How Does Kia Stinger Handle In Snow And Ice?

Posted on March 1, 2017 by himi

The video here reveals how Kia Stinger performs in the snow!

The Kia Stinger is a beautiful looking vehicle that is both stylish and graceful, but underneath that cool exterior beats a strong heart that had to pass some serious tests.

As we speak, the Stinger had made the move from the famed Nurburgring test track in Germany to the icy landscape of the Arctic.

Kia engineers are out to prove that this vehicle can perform in a variety of conditions, including sub-zero temperatures.

One of the biggest selling points of the new Kia sports sedan will be its ride and handling, but that only works if it’s able to deliver the goods in all manner of different settings.

The Stinger has certainly made the rounds to prove that point, including a stop in Arjeplog in Swedish Lapland, where it underwent testing in different low-grip environments, including a slalom run on the frozen waters of Uddjaure Lake.

Kia Stinger driving and handling in snow

RWD and AWD snow tests

The Arctic stop on the tour will allow the Kia engineers to find-tune the handling of the Stinger in both the RWD and AWD configurations.

It will also be used to test out the electronic driving aids that will be included in the vehicle.

It’s important that both configurations work well, as this will be the first time that Kia delivers a sedan with both AWD and FWD set-ups.

Kia Stinger AWD

There are a number of systems in place in the Kia Stinger AWD model to help deliver a car that is easy to handle, including the Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system, which is in place to ensure that all the wheels get the power and braking force they need in any driving situation.

Kia Stinger RWD gains mechanical limited slip differential

For drivers of the Stinger RWD model, an optional mechanical limited slip differential for maximum handling adjustability will be in place.

The 3.3-liter Stinger GT models will come with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS), which can be switched out, when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

Albert Biermann serves as the Head of Vehicle Test and High Performance Development for Kia, and he spoke about the testing of the Stinger, saying that driving the car in extreme conditions helps create a higher level of stability and predictability.

He believes that such tests make it easier to deliver a sport sedan with great driving characteristics.

While he wants future owners of the 2018 Kia Stinger to have an enjoyable ride when they get behind the wheel, he also wants to be sure that they will be safe in all driving conditions.

2017 Seoul Motor Show: List Of New Cars

Posted on February 27, 2017 by himi

The Korean auto industry is going through a real boom phase right now, which has generated a lot of interest in what’s to come in the future.

The biennial Seoul Motor Show, which will run from March 31 to April 9 at Kintex in Ilsan, Gyeonggi, will reveal a wide number of new vehicles slated to go on sale in Korea.

There will be 9 domestic automakers showing off their latest models and technology at the 10-day event, as well as a further 18 automakers from all over the world.

Among the vehicles on display will be electric and plug-in hybrid models, and visitors will be able to get behind the wheel of these new cars and give them a test drive.

Let’s look at what else will be going on at the 2017 Seoul Motor Show:

A total of 17 cars will be making their Asian premiere at the event, 3 of which will be concept cars.
SsangYong Motor and Hyundai will both launch new models.

Here are some of the other expected highlights that will be on offer from the Korean brands:

Kia

The Stinger sedan made a triumphant premiere at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year, and it should also draw rave reviews at this event.

This is Kia’s speediest model to date, going from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds. It should be in Korean showrooms very soon.

Hyundai

The facelifted 2018 Hyundai Sonata will be launched in Seoul.

The ever-popular model is expected to have a cool new design, as well as several drivetrain upgrades. It will go on sale in Korea shortly after the show.

Hyundai will also be showing of the latest version of the Grandeur hybrid, which arrived on the scene last November with increased cargo space and improved fuel economy.

An unnamed concept vehicle is also rumored to be making an appearance.

Genesis

This will be the first time that Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand will be making an appearance as its own entity at a separate booth.

Ssangyong Motors

The Y400 premium SUV from Ssangyong will be making its first appearance.

This SUV model, which will have seating for 7, is expected to go head to head with the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe models.

Electric cars

Electric vehicles are expected to make a big splash at the event.

Among the models being shown off will be the GM Bolt EV, which should arrive in the early part of the year, the Renault Samsung Twizy, and the Toyota Prius Prime (hybrid), which should land next month.

