Kia Amanti Achieves High Marks in the 2008 Strategic Vision Customer Delight Index® Report

Full-Size Sedan Tops Large Car Segment in Customer Delight

# 2008 Amanti recognized for meeting driver needs while remaining a great value
# Full-size sedan applauded for offering impressive design, engineering and fuel economy

IRVINE, Calif., January 12, 2009 -- Garnering another significant accolade, Kia Motors America (KMA) announces the upscale Amanti topped the large car segment in the 2008 Strategic Vision Most Delightful® Vehicle study. According to the San Diego-based research firm, Most Delightful vehicles meet owners' foundational needs while maintaining optional desires which include thoughtful engineering, alluring design cues, performance and fuel efficiency.

"As a safe, reliable and attractive full-size sedan, Amanti meets drivers' needs at an exceptional price point," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "Leading the Strategic Vision Most Delightful Vehicle study is another example of Amanti's strengths and of Kia Motor's commitment to providing a line-up embodying quality, fuel efficiency and value."

Having also topped the Strategic Vision SmartGreen Index(SM) and Total Value Index® in the large car segments and a recipient of a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in frontal and side impact crash tests, the well-appointed Amanti offers outstanding safety features, luxury and overall convenience in the full-size sedan segment. Amanti offers a long list of standard amenities, including: eight airbags; leather seats, chrome and wood accents; and a 3.8-liter all-aluminum DOHC V6 engine which generates 264 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

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 640 dealers throughout the United States. 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."

I Can't Believe It's a Kia!

That was my first reaction on spotting the silver 2008 Kia Amanti with black interior and leather trim sitting in our driveway. I could not believe this classy car was a Kia!

Driving it made me even more excited. This sporty-looking, smooth-driving, automobile seemed too luxurious to be made by the South Korean automakers, the same guys who first brought "very inexpensive" cars to the U. S. I remember some folks even sneered at the Kia as being "too cheap" to buy even with fantastic warranties and the lowest prices in town.

The Amanti quickly dispels all that. The sporty styling features chrome accents on the front grille, door handles, and body-side moldings, along with clear-lens halogen headlights with front projection fog lights, tinted windows, and a dual exhaust.

The full-size sedan is the flagship car of Kia Motors America, who recently announced the Amanti had topped the large car segment in the Strategic Vision Total Value Index or TVI®, which considers complete consumer ownership experience as well as the buyer's beliefs about the economic consequences of purchasing the product.

Kia's Amanti also recently received a Strategic Vision SmartGreenIndex(SM) in the large car segment, and was awarded a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in frontal and side impact crash tests.

The Amanti boasts a unibody frame on a platform 250 pounds lighter than previous generations, and a 3.8 liter all-aluminum DOHC V6 engine that generates 264 HP and 260 pound-feet of torque with a five-speed gated automatic transmission with Sportmatic™ shift that gives it an extra power boost. Thanks to a precise power rack-and-pinion steering system, and super suspension and shock systems, drivers enjoy a smoother ride that contributes to the overall feeling of being in a luxury sedan.

Amanti's many amenities that help push it toward the luxury class include stylish upgrades like leather seat trim, 17-inch chrome wheels, power adjustable pedals, a premium Infinity sound system, dual zone automatic temperature control, power front seats, power windows, and heated outside mirrors.

Safety features include eight airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH), engine immobilizer, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The base price of the Amanti I drove was $25,495, but added options including an Electronic Stability Package, leather trim package, heated front seats, Infinity Audio system with 9 Infinity speakers with subwoofers, a 4-inch monitor with trip computer, and a power sunroof, brought the total to $31,695.

The estimated fuel economy ranged from 17 in town to 24 on the highway for an estimated fuel cost of $2,209.

And it's good to know that while the Kia's prices may have gone up, the 10 years/100,000 mile warranty is still there, with 24-hour roadside assistance also available.

By Jo Ann Holt
Epoch Times

The Weekly Driver: 2008 Kia Amanti

Since its debut in 2004, the Kia Amanti has been one of the most unheralded cars on the road. And it's difficult to understand why more premium midsize sedan buyers haven't considered the Korean manufacturer's top-of-the-line offering.

I hadn't driven the Amanti since its debut model. It's been redesigned once, but for 2008 the Kia remains largely unchanged from a year ago. It still features exterior characteristics reminiscent of Audi, Lincoln and Mercedes, and there's nothing wrong with that.

The Amanti (it means "love" in the Italian dialect Calabrese) remains a premium vehicle at a budget-conscious price and with one keen feature none of its more popular and well-heeled competitors can offer -- a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

In 2005, about two years after the Amanti was introduced at various auto shows, J.D. Power and Associates selected it as the "Most Appealing Premium Midsize Car," in its Performance, Execution and Layout Study."

Two years later, the Amanti outscored several more expensive luxury car in the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS) side-impact crash testing, and earned the highest rating of "Good."

My recent weekly test drive was the 2008 Amanti. It's available in only one trim, a 3.8-liter, 264-horsepower V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Audi, Lincoln and Mercedes have all had long head starts and decades to refine their offerings. But some of the Amanti's interior features are equally impressive. The wood grain-accented dash is well designed and handsome. The driver and passenger front seat adjustment controls are shaped like seats and are contoured into the sides of the seat panels. And the Amanti has well-positioned seats, easy entry and exit and plenty of room for five adults.

Standard equipment includes: dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way driver seats and four-way passenger seats, cruise control, three 12V power outlets, leather steering wheel with audio and cruise remote functions, front fog lamps and front windshield de-icer, among a dozen other items.

My weekly driver also included two option packages: the $2,500 leather package (leather seat trim, two-way memory for driver's seat and outdoor mirrors, heated front seats, Infinity AM/FM/CD audio system with 9-inch speakers and 4-inch monitor with trip computer; and the $1,600 premium package (black interior key color, supervision meter cluster, aluminum interior trim, 17-inch chrome finished alloy wheels and power-adjusted pedals. The sunroof with tilt option added another $900, pushing the price to just under $31,000.

Amanti's refined looks its and generous features are also complemented by a fine drive. The Kia flagship accelerates well in traffic and cruises with a nice, quiet ride in highway situations. The power steering is near effortless and the car maneuvers in and of tight situations without hesitation.

Five years ago, I concluded the debut Amanti was a surprising newcomer and that its more luxurious cousins would do well to keep a close watch on their half-priced relative. What I can't figure out is why the Amanti still hasn't become more of a family leader.

Safety Features -- Dual front, front and rear-mounted and curtain side airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles; Powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/100,000 miles; 24-hour roadside assistance, 5 years/unlimited miles.

Base Price -- $25,495.00.

Price As Driven -- $31,695.00.

Kia Rondo Wins Drive Car of the Year Award for "Best People Mover"

Have you driven a Kia Rondo yet? A little time behind the wheel is impresses most people. It feels like a large car, yet isn't cumbersome, and its tall ride height and large greenhouse offers excellent visibility all-round. These are just two reasons why the Rondo is appealing, an appreciation of which seems to be global.

