Kia's all-new Forte compact sedan goes on sale in July, giving the South Korean automaker a strong entry into a market segment dominated by the venerable Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
With a starting price of $13,695 (plus freight), the 2010 Forte joins the compact Spectra in the Kia lineup and offers a long list of standard safety and convenience features,
"On the heels of several successful vehicle debuts and introductions, Forte finds itself in good company and follows in the stylish steps of Borrego and Soul," said Michael Sprague, vice president for marketing at Kia Motors America.
"With a heavy emphasis on design, Forte sedan is poised to help consumers make that emotional connection with their vehicle by offering the entire package of style, safety features and value," he said.
Kia believes the car will have strong curb appeal in a segment riddled with plain, boring vehicles. Design cues include swept-back headlights and a wide stance that gives the car a muscular look and helps improve road handling.
Three trim levels are offered: base LX, midlevel EX ($15,795) and sporty, top-of-the-line SX ($17,195).
The Forte is 178.3 inches long, 69.9 inches wide and 57.5 inches high, which compares with 177.3 inches long, 69 inches wide and 56.5 inches high for the Civic (which also costs more -- starting at $15,305 and running as high as $25,190 for the 2009 models).
It's slightly shorter than the Corolla, which is 178.7 inches long, but here again, the Forte costs less. Corolla prices for 2010 range from $15,350 to $20,050.
Keeping the Forte bargain-priced is part of Kia's strategy to compete against Japanese models that U.S. consumers generally consider to have better quality.
Hyundai, Kia's parent company, uses the same pricing strategy for most of its vehicles -- not because it believes its cars are worth less, but because consumers generally don't seem willing to pay as much as they would for a Toyota, Honda or Nissan product. Besides, price is a strong motivator when trying to pry consumers away from tried and trusted brands such as Civic and Corolla.
Kia says the SX model has a more athletic profile, aided by 17-inch alloy wheels and premium P215/45R17 tires.
The Forte has more standard content than its key competitors, as well, which helps add to the value.
The automaker says the Forte's specially engineered body has high torsional stiffness that enhances the car's handling and ride quality, giving it "greater refinement than its competitors."
Featuring front-wheel drive, the Forte LX and EX models are powered by a 156-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which has 144 foot-pounds of torque. This compares with 132 horsepower for the base and midlevel Corolla models and 158 horsepower for the optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the Corolla. The base engine in the Civic has 140 horsepower.
The Forte SX comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower, which is more than that of the competing Mazda3 as well.
LX and EX models come with a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The SX has a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic with manual-shift feature.
With the 2.0-liter engine, EPA mileage ratings are 25 mpg city/34 highway with either transmission. The 2.4-liter engine has ratings of 22/32 with the manual and 23/31 with the automatic.
A special "Fuel Economy Package" is offered on the EX model with the 2.0-liter engine. It includes the five-speed automatic gearbox and brings EPA ratings of 27 city/36 highway.
Among features that help boost this model's mileage are electric power steering, a "smart" alternator, silica tires and aerodynamic body enhancements.
The SX model comes with a sport-tuned suspension and larger front brakes.
Inside, the Forte has 96.8 cubic feet of passenger space, including ample rear knee room. The trunk is the largest in the class with 14.7 cubic feet of space -- more than some popular midsize sedans.
There is room for five, although the middle position in the rear is not full-size and is suitable only for kids.
Standard are cloth seats, three-gauge instrument cluster with red lighting, six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering wheel, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets.
EX and SX models come with air conditioning, power windows/mirrors/door locks with remote, map lights, cruise control (with steering-wheel controls for this and the radio), front and rear cup holders, and floor mats.
The EX Premium Package adds a power moon roof and 16-inch alloy wheels, and the EX Leather Package brings leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, and metal interior trim.
With the SX model comes a unique black interior that has sport cloth fabric with red stitching, a telescopic steering column, special gauge cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and metal-finish trim and pedals.
Optional on the SX are the power moon roof and leather seats with front seat warmers.
The standard audio system has AM/FM/compact disc/MP3 playback, four speakers and Sirius satellite radio with three months of free service; an auxiliary jack that allows for connection of an iPod or other music player; and Bluetooth connectivity.
Safety features include front seat-mounted side air bags, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, electronic stability control with traction control and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
G. Chambers Williams III
San Antonio Express-News
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Kia Sportage Awarded Top Ranking in AutoPacific 2009 Ideal Vehicle Awards
Sportage is Highest Ranked in Compact Crossover SUV Category
# Ideal Vehicle Award is Sportage's second AutoPacific award this year
# Compact SUV honored for high owner satisfaction
IRVINE, Calif., June 29, 2009 -- Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced the 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUV topped the compact crossover SUV category in AutoPacific, Inc's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), closely following the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award received earlier this year. The AutoPacific IVA awards are a quantitative measurement of how closely a vehicle matches an owner's expectations.
"We take great pride in knowing our owners are satisfied with their vehicles and Sportage's recognition as an ideal vehicle is a tremendous compliment," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA). "This second AutoPacific award directly reflects the satisfaction of smart, discerning Sportage owners, and this type of consumer feedback validates Kia's commitment to providing high levels of quality, style, safety and practicality in all of our vehicles."
Sportage, noted for its passenger and cargo space as well as its off-road capabilities and impressive fuel economy, meets the needs of consumers looking for the total package at a significant value. Sportage offers an extensive list of standard safety and convenience features, including six airbags with full-length side curtain airbags, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service and USB and auxiliary input jacks, while the 2.0-liter engine delivers impressive fuel economy at 20 mpg (city) and 25 mpg (highway).
