Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Kia Motors Dreams Up Super Bowl Commercial Starring Supermodel Adriana Lima, Rock Legends Motley Crue and MMA Fighter Chuck Liddell
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IRVINE, Calif., January 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Dreams have been a topic of speculation and interest throughout history, and Kia Motors America (KMA) is tapping into the idea of dreams revealing true desires in a new 60-second commercial set to air during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI. In the spot, titled “Drive the Dream,” the new 2012 Optima Limited races through a Gen X couple’s wildest thoughts as they sleep, including: Victoria’s Secret® Angel Adriana Lima waving the checkered flag at a speedway; an in-your-face Mötley Crüe concert; mixed martial arts legend Chuck Liddell battling in the ring; a heroine and hunk on horseback in a romance novel setting; champion bull rider Judd Leffew taming a bucking rhinoceros; and a fairy tale ending.
Kia returns to the big game for the third straight year with a fully integrated marketing campaign incorporating TV, cinema, digital, print, social media and in-dealership components. In a Super Bowl advertising first, the complete “Drive the Dream” ad will premiere on February 2 on more than 18,000 movie screens nationwide in National CineMedia’s FirstLook pre-show program before airing in the game. Kia also will run 15-second teaser ads featuring Adriana Lima on TV and in cinema beginning on January 27, while also leveraging the Twitter and Facebook channels of the spot's celebrity cast. A special expanded version of the ad will be available at YouTube.com/Kia beginning on February 2.
“With more than 100 million people watching the Super Bowl broadcast and millions more viewing content online around the world, Kia will once again deliver a memorable, one-of-a-kind campaign that entertains people before, during and after the game and leaves them wanting to see the Optima Limited fantasy again and again,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “We selected an eclectic group of celebrities and personalities for ‘Drive the Dream’ to enable us to tap into a diverse body of fan bases and leverage each talent’s expansive social media footprint.”
Created by David&Goliath, “Drive the Dream” opens with the familiar notes of The Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman” as a real-life Mr. Sandman enters the bedroom of an unsuspecting young couple who are asleep. After being sprinkled with “Sweet Dreams” dust, the woman smiles and envisions herself on a horse with a romance novel-like hunk in a beautiful green meadow. Meanwhile, Mr. Sandman accidentally stumbles and spills his entire night’s dust supply on the man, launching an extreme dream sequence that begins with the roaring guitars of Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart” and Adriana Lima waving a checkered flag as he blasts around a race track at night in a Snow White Pearl Optima Limited with thousands of bikini-clad fans cheering him on from the stands.
As he circles the track with Lima looking on adoringly, the dreaming driver receives nods of approval from the band as bursts of flames and fireworks surround their stage as well as Chuck Liddell, champion bull rider Judd Leffew, and a pair of lumberjacks sawing a massive submarine sandwich.
“Mötley Crüe had a blast doing the Kia commercial,” said bassist Nikki Sixx. “A hot model, a fast car, a pro fighter, pyrotechnics and rock n' roll...What's not to love?”
Much to the disbelief of Lima and drummer Tommy Lee, the high-octane dream turns into a fairy tale when the husband makes a conscious decision to drive the Optima Limited off the race track and into his wife’s fantasy to win her back from Prince Charming.
“After working with Kia for the Super Bowl last year I was drawn to work with the fast-growing brand again by the idea of exploring people’s ultimate fantasies in a fun and lighthearted way, and I am certain we have created a spot people will be talking about after the game,” said director, Noam Murro.
As part of the “Drive the Dream” campaign, beginning on Thursday, February 2 consumers can download a $25 pre-paid test drive voucher1 at Kia.com that is redeemable after eligible consumers visit a Kia dealership and complete a test drive of any Optima model.
New for 20122, the Optima Limited adds a new level refinement to the premium technology, convenience and performance features found on Kia’s award-winning turbocharged Optima SX. In addition to head-turning design, class-leading horsepower and fuel efficiency and a class-exclusive panoramic sunroof, the Optima Limited offers elegant touches that modern drivers would expect to find in the car of their dreams, such as: unique design 18-inch wheels, high-grade Nappa leather seating, LED accent lights, chrome exterior accents and sporty red brake calipers.
