2011 KIA Optima can't get here fast enough

KIA has been doing more than just keeping up with the other car makers, they've been winning awards left and right for their latest releases. We'd say that the KIA Soul was really the turning point, and the definition of the future of KIA vehicles. During late 2009, and throughout 2010 KIA has released the KIA Forte, Forte Koup, Sorento and Sportage which have all been some of the best selling KIAs we have ever had at Jim Butler KIA. The value, the quality, the design, and the prices of these models are simply unmatched, so now we are looking at "what's next" which will be the 2011 KIA Optima. The 2011 Optima is not only better than the previous model, it is going to redefine what people think of the mid-sized KIA sedan. The appearance is striking, the engine options are fuel efficient, and the technology is abundant.

The 2011 KIA Optima is due in stores before the end of the year, email us today on our website for more information or call 636-256-9600

2011 Forte and Forte Koup details released

PRESS RELEASE: 2011 Forte Sedan and 2011 Forte Koup upgrade to new powertrains
- Forte line-up includes available six-speed manual and six-speed powertrain offerings
- Transmission upgrade offers refinement coupled with exceptional fuel economy
- Kia's quest for continuous improvement includes additional upgrades to line-up

"Kia's mandate is to drive change not only in design but also in value and technology for Canadians" said Maria Soklis, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. "This further enhances our best-selling product line and provides a level of technology that would normally be found in vehicles priced much higher".

The powertrain change for 2011 also provides competitive fuel economy ratings with its 2.0-litre offering and 2.4-litre engine in its class. "Fuel economy is top of mind with Canadians and providing world class fuel efficient vehicles is part of our winning formula".

The Forte Sedan offers exceptional fuel economy. The 2.0-liter engine offers 8.1/5.7 litres/100km (city/highway) when mated with the six-speed manual transmission and 8.0/5.5 litres/100km (city/highway) with the optional six-speed automatic. The more powerful 2.4-liter engine offers fuel economy at 9.2/6.2 litres/100km with the six-speed manual and 9.0/6.2litres/100km when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission.

The Forte Koup fuel economy is not sacrificed for sportiness. The 2.0-liter engine offers 8.3/6.0 litres/100km (city/highway) when mated with the six-speed manual transmission and 8.0/5.7 litres/100km (city/highway) with the optional six-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine also can expect an economical 9.2/6.2 litres/100km with the six-speed manual and 9.0/6.4 litres/100km when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to powertrain enhancements, Kia designers also made some changes to the 2011 Forte sedan line-up to include the common use of the Forte 5 Door front fascia on the sedan, redesigned integrated fog lights and outside heated mirrors with LED turn-signals and new 16" aluminum wheels. Moving to the interior, the centre console has been upgraded which includes a new design, leather shifter boot, chrome lined cup-holders and outside temperature display found on the LX "Plus", EX and SX.

Across the Forte line-up, additions have been made available to the SX trim to include paddle shifter on the SX automatic transmission; Smart Key with push button start ignition on the SX Luxury automatic transmission, automatic light control, and voice activated navigation on the SX luxury and electrochromic auto-dimming mirror on the SX.

The 2011 Koup also receives an upgrade on the rear taillights by offering an available LED rear combination lamp which provides a more stylish, sporty and upscale image. The centre console has been upgraded which includes a new design, leather shifter boot, chrome lined cup-holders and outside temperature display on the 2011 Koup.

Kia also administered a variety of NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) improvements, such as adding additional sound dampening material throughout the Forte lineup as part of their continuous improvement objective.

2011 Forte Sedan
LX - Starting at $15,995
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags, active front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and steering wheel, 15" steel wheels with wheel covers.

EX - Starting at $18,495
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to LX): 16" alloy wheels, auto off headlamps, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 6 speakers audio, keyless entry, manual air conditioning, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, steering wheel mounted cruise control, outside mirror with integrated turn signal, sunroof is an available option.

SX - Starting at $21,795
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17" alloy wheels, front fog lights, Sirius satellite radio, trip computer, automatic air conditioning, leather seats, leather wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel, power sunroof, auto light control, supervision instrument cluster, alloy sport pedals.

SX - Luxury Trim offers Navigation, Electrochromic mirror, smart key with push button ignition start (only on Automatic transmission)

2011 Forte Koup
EX - Starting at $18,995
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags, active front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, keyless entry, air conditioning, heated front seats, cruise control, six speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 16" alloy wheels and exterior chrome door handles, front fog lamps and optional tilt and sliding sunroof.

SX - Starting at $22,295
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17" alloy wheels, sport tuned suspension, automatic climate control, power tilting and sliding sunroof, leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, alloy sport pedals, trip computer, paddle shifter (automatic only), Sirius satellite radio (includes 3 month free trial) and supervision instrument cluster.

SX Luxury trim Offers Navigation, Electrochromic mirror, smart key with push button ignition start (only on Automatic transmission), LED rear lights

Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Forte Koup is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a five-year or 100,000-km limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 100,000-km limited comprehensive warranty, and a five-year unlimited-km anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/100,000-km roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

The KOUP, the Forte Sedan and Soul represent Kia's new design strategy. They have enhanced the value of Kia's current line-up, which has already shown strong appeal, and have propelled Kia into the top tier of design led brands. With the successful launch of the Soul, Forte Sedan, Forte KOUP, Sorento, Sportage and now Forte5-Door, Kia is leading the way by creating a new generation of vehicles that offer premium styling combined with exceptional value.

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 168 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 136 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
[Source: Kia]

Forte in Top 10 MSN best under $15k

KIA FORTE NAMED TO MSN AUTOS “TOP 10 CARS UNDER $15,000” LIST-Kia Compact Sedan Honored by Leading Online Automotive Resource

• Forte praised for offering advancements in style and performance
• Compact sedan heralded for overall value, style and comfort

IRVINE, Calif., June 9, 2010 – Recently announced as a top-rated sedan under $15,000 in the Edmunds.com Consumers’ Top Rated®1 vehicle awards for 2010, the Kia Forte has now been named to the “Top 10 Cars under $15,000” list by leading automotive Web site MSN Autos. Forte was recognized for its overall value, style, handling and functionality and utility.

"One of the first vehicles rolled out under Kia’s exciting new design direction, Forte offers consumers the whole package with sleek styling, standard safety features, an abundance of technology and immense value,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “Receiving this recognition by such a well-respected outlet as MSN Autos further solidifies Forte as a leading contender in its segment and a viable choice among consumers.”

“No longer a second-class citizen, Kia's compact offering is a profound stylistic and mechanical advancement,” said Evan Griffey of MSN Autos.

Aiming to present consumers with a list of vehicles offering the best overall value, MSN Autos compared a number of new vehicles available in the market today based on style, comfort, standard features, safety and functionality and narrowed it down to their proposed 10 best.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, pricing for the Forte sedan starts at $13,695 for the LX trim, while the EX begins at $15,995 and the SX starts at $17,4952. In addition to competitive pricing, Forte also comes well-stocked with a long list of standard amenities, starting with a AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service3. Also standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players as well as Bluetooth®4 wireless technology and connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, which enables hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones.

All Forte models present an impressive combination of standard safety features with active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

[Source:Kia Media]