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.

2010 Kia Spectra gets more power, sedan and coupe versions

The 2010 Kia Spectra is new from the ground up. The five-door model will be discontinued and a coupe will be introduced about two months after the sedan. The sedan will be powered by a 2.4L, DOHC four with an estimated 162 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque (estimates are based on the previous-gen Optima engine, which is said to power the upcoming Spectra).

The car itself benefits from a dramatic redesign and is an inch longer, 1.6 in. wider, and nearly a half inch lower than the current Spectra. Its structure uses 63% more high-strength steel than the current model. Kia also moved the wheels closer to the corners -- track width increased by 2.4 in. in front and 3.1 in the rear.

The engine upgrade adds 24 hp and 28 lb-ft of torque, a difference noticeable even in our extremely brief time behind the wheel. Kia is putting more of an emphasis on sportiness with this car than ever before, and the coupe is likely to be the sportier of the two, with the strong possibility of a larger engine than the sedan's inline-four. (The coupe will strongly resemble the Koup concept revealed at the New York auto show.)

Kia says the new vehicle is such a dramatic departure from the previous-gen Spectra that it may make more sense to rename it. They're considering three names -- Forte (current Spectra name in Korea), Cerato (Spectra's name outside of Korea and North America), and Spectra. As of right now, Forte appears to be the frontrunner (which, of course, could change).

Source: Motor Trend

"Autobytel Inc. Announces 2009 Autobytel / MyRide.com Editors' Choice Awards"<

The editors and analysts of Autobytel Inc.'s automotive information sites MyRide.com and Autobytel.com today announced their sixth annual Editors' Choice Awards, revealing the vehicles on the current market that they'd most recommend to car buyers.

"With a shrinking economy, radically changing buyer tastes, the green and the powerful on a collision course, and more choices than ever before, the industry is in total flux, which made choosing our 10 picks more difficult but ultimately more significant than ever," said Autobytel/MyRide.com Road Test Editor Keith Buglewicz. "Buyers really need help navigating this market - and we're happy to provide it."

And the Winners Are...

Best Kept Secret: 2009 Kia Borrego

The 2009 Kia Borrego is a V-8 powered, four-wheel drive SUV that's capable, comfortable, roomy, and a worthy competitor to any other mid-sized SUV. Sure, the market for trucks like this is shrinking, but even in contracting markets, there's money to be made and customers to be won, and seeing such a winning formula from Kia was a pleasant, but definite, surprise.

Car of the Year: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

When Autobytel/MyRide.com editors first drove the 2009 Hyundai Genesis, they opined that they were on the verge of a sea change in the automotive landscape on par with the introduction of the Lexus luxury brand in 1990. After more time with the Genesis, they stand by this claim, and award Hyundai the Editors' Choice Car of the Year award.

Methodology

Autobytel's editors compiled a list of every new or substantially revised vehicle, assigned them to their respective categories based on factors such as segment and price, and deleted vehicles not driven by at least one editor prior to voting on Oct 28, 2008, with the exception of the Dream Car category. To be considered, a vehicle must be available for sale during the 2008 calendar year. Each editor voted for the vehicle they'd most often recommend, with winners determined by a simple majority.

For more information, or to speak with an Autobytel editor about this year's selections, please contact: Melanie Webber at 949-862-3023 or melaniew@autobytel.com.

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL) is an Internet automotive marketing services company that helps dealers and manufacturers sell cars and related products and services. The company owns and operates consumer-facing automotive websites, including its flagship site, MyRide.com, which is designed to help consumers find, see, buy and learn anything related to automobiles. The company's other websites are: Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Car.com, CarSmart.com, AutoSite.com, and CarTV.com.

By providing a convenient and comprehensive automotive consumer experience across the purchase and ownership lifecycle, Autobytel seeks to provide dealerships with opportunities to connect with a steady, diverse stream of motivated, serious shoppers, while providing manufacturers with precision-targeted brand and product advertising opportunities. In addition to its websites, the company generates leads and advertising opportunities for dealers and automakers through its marketing network, which includes the AutoReachsm ad network, co-brands, such as ESPN.com, and marketing affiliates such as AOL, Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book.