Autonomous vehicles

An autonomous vehicle based on the Kia K7 will also be on display, and will be making the rounds of the 4-kilometer road that circles the Korea Exhibition Center.

The vehicle, which does not need a driver, will hold 3 passengers at a time.

Anyone expecting a thrill ride will be out of luck, as safety measures will be in place that ensure the vehicle does not go beyonf 40 km/h.

Fully-Loaded 2018 Kia Soul Exclaim – What’s The Cost

Posted on February 22, 2017 by himi

It’s impossible to put your finger on the exact moment that the Kia brand started to get noticed, but we would wager that it was around the time that the Soul hit the market in 9 years ago.

It’s a great looking vehicle that is not that expensive to get into, which begs the question of the cost of a fully loaded Kia Soul.

Kia Soul Exclaim 2018

The Exclaim trim sits at the top of the Kia Soul range and now comes with a 201-horsepower turbo engine that puts some real pep into the stride of this beautiful boxy car.

Fully-loaded Kia Soul Exclaim That, as well as some of the other new features, has made the Soul Exclaim a must have for many Kia fans.

While you get more power, roughly 40-hp, with this engine than you get with other Soul engines, you still get a city/highway combined 28 mpg.

That number is a touch better than the 2.0-liter engine on the Soul Plus and the 1.6-liter engine found in the base model.

The Exclaim deliver power, fuel efficiency, and also performance, thanks in large part to the engine being mated to a new 7-speed DCT.

This unit delivers smoother shifts, which in turn makes for smoother acceleration, and a much better driving experience.

There is even more to discuss before we get to the cost of the Soul Exclaim, and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention some of the sportier features that it boasts.

These include things like chrome grille surround, red-accented body trim, exclusive 18-inch wheels, and a Soul tailgate badge.

You also get a dual chrome twin-tip exhaust, which is a first for the Soul.

Cost of fully loaded Kia Soul Exclaim

The 2018 Soul is available in three trim levels:

Base with 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
Soul Plus with the 6-speed automatic
Soul Exclaim turbo with the new 7-speed DCT

The entry-level BASE starts at $16,100, while mid range Plus trim MSRP starts at $20,300.

The range-topping Kia Soul Exclaim costs $22,800.

Kia Soul Exclaim Sunroof & Technology package

The top of the line Kia Soul comes available with a wide number of premium features, but two additional packages (optional) provide even more bells and whistles.

The Soul Panoramic Sunroof Package (costs $1000) adds large panorama sunroof with power sunshade.

The Soul Technology Package costs $3000 and adds Navigation with 8″ display, Harman Kardon Audio with center speaker, subwoofer and amplifier, Speaker lights, 10-way power driver’s seat including lumbar support, 8-way power passenger seat, Blind Spot Detection System etc.

Conclusion

Given what you get with this vehicle, it’s more than a little surprising to see that you can get a top of the range Soul for $22,800.

This really is an amazingly low price for a vehicle that delivers looks, a ton of outstanding features, and a level of drivability that has to be considered among the best in the segment.

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2017 Kia Sorento – Which One Is Better?

Posted on February 12, 2017 by himi

Comparing Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe – which is better?

Crossover vehicles and SUV’s are meant to be functional vehicles, but that doesn’t mean that style should be ignored.

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento both kill it in the looks and performance departments, which is why they are in such high demand.

We thought it might be a good idea to show you all exactly what you get with the 2017 versions of these great crossovers.

Before we get started, we should make it clear that while Hyundai SantaFe and Kia Sorento are produced by sister companies, they do in fact boast major styling differences.

They may share platforms, technology, and engineering, but they each have a definite style that helps set them apart from one another.

It is those subtle differences that might help you decide which one is best for you.

Kia, Hyundai SUV seating configurations

If you are looking for the biggest differences between the 2017 versions of the Santa Fe and the Sorento, it would be in the seating configuration department.

There are 5- and 7- seat versions of the 2017 Kia Sorento, while the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in 6- and 7- seat configurations.

If you don’t need that many seats, you might also consider the 2017 Santa Fe Sport, which is a 5-seater.

2017 Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento SUV or Hyundai Santa Fe SUV The base engine that powers the very nice looking 2017 Kia Sorento is a 2,4L 4-cylinder unit that generates 191 horsepower.