Kia Motors is the one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality3 and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking4. Kia’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company’s two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan5. Kia’s value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
Courtesy of Kia Motors
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Kia Ray: Korean brand’s first-ever production EV
Kia Motors’ first-ever production vehicle has debuted at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Kia Motors took the wraps off its Ray production electric vehicle and Naimo EV concept car. The two vehicles are powered by advanced lithium polymer battery packs, while the Naimo features a groundbreaking User Centred Driving (UCD) telematics system, which demonstrates future technology around safety, media and in-car entertainment technologies.
“With the Kia Ray, which is Korea’s first production electric vehicle, and the Naimo concept’s forward-thinking UCD telematics, Kia is demonstrating leadership in the area of advanced technology development as our global R&D team pursues the goal of taking the vehicle-driver relationship to new levels with facial recognition technology and a number of interactive features,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing and communications, KMA. “Where the Naimo EV concept looks into the future of zero-emissions vehicles from Kia, the Ray EV is the first realisation for the brand and represents exciting new possibilities for the future in the North American Market.”
The UCD system on board the Naimo concept car is a fully working prototype that features a ‘glass cockpit’ style interface, with a digital ‘heads up’ display, which replaces the traditional cluster display for battery life, speed and distance. Also featured, are navigation directions and innovative downloadable apps for easy parking manoeuvres.
The main screen grows from 4.3 inches found on Kia’s UVO system, to a massive 12.3 inches, while increasing resolution to 1280×480 for ultra-clear images. The new screen also allows ‘swipe’ and ‘flick’ multi-touch interactions, simplifying inputs.
The advanced safety technology boarders on futuristic, with a driver status monitor and Colour Night Vision. Using an infra-red LED and camera, the system is able to detect changes in the driver’s eye movements and recognise inattention and if the driver is about to fall asleep.
The CNV system is the next generation of Kia’s ‘Smart Night View’ system, which combines two infra-red lamps and a colour infra-red camera and is able to detect pedestrians that appear in the camera’s field of view. Once detected, those objects are highlighted on the 12.3-inch screen, which triggers an audible warning for the driver.
Pronounced “Neh-mo” meaning “square shape” in the Korean language, the Naimo EV is the third electric vehicle design by Kia in the last twelve months, which is said to explore the possibilities of introducing a zero-emissions, five-door city car into specific markets.
The high-tech features continue on board the Naimo with a revolutionary style ‘air wiper’ (much like the Dyson air dryer) that replaces the traditional wiper blades. You’ll also notice the wrap-around windscreen, front and rear LED dot headlamps and the complete absence of door mirrors. The small cameras mounted in the A-pillars have replaced them.
Powering the Naimo is a PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) electric motor producing 80kW and 280 Nm, which provides a top speed of 150km/h.
Equipped with a twin 27 kWh battery pack, the Naimo has a range of 200 km riding on 20-inch low-rolling resistance tyres.
Full charge recharging for the Naimo will require five hours on the normal 3.3 kW cycle, but fast charging via a 50 kW cycle will mean a 25 minute charge to 80 per cent in 25 minutes.
The Kia Ray EV is actually built on the same production lines as its petrol-powered sibling, and at this time, is produced exclusively for the local Korean market.
Although slightly heavier than the combustion-engine Ray, the EV version produces 167 Nm of torque and is said to provide sufficient response and performance, with a top speed of 130km/h.
The Ray EV utilises an automatic transmission with two modes; ‘E’ (eco) which maximises torque delivery with minimum battery consumption, and ‘B’ (brake) for downhill or highways to maximise braking power.
Powered by a 50kW eclectic motor, working in concert with a high capacity 16.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack (10-year lifespan), a full charge on a regular 220V outlet takes just six hours. Using a ‘fast charge’ facility, that period is reduced to 25 minutes.