The family hauler has just won Best People Mover in Australia's Drive Car of the Year awards, a unanimous decision by the Fairfax Media organization's judging panel. The Rondo, known in some markets as "Carens", bested candidates from Toyota and Peugeot to take away the honors, while beating its own parent company Hyundai as the only Korean company to win a Drive COTY.

"We are very pleased that the Drive Car of the Year judges have confirmed what we at Kia already knew -- the Kia Rondo was the best candidate in the people mover category," commented Mr. S.K. Lee, President & CEO of Kia Motors Australia."Drive judges recognized that Rondo's clever design, spacious interior and value for money delivered the best package for Australian families who need a vehicle with the space and practicality for everyday living."

The Drive judging panel looked to the Rondo's versatility, economy, excellent value for money and five-year unlimited kilometer warranty to support its case, after judging the car and its rivals on a weeklong evaluation covering some 20,000 km (12,500 miles). Key elements for consideration included driving dynamics, engine performance, price, quality and equipment offered, as well as comfort, practicality and safety.

"The Rondo becomes the first car from a Korean manufacturer to receive a Drive Car of the Year award because it offers the best combination of versatility, space and value for money, all key considerations for people-mover buyers," commented the Drive COTY judges in a statement.

Unlike many Car of the Year awards, the Drive COTY judges don't limit their candidates to just all-new models (completely revised or totally new vehicles that enter the market in a given 12 month period), but actually include all models offered in a given category, no matter how long they've been on the market. So when the Rondo won its class, it didn't just win because it only faced one or two all-new models, but because the judges honestly feel it is the best vehicle/value combination in its segment. Commenting on COTY awards given only to "all-new" vehicles, the judges said "consumers don't limit their choices that way."

The Drive COTY awards are annually selected by a judging panel from Fairfax Media newspapers, which include two of Australia's oldest and most prestigious dailies, The Sydney Morning Herald in Sydney and The Age in Melbourne, as well as the company's online automotive website www.drive.com.au, which oversees the Drive COTY awards program.

Strengthening the Drive COTY award's decision, Kia's Rondo also won the 'Car of Choice' award in the Autochic.com.au Car of the Year program. Autochic.com.au is Australia's leading auto site for women.

2008 Kia Amanti: Sedan offers luxury amenities at a value price

Kia Motor America's flagship model, the Amanti, is a premium midsize sedan that blends entry-level luxury, satisfying performance and safety enhancements into a package with a sub-premium price. It's defined by smooth, curved lines while maintaining a certain sporty flair. Distinctive exterior styling features include chrome accents such as the front grille, door handles and body-side moldings; clear-lens halogen headlights with front projection fog lights; tinted windows; and a dual exhaust.

Since the Amanti received a freshening last year with a lighter platform (250 pounds less to be precise), a more refined suspension and a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 264 horsepower, the 2008 model hasn't undergone any radical modifications. Amenities have been added for refinement, though, with optional packages that incorporate such features as 17-inch chrome wheels, power adjustable pedals, leather seat trim and a premium Infinity sound system.

Inside are more luxurious standard features highlighted with tasteful chrome, plush leather and polished wood accents. Door sill plates are finished in bright metal. An eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and four-way power adjustable front passenger's seat provide added comfort, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel features conveniently placed audio and cruise control functions. An optional Leather Package adds leather seat trim, heated front seats with individual driver and passenger settings as well as an Infinity six-disc, in-dash CD stereo with nine Infinity speakers. Adding the Premium Package provides black leather seats, brushed-aluminum interior trim, power adjustable pedals and 17-inch, seven-spoke chrome wheels.

Using a fully independent suspension featuring gas pressurized shocks, a front double wishbone and rear multi-link setup provides a smooth ride, while the precise power rack-and-pinion steering system allows drivers to adapt quickly to sudden driving changes.

My test Kia Amanti was finished outside in Midnight Gray metallic and inside in black leather, highlighted by aluminum trim accents. The Electronic Stability Package, Leather Package and Premium Package elevated the final cost to $31,695.

Summary

At first glance, the Kia Amanti brings to mind the Lincoln Towncar. It is the same basic shape, offers nearly the same interior space and sports a trunk that is 15.9 cubic feet, with a wide opening lid for easy loading and unloading.

The acceleration is brisk, especially for the car's size and the fact that it's powered by a V6 rather than a V8, and the handling borders on sporty. The ride quality is a tad on the "floaty" side (another Towncar attribute), but it isn't overly soft.

Safety features include multiple air bags, four-wheel antilock brakes, front active headrests, and LATCH system for child carseats. The 2008 Amanti is also backed by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile limited power train warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a five-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and a five-year/60,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance plan.

All in all, a loaded 2008 Kia Amanti provides nearly the same level of amenities as many higher-end luxury cars, but at a value price.

2008 Kia Amanti Sedan

Base price: $25,495
Price as tested: $31,695
Engine/transmission: 3.8-liter, 264-horsepower V6; five-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
Length: 196.9 inches
Width: 72.8 inches
Height: 58.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,770 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
Fuel consumption: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Arv Voss
San Fransisco Chronicle

Review: 2008 Kia Rondo, the best new family car for the money

The Kia Rondo is an easy car to miss in standard comparison shopping. Its closest market class in the United States is "small station wagon," a segment few consumers seem to have an interest in and whose products are generally dissimilar to the Rondo.

In Europe, the Rondo (sold there as the Carens) has many direct competitors in the class of "compact multi-purpose vehicle." Those cars are tall but have dimensions otherwise similar to the average American-market economy car, and they feature impressive interior space efficiency.

In the US, what do you call a small station wagon that drives like a nice midsize family sedan, has the interior space of a midsize SUV, and costs about as much as a compact economy car?

Though we don't have an "MPV" class, we can certainly call the Rondo a double-take value.

The Rondo isn't a slick-looking car. Few MPVs are. They're all about utility. The slab sides and low window-line may look odd at best from the outside, but from the inside of the Rondo you have comfortable seating for five plus an available third row that offers passable comfort for two medium-size adults. That's more than many larger SUVs can boast. Plus, those jumbo windows give drivers excellent visibility and keeps the outward view within reach of small children.

The driver sits higher in the Rondo than in the average sedan, though it's not quite SUV height. The front seats themselves are high off the floor, like an SUV or minivan, but the Rondo sits lower to the ground. The high roof keeps the chair-high seats from cutting into head space.

The rear bench seat is also high enough off the floor to offer excellent leg support, and there's plenty of space. On seven-passenger Rondos the rear seat adjusts fore/aft, offering the option of whether to allocate leg room to the middle row or third row. That third row is too low to the floor to be called comfortable, but it's passable. Surprisingly few non-minivans offer even that much.