You also have a 2,0L turbocharged engine available in the Sorento SUV.

However, if we are really doing a side by side comparison with the Santa Fe, then we would suggest opting for the 3.3L V6 with the 6-speed automatic, generating 290 horsepower.

This baby accelerates very nicely with this engine in place, and it too can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Front wheel drive is standard, while some higher grade models come available with AWD.

The interior of the Sorento is a definite winner, and the ride is extremely comfortable.

The crossover handles nicely, and with the Sorento backed by the best warranty in the business, it’s a model that’s hard to beat.

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe versus Kia Sorento The exterior design of the Santa Fe is incredibly athletic, making it an excellent choice in the midsize crossover segment.

Under the hood, you’ll find the 3.3-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, generating 290 horsepower.

This vehicle has some power, and can tow as much as 5,000 pounds.

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent value proposition, and while it isn’t particularly sporty, it comes with a suspension that delivers a nice combination of comfort and handling.

It comes standard with FWD, but there is an AWD option available.

2017 Sorento or 2017 Santa Fe – which one is the winner

Rather than picking a winner, it’s safer to say that you can’t lose with either option.

Safety features, quality and fuel efficiency are almost identical, and both come with an amazing warranty that makes each one an excellent value proposition.

It’s certainly a close call, and one that will come down to a personal choice, although we would suggest that the interior of the 2017 Kia Sorento is just a touch nicer than the Santa Fe SUV.

That said, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe wins in the space department, as it delivers more room for passengers and cargo.

We suggest giving them both a look and deciding for yourself.

Cars Like Kia Stonic – Small SUV Competitors

Posted on February 12, 2017 by himi

Sister companies Kia and Hyundai are both in the process of developing a small crossover vehicle, both of which are set to hit the popular small SUV segment later this year.

We recently revealed spy shots of the upcoming small Kia SUV model, which is tentatively being called the Stonic.

The most recent spy shots showed the vehicle in heavy camouflage, but from what we can see today, it looks like it’s going to be a great looking model.

This will be Kia’s first entry into the small SUV segment, a smart move given how quickly the segment has been growing in Europe and Asia.

It is now also starting to gain some real traction in the US.

It makes sense that Hyundai and Kia, as well as other automakers, are now testing the waters of the small SUV segment.

What this means is the that Stonic is going to have some competition to deal with.

We thought it might be a good idea to look at the segment, and take a closer peek into the cars like Kia Stonic, which are as follows:

Kia Stonic rivals & competitors

Nissan Juke – This was actually the vehicle that started the segment a little over 5 years ago. It has been a sales success for Nissan, and the second-generation model will be hitting the market next year. The Juke is likely to be the biggest of the competitors of the Kia Stonic.

Renault Captur – This Kia Stonic rival is based on the Juke, and it has been a huge hit in Europe, going as far as landing in the top 10 best sellers in the region.

Mazda CX-3 – This model has become very popular, thanks in large part to its design, driving characteristics, and fuel economy. Another one that is sure to offer stiff competition.

Toyota C-HR – New to the segment, but one that is still sure to be a big rival. The Toyota powertrain used in this model is a winner, and the coupe styling is incredibly cool. It’s a FWD model only, but you can also get it as a hybrid.

Fiat 500X – This is certainly one of the better looking vehicles on the market, and this one comes with AWD and more passenger and cargo space than the Fiat 500 small hatchback.

Jeep Renegade – You can’t create a list of Kia Stonic rivals without mentioning the entry level model from Jeep. They don’t come much better as an off-road vehicle than this one.

Chevrolet Trax – Also known as the Opel Mokka in Europe and the Buick Encore in the US, this model is starting to gain popularity. Pricing is excellent, and it is loaded with a ton of features.

Hyundai (Intrado) – We have saved this one for last simply because we don’t know that much about it yet. It will share a powertrain with the Stonic, but it will have different styling. We are not even sure if it will bear the same name as the concept model it is based on.

These are the currently available small SUV models that look like the upcoming Kia Stonic. (photos: bobaedream)

Hyundai & Kia Small Car, SUV Models In 2018

Posted on February 6, 2017 by himi

One thing that Kia and Hyundai have done really well over the last decade or so is to ensure that they have a vehicle in just about every major vehicle segment.