Almost identical to its petrol sibling, the Ray EV can be identified by a flap in the grille for the 220V power supply for the slow charge. The fast charge outlet is where you would normally find the petrol cap. The car also features “Zero Emissions EV” decals and clean design 14-inch alloy wheels that reduce drag.
Inside the Ray EV the instrument cluster features graphics displaying the electric motor status, battery charge, along with distance remaining until next charge.
There is also a 7-inch ‘EV-specific’ navigation system that shows the driver where the nearest charging station is, and where the car can travel on its current charge.
Courtesy of CarAdvice
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Makeover puts more Soul in this Kia
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON—General Motors’ head of design in the eighties, Irwin W. Rybicki, once said “designing a good-looking car doesn’t cost any more to build than an ugly car,” a maxim that’s become one of the tenets of Kia’s recent success.
In the eleven years Kia has been selling cars in Canada, it’s blossomed from offering a handful of poorly-made, forgettable cars to today’s lineup of robust, stylish, technically up-to-date (and dare I say) desirable vehicles, becoming in the process the fastest-growing automaker in Canada.s
Much of Kia’s design renaissance dates to the day former Audi designer Peter Schreyer signed on in 2006 to lead the Korean automaker’s global design team.
Schreyer’s first vehicle to be sold was the 2010 Soul, arguably also the first that Kia buyers could consider for its looks alone, instead of considering its used-car pricing or extra-long warranty.
Still competitively priced, the front-wheel-drive, five-passenger Soul’s square-back profile and thick wheel arches gave it quasi-crossover, not-quite-sure-what-it-is looks.
And despite the Korean brand’s previous lacklustre offerings, the Soul quickly found an audience. Through the end of November this year, the Kia has outsold the combined sales of small, funky-looking tall-wagons like the Chevrolet HHR, Honda Element (both discontinued for 2012) , Nissan Cube and Scion xB.
Not getting complacent, for 2012 Kia is giving its Soul a subtle exterior and interior makeover, and a not-so-subtle redo if its powertrain lineup, including the availability of the market’s least expensive vehicle with a stop/start fuel-saving system.
As before, you can get a 2012 Soul (on sale now) with either a 1.6 L (starting at $16,595) or 2.0 L four-cylinder engine (beginning at $18,995).
For 2012 the displacements remain the same, but both fours have been thoroughly massaged and can be hooked up to either a new six-speed manual transmission (one more gear than last year’s stick) or a new automatic with the same number of cogs (two more than the 2011’s autobox).
Significant for its segment, the Soul 1.6’s mill receives direct-injection this year, a feature the Nissan Cube and Scion xB don’t offer.
It now delivers 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque, up from 122 and 115. But it sips less fuel.
Rated at 7.4 L/100 km in the city and 5.6 L on the highway with the new stick, (the auto sips a near identical 7.5 L and 5.6 L, respectively) the Soul 1.6 is more frugal overall than the most parsimonious Cube and xB models.
It’s the same “more power, less consumption” story for the Soul’s new 2.0 L four.
It now makes 164 hp (up 22) and 148 lb-ft (an increase of 11). Yet fuel economy is now 7.9 L/100 km in the city (with either manual or auto) and 5.8 L on the highway for the stick and 5.9L for the auto.
To visit gas stations less often, all 2012 Souls with automatic transmissions come standard with what Kia calls “Active Eco” — a driver-selectable feature that softens the throttle response for less fuel use.
Want to potentially use even less fuel?
Later this year Kia will introduce its new Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology, available only on the $19,995 Soul 1.6 Eco model and the all-new 2012 Rio subcompact.
Commonly found in gasoline-electric hybrids, Kia says ISG temporarily turns off the gas-only engine when the vehicle is not moving, like at a stop light or in traffic.
The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake pedal.
Combined with the mandatory six-speed automatic and enabling the Active Eco mode, the Soul 1.6 Eco scores a meagre 7.0 L/100 km in the city and 5.4 L on the highway.