Like the rest of the car, the Rondo's interior isn't very interesting to look out, but it's well-designed and high-quality. Function was clearly chosen over form, but Kia also understands that functional doesn't need to feel junky.

Although passenger accommodations are top-notch, the Rondo's cargo volume doesn't defy its compact dimensions. A low floor and fold-flat front passenger seat help the car offer as much space as it possibly can, but that comes out to a total of 74 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, 32 behind the rear seat, and, if installed, a mere 7 cubic feet behind the third row.

That's not to say the Rondo doesn't have much cargo space. Those specifications are on par with most small SUVs, and there is enough space behind even the third-row seat for a bit of cargo. But while the Rondo's passenger space and comfort makes it a possible alternative to a midsize SUV, someone interested in a larger vehicle for its cargo utility may need more room. Don't write it off if you want a lot of space, but consider this carefully in your buying process.

On the road, the Rondo feels like a family sedan with a slightly higher driving position. It rides smoothly and it's quiet, and it handles like the pleasant-but-boring small car that it is: it's safe and maneuverable but not a driver's car.

The Rondo's standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is shared with the midsize Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata midsize sedans, and it offers more pep than many give it credit for. It won't win the modern horsepower war, but it offers comparable power to a 4-cylinder Toyota Camry, the best-selling version of the best-selling car in the country. A 2.7-liter V6 is also offered. Other reviews suggest the V6's extra power is useful in accelerating at high speeds, which may be, but the more obvious difference is that it's quieter. The extra power might be handy if you'll be carrying seven passengers, but the less-expensive and more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder should be the better buy for most.

The Rondo impresses in many areas: for its practicality, comfort, and refinement. The one major place it does not stand out is in its gas mileage. While it is more fuel-efficient than most vehicles with similar interior space, the average 4-cylinder family sedan does a bit better, and it's nothing close to an economy car. The EPA rates it at 22 miles per gallon in mixed driving. (2009 4-cylinder Rondos are rated at one mile per gallon higher than 2008s by the EPA, but 2008s have better sales incentives that more than offset those savings.)

It also bears mentioning that the Rondo is not the only European-style MPV available in the United States. The Mazda5 is a tall compact station wagon with minivan styling and three rows of seats. But its feel is very different from the Rondo's; whereas the Rondo has the solid feel and refinement of a midsize family sedan, the Mazda5 feels more like an economy car. The Rondo also has more power and seating for seven instead of six passengers.

However, for all its strengths, the Rondo does not offer all-wheel-drive to make it a perfect family SUV alternative. (It's still a perfect alternative to a two-wheel-drive family SUV, which still represents a large chunk of that market.) It also lacks a manual transmission, offered in most cars at the Rondo's size and price point (including the Mazda5), which would have improved its gas mileage and lowered its base price.

All that aside, the Rondo impresses for its all-around goodness: that practicality, comfort, and refinement that keeps coming up in this review. But that goodness would not be especially impressive if it weren't for Rondo's value. After all, there are lots of pleasant cars on the market. The Rondo stands out from all those others because of what it offers for the money.

The Rondo offers the feel of a good midsize family sedan and the practicality of a good small SUV (a combination no current small SUV or midsize family sedan can match) while costing less than a comparably-equipped Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, according to pricing site TrueDelta.com.

A five-passenger Rondo is nicely equipped with the full range of safety and basic convenience features at a sticker price of $18,795, which Edmunds.com expects you to be able to haggle down to $16,260. (Add $500 for the third row seat and related accessories.)

If you're looking for a family car of any shape or size, consider the Rondo. If you're interested in anything with a roomy interior, especially if you want to seat more than five passengers, you can't beat $16,260 for a new car with a long warranty. And even at economy car prices, the Rondo doesn't feel at all cheap. Be aware that a midsize SUV or a minivan will have more total cargo volume, but don't buy your next family car without driving the Rondo.

Vehicle tested: 2008 Kia Rondo LX 4-cylinder
Vehicle base price: $17,395
Vehicle price as tested: $18,795
Test vehicle provided by: Kia of Waldorf of Waldorf, Md.

KIA AMANTI TOPS STRATEGIC VISION TOTAL VALUE INDEX®

Full-Size Sedan Honored by Leading Research Firm

# Amanti applauded by consumers for value and appeal
# Full-size Kia sedan commended for quality in tough economy

IRVINE, Calif., November 10, 2008 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the Kia Amanti topped the large car segment in the Strategic Vision Total Value Index® (TVI®). The TVI considers complete consumer ownership experience as well as beliefs about the economic consequences of the purchase, either immediate or expected.

"In a tough economic climate it is good to see that consumers are recognizing the Amanti for everything that it has to offer," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "Being that the Total Value Index considers not only the overall ownership experience but what buyers feel the economic impact of their purchase will be is a testament to Amanti's quality and value."

Strategic Vision calculates the TVI by taking into consideration statements that owners make about value, including expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid and expected resale value, and then incorporating the importance of the variables that make up the ownership experience.

Having recently topped the Strategic Vision SmartGreenIndex(SM) in the large car segment and recently awarded a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in frontal and side impact crash tests, Amanti offers outstanding safety features, luxury and overall convenience in the full-size sedan segment. Amanti offers a long list of standard amenities, including: eight airbags; leather seats, chrome and wood accents; and a 3.8-liter all-aluminum DOHC V6 engine which generates 264 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

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 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. 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 Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site - www.kia.com.

Kia's 2008 Sorento has pluses; it's just a victim of changing times

We see the sun rise and set, watch the seasons change, and realize that in just two months it will be 2009. It's still hard to believe how quickly and inexorably times and tastes change.

One day the Yankees are a Major League Baseball dynasty, then seemingly overnight they're on the golf course watching the Phillies celebrate a world championship.

Time also seems to skip a beat in the automotive world. It seems like only yesterday that everybody was buying SUVs and manufacturers couldn't come out with new models quickly enough to sate the public's appetite for them.

Now nobody seems to want one.

True, crossover SUVs -- vehicles that look like trucks but are built on car platforms -- are still somewhat popular. But real SUVs that can cross streams, slog through mud and shake off blizzards are being shunned like a vegetarian at a Texas barbecue.

That makes vehicles such as the 2008 Kia Sorento that I tested last week an afterthought to most consumers.

The smallish and stylish Sorento looks like a new breed crossover, but one glance at its EPA fuel economy rating tells you it's not. Most crossovers get better than the Sorento's 15 city and 20 highway miles per gallon.

Looking beyond the window sticker confirms the Sorento's real nature. On two-wheel drive models, the rear wheels push the Sorento instead of the front wheels pulling it like most crossover SUVs.

And unlike crossovers, the Sorento is built on a true frame chassis braced by nine cross members. That kind of robust construction enables a vehicle to withstand the rigors of real off-roading that would turn the average crossover into a bucket of loosened bolts.

The problem is that most consumers don't need that kind of robustness any more than Louie Anderson needs a Krispy Kreme gift certificate. Rugged, body-on-frame construction requires compromises that get you in the end, like the calories in a box of doughnuts.

