There's Plenty of Holiday Cheer in this Playlist!

Christmas is only a few days away! With the holiday just around the corner, we found a great Spotify playlist to help get you in the Christmas spirit. If you are looking to liven up your office or commute, try out some of these excellent holiday hits. What are some of your favorite holiday songs?     If you still have car shopping on your holiday to-do list, be sure to stop by our Flowood dealership and take a new car for a test drive.   Happy Holidays!

Holiday Poll: Favorite Christmas Album

In honor of the holidays, we have a fun little poll for you. What is your favorite Christmas Album? Cast your vote in the poll below.

Happy Holidays from Wilson Kia!

What is your favorite Christmas album?

Miracles: The Holiday Album, Kenny G

Merry Christmas, Mariah Carey

Christmas, Michael Buble

other

free poll

Preparing for Your Next Winter Road Trip

As the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, many of us will be heading out for a winter road trip. Whether it's a day trip to play in the snow or a full-fledged family vacation to a national park, there's plenty of fun travel activities for everyone. But before you head out on the road, it's important to make sure you're prepared. Here are three helpful tips to make sure you stay safe on the road:

• Inspect your tire-tread wear and maintain the proper air pressure indicated in your owner's manual. Also replace worn, old tires and install snow or all-weather tires if driving in snow.
• Check your antifreeze strength in the radiator overflow reservoir with a hydrometer. The antifreeze should be clean, up to the proper level, and strong enough to provide protection at 36 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
• Be certain your headlights, taillights, brake lights and turning signals work, and replace bulbs as necessary.

It's recommended that you regularly get a full-service tuneup for your vehicle. Before you leave, try to bring your car in for service at least a week or two before your road trip. You can even schedule a service appointment online on our website.

Do You Daydream about a New Car?

A recent study shows that people spend almost half their waking hours daydreaming. After hearing this statistic, we got to thinking, how much of that time is spent daydreaming about new cars?

As many of us drive around town in our used cars, we can't help but think about what life would be like in a new set of wheels. While daydreaming is nice, we're here to turn your dream into a reality.

If you're in the market for a new car, be sure to stop by our Flowood dealership and take a Kia for a test drive!

Never Leave Home Without these Three Things

It seems to never fail. As soon as you jump in your car and back out of your driveway, it hits you. You left something in the house. While we won't always remember all the things we need before running out the door, here are three things you should never leave home without.

• A Flat Tire Survival Kit: Getting a flat tire at some point in your life is almost inevitable. Make sure your car is ready with a spare tire, in good condition, a tire jack and tire iron.
• Tire Inflater and Sealer: A product like Fix-a-Flat can plug a leak and help you avoid using your jack and iron. It can also give you enough air to get you to the auto shop.
• Jumper Cables: Dead batteries happen to even the most seasoned drivers. Alternatively, you can pack an emergency battery booster so you don't have to rely on a Good Samaritan coming along.

Having these things will certainly help in most breakdown situations. But if your car is still in need of repairs, schedule a service appointment with us to help get you back on the road!

Feature Focus: UVO eServices

This week's post highlights the incredible UVO eServices in the 2014 Kia Soul. While there's a lot to like about the new interior, one of the more exciting parts about this Kia is its UVO integration.

Drivers can now enjoy in-car connectivity based on the capability of their personal devices. The smartphone-compatible UVO system offers a number of convenient features that help you to relax and enjoy the great features at the touch of a button or by using your voice. From a Rear Camera Display to Bluetooth streaming and Advanced Voice Recognition, UVO makes your ride an easy and enjoyable experience.

So if you need to get a new Kia, we certainly recommend stopping by our Flowood Kia Dealership and taking the new Soul for a test drive!

A road that puts a scare in any driver

With Halloween just around the corner, we got to thinking about the scariest roads in the world. Not Freddy Krueger scary, but frightening roads that would make your heart skip a beat as you travel down them.

After doing some initial research, we came across the Guoliang Tunnel in Hunan, China. Chiseled by hand into the Taihang Mountains in the 1970s, this stretch of road is lined with windows to absolutely terrifying views. It has a clearance of only 15 feet and a width of just 12 feet, with a precipice around every other bend. The Guoliang Tunnel definitely gets our vote for scariest road.

While driving on these roads can be a bit scary, buying a new car doesn't have to be a frightening experience. Stop by our Kia dealership and take a new car for a test drive today!