From sub-compacts to SUV’s, Kia and Hyundai had their customers covered.

There is stiff competition to be found in each of those segments, but perhaps none as stiff as what is found in the B-segment category, which is where Kia and Hyundai have been especially active lately.

List of Hyundai / Kia B-segment cars

Rio 5-door / 4-door sedan
i20 5-door / i20 Active
Soul / Soul EV
Venga MPV
ix20 MPV

The A-segment consists of small city cars such as the Kia Picanto and Fiat 500, while the C-segment is filled with larger sedans, such as the Hyundai Elantra and Chevy Cruze.

The B-segment vehicles sit right in the middle of those groups, and are very popular in Europe, which is where both automakers are trying to build their brand.

When you look at the number of models that Kia and sister company Hyundai have in the B-segment, you can see that it is crowded by those two alone, and that is not even taking into account the models that the competition has in there.

We thought it would be a good idea to give you guys a bit of a breakdown of all the Korean models currently available in the B-segment (European market only!).

List of small Kia (& Hyundai) models

Kia Rio small hatchback & sedan

The Rio, which has just undergone a full redesign, is now in its 4^th generation. Older versions came as a 3- or 5-door hatch model, but the new release is currently only available as a 5-door, with a 4-door version coming soon.

Hyundai i20 small hatchback

This model has only been available in Europe for about 3 years. Built in Turkey, the i20 is available in 5-door or 3-door coupe variants. The 3-door model definitely has a sportier style, that’ why it has been used as a base for the very sporty i20 WRC rally car.

Hyundai i20 Active

The third and final member of the i20 family, the i20 Active is a 5-door model that is more rugged looking, and which comes with more ground clearance. One thing you won’t get, though, is AWD.

Kia Soul small crossover

You don’t need to be a Kia fan to recognize this iconic model out on the road. The Soul was given a midcycle facelift for the 2017 model year to keep it fresh in this highly competitive market.

Kia Soul EV small electric car

The Soul also comes as an all-electric model, and while sales are modest in Europe, they are still 3 to 4 times greater than in the US.

Kia Venga small MVP

This small MVP is a model that is sold in Europe only, and is manufactured in Kia’s production plant in Slovakia. The Venga is a 5-seater that comes with a ton of cargo space inside. This model has been on the market for 5 years, but it’s tough to say whether it will be around much longer. In Europe, small minivans are losing ground to small SUV models, so we would not be surprised to see this one phased out when Kia introduces the new Stonic small SUV.

Hyundai ix20 small minivan

Much like the Venga, this is a smaller MVP from Hyundai. It uses the same powertrain technology as the Venga, but looks different inside and out. It may also be discontinued when Hyundai’s new small SUV hits the market.

Future small models from Kia & Hyundai

Kia Stonic
Hyundai (Intrado)

Kia Stonic small SUV

This is an upcoming model from Kia that was recently spied being put through its paces in snowy conditions. Rumor has it that the new model will be called the Stonic, but other than that, little else is known. We expect that this one will be unveiled in Frankfurt later on this year.

Hyundai small SUV (Intrado?)

This is another one that we know very little about other than that it is currently still being developed at the Hyundai R&D Center in Germany.

There is no official word on the name, but there is a chance that it could be given the same name as the Intrado concept model shown off in Germany about 3 years ago.

2017 Kia Stonic Spied Winter Testing (News & Rumors)

Posted on February 2, 2017 by himi

First spy shots of the Kia Stonic hit the web!

Both Hyundai and Kia have been working hard to deliver their B-segment crossovers to the market.

Hyundai small SUV has been spied testing in different parts of the globe several times before, while Kia’s upcoming Rio-based SUV has been caught out in the wild for the first time today.

While Hyundai has yet to deliver a name for their future small SUV (to be launched this year), Kia’s recent trademark application suggests that they will be naming the vehicle the Stonic.

Kia Stonic spy shots

As far as the styling goes, the upcoming Kia Stonic features a more conventional SUV-like shape compared to the Soul crossover.

The vehicle looks like a lifted version of the Rio hatchback, but with more ground clearance and some body cladding.