Based on survey responses from more than 32,000 vehicle owners, the 2009 IVA measure the combination of trust, anticipation, expectations and reality within specific product segments by having respondents rate 15 attributes concerning whether they would change them after having owned their vehicle for 90 days. An "ideal vehicle" is one that meets the owner's expectations based on how few attributes they would change. Sportage received a score of 1,224 out of a possible 1,500.
In addition to Sportage's top ranking in its segment, Kia Spectra, Optima, Sorento, and Borrego ranked among the top five in their respective categories.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."
# Ideal Vehicle Award is Sportage's second AutoPacific award this year
# Compact SUV honored for high owner satisfaction
IRVINE, Calif., June 29, 2009 -- Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced the 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUV topped the compact crossover SUV category in AutoPacific, Inc's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), closely following the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award received earlier this year. The AutoPacific IVA awards are a quantitative measurement of how closely a vehicle matches an owner's expectations.
"We take great pride in knowing our owners are satisfied with their vehicles and Sportage's recognition as an ideal vehicle is a tremendous compliment," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA). "This second AutoPacific award directly reflects the satisfaction of smart, discerning Sportage owners, and this type of consumer feedback validates Kia's commitment to providing high levels of quality, style, safety and practicality in all of our vehicles."
Sportage, noted for its passenger and cargo space as well as its off-road capabilities and impressive fuel economy, meets the needs of consumers looking for the total package at a significant value. Sportage offers an extensive list of standard safety and convenience features, including six airbags with full-length side curtain airbags, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service and USB and auxiliary input jacks, while the 2.0-liter engine delivers impressive fuel economy at 20 mpg (city) and 25 mpg (highway).
Based on survey responses from more than 32,000 vehicle owners, the 2009 IVA measure the combination of trust, anticipation, expectations and reality within specific product segments by having respondents rate 15 attributes concerning whether they would change them after having owned their vehicle for 90 days. An "ideal vehicle" is one that meets the owner's expectations based on how few attributes they would change. Sportage received a score of 1,224 out of a possible 1,500.
In addition to Sportage's top ranking in its segment, Kia Spectra, Optima, Sorento, and Borrego ranked among the top five in their respective categories.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."
Monday, June 29, 2009
Feel My Forte
Our 2010 Kia Forte SX falls into step with Seattle's afternoon gridlock. The compact sedan's 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine quickly becomes a necessity during all our last-second lane changes. And, sure enough, all four of the front-seat cupholders can accommodate micro-roasted coffee in 16-ounce recycled paper cups.
Somehow we don't think the Spectra, predecessor to the 2010 Kia Forte, would have blended into Seattle's coffee culture. It wasn't quick or refined, and didn't have the panache to make inroads with a caffeinated, left-of-center crowd.
Although our 2010 Kia Forte SX looks like a Civic from the front, there's confidence behind its clean lines and crisp detailing. It's a grown-up compact car penned by an A-list designer, Peter Schreyer, once of Audi but now of Kia.
If you think high style has no place in budget transportation, don't bother telling Kia. Schreyer and the Forte are part of the Korean automaker's grand strategy. Everybody's market share is fluid right now, so if you sell an otherwise respectable economy sedan, like say the 2010 Kia Forte, and it has attractive, cool-kid sheet metal, well, you just might have the next Mazda 3 on your hands.
Feel My Forte
Already Kia reports that its new Forte sedan has caused a stir in focus groups that compared it against its compact-class competitors. Actually, says Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing for Kia Motors America, Kias usually do well in focus groups -- but only in blind tests.
"Normally, for the Kia brand, as soon as you take the tape off the badge, consumers are like, 'Oh, no, we don't want that!' This was the first time in our history when consumers said, 'That is still the No. 1 vehicle.'" Still, Kia worries that you might be prejudiced against the Spectra name, perhaps associating it with ratty, 1990s-era Sephias. "The Spectra name didn't really mean anything to people," Sprague says. "We're trying to signal to the marketplace that Kia is reinventing itself, and to do that, we felt we needed a much stronger name for this vehicle." Conveniently, "Forte" connotes strength.
In reality, the 2010 Kia Forte is not radically different from the outgoing Spectra in size or focus. It has a 104.3-inch wheelbase like the Hyundai Elantra, but whereas the Hyundai has a multilink independent rear suspension, the Kia Forte uses a torsion beam, along with struts in front. The Forte's 61.3-inch front track and 61.6-inch rear track give it the widest stance of any economy sedan in the U.S., though it also has some of the widest wheels and tires, with 17-by-7-inch alloys and P215/45R17 rubber fitted on the top-of-the-line SX model.
In keeping with the new name, Kia's compact sedan also has a stouter structure. Its unit body incorporates 63 percent high-tensile steel, enhancing rigidity without piling on pounds. An overdue switch to aluminum-block engines also helps control weight.
Two Engines, Four Transmissions
Yes, the 2010 Kia Forte can be had with either of two engines à la Mazda 3. The base 2.0-liter inline-4 is rated at 156 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 144 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm (or 154 hp and 139 lb-ft for PZEV states).
This 1,975cc engine is part of the new Theta engine family and thus related to the 2.0-liter in the Mitsubishi Lancer and Dodge Caliber (indeed Hyundai did the primary engineering for this powerplant). The 2.0-liter is standard on base Forte LX ($14,200 base price) and mid-range Forte EX ($16,200 base price).
A five-speed manual or (for $1,000 extra) a four-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels. That is, unless you check off the Fuel Economy package option (add another $600) for the Kia Forte EX, which upgrades you to a five-speed automatic, while mandating low-rolling-resistance tires, electric power steering, a "smart" alternator that runs only when the battery needs charging and aero enhancements that infinitesimally enhance the sedan's 0.29 coefficient of drag.