Car Care 101: Making Your Glass Shine

Buying a new car is a major investment, so it is important to keep your car in the best shape possible. To help you keep your Kia in good condition, we're offering some handy advice. In today's blog post, we're covering proper care for your car's glass.

While giving your car a wash or detail, make sure you clean the glass last, because it will have grime and dirt from washing other areas of your car. Also, we recommend finding a glass cleaner without ammonia, which most household glass cleaners contain. Ammonia is bad for vinyl upholstery and the instrument panel; not to mention, it gives off a horrible smell.

Once you're finished cleaning, you'll get the best shine if you buff the glass with a microfiber cloth, which also is great for getting rid of cleaner residue. The residue, as well as oils from your skin, can cause streaks and spots on the inside of windows.

If you want to keep the detailing to the professionals, be sure to schedule a service appointment online on our Flowood Kia dealership website.

Video: 2014 Kia Optima Commercial "Impressive"

Time to take a break from your to-do list and take a moment to admire the awesomeness that is the Kia Optima. The 2014 Optima is impressive from every angle and is sure to make a first impression that will last. No matter how you look at it, the redesigned 2014 Kia Optima is definitely not your average midsize sedan.

Check out Kia's latest commercial to see what makes the Optima so impressive.

If you're ready to take a new Optima for a test drive after watching this video, head over to our Flowood Kia Dealership today!

What does the color of your Kia say about you?

 

If you drive a Shadow Pearl Kia, then you are very image oriented.  Class and style are important to you, and when you look good you like to show it off!  Your car is probably immaculately clean and you always get it valet parked so everyone can see you pull up in your sleek and clean Kia.  Hey, looking good is nothing to be ashamed of.  

 If you're the proud owner of an Alien Pearl Kia, then you like to wear your individuality on your sleeve!  You're always one step ahead of the trends and your friends look to you for recommendations on new music, technology, whatever the next big thing is.  Sure your Kia may be cluttered with all your cool toys and gadgets, but it's part of who you are!  You are the barometer of cool, but you will never admit it.

If you have a Bright Silver Kia in your driveway, then you typically do things by the book.  It's easier for you to just do as you're told because nobody has time to come up with something on the fly!  You were an excellent student and always at the top of your class, and your excellent organization has carried on into your career.  Your Kia never hits empty because you have your next fill-up perfectly planned out, just as things should be.  

If you drive a Clear White Kia, transparency is important to you.  Nothing made you more mad than your parents keeping secrets from you or the government secretly reading your Skype messages.  It goes without saying that your Kia is spotless, just like your conscience. 

To find you perfect shade of Kia, visit our website.

Be Sure to Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Everyone loves to save gas. If you're looking for an easy way to increase your car's gas mileage, don't forget to check your tires. Improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Tires that are under-inflated can lower your gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 PSI drop in pressure.

You can normally find your car's proper tire pressure in the owner's manual. If your car needs tire maintenance, be sure to schedule a service appointment on our Kia Dealership website today!

Tailgating: Kia Style

As football fans, we all love to tailgate with friends and family on game days. Whether we're seasoned veterans or fresh-faced rookies in the tailgating game, having the perfect party setup is vital for your tailgate success. In order to help make sure your tailgating festivities are a hit with your guests, we recommend bringing along your Kia.

If you're looking for a new Kia to charge up your tailgates, be sure to check out our Flowood Kia Dealership today!

Kia Partners with DonorsChoose.org for New Campaign

Kia Motors America (KMA) recently partnered with DonorsChoose.org to launch a new Back-to-School giving campaign. The goal is to raise $3 million of support for high-need public schools across the country. For the second year in a row, KMA will match contributions for each donation to eligible DonorsChoose.org projects during the month of September, empowering  "citizen philanthropists" to make a difference in the lives of students who need it most.

A philanthropy project like this is a great way to support local organizations. We encourage all of our customers and staff to do what they can to give back to their community. If you know of any great causes or organizations that need local support, contact us or stop by our Flowood Dealership and let us know!

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/08/28/5689059/kia-motors-america-and-donorschooseorg.html#storylink=cpy

Three Essentials for any Road Trip

Summer is coming to a close. But before we turn the calendar to the upcoming fall season, many of us are hitting the road for one final road trip. Whether it's with your best friend or a group of family members, the time on the road can be a big factor in determining the success of your trip.
So before you head out on the road, here are three things to make sure you bring on your next vacation.