During our three-day media drive in and around the Seattle, Washington area, I got the chance to drive all three new Soul powertrains.
Performance-wise, the new engines and transmissions move the reinvigorated Kia down the road with more authority.
The new six-speed automatic is a huge improvement over last year’s woeful four-speed slushbox, enabling the Soul 1.6 to deliver 0-100 km/h acceleration more in line with last year’s 2.0 Soul, around the 8.5 second range.
The new Soul 2.0 is roughly one second quicker.
What hasn’t improved is the Soul’s less-than-class-leading ride and handling characteristics.
While the 2012 Rio benefits from an all-new platform, the Soul still uses the last Rio’s underpinnings, first seen for 2006.
So like the 2010 original, the 2012 Soul drives like a taller and heavier 2011 Rio, never feeling truly confident when taking corners aggressively, while at the same time delivering a floaty ride.
The Soul ride never seems to settle down on the highway. Its new electric steering is light in parking manoeuvres, but delivers little feel when attacking corners. And there’s still a lot of road noise.
But for many urban small-car buyers these days — more focused on features (new for 2012 is Kia’s Uvo hands-free infotainment system) than “attacking corners” — the updated Soul is more appealing than ever before.
And so far, none of Kia’s rivals have stepped up to the plate to offer any real competition.
By getting more power yet better fuel economy, with the same funky good looks, and generous interior space (almost twice the cargo room of the Cube or xB), for 2012, the Soul should continue its segment sales dominance.
Courtesy of: strategyone.net
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Driver's Seat: Sportage shows Kia has come a long way
Kia Sportage SX FWD: Cute with a kick.
Price: $30,990 as tested ($25,795 base).
Marketers' pitch: "Designed for the next level."
Conventional wisdom: Kia used to be synonymous with "designed for the previous level." Not anymore, as the Sportage joins the Optima, Sorento, and Soul as Consumer Digest "Best Buys."
Reality: Forget what you knew about Kia, Sportages, and dismal fuel economy in small SUVs in general and Kias in particular.
For 2012: The Sportage was completely redesigned for the 2011 model year. It carries over mainly unchanged for 2012, though it gets new suspension components for improved ride and handling.
The test drive: Who would have expected Kia to come so far? Certainly not Mr. Driver's Seat.
I've found other Kia models - the Soul, the Forte, and the Sedona - to be a little rougher than the average car. But the Sportage - at least in the 30-grand SX version I tested - is refined and handles and drives well.
Passing lane: The 2.0 four-cylinder turbo puts the "Sport" in Sportage. The power made it among the quickest vehicles I've tested. The 2011 model I tested was a little hard to control when floored; new suspension components for 2012 may have addressed this nuisance. But even as is, it's not a deal-breaker. An all-wheel-drive version likely offers more stability as well.
The six-speed automatic TipTronic shifter actually shifts the gears; some larger models have built-in overrides that take away some of the driving enjoyment.
In the snow: If you're shopping for snow traction for your little SUV, the 235/55/18 tires on the SX may not help you much. They're probably too wide and too short to help when the weather turns harsh, although there's no testing this theory in weather like we've had.
The bare-bones Base model has narrower and taller 215/70/16s, and starts at $18,500, but you're stuck with a stick. Starting at $20,800, you can get an automatic and 225/65/17s, roughly splitting the difference. (A four-wheel-drive model can be had for as little as $22,300.)
In any of these other models, you'll be powered by a non-turbocharged 2.4-liter four, though, so it'll be a little slower.
Inside: Rear legroom is good but not stupendous, about on par with a Tiguan or Forester. We fit Sturgis kids 2.0 through 4.0 (18-, 17-, and 11-year-olds) back there for a shopping trip and got raves on legroom, and everyone thought the seating width was good.
Luggage capacity is kind of minimal. There's not a lot of height under the pullout shelf, and it's a short space. And the short, wide storage tray underneath is kind of useless.
Outside: I found the test model in signal red to be a fine example of Korean architecture, looking like a big Ford Fiesta, but Mrs. Passenger Seat thought it unattractive.