Only the 2010 Kia Forte SX ($18,100 base price) gets the 2.4-liter engine. The SX ends up weighing over 100 pounds more (2,853 pounds total), but the 2.4 compensates with 173 hp at 6,000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm (165 hp and 161 lb-ft, respectively, in PZEV form). Also, your front wheels can be driven by either a six-speed manual or the five-speed automatic.
Serious About MPG
Mediocre fuel mileage made the Spectra tough to justify as commuter transportation, but this won't be a problem for the 2010 Kia Forte. With the Fuel Economy package, the Forte EX earns a 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway EPA rating -- the highest of any non-hybrid, non-diesel sedan in this size class.
All other LX and EX models get a respectable rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway, although you'd think Kia would just use the five-speed automatic and electric power steering across the board to pump up mpg in anticipation of rising CAFE standards.
"Electric steering assist is more expensive than using hydraulic power steering," says Fred Aikins, director of product planning for the Forte and Soul. "We've got the steering feel so that it's pretty much indistinguishable between the two, so it's primarily a cost issue. With the five-speed automatic, that again has to do with cost, as well as the current production capacity of five-speed automatics."
Mileage falls off a bit on the 2010 Kia Forte SX, but you'd be hard-pressed to top its rating of 22 mpg city, 31-32 mpg highway in any car with a large-displacement four-cylinder engine.
6 Speeds, 666 Ways To Stall
Until the Forte Koup arrives later this summer, the SX sedan is the sportiest Kia Forte you can get, thanks to its better engine, better transmissions and sport-tuned suspension with firmer springs, re-valved dampers and bigger front antiroll bar.
But you wouldn't know that from the car's sluggish throttle response, which combines with the six-speed gearbox's abrupt clutch engagement to make even the most enthusiastic manual-transmission holdout regret his choice.
If you can avoid stalling the engine as you leave the stoplight, you'll find the 2.4-liter turns out to have a pretty nice power band with useful midrange torque and a smooth delivery. There's not much going on at the top end, though, so you'll likely reach for the next gear before the redline at 6,500 rpm. But quick gearchanges aren't really possible in the 2010 Kia Forte SX, as the engine hangs onto revs while rocking around in its soft mounts. Kia says the Forte SX will run to 60 mph "in the 7s." We expect a very abusive launch will be required and we're not sure we want to be there.
We also get some time with a Forte EX sedan with the four-speed automatic and find this combination even less to our liking, as excessively tall gearing blunts whatever oomph the 2.0-liter four might have to offer.
In either case, the five-speed automatic is probably the more livable choice.
More Toyota Than Mazda
We're pretty happy with the 2010 Kia Forte SX's compromise of comfort and control on the freeway. It has the most sophisticated ride quality of any Kia to date, its compliant suspension seeing us over all manner of ruts and dips without fuss.
But even with a sport-tuned suspension and fairly low-profile P215/45R17 Goodyear tires, the Forte SX is more notable for its body roll than its cornering precision. The car doesn't seem interested in carving up a back road. Its hydraulic-assisted power steering offers reasonable weighting, but little feedback.
Three iPod-Ready Trim Levels
It's hard to make those dynamic complaints stick, though, when you pore over the standard features list. Prices haven't changed much from the 2009 Spectra, but you're getting more stuff.
The base Forte LX is still a stripped-down sedan without air-conditioning, power accessories or cruise control. For 2010, it gains four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, stability control, Bluetooth, satellite radio (three months of Sirius), and auxiliary and USB ports.
Forte EX and SX models have all of the above, plus access to a leather package ($1,000) with heated seats. A sunroof is available on the SX for $600, but costs $800 on the EX, which also picks up alloy wheels. Only the 2010 Kia Forte SX gets a telescoping steering wheel.
Harman International has already developed an Infinity system for the Forte with a claimed 360-watt amplifier and nine speakers. But Kia hasn't decided whether to make it a factory- or port-installed option, so it's not available right now. Nor is a factory navigation system.
Ordinary Car
Calling the 2010 Kia Forte an ordinary car is not the slam it appears to be. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have mostly been ordinary cars, remember.
Still, Kia's newest compact sedan shouldn't be embracing ordinariness. As a commuter car, it's adequate. But its drivetrains are so thoroughly tuned to minimize fuel consumption and emissions that there's not much of a driving experience left to enjoy. This is especially true of the 2010 Kia Forte SX, which looks like a Mazda 3 s rival on paper but goes all limp as soon as you goose the throttle.
For an undemanding few, the 2010 Forte SX's uncommon fashion sense and huge price advantage over the Mazda 3, Lancer GTS, Corolla XRS and Nissan Sentra SE-R might offset these annoyances.
But to us, $19K is still $19K. We'd like to see Kia make some drivetrain adjustments, rather than whip out the value card.
By Erin Riches
Edmunds
Somehow we don't think the Spectra, predecessor to the 2010 Kia Forte, would have blended into Seattle's coffee culture. It wasn't quick or refined, and didn't have the panache to make inroads with a caffeinated, left-of-center crowd.
Although our 2010 Kia Forte SX looks like a Civic from the front, there's confidence behind its clean lines and crisp detailing. It's a grown-up compact car penned by an A-list designer, Peter Schreyer, once of Audi but now of Kia.