• A Road-worthy Playlist: Whether it's for two hours or two days, a road trip will be a lot more enjoyable if you have some great tunes to listen to. Here are some tried-and-true songs for the road: "Graceland," by Paul Simon, "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," by U2, "Take it Easy," by the Eagles, and an all-time classic, "On the Road Again," by Willie Nelson.
• Snacks and Food: It's a given for any road trip. At some point, the hungry roar of your stomach bellows through the car. Avoid the hunger blues by bringing a good supply of snacks. Our favorites are fruit, granola bars, crackers and juice packs.
• A Camera: What good is a vacation if you don't have a camera handy to capture all those precious memories? Be sure to pack your favorite camera so you can take great photos of your most adventurous and exciting vacations.

If you plan ahead and pack accordingly, every vacation can be a pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone. Along with these essentials, it's also important to make sure your car is in great shape. Before heading out on your next adventure, be sure to schedule a service appointment at our Kia dealership.

Happy Travels!

The Kia Optima is Your Perfect Wingman

First dates can be nerve-racking. And while every worst-case scenario plays in your head, you hope you make an amazing first impression. But before meeting your date, your stomach fills with butterflies as you try to make sure everything is perfect. If you drive a Kia Optima, don’t worry, you’re already ahead of the game. Here are three ways your Optima can help your first date go off without a hitch:

1. Temperature-controlled Front Seats – Avoid giving her the cold shoulder and make sure her seat is nice and comfy.
2. EX and SX Technology Packages – Set the mood with a romantic playlist from SiriusXM and make sure you stay on course with the navigation system.
3. Plenty of Storage – No one likes a cluttered car. That's why the Optima comes with plenty of storage options and a cargo tray in the trunk.

With this Kia mid-size sedan, you have everything you need to make sure your night is a success. Now, will she ask for a second date? That's all up to you. 

 

If you don’t have an Optima yet, be sure to visit Wilson Kia to see what models we have in stock and take one for a test drive!

Kia Car Review: 2013 Rio SX

Happy Wednesday Kia fans! If you're out searching for a new Kia, be sure to take a look at the 2013 Rio SX. Ryan Morris over at tflcar.com recently took the new Rio for a spin and had plenty of great things to say about the Kia subcompact.

To read his review of the Kia Rio SX, head over to The Fast Lane Cars website.

After checking out the review, visit our Kia dealership website to see what models we have available for a test drive!

The Soul Could Be Getting AWD Upgrade

According to a recent Autoblog article, the Kia Soul could be getting an all-wheel-drive option in upcoming models. This new system could help differentiate itself from the crowd and be a welcome addition for potential customers.

If you want to check out the current Soul models, visit our Kia dealership website and stop by for a test drive!

Stay tuned for updates on the Soul's potential AWD system.

Stop the Office Blues and Take a Kia for a Test Drive!

Here you are, sitting at work, aimlessly staring into your computer screen. The time seems to slow down with each passing moment as you anticipate the end of your work day. If the office is starting to feel a little drab, a test drive in a New Kia may be in order.

The next time you have some free time during your lunch break, head over to our dealership and take one of our new Kias such as the Sportage or Optima for a test drive!

In the mean time, visit Wilson Kia's website to see what models we have in stock.

Kia is Unveiling the Final JLA Kia at Comic-Con!

It’s that time of year again. The time where geeks and nerds alike flock to San Diego to participate in the largest pop-culture convention in the country; the San Diego Comic-Con. The entertainment and comic book worlds come together to bring fans five days of exclusive panels, discussions and interactive festivities.

And this year, Kia is joining in on the fun.

At this year’s convention, Kia will be unveiling the final vehicle in their fleet of Super Hero custom cars... the Justice League-inspired Kia Sorento!  If you’re going to San Diego this week, be sure to check it out. For more information on these custom Kias and DC’s giving campaign, visit www.wecanbeheroes.org.

2014 Kia Cadenza: First Drive Review

Competing automakers have been watching sibling brands Hyundai and Kia gain ground the past few years. The South Korean companies have consistently produced stylish cars while maintaining value pricing along with their 10-year/100,000-mile warranty strategy. Now Kia's rivals have another vehicle to watch out for in their rearview mirror: the all-new 2014 Cadenza.

The Kia Cadenza's sleek sheet metal and abundant bells and whistles show just how far Kia has come from its modest beginnings, when it first entered the U.S. auto market in 1994 with the compact Sephia. In 2012, the brand achieved its 18th consecutive year of market gains in the U.S. and also its best-ever annual sales total, thanks in part to the popular Optima.