Good controls: Everything is well-placed and all the controls are logical, so you'll be able to change the radio station or the heater setting easily.
The infotainment center ($1,500 for premium sound and Sirius satellite radio) has knobs for turning on and tuning in, and separate buttons to switch from radio to CD to satellite. But turning the dial for the radio station does not in fact set the station, so you have to look back to see where you are and then press the button, requiring a critical second glance.
The upscale interior is quite nice, with comfortable leather seats ($3,000, which also gets the front seats heated, the driver's seat cooled, heated outside mirrors, and adds sunroof, back-up warning system, and start button).
Stopping for gas: The trip computer reported 26 m.p.g. in a mix of driving. I'd imagine the regular four-cylinder gets a little better, so this is a winner among the small SUVs I tested. And from an unlikely corner: Kias have historically been a little underpowered and piggish.
Where it's built: South Korea.
How it's built: J.D. Power calls Kia average overall for dependability. The 2011 Sportage got a predicted reliability slightly higher.
Courtesy of articles.philly.com
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Kia boss sees growth in sales and perception
The transformation of Kia has seen the Korean brand almost double its UK market share in the space of four years, and its UK boss expects the climb to continue.
Kia UK Managing Director Michael Cole is looking for almost 20 per cent growth in 2012, in a market predicted to be basically flat.
Speaking exclusively to CarandVanNews at the launch of the D-segment Kia Optima, and the day after Kia’s annual dealer conference, Cole says that the brand is looking to sell around 64,000 units this year, compared to almost 54,000 in 2011.
“In the second half of last year in a market that was down 1 per cent we grew by 20 per cent,” he adds. “With the product we’ve got and our biggest ever investment in communications and media we can keep the momentum going.”
Such growth is coming from what Cole describes as “a massive transformation of the brand” in recent years. “Up to September last year we had changed five cars in 18 months – now we have the new Optima, and the C’eed five-door coming at Geneva and on sale in June.”
This transformation has seen Kia’s retail market share grow from 1.8 per cent in 2008 (the last full year before scrappage sales distorted the market) to 3.3 per cent in 2011, the fleet share from 1.2 to 2.4 per cent.
“We’ve almost doubled our overall share, and that’s without reaping the full benefit of much of the new product as a lot of it only came in at the back end of last year, or is coming now,” Cole says.
All about perception
Cole adds that just as important is the transformation in people’s perception of Kia as a brand; “Pre all that share growth, how many people would have put Kia on their consideration list? Our product was very rational.
“Now we may not be cheap where we were cheap before, we were always reliable, always well-built, and we still have that, but we now also have design, and we are still value for money – a key point.”
Cole adds that buyers used to sum up Kia as cheap, Korean, and small; “We’re now getting “value for money”, “seven-year warranty” which are great attributes to have.”
However Kia also wants to be known for quality and design, and the cars the brand is now launching are achieving that; “We’re not just a seven-year-warranty company with great value cars.”
Cole argues that it is not a sustainable position to be a brand of cheap cars; “Someone will always come and take that from you, whether it’s the Chinese or the likes of Dacia from Renault.”
Kia’s new D-segment offering, the Optima, is expected to sell only 1,800 to 2,000 units a year, production-led figures due to its success on the Korean and US markets. However sales figures will be only part of its contribution to Kia’s growth.
“The D segment is still an important volume segment in the UK, albeit a fleet-biased one, but it’s also an important part of the market in which to have a product as a statement, to show you are represented in the UK core segments,” Cole says.
The Optima is Kia’s first serious offering in the segment – its predecessor the Magentis only sold around 200 units a year. “It had its loyal market, it was comfortable and did what you wanted to but it didn’t have a strong appeal,” Cole says.
“Optima is a striking car and in a segment that is a little bit bland it has standout looks. For us it’s a bit like Sportage – a car very much around design with a premium style to it. This adds to our growing reputation for design-led products.”