If you think high style has no place in budget transportation, don't bother telling Kia. Schreyer and the Forte are part of the Korean automaker's grand strategy. Everybody's market share is fluid right now, so if you sell an otherwise respectable economy sedan, like say the 2010 Kia Forte, and it has attractive, cool-kid sheet metal, well, you just might have the next Mazda 3 on your hands.
Feel My Forte
Already Kia reports that its new Forte sedan has caused a stir in focus groups that compared it against its compact-class competitors. Actually, says Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing for Kia Motors America, Kias usually do well in focus groups -- but only in blind tests.
"Normally, for the Kia brand, as soon as you take the tape off the badge, consumers are like, 'Oh, no, we don't want that!' This was the first time in our history when consumers said, 'That is still the No. 1 vehicle.'" Still, Kia worries that you might be prejudiced against the Spectra name, perhaps associating it with ratty, 1990s-era Sephias. "The Spectra name didn't really mean anything to people," Sprague says. "We're trying to signal to the marketplace that Kia is reinventing itself, and to do that, we felt we needed a much stronger name for this vehicle." Conveniently, "Forte" connotes strength.
In reality, the 2010 Kia Forte is not radically different from the outgoing Spectra in size or focus. It has a 104.3-inch wheelbase like the Hyundai Elantra, but whereas the Hyundai has a multilink independent rear suspension, the Kia Forte uses a torsion beam, along with struts in front. The Forte's 61.3-inch front track and 61.6-inch rear track give it the widest stance of any economy sedan in the U.S., though it also has some of the widest wheels and tires, with 17-by-7-inch alloys and P215/45R17 rubber fitted on the top-of-the-line SX model.
In keeping with the new name, Kia's compact sedan also has a stouter structure. Its unit body incorporates 63 percent high-tensile steel, enhancing rigidity without piling on pounds. An overdue switch to aluminum-block engines also helps control weight.
Two Engines, Four Transmissions
Yes, the 2010 Kia Forte can be had with either of two engines à la Mazda 3. The base 2.0-liter inline-4 is rated at 156 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 144 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm (or 154 hp and 139 lb-ft for PZEV states).
This 1,975cc engine is part of the new Theta engine family and thus related to the 2.0-liter in the Mitsubishi Lancer and Dodge Caliber (indeed Hyundai did the primary engineering for this powerplant). The 2.0-liter is standard on base Forte LX ($14,200 base price) and mid-range Forte EX ($16,200 base price).
A five-speed manual or (for $1,000 extra) a four-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels. That is, unless you check off the Fuel Economy package option (add another $600) for the Kia Forte EX, which upgrades you to a five-speed automatic, while mandating low-rolling-resistance tires, electric power steering, a "smart" alternator that runs only when the battery needs charging and aero enhancements that infinitesimally enhance the sedan's 0.29 coefficient of drag.
Only the 2010 Kia Forte SX ($18,100 base price) gets the 2.4-liter engine. The SX ends up weighing over 100 pounds more (2,853 pounds total), but the 2.4 compensates with 173 hp at 6,000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm (165 hp and 161 lb-ft, respectively, in PZEV form). Also, your front wheels can be driven by either a six-speed manual or the five-speed automatic.
Serious About MPG
Mediocre fuel mileage made the Spectra tough to justify as commuter transportation, but this won't be a problem for the 2010 Kia Forte. With the Fuel Economy package, the Forte EX earns a 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway EPA rating -- the highest of any non-hybrid, non-diesel sedan in this size class.
All other LX and EX models get a respectable rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway, although you'd think Kia would just use the five-speed automatic and electric power steering across the board to pump up mpg in anticipation of rising CAFE standards.
"Electric steering assist is more expensive than using hydraulic power steering," says Fred Aikins, director of product planning for the Forte and Soul. "We've got the steering feel so that it's pretty much indistinguishable between the two, so it's primarily a cost issue. With the five-speed automatic, that again has to do with cost, as well as the current production capacity of five-speed automatics."
Mileage falls off a bit on the 2010 Kia Forte SX, but you'd be hard-pressed to top its rating of 22 mpg city, 31-32 mpg highway in any car with a large-displacement four-cylinder engine.
6 Speeds, 666 Ways To Stall
Until the Forte Koup arrives later this summer, the SX sedan is the sportiest Kia Forte you can get, thanks to its better engine, better transmissions and sport-tuned suspension with firmer springs, re-valved dampers and bigger front antiroll bar.
But you wouldn't know that from the car's sluggish throttle response, which combines with the six-speed gearbox's abrupt clutch engagement to make even the most enthusiastic manual-transmission holdout regret his choice.
If you can avoid stalling the engine as you leave the stoplight, you'll find the 2.4-liter turns out to have a pretty nice power band with useful midrange torque and a smooth delivery. There's not much going on at the top end, though, so you'll likely reach for the next gear before the redline at 6,500 rpm. But quick gearchanges aren't really possible in the 2010 Kia Forte SX, as the engine hangs onto revs while rocking around in its soft mounts. Kia says the Forte SX will run to 60 mph "in the 7s." We expect a very abusive launch will be required and we're not sure we want to be there.
We also get some time with a Forte EX sedan with the four-speed automatic and find this combination even less to our liking, as excessively tall gearing blunts whatever oomph the 2.0-liter four might have to offer.
In either case, the five-speed automatic is probably the more livable choice.
More Toyota Than Mazda
We're pretty happy with the 2010 Kia Forte SX's compromise of comfort and control on the freeway. It has the most sophisticated ride quality of any Kia to date, its compliant suspension seeing us over all manner of ruts and dips without fuss.