With the Cadenza, Kia set its sights on the premium sedan segment to challenge top-of-the-line (but not quite luxury) 4-doors. And with an eye-catching exterior, luxurious interior and technology that rivals cars costing twice as much, the 2014 Kia Cadenza should have competitors worried - and car buyers in the segment giving the sedan serious consideration.

Model lineup
The Cadenza comes in one well-equipped trim level. This gets the buyer a V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, leather power seats, keyless entry with push-button start, a back-up camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a 12-speaker Infinity stereo and a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic.

Two option packages are offered on the Cadenza. The Luxury package adds a full-length panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting, a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column with a heated steering wheel. The package also includes Nappa leather seats, a memory-enabled 12-way ventilated driver's seat, heated rear seats and a power rear sunshade.

Pop for the Technology package and you get everything from the Luxury package, plus lane-departure warning, advanced cruise control that maintains a specified distance from the vehicle ahead, and blind-spot detection with lane-change assist to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots as well as fast-approaching vehicles. The package also comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake and water-repellant "hydrophobic" front side windows.

Under the hood
Kia equips the front-wheel-drive Cadenza with the most powerful V6 engine the company has ever produced. It produces 293 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 255 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm. The 3.3-liter, 24-valve dual-overhead-camshaft engine uses gasoline direct-injection technology that Kia says improves performance while reducing emissions.

The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that features a Sportmatic manual shift mode as well as paddle shifters on the steering column that allow the driver control of upshifts and downshifts. Estimated Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy is 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.

Inner space
Kia makes a big deal out of the "European design" of the Cadenza's exterior, and that it was penned by Peter Schreyer, Kia's chief of design. And the interior exudes a tangible luxury that's a cut above other vehicles in this segment.

Elegant wood and chrome trim accent the Cadenza's soft leather upholstery without screaming "bling." The center console is angled toward the driver for improved access and ergonomics, while buttons for the cruise control, infotainment and Bluetooth hands-free are integrated into the steering wheel to enhance ease of operation. And, as in other Kia vehicles, the Cadenza's voice-activation system is one of the most accurate available.

Likewise, the Infinity audio system, which includes 12 speakers powered by 550 watts, performs better than many "premium" stereo options. The infotainment system provides music from almost every source available - AM, FM, CD/MP3, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming and a USB port and auxiliary input jack for portables - and also includes a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic.

This is all controlled through an 8-inch touch-screen display in the center of the dash that's intuitive and easy to use. And while Kia's UVO eServices provides features such as automatic crash notification and vehicle diagnostics, it doesn't have the range of connected services compared to other cutting-edge systems from competitors. (And not even one single app.) But you can't beat the price: free throughout the warranty period.

Something drivers may not notice at first because it's not present inside the Cadenza is noise. The car's hushed interior is due in part to the use of high-tensile steel for 60 percent of the body structure, which reduces overall vehicle weight and enhances safety since it's stronger than traditional steel. Kia also employs noise-reducing technologies ranging from triple door seals to specially designed wheels with multiple fins that help lessen wind noise at highway speeds for an interior that achieves luxury-class quiet. Our only real knock against the interior is a lack of rear headroom.

On the road
The Cadenza can more than hold its own among competitors in its class. Whether on winding canyon roads or at full speed on the freeway, the Cadenza rarely feels underpowered for the task at hand.

The 6-speed automatic transmission feels fine on downshifts but misses a beat on upshifts more often than we'd like. But that's what the Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters are for. Overall, the engine and transmission combo lead to a smooth if not exactly spirited driving experience. In terms of ride quality, the car feels much smaller than it is, and handles appreciably better than most sedans this size.

Right for you?
The 2014 Cadenza marks a new segment for Kia, and one that's crowded with recently redesigned quality vehicles. If you're shopping these vehicles and looking for more luxury and technology, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is definitely a contender. And that long warranty may help you feel better about a new, unproven model.

Courtesy of MSN Autos Ehaust Notes (Blog)

Nice Package With Lots Of Toys Inside

Every automotive underdog might take a hint from the Kia Forte: if you're a back-bencher in a house of big names, it can't hurt to make your car pretty.

Thrown into the compact-car ring, the Kia Forte doesn't merely have to grapple with its competition. The Kia has also been overshadowed by its popular Korean cousin, the Hyundai Elantra.

But Kia did a smart thing, luring the designer Peter Schreyer from Audi in 2006 to transform its styling. Johan de Nysschen, the executive who guided Audi's stunning rise in the American market before leaving to become global leader of Infiniti - told me in an interview that Audi made a mistake by letting the designer get away. Mr. Schreyer is now global design chief for both Kia and Hyundai.