That's apparent in the Sorento, which weighs nearly 4,500 pounds in the 4x4 configuration and EX trim of my test vehicle. That's portly for an SUV that slots somewhere between compact and midsize.

A vehicle's weight affects its fuel economy, which helps explain the Sorento's EPA mileage ratings.

The biggest mileage factor, of course, is typically a vehicle's engine. Kia offers two different V6 engines on the Sorento. Base and LX trim levels get a 3.3-liter version that produces 242 horsepower and 228 pounds-feet of torque. The top-of-the-line Sorento EX gets a 3.8-liter that puts out 262 horsepower and delivers 260 pounds-feet of torque.

The smaller engine only gets slightly better mileage and won't tow as much as the 3.8; 3,500 versus 5,000 pounds.

Both of those numbers are beyond the capability of most crossover SUVs. But the best crossovers also deliver a better combination of ride and handling than the Sorento.

That's not to say that the Sorento is a slacker in either department. Its ride is reasonably comfortable, and it does a decent job of muting wind and road noise.

But it's not as good as the best crossovers in those areas. For example, the Sorento's suspension includes a solid rear axle that isn't as compliant as the independent rears on most crossovers. Big bumps and potholes are more noticeable in the Sorento. And the Sorento leans more when navigating corners than most crossovers.

None of that means the Sorento handles poorly. Its behavior is simply more truck-like than car-like. Such characteristics would have been overlooked just a few years ago, when truck-based SUVs were all the rage. In fact, the Sorento was named edmunds.com's "Most Wanted SUV Under $25,000."

But that was for 2004. The Sorento hasn't gotten worse; our sensibilities have changed. It remains a good value in a body-on-frame SUV that delivers robust performance and ruggedness.

Scott Wasser

Tribune Review: 2008 Kia Amanti

What it is: The Amanti is Kia's flagship sedan which is aimed at the buyer who wants a luxury ride without the luxury price tag. An all-new model was released in 2007, and the 2008 model is identical. Kia has tried their hardest to gain credibility in the minds of America, and they are backing it with a 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty on all of their vehicles. With styling cues borrowed heavily from Mercedez Benz, from the front it could easily be mistaken for an E-class. My model was equipped with several additional features including Electronic Stability Package ($500 and should be standard), Leather Package ($2,500), Premium package ($1,600) and power sunroof ($900). The options provide moderate value and I feel that they could all be priced 10-20 percent lower for what you are getting.

Upsides: The 3.8L V6 provides 264hp which provides plenty of spirited acceleration. The car is extremely quiet and provides a wonderfully smooth drive on the freeway. Interior room is plentiful and the Amanti provides tons of storage in the trunk.

Downsides: No navigation available, and the upgraded Infinity sounds system (only packaged with the Leather-seating group) is nothing special. They sacrificed handling for a comfier ride quality, and they may have gone a little over the line. If you like a sporty ride, then this probably isn't the car for you. The 264 horses come at a price as the car is rated at 17mpg city and 24mpg highway. There is no in port even with the upgraded stereo. It befuddles me when car manufacturers continue to leave this feature out.

Cost: Base price is $25,495. As tested (fully loaded) is $30,995.

Final word: The Amanti shines the most when you are in the passenger seat. You get to enjoy the smooth ride without having to pay for the gas or have your friends raise their eyebrows at you purchasing a $30,000 Kia. Kia has come a long way, and the Amanti is proof they have made great strides in the car segment. Versus a Honda or Toyota this car really shines but when comparing to a Mercedes or BMW it can't yet compete.

Wilson Calvert
© 2008 Ourtribune.com

Five That Put the "Mini" Back in Minivan

Can mini-minivans bring the cool better than their oh-so-uncool full-size brethren?

When minivans were introduced as a genre a quarter-century ago--VW's Microbus/Vanagon notwithstanding--their whole shtick was that they were mini. Today's "minivans," however, have grown nearly as big, heavy, and cumbersome as the Ford Econolines and Dodge Ram vans of the 1980s. If this is what the world meant by "mini," miniskirts would extend all the way to the floor and the Mini Cooper would be the size of a Suburban.

Well, as they say, everything old is new again. And in this economy, everything new is getting small again. Not surprisingly, sales of the two mini-minivans currently for sale in the U.S., the Mazda 5 and the Kia Rondo, have jumped dramatically in recent months, in spite of a new-car market that is undergoing a bit of miniaturization itself.

And more are coming. Next summer, Ford will bring over from Europe its right-sized urban cargo-box, the Ford Transit Connect, and there are more Euro vehicles that would be well matched for U.S. buyers if they were allowed through the Golden Door. All five vehicles on this list--U.S. market or no--possess carlike handling, true versatility, and excellent fuel economy, traits that can't help but put this tres-uncool segment on track to get pretty darn hot. Again.

Kia Rondo

If there is any car company that speaks to the no-nonsense, family-first sensibilities that minivans were meant to serve, it is Kia. Thus, that the dowdy but well-packaged Rondo fits that bill so well surprises few members of our staff.

Of the two mini-minivans available in the U.S. at this time, the Rondo is the cheapest, quietest, and the only one available with seven seats and a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 power (don't expect mind-blowing acceleration from either). And although it looks more like a duck than a supercar, at least it doesn't have the Mazda 5's stigmatized sliding doors.

The Kia Rondo drives well, carries a great warranty, and is easy on the budget (if not on the eyes). And if the 25-percent increase in year-to-date sales is any indication, it's something we'll be seeing a lot more of in the future.

BY STEVE SILER
Car and Driver

Way-back machine: Compact Kia Rondo has three rows of seats

The Kia Rondo is a small car that seats seven people. It competes with the Mazda5. They are the only "microvans" on the U.S. market. It's fuel-efficient, has decent crash-test scores and can be purchased for less than $20,000.

So suppose you have a family with lots of kids - or a couple of kids who bring their friends along. You need a car with seats, lots of them.

But suppose that, in these troubled times, you can't afford a full-grown minivan, which can sticker for $35,000 or more. In fact, things are so tight for you right now that under $20K sounds a lot more like it. Plus, you park in tiny city spaces, where the term "minivan" is a misnomer - those things are behemoths. As for a big SUV with a third row, you don't want an occasional need for seats to constantly cost you at the pump.

You want a nimble, frugal small car - with big-car people-hauling ability. Sounds like you want the impossible.

Actually, not the impossible, just the uncommon. Of all the models sold in the U.S., exactly two little vehicles fit those criteria. These are "microvans" - little wagons with a "way-back" third row of seats. One is the Mazda5. You may never have noticed the other one: the Kia Rondo.

The Mazda gets lots of positive buzz, including a Consumer Reports recommendation and rave reviews in these pages. But the Rondo is worth a look. It's competitive in many ways.

It's small - the same length as a Toyota Corolla. Yet it seats seven people in a 2-3-2 configuration (the Mazda seats six as 2-2-2).