But even with a sport-tuned suspension and fairly low-profile P215/45R17 Goodyear tires, the Forte SX is more notable for its body roll than its cornering precision. The car doesn't seem interested in carving up a back road. Its hydraulic-assisted power steering offers reasonable weighting, but little feedback.
Three iPod-Ready Trim Levels
It's hard to make those dynamic complaints stick, though, when you pore over the standard features list. Prices haven't changed much from the 2009 Spectra, but you're getting more stuff.
The base Forte LX is still a stripped-down sedan without air-conditioning, power accessories or cruise control. For 2010, it gains four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, stability control, Bluetooth, satellite radio (three months of Sirius), and auxiliary and USB ports.
Forte EX and SX models have all of the above, plus access to a leather package ($1,000) with heated seats. A sunroof is available on the SX for $600, but costs $800 on the EX, which also picks up alloy wheels. Only the 2010 Kia Forte SX gets a telescoping steering wheel.
Harman International has already developed an Infinity system for the Forte with a claimed 360-watt amplifier and nine speakers. But Kia hasn't decided whether to make it a factory- or port-installed option, so it's not available right now. Nor is a factory navigation system.
Ordinary Car
Calling the 2010 Kia Forte an ordinary car is not the slam it appears to be. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have mostly been ordinary cars, remember.
Still, Kia's newest compact sedan shouldn't be embracing ordinariness. As a commuter car, it's adequate. But its drivetrains are so thoroughly tuned to minimize fuel consumption and emissions that there's not much of a driving experience left to enjoy. This is especially true of the 2010 Kia Forte SX, which looks like a Mazda 3 s rival on paper but goes all limp as soon as you goose the throttle.
For an undemanding few, the 2010 Forte SX's uncommon fashion sense and huge price advantage over the Mazda 3, Lancer GTS, Corolla XRS and Nissan Sentra SE-R might offset these annoyances.
But to us, $19K is still $19K. We'd like to see Kia make some drivetrain adjustments, rather than whip out the value card.
By Erin Riches
Edmunds
Friday, June 26, 2009
All-New Special Edition 2010 Kia Soul
Limited-Run Special Edition Soul is Another "New Way to Roll"
IRVINE, Calif., June 24, 2009 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today rolls out the first all-new special edition for the Soul model line, the 2010 Denim Kia Soul, a unique iteration of the popular urban passenger vehicle that further emphasizes Soul's cutting edge style and youthful, fun character. Matched with impressive fuel economy and safety features standard on all models, the special-edition Denim Soul provides consumers with even more personalization options.
"Denim Soul incorporates edginess and confidence," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "It illustrates our commitment to fresh design, even on a vehicle that's been in the marketplace only a few months, and it's the first of more special editions to be offered in 2010 for the recently introduced Kia Soul."
Exclusive to the Denim Soul is a unique denim exterior color, striking white side-view mirrors with matching white 18-inch alloy wheels, front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a bold off-set white racing stripe completing the rally-inspired look. The Denim Soul is based on the Soul+ model and is fully loaded with the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls, carpeted floor mats, moonroof and fog lights all included for this special edition.
The special edition Denim Soul starts at $17,300 with a five-speed manual transmission, and $18,250 with an automatic.
Denim Soul builds from the Soul+ model, which offers standard keyless remote entry, privacy glass on the rear and rear side windows, body-color door handles and dual body-color power side mirrors along with 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires. Soul+ offers additional standard features including cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity, dual 12-volt power outlets and tweeter speakers, all enhancing creature comforts on the road, as well as a covered upper storage bin, dual visor vanity mirrors with covers and dual map lights. Black cloth seats are adorned with Soul logo inserts, further personalizing the cabin.
About the Kia Soul
Designed by Kia Motors' Southern California-based design team, Soul is currently on sale at dealerships across the United States and has already been recognized as a "Best Value" by the Texas Auto Writers Association and by Ward's Autoworld for its "Interior of the Year" list. Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,300 for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950. Enhancing to the Soul! or Soul sport offers a price beginning at $16,950.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and is standard on Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport models. The engine produces 142 horsepower with 137 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy offers a thrifty, fuel-sipping 24/30 mpg for both the automatic and manual transmissions², better than the Scion xB.
Offering plenty of standard features, the Soul trim offers a chrome-accented grille, clear lens auto-off headlamps, solar glass, black door handles and side mirrors, body-colored front and rear fascias with black inserts, black bodyside molding, rear wiper/washer, variable intermittent windshield wipers and 15-inch steel wheels fitted with P195/65R15 tires.
Passengers will find comfort in the Soul's roomy cabin that offers 40.2/39.6 inches of headroom (front/rear), shoulder room of 55.2/55.1 inches, 42.1/39.0 inches of legroom and a passenger volume of 102.3 cubic feet, more spacious than the Scion xB.
Soul's interior design is decidedly influenced by the car's highly specified audio system.
An uncluttered dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination and floating center stack design is the key visual feature and offers enticing access to the AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service³. Standard USB and auxiliary input jacks also are in the center console with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls achieved with an optional accessory iPod cable.
Additional standard interior features include air conditioning, tilt steering column, power door locks, power windows with driver's side auto-down, external temperature display and digital clock in the radio, an upper storage bin, dual-level glove box, 12-volt power outlet, rear window defroster, cargo area light and a dome light with delay out. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs.
Standard Kia Safety Features
Soul continues to offer the same high level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags. An Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also are standard. Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard on all Soul models, making for a comprehensive list of standard safety features.
Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Soul is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive coverage program.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."
