Midsize Sedan and Compact CUV Recognized for Upscale Amenities and Stunning Design
-- All-new Optima sedan recognized for high residual value and refined features
-- Sportage CUV selected for standard safety features and fuel efficiency
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 2, 2011 -- Already the recipients of several awards and accolades, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima and 2011 Sportage were both honored recently as "Best New Model" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. The Optima was named "Best New Car" in the $25,000-$30,000 category, while the Sportage was designated the "Best New Crossover" in the Small Crossovers category. In addition, Kia Motors' funky urban passenger vehicle, the 2011 Soul, received a "Worth a Look" mention in the cars under $20,000 category.
"Earning 'Best New Model' awards from Kiplinger's Personal Finance for both the 2011 Optima and Sportage, as well as the 'Worth a Look' honor for Soul, reinforces the tremendous impact Kia Motors' design led transformation has had on our brand and product lineup," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "With each new product launch Kia is adding world-class styling and emotion to our award-winning vehicles while remaining true to our core principles of design, quality, safety, technology, fuel efficiency and value."
Kiplinger's Personal Finance's annual Car Buying Guide recognizes vehicles in 11 categories, ranked by price, performance, safety, roominess and driving impressions. Kia Motors' stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan, the 2011 Optima, was selected as "Best New Car" in the $25,000 - $30,000 category for its stunning design, standard safety features, upscale amenities as well as its comfy, classy interior. The Optima was also selected for providing consumers with a choice of three powerful and efficient powertrains, including the brand's first hybrid (available later this year). Meanwhile, the 2011 Sportage compact CUV was selected "Best New Crossover" in the Small Crossover category for its sporty design and long list of standard convenience and safety features. The Sportage was also selected for its combination of fun-to-drive performance and easy-on-the-wallet fuel economy. In addition, the Soul's standout styling, interior space and overall value led to "Worth a Look" status in the cars under $20,000 category.
About the 2011 Kia Optima
Kia Motors' stylish midsize sedan advances the brand's design-led transformation with completely new and stunning design characteristics, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. The all-new Optima's three new powertrains – including the brand's first-ever turbo and hybrid engines (available later this year) in the U.S. – deliver a class leading combination of power(1) and fuel economy(2) while the sedan's spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities. A recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick," the 2011 Optima is available in three trims, LX, EX and SX(3), with a starting MSRP of $18,995.(4)
The 2011 Optima has earned numerous awards and accolades including a Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" designation and Edmunds' InsideLine.com "Editors' Most Wanted(SM)" Award. The 2011 Optima also had the highest increase in car shopper consideration following the Los Angeles Auto Show according to Edmunds.com.
About the 2011 Kia Sportage
The 2011 Sportage CUV offers image-, safety- and value-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features. Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look. A "2010 Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, the all-new CUV received top ratings from IIHS for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection. Later this year, a new Sportage SX will arrive at retail showrooms featuring a powerful, efficient 2.0-liter, 256 horsepower Turbo GDI engine, unique exterior and interior features. Available in Base, LX, EX and SX trims, the 2011 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $18,295.(5)Kia Motors' compact CUV has earned numbers awards and accolades, including "International Truck of the Year" by ICOTY jurors, Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" designation and "Best Crossover" by Ruedas ESPN.
About the 2011 Soul
Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the dynamic compact CUV begins at $13,300 for the base trim, offering standard convenience features, including air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(6) and MP3 connectivity.
Soul has earned a trophy case full of prestigious awards and accolades since its launch, including earning a "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS, being a recipient of the "Best Family Cars for 2010" designation by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, recognized as "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, and "Best New Car for Your Teen" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
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[Source: KIA Media]