The 2014 Forte is the latest signed-edition Schreyer that just about everyone agrees is a fine-looking car, whether in the form of a sedan, the two-door Koup or the coming Forte 5 hatchback.

One goal of every carmaker is to make the more affordable models look and feel expensive, and almost no one is doing that better than Hyundai and Kia. Thanks to some remarkable upgrades to cars once viewed as disposable, Kia's sales approached 560,000 in the United States last year.

Ask these companies' separate sales, marketing and distribution executives, and they'll tell you that Hyundai and Kia try to beat each other's brains out, same as any rivals. But with Hyundais and Kias using the same platforms, powertrains, engineers and factories, it's fair to ask what makes them different. For now, exterior and interior design remains a big separator, because the cars tend to perform similarly.

If you think the Forte looks better than the Elantra or if you prefer Kia's badge to Hyundai's - then by all means lean that way, or vice versa. If that sounds superficial, note that the warranties are equal: bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles; powertrain protection for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

But while I admire the Elantra's curves, the Korean-built Forte wins my overall vote, and for more than its solid impression at the curb.

I don't think my eyes are sensitive enough to spot the Kia's roughly two-inch stretch in length and wheelbase from the 2013 version. But from style to features, the Forte comes across as a pricier midsize car trapped in a slightly smaller body.

To a point, that effect is also physical: the back seat is especially easy on the knees and elbows. A sprawling trunk (14.9 cubic feet) is larger than those in some midsize cars, and the rear seat folds to expand the space.

From its somewhat rowdy engines to a bare-cupboard cabin, the old Forte had a vestigial, Korean-crackerbox feel. Those crumbs have been swept away. The new car feels far more legitimate, with a cabin that surpasses expectations for its class.

The Forte LX shares the Elantra's 1.8-liter engine with 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. But the Forte EX, one-ups the Hyundai. The EX adopts a 2-liter in-line 4 with direct injection, 173 horses and 154 pound-feet. That matches the horsepower of the Forte's departing 2.4-liter engine, and the new, downsized engine is smoother and more efficient: it is rated 24 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway, versus a previous rating of 23/32.

If you want a 6-speed manual transmission, you're stuck with the LX for now, in keeping with the dubious assumption that only cheapskates want to shift. Other models get a 6-speed automatic.

I tested a nearly loaded EX, the Forte's deluxe calling card. My EX was almost ridiculously well equipped. Buyers may get a kick out of putting their luxury-car-owning pals aboard and showing off the toys, saving the "gotcha" line of how little they paid.

The list includes 17-inch alloy wheels and handsome perforated leather seats - with heated chairs for front and rear passengers. The driver gets 10-way power seats with heating, cooling fans and memory, and the robust leather-wrapped steering wheel includes cruise and audio controls. There's a generous navigation screen with real-time traffic alerts and a backup camera, dual-zone climate control, a 4.2-inch driver's color LCD display and a three-month satellite radio subscription. Don't forget the sunroof, cooled glovebox and smart key with a pushbutton starter.

The EX defies more industry assumptions with its new UVO telematics and e-services system, developed with Microsoft. Unlike most subscription-based telematics plans, it's free. Features include 911 notification, onboard diagnostics and dealer service scheduling, Bluetooth streaming and clever phone-based apps like Parking Minder. It guides you to your parked Kia via GPS and computes the time left on parking meters. It can snap and send overhead satellite shots of your car.

Outside, high-intensity headlamps are striped with LED marker lights, as if the Forte were an Audi Jr. Puddle lamps shine from power-folding mirrors. That's right: puddle lamps.

A stiffer structure and more soundproofing allow fewer unwanted decibels to intrude inside. Even the base LX gets 4-wheel disc brakes, and their strength and pedal feel are a high point.

The switch to electric steering allows a Flex Steer switch that adjusts power assist across three modes. But as with some other adjustable gimmicks, Sport mode just seems to add glop to the steering - like artificial thickener being poured in - instead of actually improving the handling.

Kia fans must wait until fall for the Koup and Forte 5, which both get the 173-horsepower engine even in their base trim. And they'll entice enthusiasts with SX versions that will offer a 6-speed manual and will make 201 horses from a 1.6-liter turbo 4.

If Kia and its kissing cousin, Hyundai, figure out how to make their dynamic performance as appealing as their styling and value, they'll be unstoppable.