Fleet but retail too
Without production restrictions Cole believes he could comfortably sell around 4,000 Optimas a year without pushing it into short-term high-cost fleet channels. He also expects a retail demand for the car because it’s not a high-volume, mass-sales vehicle.
“We might for example appeal to Saab-type customers, people that buy a car because they like the look of it – Optima buyers will largely be new customers to the brand.”
In a segment biased 80/20 in favour of fleet, he expects the Optima split to be nearer 60/40, with most fleet business coming from user-choosers looking for something slightly different but still high value.
“I think it will get pretty good residual value figures and if we can get a sensible contract hire rate on it people who have got free choice in a user-chooser policy will go for it,” he says.
“Once you get over the badge snobbery if you have a car that looks great, drives well and is the right payment, I think we’ll do some business.”
And while 2,000 units a year won’t be crucial to Kia’s growth, it will open up potential new channels in the fleet market; “Offering a D-segment car starts to give us some chance of getting on fleet consideration lists we haven’t been on before.”
Cole says his dealers are not under-estimating how tough 2012 will be for sales, but they are confident. “My message to the dealers is that KMC (Kia Motor Co) is making the product investment, we are making the media/marketing investment, the dealer investment is to upgrade their facilities.”
He adds that dealers are adopting the brand’s new corporate identity, and understanding the size of premises they will need for their sales and service parc to realise the future potential.
But is 20 per cent growth a realistic aim in the current environment? Cole certainly thinks so.
“We’ll get 2,000 units from the Optima alone, we have the Rio three-door launching on 1st February, a full sales year for new Picanto (Kia’s biggest seller), and better supply of the Sportage that has an order bank on it – so we are confident of our growth.”
Courtesy of: carandvannews.co.uk
Monday, January 16, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
First Official Picture of All-New 2012 Kia Cee'd Hatchback
We're being bombarded today with news from both sides of the Atlantic as along with all the world premieres from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, for some reason, many automakers are also previewing their debuts for the upcoming 2012 Geneva Salon that takes place in March.
After Infiniti, Kia also dropped a single picture of one of its world debuts, the brand new cee'd hatchback.
The second generation of Kia's entry in the highly popular C-segment is aimed squarely against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, Renault Megane and Ford Focus.
Seen here in five-door trim, the compact hatchback sports a new design with styling elements from the Optima and an angrier front end with comparatively large headlamps – apparently, the latest BMW 1-Series started a new trend…
Kia has not yet divulged any other details on the new cee’d, but the Korean company said that the five-door model will be available across Europe from the second quarter of 2012 with UK deliveries expected to start from June.
Courtesy of: strategyone.net
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Kia reveals mass-production EV, along with new concept, at CES 2012
Kia Motors will put on show two of its all-electric cars - a concept car and a mass-production one - for the first time in North America at this year's International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas today.
Just launched last month, the Kia Ray EV can run up to 86 miles on a single charge from its 16.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery pack. Its batteries take six hours to charge using a 220-volt outlet, and 25 minutes through fast-charge mode.
Kia said the Ray EV is South Korea's first mass-produced electric vehicle.
Though the Kia Ray will be shown in CES 2012, the car will not be available in the United States, instead selling exclusively for the South Korean market.
With the Kia Ray is the Korean car company's concept car called Naimo. Naimo packs a bigger 27-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and promises a range of about 125 miles on a single charge. It was first revealed at the Seoul Motor Show in March last year, with design cues derived from its name which means "square shape" in Korean.
Interestingly, Kia Motors chose to reveal its two electric cars in CES rather than with rivals Toyota, Ford, General Motors and BMW at the North American International Auto Show, which began in Detroit yesterday.
Naimo's features
Naimo's notable design includes removing the center "B-pillar," use of rear-hinged rear doors to optimize access, and dot-style headlamps using light-emitting diodes.
Rear-view mirrors and traditional wipers were scrapped in favor of miniature cameras and "air wipers" that use air jets located at the base of the windscreen. To enhance range, Naimo is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch diameter alloy wheels.