Think clown car.

The Rondo's 162-horsepower four-cylinder pulls down EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 highway, 22 overall with a four-speed automatic. (The Mazda's numbers with an auto are 21/27/23.)

And Kia offers an optional 182-horse V-6 (the Mazda has only the four) that rates 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 overall. That engine gets a five-speed automatic with gated shifter. The V-6 equipped test car got 20.3 mpg in strictly stop-and-go city driving.

The Rondo's exterior is anonymous and trapezoidal - it appears to have been popped out of a loaf pan. But the Mazda5 is slightly odd looking as well, particularly in its hindquarters, and these cars' squareness is how they can pack so much useable space within such a small exterior.

Inside the Kia, the materials are suprisingly nice for such a cheap ride. (Starting MSRP, stripped, is 17,395. A heavily optioned V-6 test vehicle stickered at $23,495 with heated leather seats, a sunroof and excellent sound system.)

Storage cubbies are provided throughout the cabin, even in the way-back. Driving visibility is great, and handling is competent. The front seating is upright, with cramped legroom. and it doesn't adjust much. A lot of drivers will struggle to find a comfortable driving position, and though a competent city car, it would surely be uncomfortable on long trips.

In the second row, legroom is copious. That row slides on a track, which allows space to be shared with the third row, where any adult passengers who ventured back there would face hardships that seem more North Korean than South. The way-back is for kids.

The second- and third-row seatbacks are split, offering a variety of passenger and cargo configurations.

The Rondo's advantages over the Mazda5:

* It's extremely quiet inside for a wagon body style. The Mazda has road noise.

* It can seat that extra passenger.

* You can spring for the V-6.

* Its optional Infinity 315-watt sound system is killer.

* It has a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, twice that of the Mazda5.

* When comparably equipped, it's less expensive.

The Mazda's advantages over the Rondo:

* Its interior is stylish and comfortable.

* You can get a navigation system.

* It has sliding doors for easier entry.

* And though it seats one fewer passenger in the second row, a little aisle between the second-row buckets provides easier access to the third row (and a little poke-through legroom for those in back).

* The Mazda's final advantage: It's not a Kia.

Let's talk about that for a moment. It's true that Kias don't have the resale value of many other makes (though if you don't plan on reselling, no problem.) And it's true that in their early years Korean cars were the butts of jokes. (Here's one from '91: How do we know the LAPD lied about Rodney King? Answer: They said he led them on a high-speed chase - in a Hyundai!) But these cars have rapidly improved in recent years. A telling detail is the Kia Rondo's crash-test scores: It earned five stars (the highest rating) in government frontal crash tests, five stars in driver side impact, and four stars for passenger side impact and rollover risk - respectable scores all around. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't yet rated the Rondo, but other Kia models have recently done well in the IIHS' stringent offset frontal crash test.

However, FYI that Kia as a brand still ranks weakly in the J.D. Power and Associates reliability ratings. Though at least it has that long warranty.

The only sign of a quality quirk in the test-driven Rondo was the control for the windshield wiper. The intermittent setting was wired backwards, with the fast marking yielding a slow wiper speed and vice versa. Otherwise, the car seemed typical of its price point.

If you want to put a lot of butts in a lot of seats, for not a lot of bucks, your list of possibilities is short. So test-drive both the Mazda5 and the Rondo and see what you think. Kia's well-chosen slogan, after all, is "The Power to Surprise."

By Greg Rasa
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

Kia Rondo, 2008: The Weekly Driver

One of the tangible but often unwritten tests of a new vehicle is its initial comfort. In short, does a car suit a driver without a lengthy technological learning curve? Maybe that makes me a simpleton, but there's something to be said for an efficient, straightforward, no-nonsense car that doesn't require intense reading to operate. And that's an appropriate description of the 2008 Kia Rondo.

It's nothing new that a good share of drivers still scoff at car manufacturers from Korea. But all of misgivings should now be considered history. Kia offers affordable, safe vehicles with the car industry’s best warranty.

I recently drove the Kia Rondo for a week while visiting Missouri, logging more than 1,000 miles. There's nothing too severe about driving in Missouri. With the exception of a few days of steady rain, the Rondo, Kia's full-sized wagon, didn't face anything extreme.

But during my week with the vehicle it served its purpose and provided good, steady transportation across wide open highways, back country roads and in around-town situations

The Rondo is one of most reasonably priced wagons on the market and it's a solid alternative to a minivan or small sport utility vehicle. It's a wagon, for sure, but the second-year vehicle drives more like a car.

The Rondo's direct competitor is the Mazda5 wagon, but it's not too different than other car-based crossovers like the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. But the Rondo has car doors and it's not a disparaging comment to describe it is a modern-day, streamlined station wagon with an option feature to seat seven.

The Los Angeles Times is often critical in its car reviews and it's hard to argue with the criticisms. But it described the Rondo ideally:

"It's about satisfying the automotive nesting instinct people feel when they've got kids -- their own and their friends' who need to get around with a minimum of fuss and maximum of thrift. Secure, well-constructed, nimble and versatile as a blue blazer, the Rondo does all that and leaves money left over for piano lessons."

The Rondo comes in two trims, the LX and EX, both available with the standard inline four-cylinder engine or an optional V6. I drove the six-cylinder, with an automatic transportation for my week in Missouri.

The Rondo will never be mistaken for a speedster, but I never felt restricted when needing to accelerate. I spent several hours a day in the car and as a 6-foot, 185-pound driver, there was plenty of head and legroom.

One of the criticisms of the Rondo is its exterior design. In short, it's non-descript -- no keen lines or particular innovation. There's nothing that makes the Rondo stand out in a crowd. And that's necessarily a bad thing. Some drivers need flash in their cars, others don't.

What the Kia Rondo provides is solid, safe transportation as a full-size wagon with an option to seat seven and at an attractive price point. That's plenty, it seems, to attract attention for reasons other than cosmetics.

Safety Features -- Dual front, front seat side air bags and side curtain air bags.

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles; Limited powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/100,000 miles; Roadside assistance, 5 years/60,000 miles.

Gas Mileage Estimates -- 19 mpg (city), 26 mpg (hwy).

Price Range -- $16,395-$20,195.

Kia's Sedona racks up awards

One of the best minivans on the market is a best-kept secret. It's the Kia Sedona.

The styling of the Sedona from the rear resembles that of a compact crossover sport utility vehicle.

What makes this minivan such a "best" is all the awards it's been stacking up for safety and quality. It's also well priced and well powered.

The Sedona gets high ratings on crash-test safety from the U.S. government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It's also reliable in quality with a top showing in the Strategic Vision Total Quality Index survey of owners.

There are no safety options on the Sedona. It's standard equipped with nearly every safety technology on the market. This minivan comes with six airbags, electronic stability control, active head restraints, traction control, brake assist, and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.