Courtesy of The New York Times

Motoring: Kia Reaches For The Top

With 47 new or refreshed vehicles coming by 2017, it was inevitable Kia would take another step up the product ladder which it has done with the 2014 Cadenza.

Kia had a big chart at the Napa press preview showing its competitors don't have all the available extras as the Cadenza, which is something I'm sure Kia sales people will be pointing out to potential buyers.

I suspect the Premium will be the top seller because of what it offers for the price, but Ill get to that a little lower down.

The Cadenza is not a new car but new to Canada and will be sold as Kias flagship model. It is known as the K7 in Korea sold alongside the K9 which is Kias flagship over there.

The Cadenza is considered a full-size sedan and it is in every sense of the word, especially the back seat. During our drive time in San Francisco and the Napa Valley, I made a point of getting in the back and I had more than enough legroom.

Later while driving, I had to stop smartly and that caused my travel bag to slide forward off the back seat and onto the floor. Its a big bag and normally it gets wedged between the front seat back and the rear cushion. In this case, it plopped onto the floor and looked rather lonely with all the room around it.

Kia is the only automaker to produce its own steel and in the Cadenza, high-strength steel makes up 60 per cent of the chassis.

Kia said at the Cadenza press launch this ensures only the highest quality steel is used in the Cadenzas construction.

There is one engine, Kias new 3.3-litre direct injection V6 producing 293 hp and 255 lb/ft of torque driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Using regular gasoline, fuel consumption is rated at 11.2/7.4L/100 km city/highway.

One thing that caused some discussion among autowriters present for the press launch in the Napa Valley of California was the steering.

My Quebec co-driver found it "vague" while Graeme Fletcher of Motoring TV called it one of the best hed' driven. I did note that FlexSteer (that offers three response modes in the latest Kia offerings) was not on the Cadenza. I was told that's because it was an older model and it could not be refitted with FlexSteer.

I know the roads in Napa fairly well and one of those is the Silverado Trail that runs north-south beside the Napa River.

Twisting and turning, but with pavement as smooth as glass, you can really put any vehicle through its paces, which I did.

Bottom line was the steering was precise and predictable with a hint of on-centre lightness which one expects from electric power steering. The feel of the Cadenza steering fits the nature of the car as buyers in this segment expect comfort in a sedan not the input effort one needs in a sportscar.

Standard equipment is extensive, the partial list includes: rear parking sensors, rear camera, multimedia interface Navigation, AM/FM/CD/AUX/USB, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless technology, Infinity 12-speaker audio system, chrome outside door handles, solar glass, projection headlights, front fog lights, LED daytime running lights and positioning lights, LED light bar tail lights, power heated body coloured outside mirrors, power folding outside mirrors with LED side repeaters, front and rear splash guard, dot matrix LCD cluster and trip computer.

But it was with the Premium that the Kia blurs with line between "near luxury" and the real thing.

This car is loaded. Again, just a partial list of goodies includes: panoramic sunroof, HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting (AFLS), triple stage cooled/ventilated drivers seat, dual stage rear heated seats, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, memory seats, memory outside mirrors, memory steering column, drivers seat knee extension, heated steering wheel, wiper deicer, power rear window curtain, Supervision TFT LCD instrument cluster, premium Nappa leather seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, smart cruise control, blind spot detection, Lane Departure Warning System and Electric Parking Brake (EPB).

One of the things that caught everyones attention is the use of "hydrophobic" glass on the front side windows. They are treated with a special, permanent coating that repels water and dirt.

And you like to golf, you can take a foursome and their bags in the 451-litre trunk.

Suspension is MacStruts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Part of the suspension comprises "dynamic dampers" that automatically soften when cruising but stiffen when more handling performance is wanted.

The Cadenza marks new territory for Kia and it is very much the new boy on the near luxury block.

But based on what we've seen so far, Kia will probably be one of the big boys on the block before very long.

Courtesy of Kelowna Capital News (Canada) (Online)

We Are Expecting Our First Kia Cadenza Next Month at Wilson Kia!

Are you as excited as we are about the new Cadenza coming to Wilson Kia? Let us know!

Check out this month's great eCoupon!

Does your car sound like it’s due for a much needed tune up? If so, this is a perfect time to take advantage of our eCoupons and schedule a service appointment at our dealership.

This month's eCoupon

As 2013 Rolls In, Forbes Finds The Kia Soul To Be In High Demand

As 2013 begins and many auto brands wrap up their holiday sales, Forbes has released a list of the vehicles that were in the highest demand during the busy selling season. Coming in at number four on the publication's Top 10 Hard-to-Get Cars list is the Kia Soul urban crossover, which has been attracting buyers with its affordable pricing and eccentric styling.