The C-pillars and rear three-quarter windows looks similar to those seen on the new Rio hatchback.

The overall exterior design is expected to be influenced by the Rio 5-door, while some styling cues may be adopted from the funky Provo concept vehicle.

FWD standard, AWD optional?

Will Kia Stonic AWD be available?

What we don’t know yet is whether the upcoming Stonic SUV will come as an FWD model only, or whether it will also have AWD capabilities.

Going against the Nissan Juke would mean that Kia should make AWD available, but if they are basing this model on the Soul crossover, then don’t be surprised to see it offered as FWD only.

We expect that the 2017 Stonice engine range is going to feature a wide range of gasoline and diesel units.

The 1,0L turbocharged unit could be used as the base engine, while 1,4L T-GDI should be available a top of the range.

In Europe, the Kia Rio-based SUV will also be offered with a pair of diesel engines (1,4L and 1,6L CRDI).

Vehicles like Kia Stonic?

Kia’s upcoming small SUV will compete against the likes of Mazda CX-3, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade and Hyundai (Intrado).

Rumored release date: late 2017

Kia Stonic release date – when?

The all-new Kia Stonic crossover vehicle, assuming that’s what it will be called, will be released later this year, with the most likely unveiling spot being the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The official US unveiling of the Kia Stonic probably wouldn’t come until December at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Stay tuned for more news reports and spy shots of the 2017 Kia Stonic small SUV!

2018 Kia Model Line Up Projections – Trucks, Car, SUV

Posted on February 2, 2017 by himi

We have just gotten a hint about the upcoming 2018 Kia models and think sharing the news with you guys would be a cool gesture.

It’s true that this is almost one year away from now, but you can expect the first Kia vehicles, labeled as 2018 models, being put on sale already this year.

There are a wide number of new or refreshed vehicles projected to hit the U.S. and European markets.

The goal of each of those new Kia models will be to attract even larger number of new car shoppers.

Now, let’s have a look at what to expect from the 2018 Kia line up.

2018 Kia models coming soon

Soul: The 2018 Kia Soul is not expected to incorporate many tweaks and changes. The funky hamster ride has received a mid-cycle facelift as well as a new turbo engine earlier this year.

Soul EV: The 2018 Soul EV is rumored to receive minor cosmetic changes and slightly larger battery pack which would enable owners to drive up to 124 miles on a single charge.

Sorento SUV: Our friends from Korea have spied a 2018 Kia Sorento facelift a couple of weeks ago. Early spy shots suggest that the 2018 Kia midsize SUV will incorporate some styling tweaks up front and rear.

Stinger: Kia has officially unveiled the Stinger sports sedan at the Detroit Motor Show. Set to go on sale in the second half of the year, the 2018 Stinger will come with optional AWD.

Rio: All-new for the upcoming model year will be the 2018 Kia Rio 5-door. The popular sub-compact hatchback is expected to go on sale in US during the first half of 2017.

K900: According to latest news and rumors, the 2018 K900 will receive a major makeover. We have no official details about the 2018 Kia luxury sedan at this point. You can however, check the early spy shots pf the K900 redesign here at the Kia-world.net.

Sedona: At this point, we do not have any information about the 2018 Sedona minivan release date. It may receive a subtle facelift to keep it fresh on the market.

Other Kia vehicles coming in 2018

Forte: Kia will launch a brand-new Forte model at the beginning of 2018. The compact sedan will receive a major styling makeover and will host a plethora of mechanical enhancements.

It is not known at this point what will happen with the 2018 Kia Forte Koup. It may be axed from the Kia US range or replaced by another model.

That’s what we know about the 2018 Kia vehicles and future models in US at this point.

We will keep you updated, so stay tuned!

2017 Kia Cadenza color options (Inside & Out)

Posted on February 1, 2017 by himi

The 2017 Kia Cadenza is in showrooms now, and comes equipped with power and technology that make for a great ride.

The second-generation Cadenza has a whole new exterior and interior design, comes equipped with upgraded engine, and even gives you the option to choose between a couple of different front grille designs.

We know that you all love to hear about the color options on new Kia models, and there is certainly a lot to report on that front.

We have gone into detail on these choices in other articles, so for now, let’s deliver a quick recap.