The 2008 Sedona is a front-wheel drive, three-row minivan that seats up to seven passengers. A convenient fold-flat to the floor split-fold third row allows for ample cargo carrying capability.

The Sedona is offered in short wheelbase and long wheelbase models in LX and uplevel EX trims. The SWB Sedona has a wheelbase of 114 inches and overall length of 189 inches, while the LWB model is 202 inches in length and has a longer wheelbase of about 119 inches.

Base prices for the 2008 Sedona start at $20,695. The EX test vehicle was luxury oriented with a starting price of $26,195 and premium options that brought the price to $32,220, including the $725 destination charge.

Kia goes head-to-head with the better-known minivan products -- such as the Chrysler Town & Country and the Toyota Sienna -- with upscale options that put the Sedona in a notable high-end class for comfort and convenience.

For example, the EX test vehicle was equipped with a $2,400 Luxury Package of heated front leather seats, power adjustable pedals, triple-zone climate controls, power sunroof, backup warning system and steering wheel-mounted sound system controls.

A $200 Power Package added convenience for the driver with a power liftgate and power sliding dual doors. A $1,700 Premium Entertainment Package featured an 8-inch screen and DVD player and Infinity Surround Sound System. I did not enjoy this optional audio quality. It was difficult to find a pleasing sound. Most of the time the music sounded like it was coming from a tin box, even though I played with the bass, treble, fade and middle adjustments.

The 2008 Kia Sedona is standard equipped with nearly every safety technology on the market

Stepping on the accelerator of the Sedona was a pleasure. This minivan didn't lumber along under its 4,387-pound girth. It's got some punch under the hood.

The 24-valve V-6 engine with a 3.8-liter displacement generates a horsepower rating of 250 at 6,000 rpm and good torque of 253 pounds-feet at 3,500 rpm. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission the V-6 Sedona is EPA-rated at 16 miles per gallon city and 23 mpg highway, which is equivalent to that of a full-size sedan.

The styling of the Sedona from the rear resembles that of a compact crossover sport utility vehicle, but up front the Sedona is very class typical of the minivan segment with smooth lines and a large glass area.

The suspension is a four-wheel independent system with MacPherson struts up front and multi-link with coil springs and stabilizer bar in the rear set-up. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on the Sedona; the uplevel long wheelbase EX trim gets 17-inch alloy wheels.

Kia backs up the Sedona with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Shoppers would do well to add the Sedona to the top three vehicles to cross-shop when looking for a minivan.

Connie Keane MOTOR MATTERS

Kia Amanti Tops Strategic Vision SmartGreenIndexSM

Award-winning full-size sedan honored in new study

# Amanti spotlighted for quality, fuel efficiency and overall value
# Six Kia vehicles recognized as SmartGreenSM

IRVINE, Calif., September 29, 2008 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the Kia Amanti topped the large car segment in the newest Strategic Vision automotive metric, the SmartGreenIndexSM (SGISM). The SGI reflects the relationships between perceived quality plus overall value and issues including fuel economy and environmental friendliness.

In addition to Amanti, according to the new SGI, Spectra compact, Rondo CUV, Sportage compact SUV, Sorento midsize SUV and Sedona minivan also scored highly in their respective segments. These placements further express consumers are taking note of Kia's efforts in providing stylish, comfortable and economically-friendly vehicles.

"Seeing Amanti at the top of the SmartGreenIndex is a testament to our continuing consumer satisfaction," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "We also are very proud of the other Kia vehicles recognized by Strategic Vision and consumers, further exemplifying Kia as a consumer-minded manufacturer committed to offering quality, fuel-efficient vehicles to smart, discerning customers."

Strategic Vision calculated the SGI from 44,320 buyer responses who purchased 2008 or 2009 models from September 2007 to March 2008. SmartGreen is based on actual customer experiences and is weighted according to those aspects which best predict customer advocacy, overall satisfaction, future brand choices and loyalty, which ultimately result in increased model and brand sales.

Already a recipient of a J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Award in 2005 and recently awarded a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in side impact crash tests, Amanti offers outstanding safety features, luxury and overall convenience in the full-size sedan segment, coming standard with amenities including: eight airbags; leather, chrome and wood accents; and a 3.8-liter all-aluminum DOHC V6 engine which generates 264 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

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 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. 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."

2008 Kia Spectra and Kia Spectra5

Kia's Compact Entry Offers Class-Leading Safety, Spaciousness and a Host of Standard Features

IRVINE, Calif. -- In an ever-growing and increasingly competitive segment, the Kia Spectra and Spectra5 continue to prove their mettle and gain ground on long-standing class leaders such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Style, substance and class-leading safety features combined with exceptional value have garnered the Spectra model line numerous awards since being redesigned in 2006.

Considered a 2007 "Best Bet" by The Car Book in the Compact category and receiving two distinctions from Edmunds.com ("Consumers Most-Wanted - Wagons under $25,000" and "Top 10 Cars under $15,000"), the Spectra sedan and five-door will only continue to further impress consumers and media in 2008.

Following Kia's core philosophies of providing value, safety, warranty and fun to the driving experience, the Spectra lineup is available in several trim levels (LX, EX, and SX four-door; SX five-door) and offers a host of standard amenities to appeal to a wide range of consumers.

Polished Performance

Spectra and Spectra5 vehicles are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection. Producing 138 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft of torque , the Spectra lineup offers a more powerful punch than stable mates Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus. Outfitted with a standard five-speed manual transmission for 2008, the option of an automatic transmission extends to the LX four-door sedan making the electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission available for all trim levels.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, standard equipment coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension to provide the optimal balance of ride comfort and engine responsiveness. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling. In keeping with the sporty essence of the SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension and strut tower bar come standard to offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.

Stylish Surface

Larger than Kia's entry level Rio, the Spectra lineup personifies a more grown-up exterior body with smooth, clean lines yet hints at the below-the-surface complexity of youthful spirit. All trim levels feature body-color exterior door handles, body side moldings and rear garnishes to create a sleek canvas on which to outfit aggressive subtleties such as clear-lens halogen headlights.

LX and EX models smile at onlookers with a newly designed front grille, which is presented with a sportier blend of black and chrome. SX models are fitted with an aggressive black mesh grille and the addition of fog lights, a wing-type rear spoiler (SX four-door models only), side sills as well as unique front and rear fascias. Sixteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels matched with 205/50R16-sized premium tires complete the bold SX look. Fifteen-inch wheels and 195/60R15-sized tires are standard on LX and EX equipped models.

Inviting Interior

High-quality full cloth-trimmed seats are merely quiet echoes to the Spectra and Spectra5's host of standard features that scream behind-the-wheel comfort and convenience. A six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering column, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle. Music aficionados are not forgotten either with an AM/FM/CD stereo featuring six speakers and an auxiliary audio input jack (new for 2008) for MP3 player connectivity as standard features. EX and SX models offer additional touches such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats.