Forbes worked with auto researcher Edmunds.com to rank its Top 10 Hard-to-Get Cars based on the average number of days it took for each model to turn, or how long a dealer had a vehicle in inventory before it sold. Edmunds.com reported that the average Kia Soul model stayed in stock for just 15 days, as the vehicle remains a high-volume seller, moving well past 100,000 units in the United States in 2012.

"If you look at the Forbes Hard-to-Get Cars list, you'll notice that every model has attractive styling, but none of the other styles are quite as unique as the Soul's funky design," said Scott Levy, general manager of Rosen Kia of Elgin, a Chicagoland Kia dealer. "The tall roof and angular lines of the Soul have made it perfect for drivers who want to stand out but still need a practical, versatile ride for day-to-day driving."

Last February, Kia used the style of the Soul as the basis when it unveiled the sportier, two-door Track'ster concept, which was recently named a 2013 10Best Concept Car by Car and Driver magazine. Taking on a longer wheelbase and a wider stance with more prominent fender flares, the Kia Track'ster has a race-ready appearance, donning various scoops and vents as well as a pair of booster-rocket exhaust pipes.

Though there are no current plans for production, Car and Driver indicated that the aggressive styling of the Kia Track'ster could make the coupe a viable competitor to the MINI Cooper, in much the same way that the Soul has taken on its boxy four-door counterparts, the Scion xB and Nissan Cube. Even if the Track'ster remains a concept, it may influence the style of the next-generation 2014 Soul when it goes on sale as soon as this year. A prototype of the new Soul has been spotted with a steeper front end similar to that of the Track'ster.

"As an automaker, you have to be careful that you aren't trying fix something that isn't broken when redesigning a popular model, but all signs point to just the right amount of styling updates in the next Soul," added Levy. "Fans can expect the same recognizable shape along with new modern touches that will keep the crossover turning heads for years to come."

Courtesy of Read Media

Top 10 Car Maintenance Mistakes

Compared to the family trucksters of a generation ago, modern cars require about as much maintenance as a toaster. This is a real liberation from the oil, lube and tune merry-go-round that ruled not so long ago.

Curiously, many people haven't adjusted their thinking to keep pace with new car maintenance schedules. The preoccupied still run their daily drivers without service until the dash warning lights burn out, while over-achievers fret about running synthetic oil more than 2,500 miles without a change.

Although maintenance intervals are now more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled service to live long, productive lives. Whether yours is the latest model or you paid it off years ago, the trick is giving your car the maintenance it was designed to receive.

Surprisingly, the answer to what maintenance is required is hiding no farther away than the glove box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule — in the owner's manual or in a separate maintenance log book — that details that vehicle's needs. A few minutes assimilating these requirements will help you avoid the following common car-maintenance pitfalls.

Proper Tire Inflation and Rotation
Tires leak naturally and need the occasional check. Figuratively speaking, underinflated tires suck up gasoline. Under- or overinflated tires wear out sooner, and deliver the same emergency maneuver handling as marshmallows. You probably aren't going to check tire pressures monthly, but how about twice a year?

Furthermore, front and rear tires wear differently and should be rotated to even that wear. Your owner's manual will have a recommendation on both pressure and rotation periods.

Wiper Tales
Here's a news flash: It's much easier to avoid hitting things you can see. Simple as it is, that's the concept behind replacing your windshield wipers before they fossilize into noisy uselessness.

Fall is the ideal wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking summer and before the fall and winter nastiness. Depending on location, wiper replacement may be an annual affair in the Southwest to a biannual chore in northern climes.

Tune-Up Anachronism
There are no more "tune-ups." Valves no longer need adjusting, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no carburetors to fiddle with. About all that's left of the old tune-up drill are the spark plugs. These are often good for 100,000 miles, so don't change parts just to change parts. Instead, save up for those big 60,000- and 120,000-mile services when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for replacement.

Octane Overdose
"If some is good, more is better" thinking does not apply to octane. Here the rule is to supply whatever octane the engine is rated for and call it done. Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only oil company profits.

Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane fuel but can burn 87 octane regular, thanks to the magic of knock sensors. In that case, run regular gas if puttering around surface streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your daily repertoire.

Oil Change Timing
Oil changes every 3,000 miles used to be required jobs, just like cleaning the accumulated fuzz from record player needles or defrosting freezers. Today, advances in engine design and lubricants make oil changes something to be done when the schedule calls for it, not when granddad says it's time. Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.

