comes with.

He is even happier when people are stunned to learn that he paid a whole lot less for those features than they did to get the same things in their ride.

Read on to learn more about Tom and his 2017 Kia Soul turbo experience.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim turbo specs

  • Engine: 1.6L Turbo
  • Exterior color: Red
  • Trim: !
  • Model year: 2017
  • Tire size: 18”
  • Average mileage: 28mpg (first 300 miles)
  • Miles driven so far: 330

Q&A

1. Tell us something about your Kia car ownership experience so far?

This car is everything I dreamed it would be, and more. It’s beautiful inside, like any luxury car. The 7-speed automatic is so smooth shifting I barely notice it, unless I’m in sport mode.

The driver’s seat is super comfortable and adjustable beyond what I’d ever need. I’ve already had opportunities to use the heated seats, and wow, the heated steering wheel. That’s amazing.

I keep finding new things that make me smile. I haven’t had time to read through the manuals yet, so I’ve been discovering features accidentally. When the navigation is on, and the display between the gauges is set to the compass, it displays information about the next turn for the navigation.

This is awesome because I don’t have to look over at the navigation screen; I can just take a quick peek down at the gauge cluster.

If I’m not looking at the compass, and I’m looking at the digital speed instead, I found that if I turn on Soul Sport Mode, the number goes italic, and adds 2 more gauges–one for the turbo and one for torque.

It looks like something out of a video game…totally made me smile.

Picture of Kia Soul Turbo  Kia Soul Phoenix

2. How long have you owned your 2017 Soul Exclaim?

I bought my Soul on March 1, 2017.

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

I wanted something bigger than my current car, and automatic. I’ve been driving a manual for years, but in traffic, an automatic would be much easier for me.

The Soul crossover has had my eye for a couple of years now, and the only thing holding me back from getting one was the reports that engine was underpowered.

While that might not be a big deal for most people, I was used to driving a 1.6L turbo MINI Cooper S.

Then I heard about the new Kia Soul 1.6L turbo, so I pretty much knew how that would feel. I test drove the Soul and was grinning the entire time.

4. What do you like the most about this car?

Apart from the turbo engine, which is so much fun, I’d have to say the technology.

The Harman Kardon stereo sounds great. It sounds like what people spend thousands of dollars upgrading their stock stereos to sound like.

Everything in the touchscreen is intuitive and you barely have to touch it. I’ve used other touchscreens where you had to press a little…not this one.

I haven’t even started using the voice commands yet, but I know they’re there. There’s so many technology features, it feels like I’m driving in the future.

5. What do other people say about your ride?

2017 Kia Soul UVOIt’s funny, actually. At first, they say, “really, a Kia?” with a weird inquisitive look on their face, and then I explain about the car, all of the technology, features they don’t have in their own cars (often more expensive cars), and then if I show them, they’re like “Wow, I had no idea. I just might need a Soul.”

6. What is it that makes your Soul ! unique?

So far, it’s just stock, with the tech package, panoramic sunroof, and tinted windows. I haven’t seen many Souls with this sunroof though.

For some reason, the red soul comes with a red “soul” emblem, so you can barely see it.

I ordered a chrome one that I’ll replace it with, as well as some chrome letters to spell out TURBO, because people should know that it’s a turbo, since Kia really hit the mark with this engine.

7. What Kia Soul accessories have you installed so far / do you have any future plans?

Next week, I’m adding the HomeLink auto-dimming rearview mirror with garage door buttons, remote start so I can cool off the car before I get in (Arizona summers are brutally hot), and a rear spoiler.

2018 Kia Soul EV Gets 30 kwh Battery, Range Boost

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EXCLUSIVE news: 2018 Kia Soul EV to gain 30 kwh battery pack & increased driving range!

The all-electric Kia Soul EV has been on the market for around 2 years, and in that time, very little has changed with the vehicle.

Sure, there have been a couple of trim level upgrades, but nothing major.

This means that the battery and powertrain are the same now as they were 2 years ago.

That is all set to change when Kia launch the 2018 Soul EV in the US market.

2018 Kia Soul EV increase in rangeSpecifically, it will be the Soul EV battery that will be getting an upgrade, if leaked documents out of Germany are to be believed.

It really was only a matter of time before the current 27 kwh battery received an upgrade, but we have been impatiently waiting for official word.

This may not have been how we expected to get it, but the blurry document out of a German Kia dealership reveals that the Kia Soul EV battery capacity will go from 27 to 30kwh (usable) on the 2018 model.

Kia Soul EV 2018 specs document

2018 Kia Soul electric vehicle specs While this is by no means a huge upgrade, it is still a welcome one that will keep the Soul EV competitive in the fast evolving all-electric vehicle segment.

A bigger battery also means a longer range on a full charge.

The current Soul EV comes with a 93-mile range, but the extra capacity should see the upcoming 2018 model top the 100-mile mark.

According to the leaked document, the NEDC range increases from 212 to 250 km.

  1. Current battery
    – Rated capacity 75 Ah (37.5 * 2)
    – Battery weight 277 kg
    – Rated voltage: 360 V
    – Number of cells: 192
  2.  New battery
    – Nominal capacity 80 Ah (40 * 2)
    – Battery weight 290 kg
    – Rated voltage: 375 V
    – Number of cells: 200

New driving range of 2018 Kia Soul EV

  • NEDC range increases from 212 to 250 km
  • EPA range increases from 93 to 100+ miles (to be updated)

What is the official release date of the 2018 Soul EV?