Upgrades for the Spectra and Spectra5 SX models include an interior fashioned with metal-finish trim and sport-cloth seats with matching door panel inserts. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, metal sport pedals and cruise control are other standard features. An AM/FM/MP3 stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a power sunroof also are available as SX-only options.

Comfortably Cavernous

Considered compact by its overall dimensions, small does not equate to the Spectra and Spectra5's true sense of size. With the four-door sedan boasting 97.0 cubic feet of passenger volume and the five-door providing a welcoming 98.1 cubic feet of passenger volume, the Spectra line offers more breathing room than the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus. Storage space does not take a backseat either with an ample 12.2 cubic feet of cargo volume available in the Spectra, while 18.3 cubic feet is offered in the Spectra5. When the 60/40-split rear seats are folded flat, storage capacity in the five-door expands to 52.8 cubic feet.

Superior Safety

Earning a five-star frontal crash safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Spectra and Spectra5 provide class-leading safety with an extensive, across-the-board list of standard technology, which includes: dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear three-point seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters; Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Four-wheel solid disc brakes also are standard on EX and SX models while a four-sensor, four-channel antilock brake system (ABS) is an available option on SX four-door and five-door vehicles.

To complement its standard safety features, the 2008 Spectra and Spectra5 are backed by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a five-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance plan.

2008 Kia Rondo EX Review

What It Is: That may not be so easy to answer. The Kia Rondo is a 4-door, front-wheel drive "crossover/wagon/SUV/minivan" that seats five, with the option of a third row for an additional two passengers. It shares a platform with the Kia Optima, giving it a carlike feel. It's not a head-turner, but if practicality outweighs "stare-ability" in your book, you need to give this one a test drive.

Under the hood: The EX engine is a 2.7-liter DOHC V-6 with plenty of pep to get you where you need to go. A 5-speed automatic transmission is also standard on the EX. Standard on the LX is a 4-cylinder and 4-speed transmission. You get sequential sport shift on all styles.

Cup holders: Two in front, two in back and another two for the back passengers if the third-row seat option is added.

Upside: I was very impressed with all that you get with this car, for such a reasonable price. After initially looking it over and seeing the leather package, power sunroof, third-row seat, heated front seats, roof rails, chrome door handles, heated outside mirrors, sequential shift and more, I had to check the sticker again to make sure it wasn't too good to be true. "More bang for your buck" sums it up nicely for this versatile family wagon that won't leave you feeling that you've missed out on comfort features. The Rondo is roomy enough and I was really impressed with how well it grabs the road. Another perk is Kia's 10-year/10,000-mile powertrain warranty. Oh, and for any who find this appealing, the Rondo has an actual cigarette lighter with ash trays in front and back.

Downside: Experts say the Rondo doesn't retain its value as well as its competitors. In my opinion, this should not be a deterrent to anyone wanting to get a lot of car for a little money.

Mileage: 18 city and 26 highway miles per gallon (EX V-6 with third row added).

Government Safety Ratings: The Rondo earned five stars for frontal and side crashes for front-seat passengers, and four for back-seat passengers in a side crash. The rollover rating is also four-star.

Cost: MSRP starts at $16,395 for the LX and no matter how many options you add, you would be hard-pressed to get it much over $25,000.

Patsy Oliver
Ourtribune.com

Wheels: Optima a great family car

If you're ready for a pleasant surprise, take a look at the new 2008 Kia Optima four-door sedan.

If you haven't checked out a Kia in a while and think it's not worth the effort -- or you think Kia means "throwaway car" -- the Optima will prove you wrong.

Here's a car company that years ago struggled to keep up with the rest of the industry in quality and content. Today, based on what I've seen in the Optima, it may well be close to the upper tier of the family car segment. It certainly holds its own against some of the big boys such as the Hyundai Sonata, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Mitsubishi Galant.

In fact, it's better equipped than many cars in its price range. For $23,435, you get aluminum interior trim, leather seats, electronic stability and traction control systems, anti-lock brakes, power adjustable pedals, sunroof, heated front seats, heated mirrors, cruise control and on and on.

With a base price of $19,495, the Optima is an absolute steal in a time when we are all looking to spend as little as possible to get as much as possible. It gets per-gallon gas mileage of 21 city and 31 highway.

In fact, given its content, its generous 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and roomy interior, the Optima soon may be a popular choice for a lot of families.

My test model turned in an almost flawless performance: Handling and braking were fine. Acceleration was brisk. The car was quiet and generally well constructed, although the trunk compartment and floor looked unfinished and poorly done to me.

Perhaps the biggest thing holding back the Optima is that the styling is rather nondescript.

Kia is trying to forge an individual style philosophy, but it isn't quite there yet.

As a relatively new company, Kia doesn't have a heritage and market image to turn to. The top-tier family cars -- Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima -- all rely on unique styling and presentation.

But based on what I've seen of its future products, Kia's making progress in styling and personality. Add that to its quality, and what more can you want?

Thursday, August 07, 2008
Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Kia Sedona minivan quietly racks up awards

One of the best minivans on the market is a best-kept secret. It's the Kia Sedona.

What makes this minivan such a "best" is all the awards it's been stacking up for safety and quality. It's also well-priced and well-powered.

The Sedona gets high ratings on crash-test safety from the U.S. government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It's also reliable in quality with a top showing in the Strategic Vision Total Quality Index survey of owners.

There are no safety options on the Sedona. It is standard-equipped with nearly every safety technology on the market. This minivan comes with six airbags, electronic stability control, active head restraints, traction control, brake assist and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.

The 2008 Sedona is a front-wheel drive, three-row minivan that seats up to seven passengers. A convenient fold-flat to the floor split-fold third row allows for ample cargo carrying capability.

The Sedona is offered in short wheelbase and long wheelbase models in LX and uplevel EX trims. The SWB Sedona has a wheelbase of 114 inches and overall length of 189 inches, while the LWB model is 202 inches in length and has a longer wheelbase of about 119 inches.

Base prices for the 2008 Sedona start at $20,695. My EX tester was luxury oriented with a starting price of $26,195 and premium options that brought the price to $32,220, including the $725 destination charge.

Kia goes head-to-head with the better-known minivan products - such as the Chrysler Town & Country and the Toyota Sienna - with upscale options that put the Sedona in a notable high-end class for comfort and convenience.

For example, the EX tester was equipped with a $2,400 Luxury Package of heated front leather seats, power adjustable pedals, triple-zone climate controls, power sun roof, backup warning system and steering-wheel-mounted sound system controls. A $200 Power Package added convenience for the driver with a power liftgate and power sliding dual doors. A $1,700 Premium Entertainment Package featured an 8-inch screen and DVD player and Infinity Surround Sound System.

Stepping on the accelerator of the Sedona was a pleasure. This minivan didn't lumber along under its 4,387-pound girth. It's got some punch under the hood.