IRVINE, Calif., June 24, 2009 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today rolls out the first all-new special edition for the Soul model line, the 2010 Denim Kia Soul, a unique iteration of the popular urban passenger vehicle that further emphasizes Soul's cutting edge style and youthful, fun character. Matched with impressive fuel economy and safety features standard on all models, the special-edition Denim Soul provides consumers with even more personalization options.
"Denim Soul incorporates edginess and confidence," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "It illustrates our commitment to fresh design, even on a vehicle that's been in the marketplace only a few months, and it's the first of more special editions to be offered in 2010 for the recently introduced Kia Soul."
Exclusive to the Denim Soul is a unique denim exterior color, striking white side-view mirrors with matching white 18-inch alloy wheels, front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a bold off-set white racing stripe completing the rally-inspired look. The Denim Soul is based on the Soul+ model and is fully loaded with the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls, carpeted floor mats, moonroof and fog lights all included for this special edition.
The special edition Denim Soul starts at $17,300 with a five-speed manual transmission, and $18,250 with an automatic.
Denim Soul builds from the Soul+ model, which offers standard keyless remote entry, privacy glass on the rear and rear side windows, body-color door handles and dual body-color power side mirrors along with 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires. Soul+ offers additional standard features including cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity, dual 12-volt power outlets and tweeter speakers, all enhancing creature comforts on the road, as well as a covered upper storage bin, dual visor vanity mirrors with covers and dual map lights. Black cloth seats are adorned with Soul logo inserts, further personalizing the cabin.
About the Kia Soul
Designed by Kia Motors' Southern California-based design team, Soul is currently on sale at dealerships across the United States and has already been recognized as a "Best Value" by the Texas Auto Writers Association and by Ward's Autoworld for its "Interior of the Year" list. Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,300 for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950. Enhancing to the Soul! or Soul sport offers a price beginning at $16,950.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and is standard on Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport models. The engine produces 142 horsepower with 137 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy offers a thrifty, fuel-sipping 24/30 mpg for both the automatic and manual transmissions², better than the Scion xB.
Offering plenty of standard features, the Soul trim offers a chrome-accented grille, clear lens auto-off headlamps, solar glass, black door handles and side mirrors, body-colored front and rear fascias with black inserts, black bodyside molding, rear wiper/washer, variable intermittent windshield wipers and 15-inch steel wheels fitted with P195/65R15 tires.
Passengers will find comfort in the Soul's roomy cabin that offers 40.2/39.6 inches of headroom (front/rear), shoulder room of 55.2/55.1 inches, 42.1/39.0 inches of legroom and a passenger volume of 102.3 cubic feet, more spacious than the Scion xB.
Soul's interior design is decidedly influenced by the car's highly specified audio system.
An uncluttered dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination and floating center stack design is the key visual feature and offers enticing access to the AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service³. Standard USB and auxiliary input jacks also are in the center console with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls achieved with an optional accessory iPod cable.
Additional standard interior features include air conditioning, tilt steering column, power door locks, power windows with driver's side auto-down, external temperature display and digital clock in the radio, an upper storage bin, dual-level glove box, 12-volt power outlet, rear window defroster, cargo area light and a dome light with delay out. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs.
Standard Kia Safety Features
Soul continues to offer the same high level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags. An Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also are standard. Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard on all Soul models, making for a comprehensive list of standard safety features.
Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Soul is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive coverage program.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
2010 Kia Soul Recognized on "Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" List by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com
Urban Passenger Vehicle Lauded for Personality, Versatility and Technology
# All-new Kia Soul delivers style with amenities and a playful spirit
# Coolness factor noted in vehicle purchase criteria
IRVINE, Calif., June 23, 2009 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the all-new 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle was named to the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information. The Soul joined Kia Motors' ever-expanding lineup in March and was lauded for being a cool, affordable ride with a growing emphasis on personality, versatility and technology.
"Soul's personality really has made an impact with consumers and the media, who are realizing you don't have to spend a lot of money to make a statement," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "We are pleased that Soul is being recognized for its playfulness and versatility but also that it is appreciated for its economical attributes that affect real world purchase decisions."
Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com editors selected the latest list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 using the same set of criteria that many consumers use in examining this category: safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle's fun-to-drive-factor, as well as the decidedly subjective "cool" factor. The editors compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book's New Car Blue Book Values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provide a more useful comparison point than Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
On Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com Web site, editors state, "You don't have to drop the big bucks to get a car with kickin' style and all the techie gadgets required to get by in the world today. Every Kia Soul comes with standout styling, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and iPod integration. But the pulsing speaker lights are the first things you'll show your friends."
Also a recipient of the 2009 "Best Value" award by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) and the "Grooviest Interior" award from Ward's AutoWorld, Soul is available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. Pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,300¹ for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950. Moving up to the Soul! offers a price beginning at $16,950 and the Soul sport, designed for those with active lifestyles, starts at $16,950 and tops out at $18,600.
Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with "glowing" Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.
For more information about the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/coolcars2009.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles.
# All-new Kia Soul delivers style with amenities and a playful spirit
# Coolness factor noted in vehicle purchase criteria
IRVINE, Calif., June 23, 2009 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the all-new 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle was named to the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information. The Soul joined Kia Motors' ever-expanding lineup in March and was lauded for being a cool, affordable ride with a growing emphasis on personality, versatility and technology.
"Soul's personality really has made an impact with consumers and the media, who are realizing you don't have to spend a lot of money to make a statement," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "We are pleased that Soul is being recognized for its playfulness and versatility but also that it is appreciated for its economical attributes that affect real world purchase decisions."
Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com editors selected the latest list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 using the same set of criteria that many consumers use in examining this category: safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle's fun-to-drive-factor, as well as the decidedly subjective "cool" factor. The editors compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book's New Car Blue Book Values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provide a more useful comparison point than Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
On Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com Web site, editors state, "You don't have to drop the big bucks to get a car with kickin' style and all the techie gadgets required to get by in the world today. Every Kia Soul comes with standout styling, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and iPod integration. But the pulsing speaker lights are the first things you'll show your friends."
Also a recipient of the 2009 "Best Value" award by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) and the "Grooviest Interior" award from Ward's AutoWorld, Soul is available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. Pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,300¹ for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950. Moving up to the Soul! offers a price beginning at $16,950 and the Soul sport, designed for those with active lifestyles, starts at $16,950 and tops out at $18,600.
Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with "glowing" Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.
For more information about the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/coolcars2009.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Kia Soul mixes offbeat cool, performance
Innovative design yields distinctive car
Like the way the godfather of soul James Brown's style and energy blasted American music out of the easy-listening blahs, the 2010 Kia Soul hatchback mainlines fun and funk into a bland brand heretofore defined by the logical appeal of low prices and long warranties.
Leave your left brain at home, clap your hands and say yeah as the eye-catching Soul rolls into sight, lights in its speakers flashing in time to the tunes pouring out of your iPod.
The Soul is the latest player in the offbeat-cool class of small cars inspired by the Honda Element. Exactly the same length as a Honda Fit subcompact, the 161.6-inch-long Soul combines a low price with high fuel economy, arena-like interior room, spunky performance and unique looks in a winning package.
Prices for the 2010 Soul start at $13,300 for a base model with a 122-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission.
Kia offers four equipment levels: base, the cutesy-named + and ! and the less-cloying Sport. Stepping up to the + gets you a satisfying 142-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and manual transmission for $14,950, and the automatic version of the + will cost another $950. Top-of-the-line ! and Sport models get the 2.0-liter engine and go for $16,950 with the manual and $17,900 with the four-speed automatic transmission.
I tested a very well-equipped manual transmission Soul Sport that stickered at $17,650. All prices exclude destination charges.
While it's the same size as the sleek and aerodynamic Fit, the Soul's offbeat looks and roomy interior make it a more direct competitor for cars like the Chevrolet HHR retro wagon, the bigger and boxier Honda Element and the cool-to-be-square Nissan Cube and Scion xB.
The four-cylinder engine in the Sport provides plenty of zip for dicing in traffic. The Kia's long wheelbase and wide track provide a stable, road-gripping ride that encourages sporty driving. The Soul is considerably more entertaining to drive than the bigger xB or underpowered Cube.
The transmission lineup is a bit archaic in a world of six-speed manuals and five-speed automatics, however. The Soul Sport I tested accelerated ably, but a sixth gear would be welcome to boost performance and fuel economy while reducing engine noise.
Despite the dated transmissions, the Soul has excellent EPA fuel economy ratings. The 2.0-liter engine returns 24 m.p.g. in the city and 30 m.p.g. on the highway, while the 1.6-liter achieved 26 city/31 highway.
An innovative exterior design complements those mechanical virtues with a cheeky long-nosed body that features an aft-sloping roof, big doors for easy passenger access and a large and convenient tailgate. From its high roof and big wraparound headlights to a long wheelbase that pushes the wheels to the corners, there's nothing quite like the Soul on the road.
Outward visibility is excellent, thanks to large sideview mirrors and expansive windows all around.
The Soul offers a cavernous 102.3 cubic feet of passenger space and 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. That's as much passenger space, and more cargo room, than most midsize sedans offer.
With the seat folded flat, cargo space rises to 53.4 cubic feet.
The Soul tops the xB's passenger space and has nearly as much cargo room, despite the Scion being 5.7 inches longer. It offers considerably more room than the smaller Cube.
While the Soul Sport I tested assaulted the eye with a bright red and black interior, it also offered welcome features like USB connectivity for iPods, a separate auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phones.
Adjustable mood lighting includes a feature that set lights in the front-door speaker grilles flashing in time with music from a good six-speaker sound system.
Hit the lights, cue the J.B. horns and get on up. Kia's got a groove. Make the scene like a Soul machine.
BY MARK PHELAN
freepress.com
Like the way the godfather of soul James Brown's style and energy blasted American music out of the easy-listening blahs, the 2010 Kia Soul hatchback mainlines fun and funk into a bland brand heretofore defined by the logical appeal of low prices and long warranties.
Leave your left brain at home, clap your hands and say yeah as the eye-catching Soul rolls into sight, lights in its speakers flashing in time to the tunes pouring out of your iPod.
The Soul is the latest player in the offbeat-cool class of small cars inspired by the Honda Element. Exactly the same length as a Honda Fit subcompact, the 161.6-inch-long Soul combines a low price with high fuel economy, arena-like interior room, spunky performance and unique looks in a winning package.
Prices for the 2010 Soul start at $13,300 for a base model with a 122-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission.
Kia offers four equipment levels: base, the cutesy-named + and ! and the less-cloying Sport. Stepping up to the + gets you a satisfying 142-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and manual transmission for $14,950, and the automatic version of the + will cost another $950. Top-of-the-line ! and Sport models get the 2.0-liter engine and go for $16,950 with the manual and $17,900 with the four-speed automatic transmission.
I tested a very well-equipped manual transmission Soul Sport that stickered at $17,650. All prices exclude destination charges.
While it's the same size as the sleek and aerodynamic Fit, the Soul's offbeat looks and roomy interior make it a more direct competitor for cars like the Chevrolet HHR retro wagon, the bigger and boxier Honda Element and the cool-to-be-square Nissan Cube and Scion xB.