2009 Kia Sedona Named as a "Best Buy" by Consumers Dige

Minivan Chosen for Value, Convenience and Style

# Kia minivan offers abundance of standard safety features and amenities
# Value-laden minivan honored once again for design and performance characteristics

IRVINE, Calif., November 5, 2008 - Already a recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including a "Good" rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and topping Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index (TQI) survey, the 2009 Kia Sedona is now named as a Consumers Digest "Best Buy" for the second consecutive year.

"It is an honor to have Sedona recognized yet again" said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "Being named a 'Best Buy' by Consumers Digest goes to the heart of Kia Motors' commitment to offering consumers value-minded and comfortable vehicles with outstanding safety features.

Basing its decision on a vehicle's purchase price and ownership costs in relation to factors including comfort, performance, styling and utility, Consumers Digest determines a "Best Buy" by evaluating each vehicle against a checklist of various design and performance characteristics, including styling, interior ergonomics, seating, accessories and amenities, cargo space, fit and finish, starting and acceleration, shifting/transmission, steering and handling, braking, ride quality and fuel economy.

The current generation Sedona, both Long and Short Wheel Bases, offers standard safety features including six standard airbags (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags for all three seating rows), a four-channel, four-sensor, antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), a traction control system (TCS), a brake assist system (BAS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

In addition to superior standard safety features and amenities offered on the previous generation model, the 2009 Sedona also now offers SIRIUS satellite radio capability, with auxiliary and MP3-USB connection, standard on all trim levels with three months complimentary service and an optional navigation system for the EX trim line.

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.

2009 Kia Borrego Review - First Drive

The Latest 4WD Mid Sized SUV

This 4WD segment is stuffed to the gills. That's because every automaker saw this midsize SUV platform as a hot potato three years ago, when many began to build the models driven in America today. Who knew then we'd be oversaturated with vehicles in a world turned upside down, with a gas-centric market and quickly decreasing dollars? However, the midsized segment is actually predicted to grow as folks migrate down from fullsized SUVs.

That said, it's worth taking a look at Kia's '09 Borrego. This seven-passenger SUV brings fuel efficiency, muscular power, a touch of luxury, and a spacious interior wrapped in a sleek brawny frame, and the best part is it comes with a V-8 and a six-speed auto tranny in two- and four-wheel drive, with a low range. Standard amenities are plentiful and include air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system with USB and an auxiliary input jack and a battery saver. And, a Kia-first, Sirius Satellite Radio comes with three months of complimentary service. Pricing starts at $26,245 (V-6 2WD) and tops out at $32,995 (V-8 4WD).

What helps make the Borrego particularly attractive at this time of high fuel prices is its ability to drink regular gasoline-unlike competitor Pathfinder, which requires premium unleaded. Kia calls its fuel economy "class-leading"; the EPA estimates 15/20 mpg city/highway for four-wheel-drive models. Fuel economy improves when the V-6 is under the hood, enabling Borrego to achieve a competitive 16/21 city/highway (4WD).

Fuel economy comes in part from Borrego's all-aluminum engines-Kia's most powerful to date. The 3.8L V-6 generates 276 hp at 6,000 rpm with 267 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, while Borrego's first-ever DOHC 4.6L V-8 engine serves up top-notch 337 hp at 6,000 rpm with 323 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, ratings that Kia claims best competitors Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and GMC Acadia.

The V-8 Borrego can tow 7,500 pounds; the V-6 tugs 5,000. The Borrego's 4WD is the second generation, full-time Torque-on-Demand system from Borg Warner, which is seamless and quiet. Its electronic sensors read the conditions underneath, sending power to the appropriate wheels for more responsive, sure-footed performance. Underneath are a double wishbone suspension in the front and a multilink in the rear combined with coilover springs. Gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar are integrated into the front suspension; a damper and stabilizer bar are combined in the rear to improve ride on and off road. All 4WD models get skidplates and tow hooks.