The 24-valve V6 engine with a 3.8-liter displacement generates a horsepower rating of 250 at 6000 rpm and good torque of 253 pound-feet at 3500 rpm. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission the V6 Sedona is EPA-rated at 16 miles per gallon city and 23 mpg highway, which is equivalent to that of a full-size sedan.

The styling of the Sedona from the rear resembles that of a compact crossover sport utility vehicle, but up front the Sedona is very class typical of the minivan segment with smooth lines and a large glass area.

The suspension is a four-wheel independent system with MacPherson struts up front and multi-link with coil springs and stabilizer bar in the rear set-up. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on the Sedona; the uplevel long wheelbase EX trim gets 17-inch alloy wheels.

Kia backs up the Sedona with a 10-year/100,000 mile power train warranty. Shoppers would do well to add the Sedona to the top three vehicles to cross-shop when looking for a minivan.

Kia Sedona EX

Vehicle type: seven-passenger FWD minivan

Base price: $26,195 (as tested: $32,220)

Engine type: 24-valve DOHC V6

Displacement: 3.8 liter

Horsepower: 250 at 6000 rpm

Torque: 253 pound-feet at 3500 rpm

Transmission: five-speed automatic

Wheelbase:119 inches

Track: (front/rear) 66/66 inches

Overall length: 202 inches

Overall width: 78 inches

Height: 69 inches

Turning circle: (curb-to-curb) 40 feet

Curb weight: 4,387 pounds

Fuel capacity: 21 gallons

EPA mileage rating: 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway

© Motor Matters, 2008
Connie Keane

Kia's Popular People Mover

We never thought we'd say this about a Kia, let alone a Kia minivan, but the 2008 Rondo is a terrific vehicle and an excellent choice for young families on a budget. It's a small minivan that's the same length as a Toyota Corolla sedan, but is far roomier than a compact car and has an optional third row of seats that allows it to accommodate up to seven. It's also inexpensive (Kia is offering big rebates on the Rondo through Sept. 2), gets decent (if not great) mileage, and has five-star government crash test ratings. The Rondo's main rival is the newly redesigned Mazda5 compact minivan, and both models have struck a chord with consumers. The Rondo's sales were up 51.7%, and the Mazda5's 43.7%, in the first seven months of this year. Both models' sales remained strong in July, even as the auto market tanked badly.

Interior

Everything inside the Rondo seems solidly made. The cabin is quiet and well-insulated. The door on the sunroof has a heavy, well-built feel, as does the glove box door. Luggage space behind the second row seats is nearly 32 cu.ft. The big negative about the Rondo: luggage space shrinks to a mere 6.5 cu. ft. with the optional third-row seats in place.

Engine/Drivetrain

The Rondo is available either with a 2.4-liter, 162-horsepower inline four banger, or a 2.7-liter, 187-horsepower V6. The small engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the bigger one with a five-speed automatic.

Performance

The Rondo isn't especially quick or sporty. We clocked our test EX with a six-cylinder engine at 9.2 seconds in accelerating from 0 to 60. Loaded down with baggage and passengers, the four-cylinder version is probably very pokey.

Fuel Economy

With the small engine, the Rondo is rated to get 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway and does almost as well (18 city/26 highway) with the six-cylinder engine. The Mazda5 is more fuel efficient, especially with a stick shift.

Price

The entry-level Rondo LX powered by the small engine starts at just $16,995 (though without air-conditioning), and the upscale EX with the six-cylinder engine starts at $20,795. The Rondo's recent average selling price is only about $18,000 after a cash rebate of $1,500, according to the Power Information Network.

By Thane Peterson

2008 Kia Sedona EX Review

The Bottom Line - Kia obviously benchmarked the best minivans on the market in the design of the Sedona. They equaled or bettered the benchmarks in all cases, creating a mini that has all the virtues of the good ones with few, if any, of the debits of the poorer ones. The Sedona is enormously practical with all the bells and whistles at a reasonable price.

Kia is a company that's been a pleasant addition to the market. With partner Hyundai, Kia has some inexpensive vehicles available that are excellent competition for the more established brands.

The Sedona minivan (Hyundai sells it as the Entourage) is an excellent example. The Sedona is a vehicle that offers all the surprises and goodies that are available in Chrysler, Toyota and Honda, but at a lower price.

Looking for stow-away seating? The Kia has is for the third row seats. Like the others, when the seats are up there's a deep well remaining in the van floor that's incredibly useful for storage. When we had our big van we would have killed for little extra storage spaces like this.

Looking for one of those convex mirrors in the overhead console to check on what the rear passengers (of any age) may be doing? The Sedona has one.

Looking for a power rear hatch and power side doors? The Sedona has these to make opening doors, etc. a bit easier, which can be a godsend when you have a lot to do and little time to do it.

Looking for great power? Well, here the Sedona doesn't deliver, but the 3.8-liter V6 engine does put out 250 horsepower, which is good enough. The engine offers some noise on hard acceleration, but is otherwise pretty quiet.

Looking for handling that isn't minivan like? Again, the Sedona is more minivan-like than non-. There's a hint of lean on tougher corners because of the aspect ratio, but you really shouldn't be driving a minivan like a sports car anyway. You make the sacrifice in handling for mini utility.

And it is in utility where the Sedona shines. Even with the three seats up, there's van storage behind the third row, especially with the deep well in the floor. Second row legroom is excellent and third row legroom is also excellent. We drove the long wheelbase EX model, but the shorter version is just five inches shorter in wheelbase, leading me to believe that third row legroom would also be good in that model. The extra length is noticed primarily in the rear storage area.

First and second row captain's chairs have arm rests. Both rows of seats are power adjustable to reach the ideal level of comfort. There's a center tray between the two front seats that folds easily to provide access to the rear. In addition, there's a small tray ahead of the shifter. The requisite cupholders are everywhere, with bottle holders in the front doors.

The Sedona EX has a base price of just $26,195, plus the $725 for inland freight and handling. The big option package ($2,400)is the luxury package, which adds leather seat trim, heated front seats, power adjustable pedals with memory, power tilt sunroof, back-up warning system, steering wheel audio controls and tri-zone heating and cooling.

The Premium entertainment package ($1,700) adds a DVD player with 8-inch monitor and Infinity audio sound system.

The power package ($1,000) adds power sliding doors and lift gate, and another $200 gets you cross bars on the roof rack.

Consumer Guide has made the Sedona and Entourage to their "Recommended" list of 2008 vehicles for the mini's general overall practicality and excellent value.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2009 Kia Sedona EX

Model: Kia Sedona EX
Engine: 3.8-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 250 hp/253 lb.-ft.
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 118.9 in.
Length x Width x Height: 202.0 x 78.1 x 69.3 in.
Tires: P235/60R17
Cargo volume: 141.5 cu. ft. (max)
Economy: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway/17.8 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 21.1 gal.
Price: $32,220 (includes $725 inland freight and handling charge and $5,300 in options)

The Auto Page Syndicate
JOHN HEILIG