2011 KIA Rio named "Best Overall Value" by Truecar.com

• Kia's Sub-Compact Sedan Lauded for Remarkable Fuel Efficiency and Low Purchase Price
• With gas prices on the rise the Rio is recognized for achieving an estimated 36 miles per gallon1 on the highway

Sub-compact sedan offers spirited performance, a generous list of standard convenience and safety features and a strong overall value proposition

IRVINE, Calif., April 8, 2011 - For years the Kia Rio has stood out as a fuel efficiency and overall value leader, receiving accolades such as a 2010 Consumer Guide® Automotive "Recommended Vehicle" and being included on the "Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for the Buck" list by Forbes.com for the 2009 model year. This week the fuel-sipping Rio added another award to its trophy case when the sub-compact sedan was named a "Best Overall Value" on the Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles list by TrueCar.com. An online authority on new car pricing, trends and forecasts, TrueCar.com included Rio for its invaluable combination of a low average purchase price and high fuel efficiency – significant as gas prices continue to rise.

"With the continued increase in gas prices, more and more consumers are basing their purchase decisions not only on impressive fuel efficiency, but overall value and what features you get for your money," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The 2011 Rio is a practical and economical car that exceeds the expectations of today's discriminating small car shoppers."

To compile the list, TrueCar.com divided the average national purchase price of a vehicle by the average annual cost of fuel for that particular vehicle2. All vehicles included on the list have a TrueCar.com Average Price3 between $13,685 and $17,000 and a combined mpg between 28 and 33, resulting in a fuel cost per year between $1,654 and $1,971. To be considered, all models must currently be on sale with a seating capacity of four or more and an automatic transmission.

About the 2011 Kia Rio

Available in base, LX and SX trims, pricing starts at a competitive $12,2954 for the base model, which is equipped with 14-inch wheels and 175/70R14 tires, body-color bumpers, outside mirrors, door handles and body-side moldings matched with black-bezel headlights that give the sub-compact a sleek, attractive profile. The LX trim starts at $14,995 and adds 185/65R14 tires with the option of upgrading to 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels paired with 195/55R15 tires. Consumers wanting even more can opt for the sporty stunner SX model, which starts at $16,095 and comes standard with beefier 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 205/45R16 tires, front fog lights, a bright exhaust finisher and a body-color rear spoiler for an athletic finishing touch.

In addition to tremendous value, the 2011 Rio also offers outstanding fuel efficiency. When paired with the manual transmission, the spirited four-cylinder produces an estimated 28/34 mpg (city/highway), while the same engine, when mated to the automatic transmission, outputs an impressive estimated 27/36 mpg5. Also available on LX and SX trims is the EcoMinder™ fuel efficiency monitor, an added benefit in tracking real-time fuel economy.

Visit Jim Butler KIA's 2011 KIA Rio Inventory!

2011 KIA OPTIMA NAMED TO AUTO A FONDO'S "TOP 10 BEST BUY CARS FOR 2011" LIST

All-New Midsize Sedan Praised by Panel of Influential Automotive Professionals

• Competitive price and long list of standard convenience and safety features make Optima a sensible option for segment shoppers
• Critically acclaimed styling and overall value increase Optima's consumer appeal

IRVINE, Calif., March 21, 2011 - The all-new 2011 Kia Optima has been turning heads and collecting awards since arriving in Kia dealerships several months ago, and the latest praise comes from Auto A Fondo who has named the midsize sedan as one of its "Top 10 Best Buy Cars for 2011" in the four-door sedan category. The recognition comes on the heels of the Optima earning a five-star crash safety rating from the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and being named one of the "Top 10 Cars to Look Forward to in 2011" by CarsDirect.com.

"The all-new Optima combines a long list of advanced technology, convenience and safety features with stunning exterior design, and the Optima's value proposition makes it the smart choice in the midsize sedan category," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "With its powerful and fuel efficient engines, including Kia's first-ever turbo in the U.S., the Optima stands out from the midsize sedan crowd by offering fun-to-drive performance at a tremendous value as evidenced by this recognition from Auto A Fondo's panel of experts."

Now in its ninth year, the "Top 10 Best Buy Cars" list is selected by a panel of Hispanic automotive professionals tasked with reviewing and comparing which new cars offer the best value in each intended segment. According to Auto A Fondo, a "Top 10 Best Buy" offers innovative engineering, good exterior design, best-in-class ergonomics, an excellent ride, outstanding fit and finish, and complete content packaging, all at a competitive price.

"The Optima's overall design and performance impressed us. With the extended warranty it becomes a very good option for the Hispanic family," said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, editor, Autoafondo.com.

About the 2011 Kia Optima

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima offers a wide array of convenience and luxury as well as impressive technology features like an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service1, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks and standard Bluetooth®2 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones. Available with three all-new and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo or a 2.4-liter hybrid (available later this year), pricing for the stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan begins at $18,9953.

Like the rest of Kia line-up, the 2011 Optima comes equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including: six airbags4 (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Industry-Leading Warranty

The 2011 Optima is covered by Kia's warranty program, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

Visit Jim Butler Kia's Inventory of the New 2011 KIA Optima!

[Source-KIA Media]

2011 KIA SPORTAGE NAMED "BEST NEW CROSSOVER VEHICLE" IN ABOUT.COM'S 2011 READERS' CHOICE AWARDS

Kia's Compact CUV Honored by Consumers in Respected Online Resource's Poll (About.com)

• Award-winning Sportage chosen by the public as top pick in its segment
• Sportage offers a compelling and complete package with head-turning style, fun-to-drive performance and innovative features

IRVINE, Calif., March 17, 2011 - In addition to being named the "International Truck of the Year" by ICOTY jurors and a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV now has achieved "Best New Crossover Vehicle" in the 2011 Readers' Choice Awards by About.com. The annual awards, designed to showcase the very best products, services and features in multiple categories across the network, are based completely on votes submitted by consumers.

"Launched as part of Kia's ongoing design-led transformation, the 2011 Sportage continues Kia's commitment to offering consumers unmatched levels of styling, technology, performance and overall value," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The Sportage continues to add to its list of industry and consumer awards and accolades, and as the second Kia vehicle to offer a turbocharged engine in the U.S., we are confident consumer consideration for Sportage and the entire Kia line up will continue to grow."

All crossover vehicles, either mid-size or compact, with an enclosed cargo compartment and unibody construction in production for the 2010 or 2011 model year were eligible for the award. Other vehicle categories included "Best New SUV," "Best New Minivan," "Best Family Car," "Best Compact Car," "Best Car for Teens," "Best Car Under $16,000" and "Best New or Redesigned Car of 2011."

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. The new Sportage SX, now available at retail showrooms1, features a powerful, efficient 2.0-liter, 256 horsepower Turbo GDI engine, unique exterior and interior features. Available in Base, LX, EX and the recently introduced SX trim, the 2011 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $18,2952.

View Jim Butler Kia's Inventory of 2011 KIA Sportages!

[Source-KIA Media]