The Naimo to be shown in CES 2012 will also house a working prototype of the User Centered Driving Concept, Kia's idea of the future of car telematics.
Naimo can plot information including speed, distance and battery life on its windshield instead of gauges clustered on the dash board.
The U.C.D. concept also includes Color Night Vision and cameras inside the car that can alert the driver if he's falling asleep. U.C.D. also has a touch screen 4.3 inches to 12.3 inches in size to improve screen visibility and accessibility.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
$1000 Owner Loyalty Offer
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Inside the Box: 2012 Kia Soul
When the Kia Soul made its debut two years ago, it joined a very small fraternity. The three other members of this "Appliance Moderne" school of auto design — the Honda Element, Nissan Cube and Scion xB — were all known for their angular, function first, anti-style styling.
When the Kia Soul arrived, it vaulted to the head of this class when it came to looks. Granted, the bar was none too high, but Soul cleared it because it managed to make the practical, rectangular Soul kinda cool looking, too.
Two years later, the boxy bunch has three members (the Honda Element departed in 2011), and the Kia Soul is offered in three trim levels (the former fourth — Sport — is no more). Now it's Soul (MSRP: $13,900), Soul+ ($16,300) and Soul! ($19,600).
The functional highlight of Soul's mid-cycle refresh is a power boost. The 1.6 liter, four-cylinder engine (standard on base Soul) now makes 138 hp (+16 over the former engine), while the 2.0 liter four (standard on Soul+ and Soul!) gained 22 hp, for a total of 164. Transmissions for 2012 are also new. Buyers choose from a six-speed manual (formerly five) or six-speed automatic (previously four).
The powertrain upgrades promise improvements in both drivability and fuel economy. While the 1.6 was not available for my test drive, the new, 2.0 was, and it's a noticeable upgrade over the version found in previous Soul models.
The engine is loud at full acceleration, but quiets at cruising speed. It has sufficient power, and predicted mileage, as mentioned, is better than before. The EPA estimates that 2.0 powered Soul's will register 26 mpg's city, and 34 highway. Those figures are +1 city, +4 highway over last year. My test drive week fell short of the mark, though, with Soul averaging 24 mpg's in mostly 'round town driving.
All Soul models are front wheel drive, and have an independent front/torsion beam/ trailing arm rear suspension. Sport models are no longer available, but Soul in general feels nimble, if not out and out sporty.
The car's footprint makes it an easy fit in parking spaces. The upright body lines make for generally good visibility with the exception that Soul's thick c-pillars create blind spots in your 3/4 rear view.
Soul is big enough to fit four adults, and a fair amount of cargo besides. Capacity ranges from a generous 19.3 cubic feet to as much as 53.4 cubic feet. Rear seatbacks fold nearly flat, and you don't have to hoist your gear high to get it in the bay. There's also some added space available in below deck bins. Storage spots in the forward cabin are numerous, if small. Some nits noted in my review of two years ago remain to be picked. The top of the undersized center console doubles as an inside arm rest, but doesn't slide up/back. And while the two-toning brightens the looks, the lack of any soft-touch points disappoints.
Top rung, Soul! models are distinguished from other trim levels by new-for-2012 exterior visuals, like projector headlamps with LED DRLs and taillights and 18-inch alloy wheels. The upgraded Infinity sound system standard on Soul! channels 350 watts through seven speakers. A voice-activated infotainment system is also included in these models. The 4.3-inch touch screen displays what the rear view camera sees.
For those who want their Soul! fully loaded, Kia offers a Premium package. The top line trim option adds leather-trimmed seats (heated in front) automatic climate control.
A navigation system (in place of the voice activated infotainment system) and a smart key with push button start. The Premium package comes at a premium of $2,500.
Two years removed from its debut, Soul remains a fun ride, and a fine blend of fun and function. Powertrain improvements add a little more oomph, and a handful of extra mpg's on the highway.
Unlike some of its boxy cohorts, Soul has found the cool side of the continuum between angular and square.