The four-cylinder engine in the Sport provides plenty of zip for dicing in traffic. The Kia's long wheelbase and wide track provide a stable, road-gripping ride that encourages sporty driving. The Soul is considerably more entertaining to drive than the bigger xB or underpowered Cube.
The transmission lineup is a bit archaic in a world of six-speed manuals and five-speed automatics, however. The Soul Sport I tested accelerated ably, but a sixth gear would be welcome to boost performance and fuel economy while reducing engine noise.
Despite the dated transmissions, the Soul has excellent EPA fuel economy ratings. The 2.0-liter engine returns 24 m.p.g. in the city and 30 m.p.g. on the highway, while the 1.6-liter achieved 26 city/31 highway.
An innovative exterior design complements those mechanical virtues with a cheeky long-nosed body that features an aft-sloping roof, big doors for easy passenger access and a large and convenient tailgate. From its high roof and big wraparound headlights to a long wheelbase that pushes the wheels to the corners, there's nothing quite like the Soul on the road.
Outward visibility is excellent, thanks to large sideview mirrors and expansive windows all around.
The Soul offers a cavernous 102.3 cubic feet of passenger space and 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. That's as much passenger space, and more cargo room, than most midsize sedans offer.
With the seat folded flat, cargo space rises to 53.4 cubic feet.
The Soul tops the xB's passenger space and has nearly as much cargo room, despite the Scion being 5.7 inches longer. It offers considerably more room than the smaller Cube.
While the Soul Sport I tested assaulted the eye with a bright red and black interior, it also offered welcome features like USB connectivity for iPods, a separate auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phones.
Adjustable mood lighting includes a feature that set lights in the front-door speaker grilles flashing in time with music from a good six-speaker sound system.
Hit the lights, cue the J.B. horns and get on up. Kia's got a groove. Make the scene like a Soul machine.
BY MARK PHELAN
freepress.com
Friday, June 19, 2009
Kia Borrego Awarded Edmunds.com Consumers' Top Rated Vehicle Award
Midsize SUV Named Top-Rated SUV by Consumers in $25,000-$35,000 Category
# Kia midsize SUV recognized for high owner satisfaction
# Borrego lauded for overall value, power and fuel economy
IRVINE, Calif., June 18, 2009 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the 2009 Kia Borrego has been named the top-rated "SUV $25,000-$35,000" in the Edmunds.com Consumers' Top Rated(SM) Vehicle awards for 2009. Borrego earned strong marks from consumers for its overall excellent value, along with impressive power and towing capacity, interior space, visibility, fuel economy and extensive list of standard features.
"Borrego offers those looking for a spacious, powerful and fuel efficient vehicle the complete package at an incredible value," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "As one of the first vehicles to roll out under Kia's exciting new design direction, accolades such as this Edmunds.com award, which provides feedback directly from owners, are evidence of Kia's commitment to consumers as well as to offering vehicles with the content consumers want without breaking the pocketbook."
To determine the winners of the 19 vehicle categories, Edmunds.com invited owners to use the Consumer Reviews and Ratings feature, where they are able to evaluate their new or used vehicles in eight different categories, including performance, comfort, fuel economy, driving impressions, interior design, exterior design, build quality and reliability. Top-rated vehicles are those that received the highest average rating from visitors as of April 30.
Borrego is offered with a DOHC, all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 as well as Kia's first-ever DOHC 4.6-liter V8 engine, also all-aluminum; both engines are more powerful than any in Kia's line to date. While the V6 produces a competitive 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, the V8 generates a class-leading 337 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 323 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm -- more powerful than the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee and GMC Acadia. Borrego runs on regular unleaded fuel compared to some other competitors that require premium unleaded, and achieves best-in-class fuel economy of 15/22 city/highway for its V8 with two-wheel drive, and a respectable 15/20 city/highway for its V8 with four-wheel drive.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."
# Kia midsize SUV recognized for high owner satisfaction
# Borrego lauded for overall value, power and fuel economy
IRVINE, Calif., June 18, 2009 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the 2009 Kia Borrego has been named the top-rated "SUV $25,000-$35,000" in the Edmunds.com Consumers' Top Rated(SM) Vehicle awards for 2009. Borrego earned strong marks from consumers for its overall excellent value, along with impressive power and towing capacity, interior space, visibility, fuel economy and extensive list of standard features.
"Borrego offers those looking for a spacious, powerful and fuel efficient vehicle the complete package at an incredible value," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "As one of the first vehicles to roll out under Kia's exciting new design direction, accolades such as this Edmunds.com award, which provides feedback directly from owners, are evidence of Kia's commitment to consumers as well as to offering vehicles with the content consumers want without breaking the pocketbook."
To determine the winners of the 19 vehicle categories, Edmunds.com invited owners to use the Consumer Reviews and Ratings feature, where they are able to evaluate their new or used vehicles in eight different categories, including performance, comfort, fuel economy, driving impressions, interior design, exterior design, build quality and reliability. Top-rated vehicles are those that received the highest average rating from visitors as of April 30.
Borrego is offered with a DOHC, all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 as well as Kia's first-ever DOHC 4.6-liter V8 engine, also all-aluminum; both engines are more powerful than any in Kia's line to date. While the V6 produces a competitive 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, the V8 generates a class-leading 337 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 323 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm -- more powerful than the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee and GMC Acadia. Borrego runs on regular unleaded fuel compared to some other competitors that require premium unleaded, and achieves best-in-class fuel economy of 15/22 city/highway for its V8 with two-wheel drive, and a respectable 15/20 city/highway for its V8 with four-wheel drive.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."
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