What are the 2017 Kia Cadenza exterior color options?

(to be updated with pictures)

The color options vary depending upon the trim level in which they are used.

The trim levels available for the 2017 Kia Cadenza are the Premium, Technology, and Limited.

Make sure that the color you want matches the trim level you are after.

There are 7 great exterior color options to choose from, as well as a few options on the interior.

The upholstery used in the interior is of the highest quality, and a host of new driver assistance features as standard help make this a comfortable ride.

The new 2017 Cadenza is a vehicle that you are probably going to love as soon as you see it, and you are definitely going to be amazed at how much cargo space Kia has packed into this beauty.

Fleet Insurance For Families With Three Or More Kia Vehicles

Posted on January 30, 2017 by himi

Fleet car insurance is not just limited to the commercial business sector it also an option for families with 3 or more Kia vehicles.

Fleet insurance may bring savings and should be considering over the traditional single policy per car approach.

Insuring a large fleet of vehicles of any type car, van or truck is expensive and both families and fleet managers should consider practical ways in which these costs can be capped or reduced.

Listed below are 5 tips to lowering your fleet insurance premiums.

Level of cover

Third party which is the legal minimum and only covers costs to the third party should your fleet vehicle be in an accident.

This level of cover whilst not covering your own vehicles should not be discounted as the saving may outweigh any costs that you incur.

Windscreen cover

Can this be excluded from the policy, how many claims have you made and the costs?

Can you contract with a local windscreen repair company and get a lower cost?

Telematics

Some brokers will offer attractive discounts if you fit your fleet with insurance industry approved telematics devices.

Other brokers will offer discounts if the data proves that drivers are improving and a lower level claims and don’t forget if they show the opposite then your premiums could rise.

Driver training

Do you have a program to continually improve the level of driving or have the drivers that will be included on the policy attended an advanced training program.

If you can answer yes to either then make sure that you inform the broker as this should also lead to lower premiums.

Car repair price

Some cars are more expensive to fix than others.

Data on the average repair costs of different cars produced by car manufactures is collected and play a part in the underwriters premium calculation.

Cars that are the most expensive to repair include BMW, Audi and Jaguar.

At the other end of the scale cars from Asia are mostly in the top 10 with cars from Kia, Suzuki and Toyota being least expensive cars to repair.

Source: Glass’s Guide ICME Manual

Fully-Loaded Kia Niro Touring – What’s The Cost?

Posted on January 27, 2017 by himi

If we have learned anything from the hybrid auto market, it’s that the cost of going green is usually quite pricy.

When Kia announced that they were going to introduce a hybrid crossover, a first for the Koreans, the general consensus was that it would end up being a rather pricy proposition.

It may come as a rather pleasant surprise to learn that you can get into a top of the range Niro for less than $35,000.

That model would be the Kia Niro Touring, and believe us when we tell you that this thing is loaded.

Let’s take a closer look at what comes with the fully-loaded Niro Touring.

Price of Kia Niro Touring The 2018 Kia Niro Touring starts at just $32,000, which is an excellent price for a hybrid crossover, never mind one with hybrid capabilities.

At that price, this model has a real shot at making a major splash in the hybrid market, as it’s sure to draw consumers who want an eco-friendly model, but who have previously balked at the higher price points of other available brands.

The Touring trim sits at the top of the Kia Niro range, and you get a ton of features included with that remarkable price.

Kia Niro Touring 2018

We should start this off by letting you know that you give up a little in fuel efficiency when you move up to the Touring.

The base Niro model delivers 50 mpg combined, while the Touring’s numbers come in at 46/40/43 mpg city/highway/combined, which are still impressive numbers.

It’s a great looking model that goes the 5-door crossover route, while skillfully avoiding the similar look that all hybrid models seem to adopt.

If you saw this thing out on the road, you’d be hard pressed to know that you are looking at a hybrid vehicle.

This model rides on 18-inch alloy wheels which are shod in P225/45R18 tires.

There is a ton of luggage space on offer, too, with luggage capacity set at 19.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are upright.

Features of the fully loaded 2018 Niro Touring

The lower trim levels include features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, LED lights, keyless entry with pushbutton start, and a whole host of other goodies.

The 2018 Niro Touring delivers all of that, but also throws in some additional features for good measure.