There has been no word on when the 30kWh 2018 Kia Soul EV will hit the market, but our best guess is that it will be later this year.

We might well see the new model as soon as April at the New York Motor Show, or perhaps later in the year, with the LA show in November another option.

2018 Soul electric vehicle availability

The all electric Soul boxy car is currently available only at certain dealerships in:

  • California
  • Oregon
  • Washington
  • Georgia
  • Texas
  • Hawaii
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Connecticut
  • Maryland

There are no reports about the expanded availability of the 2018 Soul electric vehicle at this point, but that would sure do good to its U.S. market sales.

Stay tuned. We will keep this Kia news post updated! (Source: Goingelectric.de)

Hot Girl In The Kia Cadenza Commercial Ad

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The all-new Kia Cadenza commercial is yet another clever use of advertising from the Korean automakers.

There is an awful lot of buzz being generated by the new ad, and while much of the talk is about how great the car looks, there are also plenty of people dying to know who the sexy redhead is that plays a major role in the ad.

Before we reveal the identity of the redheaded bombshell in the Cadenza ad, let us first describe what actually goes.

Kia Cadenza commercial

It starts with the stunning actress leaving a building and going onto the street, where several luxury cars, complete with chauffeurs, are lined up waiting.

Kia Cadenza commercial girl - who is she?Each of the driver’s opens their door for her, only to look on, totally crestfallen, as she passes each of them by with a little smile and a big wiggle in her walk.

The ad end with her climbing into her sleek black Kia Cadenza and driving off on her own, complete with the tagline, “Confidence never goes out of style.”

It’s a fanstastic way to highlight the new Cadenza model, but it has left many people asking who the stunningly beautiful redhead actress is in the ad.

Who’s the hot girl in the commercial?

She would be none other than Christina Hendricks, who is perhaps best known for her role in TV’s “Mad Men,” which was the show that really launched her to fame.

We believe this ad is going to put her right back in the spotlight, whilst also making a lot of guys think that maybe it’s time to get into a Cadenza premium sedan.

Kia Soul Pink Color – Is It Available In 2018?

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Kia Soul in pink color – is it on sale in 2019?

Cars come in all kind of different colors, but one that is almost impossible to find is pink.

The Soul has no less than 10 cool color options, but try as hard as you might, you are not going to find a pink Kia Sol out there, at least not one that rolled off the production line.

If pink is your favorite color and you would like your Soul to come in that particular hue, there are a couple of things you can do to make it happen.

The first thing you need to do, obviously, is take possession of a Soul, the color of which doesn’t really matter.

Pink kia Soul hubcapsThe next step is to get the Kia Soul in the pink color of your choosing, which may well start with a trip to the dealership.

The service shop there can color your vehicle any way you want it, even if that means going with a blast of pink.

Accessorizing after the fact should not be a problem, as there are all kinds of pink Soul accessories on the market.

The other option that you have is to have the vehicle plasti dipped, which will leave you with a rather glorious looking pink vehicle.

The downside of both choices is that they tend to be on the pricy end of the scale.

Unless you have a lot of disposable income available, you are going to find it tough to get the pink vehicle you want.

Since there is no sign of a pink Kia Soul for sale coming anytime soon, you may just have to settle for getting those pink accessories for your Soul, so that you will at least have a little splash of pink to show off when you hit the highway.

Kia Soul Brownstone Special Edition Model

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Word out of Kia dealerships is that it won’t be too long before we see a new Soul special edition model landing in showrooms across the country.

Called Kia Soul Brownstone, the vehicle will offer some fancy bells and whistles, as well as a rather unique two-tone exterior body color.

So, what exactly will it look like?

The main part of the body will be done in a brown hue, while the roof will be white.

It will be given the Urban Active body kit, which means piano black and chrome accents will be used.

2017 Kia Soul Brownstone special edition modelIt will also come with a sportier set of alloy wheels.

On the inside, the Soul Brownstone special edition model will have brown leather seats, all of which will be heated. It will also be equipped with a heated steering wheel.

Kia Soul Brownstone special edition features

  • Two tone exterior color with Russet brown body and with roof
  • Urban Active body kit
  • Black Over Fenders
  • 18-inch split spoke alloy wheels
  • Chrome door handles
  • Interior color : Brownstone leather
  • Interior: heated front and rear seats
  • Heated steering wheel

How limited will the Kia Soul Brownstone be?

There is no official word yet, but in the past, Kia have made around 2,000 units of each of their Soul limited edition models available, so we can probably expect the same here.

These, like all other special edition models, are going to go quickly, so you better get in now if you want to have it.

When can this Soul special edition model be ordered?

From what we hear, the Kia Soul Brownstone is just starting to arrive in showrooms now.

It will be made available across the US, so we suggest that you get in touch with your local Kia dealer to talk about availability.

Can we expect other Kia Soul special edition models?

The Brownstone will serve as the first special edition Soul model, but we expect there will be more to come, including an Orange edition.

While this is just a guess for now, we think it’s an educated one.

Kia announced that the orange color would be making a comeback this year, yet it is not listed as an option on the Kia.com (official US Kia website).

That leads us to believe that a special edition in this hue will arrive at a later date.

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