Tired Tires
Tires wear out, but they also time out. The tire industry says tires are toast after five years, but they're selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. There's little argument from any pundits that after seven years those black donuts are dried and better off holding down a farmer's tarp than carrying your family around. If you're not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped into the sidewall.

Dirty Air Filter
Semi-clogged air filters hurt fuel economy for the same reason you don't like to run with a potato in your mouth. The question is, when is your filter dirty? Under a Norman Rockwell schedule of small-town errand running and church duty, an air filter might not see much grit. But grimy city surface streets or just looking at a dirt road on a map are often enough to overwhelm air filters. This one is about conditions. If you go near dirt, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule calls for.

Ignoring Your Brakes
Note to the Wandering Unconscious: If you notice anything different about your brakes — sound, feel or response — they are telling you to visit a mechanic. Now.

Tighten Your Gas Cap
Is the Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is on tightly before calling the dealer. No joke, this is one of the most common ways of setting off your car's diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system's venting arrangement.

The Garage Is for Parking
Let's review. Your house is your most valuable investment. Your car is likely your second most valuable investment. If you're paying all that money, then why are you storing empty cardboard boxes, broken skateboards and plastic holiday wreaths in the garage? Pitch that junk and get the car in the garage!

If it has an engine and moves, Tom Wilson is interested in it. Now a freelance auto writer, Tom tries to ride, drive, fly and float everything he can wiggle into. His credits include a few local racing championships, a decade of magazine editing, three technical engine books and many hundreds of magazine articles. Current interests include new fuels and vehicle technology.

Courtesy of autos.msn.com

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Kia Motors Announces Google Maps Integration To Enhance In-Car Connectivity

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced it will work with Google to provide content and search-based solutions enabled by Application Program Interfaces (APIs) for the second-generation of the automaker's innovative UVO eServices telematics system. These new solutions will initially be introduced on the new 2014 Sorento CUV. The immediate integration of Google solutions will utilize Google Maps and Google Places to acquire driving directions and locate Points of Interest (POIs) in a seamless and organic manner. KMA and Google look forward to continuing to work together to bring innovative navigation solutions to enhance the connected car experience.

Available with the 2014 Sorento CUV, the new Google-powered UVO system will serve Kia owners whether they are in their cars or away from them. Enabled by the Send2Car feature, Kia owners can send a POI or destination to their car directly from the Google Maps via their Smartphone1 UVO app. From within the car, Kia owners will benefit from Google Places, which will provide POI and destination resources such as a dealership location, and Google Maps, which will provide directions to virtually anywhere and everywhere a car can travel.

"The newest iteration of the UVO platform is a breakthrough as one of the industry's first mobile pure app-based telematics systems, and now with the Google solutions and APIs, we take the platform to yet another level of enhancement for the Kia customer," said Henry Bzeih, head of the connected car program and chief technology strategist, KMA. "Due to the popularity and ease-of-use of Google Maps, owners can remain confident in the technology and information being delivered to them."

UVO continues to offer drivers hands-free mobile phone management capabilities and hands-free control of music from a variety of media sources, including CD, radio, USB, media player, and the Digital Jukebox. With UVO eServices, users will now be able to control the 2014 Sorento's on-board navigation system through voice commands when the vehicle is outfitted with the UVO eServices/navigation package. Also new with UVO eServices is an enhanced telematics suite that offers a number of maintenance and infotainment functions, including 911 Connect, enhanced Roadside Assist2, Automatic Diagnostics, Manual Diagnostics, Scheduled Diagnostics, vehicle maintenance, and eServices Guide, many of which are run through the owner's Smartphone equipped with the UVO eServices app available at no charge3.

Advanced Voice Recognition makes it simple to operate many of UVO eServices functions, including the Sorento's voice activated navigation system. USB connectivity allows users to download music files from a memory stick into the Digital Jukebox. The large eight-inch touch screen is easy to operate and incorporates Sorento's rear camera display4, Infinity®5 Premium Sound System and My POIs (personal Points of Interest via online maps), a feature that makes it easy to customize the owner's most visited locations. UVO eServices is compatible with iPhone®6 at launch and Android® phones are expected to be compatible in the second quarter of 2013.

Following the introduction of UVO eServices in the Sorento, the system will be offered in other models in the Kia lineup, including the all-new 2014 Forte sedan.

Courtesy of The Sacramento Bee