These include, but are not limited to, heated and ventilated seats, a power tilt/slide sunroof, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory function, front and rear park assist, heated steering wheel, and a killer 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

That’s a lot of stuff for the top of the range Kia Niro.

Niro Touring US release date

If this price point has you seriously considering making the move to this stylish Kia hybrid model, then the good news is that you don’t have to wait anymore.

The Kia Niro hybrid line-up, which includes the top of the range Touring, is already on sale in Kia showrooms across the United States.

Melissa McCarthy In Kia Super Bowl 2017 Commercial

Posted on January 23, 2017 by himi

Kia Motors America has released first details about their upcoming 2017 Super Bowl ad.

The company is returning to the Super Bowl for the eighth consecutive year with a 60-second video commercial.

After putting Christoper Walken in last year’s Super Bowl commercial, the automaker is turning to another celebrity to hype the launch of their new hybrid crossover on this year’s game.

This year’s Kia Super Bowl commercial stars Melissa McCarthy, the actress and comedian, as well as the brand-new Kia Niro hybrid crossover.

Kia’s full video commercial will be aired during the third quarter of the Big Game.

The automaker has today released this teaser, showing Melissa McCarthy in safari gear, running in a panic.

She is running from … something!

What do you think she’s so affraid of?

2017 Kia Super Bowl commercial ad

To be updated, so stay tuned!

Kia Soul Tarmac Special Edition Available in 2019?

Posted on January 23, 2017 by himi

Kia Soul Tarmac limited edition model – is it still available in 2019?

The Kia Soul has a style all its own, and that is a look that makes it incredibly special.

You might believe that nothing can be done to make it look even better, but Kia are taking a shot at it with the Soul Tarmac Special Edition model.

There is certainly a lot to love about the Tarmac Kia Soul limited edition, and it all begins with the triple-black color package, and an upgrade in technology.

This special edition Soul model is only available in limited quantities and at limited locations.

Kia Soul Tarmac Special Edition model The glossy black finish gives the Kia Soul Tarmac a futuristic, space-age look that is quite stunning.

The main black color of the Soul Tarmac comes with sharp black accents, as well as 18-inch split-spoke wheels in striking dark-graphite.

On the Kia Soul Tarmac interior, the black cloth comes with bright red stitching that adds a sporty touch. Like the eyes of a black panther, projector beam headlights show the road ahead in the dark.

As mentioned earlier, this Kia Soul special edition comes with a stunning array of technology, such as an 8-inch touchscreen, voice command navigation, HD Radio, UVO eServices, and a lot of ways to connect to your favorite mobile device.

Kia Soul Tarmac Q&A

When was the Tarmac (special edition) Kia Soul first launched?

The Soul Tarmac was officially released back in 2016.

Available colors and engine?

Kia Soul Tarmac is all black (the sole color choice on this limited model) and comes available with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine generating 164 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque.

What is the cost of Tarmac (special edition) Kia Soul Tarmac package?

The Tarmac is built on the Soul Plus trim, and costs $3100 more than that model. That extra money gets you the following:

Unique dark finish 18-inch alloy wheels
Black accented body kit
Gloss black exterior
Red accented interior
AVN 4.0 navigation/premium audio

Is the Kia Soul Tarmac available in 2019?

The official US Kia website has little to offer about the 2019 Soul Tarmac edition, which leads us to believe there are no more available.

Not really a big surprise given that only 2000 were made.

If you want one, though, we suggest checking the Kia dealer network for available 2019 models.

Kia May Launch All-Electric Stinger EV In 2020 (Q&A)

Posted on January 18, 2017 by himi

Is there an all-electric Kia Stinger EV in the pipeline?

Kia may only just have unveiled their new sports sedan, the 2018 Stinger, but there is already talk of an electric version of the vehicle.

An all-electric Kia Stinger model would be released to compete with the upcoming Tesla model 3, but as of yet, no timeline has been put forward as to when all of this might happen.

Kia Stinger EV release date

The talk of the battery-powered Kia Stinger EV comes from a reliable source: Spencer Cho of Kia’s overseas marketing department.

Kia Stinger Electric Vehicle News & Rumors In talking to Auto Express, he mentioned that the platform used on the Stinger would be able to handle a full electric powertrain.