Tech Specs
2009 Kia Borrego 4WD
Base Price: $28,295

Drivetrain
EngineS: Six- and eight-cylinder
Horsepower: 276 @ 6,000 rpm (6-cyl); 337 @ 6,000 rpm (8-cyl)
Torque (lb-ft): 276 @ 4,400 rpm (6-cyl); 323 @ 3,500 rpm (8-cyl)
Transmissions: Five- and six-speed autos
Transfer case: Borg Warner
EPA Mileage (city/hwy mpg): 16/21

Dimensions
Curb Weight (lb): 4,460
Wheelbase (in): 114.0
Length (in): 192.1
Width (in): 74.5
Height (in): 71.3
Seating Capacity: 7
Head Room (in, front/rear/3rd row): 40.1/39.9/38.0
Leg Room (in, front/rear): 41.7/37.4
Max. Cargo Volume (cu. ft.): 12.4
Approach Angle (deg): 27.3
Breakover Angle (deg): N/A
Departure Angle (deg): 22.5
Ground Clearance (in): 8.5

Sue Mead

Heels on Wheels: 2009 Kia Borrego Review

INTRO TO THE BORREGO
The roomy 7-passenger Kia Borrego is new to the market and ready to elevate the ordinary by claiming it's a "new kind of luxury SUV." However, the Borrego doesn't necessarily stand out from other mid-size SUVs in its class -- and that's not an insult.

For a newcomer, the Borrego merges easily, fitting somewhere between the more traditional-looking SUVs like a Honda Pilot or a Ford Explorer with its contemporary styling, third-row seating, and not-too-big presence. It does everything any regular SUV can do: tow up to 7,200 pounds; handle inclement weather and steep grades with its 4-wheel drive components; 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds.

The Borrego can cost a few thousand less -- the 375-horsepower V8 engine with sunroof, leather seating and rear AC controls will run you about $32,795 -- which is more of a second-row, smaller SUV price. First viewed by critics as entering the market a little too late due to the high rise of gas, each day fuel costs go down is another day the Borrego finds an edge with a consumer who wants affordability and size.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: Getting in, I find flexible steering wheel adjustment, along with power and heated seating. Center console looks like the engineers gave thought to iPods -- you can hide your working MP3 player in the center system nicely and keep cords hidden. Turn dials for 4-wheel drive components mounted on dash (easy to use). Second row climate controls are a bonus -- three back here would be comfortable. Easy access to optional third row. Back lift gate is not automatic. There is a removal mat in the cargo area, which is nice for keeping things clean.

Reliability & Safety Factor: You get a great 10-year/100,000 mile warranty with Kia Motors. It does have all the goods: anti-lock brakes; stability control; front, side and overhead airbags;

Cost Issues: A standard Borrego with a V6 engine and 4WD drive runs you $28,295; with the V8 about $30,995. And then there are the features and options. Add on power driver's seat and leather seating trim for $1,200. The Luxury Package (heated seats, memory seating, 17-inch chrome wheels) cost $1,500; the Premium Package adds more to that (sunroof, rear AC with controls, exterior running boards) for $1,800 -- the former is actually a better deal.

Activity & Performance Ability: The Borrego is effortless on upgrades and acceleration, but I found that the independent coil-spring rear suspension lacks a sense of stability -- steering more than 4,500 pounds of steel is serious business. Suspension is bumpy and not much is absorbed during your on or off-road drive.

The Green Concern: Fuel consumption is more or less the same as any other mid-size SUV. EPA estimations for the V6 are 17/21-mpg in 2-wheel drive and 16/21 mpg for 4-wheel drive. The V8 gets 15/22-mpg on 2-wheel drive and 15/20-mpg in 4-wheel drive.

FINAL PARTING WORDS
I think Kia has something wonderful going with the compact SUVs like the Sportage -- the Borrego might have a slight edge in its class with affordability, but women need to test drive to see if the body-on-frame build and rear independent suspension meets their idea of stability.

©2008 Katrina Ramser

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