Realistically, it would likely be 2020 before such a model saw the light of day, and even then, it would only happen if the Stinger was a sales success.

That’s no slam dunk, as this model, which rides on a platform used by Genesis, is a bold move for Kia.

Interestingly enough, Genesis have already revealed plans to have an all-electric model on the market by 2018, and Kia will likely be watching the performance of that model, as well as that of the Stinger.

All-electric Kia Stinger Q&A

When could Kia release the all-electric Stinger GT?

Don’t expect to see an EV version of the Stinger anytime soon, as we are realistically looking at a release on either late 2019 or early 2020. It takes some time to fully develop an all-electric model, which makes this timeframe seem reasonable.

Electric cars like Stinger EV?

By the time 2020 rolls around, the EV segment should be beginning to really grow.

Getting the Stinger EV out before then would mean that there would not yet be a lot of competition.

One thing to remember is that the Tesla Model 3, along with its 400,000 pre-orders, will be on the market when the Stinger EV arrives, but that should be about it for competition.

That alone would give Kia a real competitive advantage.

What will be the Kia Stinger EV driving range on a single charge?

It’s a little too early to make that sort of guess, but we would imagine that a goal of 300+ miles on a single charge would be something that Kia should strive for.

The Tesla Model 3 will be in that range, although it should be noted that the base model will have a range of 215 miles.

Performance, AWD to be available?

It would not be a surprise to see an AWD option for the Stinger EV, as well as improved performance over what the gas model is able to deliver. In short, that would mean that the EV would be able to go from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds.

Going All Electric With Kia Soul EV And Hyundai Ioniq EV (Most Likely)

Posted on January 16, 2017 by himi

Our latest in the series of interviews with Kia owners takes us to Seattle, where we talk to a software developer who made his most recent choice based on wanting to make a move to an all-electric vehicle.

The decision to go with the Kia Soul EV was made about a year ago, and the ownership experience to this point has been nothing but positive.

The family, which includes a 5-year old, has cut back their fuel consumption dramatically, and will soon be looking to replace their Camry with another electric vehicle, which may end up being the new Hyundai Ioniq EV.

His decision to move to Kia was one that was not made lightly, especially since Toyota had been the brand of choice for this owner for many years.

The fact that Toyota got out of the EV market made the choice easier, and seeing the warranty offered by Kia, as well as hearing about other positive ownership experiences from other Kia drivers was enough to be swayed.

It also helped that his wife loved the red and black color combination of the Kia Soul EV that they ended up buying.

There is very little that the owner would change about his Soul EV, and the only thing that he would really like to see changed is the size of the battery.

Since that simply isn’t an option at this point, he is more than happy to talk about all the other positives that this vehicle delivers.

To learn more about what those might be, make sure to read the full interview.

Kia Soul EV specs

Exterior color: Shadow black/Inferno Red
Trim: EV+
Model year: 2016
Soul EV tire size: 205/60 R16
Average range per charge: 66miles at 30*F, 95miles at 80*F
Miles driven so far:14,000

Soul EV owner interview

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

I have been very happy with my Kia. Previously, I had owned ICE Toyota’s for the last 20 years.

I really didn’t want to leave Toyota, but I knew I wanted an EV and Toyota discontinued EVs in favor for of hydrogen fuel cells and the Mirai.

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

I knew I wanted an EV. The Soul had the best warranty, looked much better than a Leaf, and everyone I talked to that owned a Kia loved theirs.

People really liked the company, like I had liked Toyota. I think Peter Schreyer really made some great changes at the company.

3. What do you like the most about your Kia electric car?

Comfortable and easy to use. Everything is very intuitive.

4. What do other people say about your EV car?

I have the black and red, so people love the look.

5. Did you have any second thoughts purchasing an EV?

No. I wish it had a bigger battery, but you cannot get that at this price point.

6. In your opinion, what is the main advantage of the Soul EV over its competition?

Looks great, and a company I feel I can stand behind.

7. What would you change or suggest Kia to change on the future Soul EV models (if anything at all)?

Bigger battery. Do not use white as an accent for every car (around the radio, on the doors, and the plastic plates on the wheels)