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]

First photos-2012 KIA RIO debuted at GENEVA Auto Show!

Kia Motors has revealed the first photos of the next generation Rio, to be unveiled at Geneva Motorshow alongside the all new Picanto.

The Rio is the latest car to be revealed by Kia, boasting a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia's striking design-led passenger car range.

The Rio will be on sale in the UK from September as a 5-door version and a 3-door will be available from early 2012. Pricing and full range details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.

New Rio has its own interpretation of Kia's signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Rio a dynamic stance.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres for the hatchback. Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width).

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models – together with a wide selection of trim options.

Kia's B-segment newcomer will be offered with an extensive range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 petrol and diesel engines, depending on market – including a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 70 ps, with CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available from 2012.

visit www.JimButlerKIA.com 

[Source: KIA, AOL, Autoblog]

2011 KIA Sportage TURBO! YES, TURBO!!!

KIA  INTRODUCES MORE POWERFUL SPORTAGE SX TURBO CROSSOVER

• New Model Offers Advanced Turbocharged Engine and Dynamic Handling
• Kia's popular compact CUV adds powerful yet efficient 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine for enhanced performance and class-leading fuel economy
• SX model offers sport-tuned suspension and unique exterior and interior enhancements

ORLAND, Fl, March 4, 2011 - On the heels of its 2011 International Truck of the Year recognition by ICOTY jurors, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the launch of the all-new 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV, scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this month. As part of Kia's design-led transformation, the Sportage has become a strong player within the Kia line-up, offering power and class-leading fuel economy. SX models take a solid foundation and up the ante with a more powerful four-cylinder turbo engine, exterior styling enhancements and unique interior options.

The Sportage SX joins the 2011 Optima Turbo as Kia's second vehicle in the U.S to feature the powerful Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine and adds unique exterior and interior features and luxury appointments to provide consumers a high performance and high value CUV. In combination with a highly efficient six-speed automatic transmission, the new Sportage SX features up to 256 horsepower while maintaining class-leading fuel economy1 of 27 miles per gallon on the highway, better than any other turbo-equipped compact CUV on the market today. In addition to powertrain enhancements, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models.

"Sportage offers an ideal mix of performance, fuel efficiency and utility for the discriminating compact CUV buyer," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With the addition of a more powerful Turbo GDI engine, unique interior appointments and improved performance, the Sportage SX makes an already appealing CUV even more fun to drive."

On the outside, SX models receive unique 18" alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. Exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior appointments adding more refinement inside the cabin, including standard aluminum door sills and a sleek new supervision gauge cluster. Available exclusively on the Sportage SX, Orange and Blue interior color packages offer more interior color choices for potential buyers. The Orange Color Package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. A unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents are included as part of the Blue Color Package.

More Powerful, Fuel-Efficient SX Engine

Kia Motors' Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine delivers significant performance with a powerful inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces up to 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque. The Sportage SX turbo utilizes a twin-scroll design which offers improved combustion efficiency, more available low-end power, and reduced turbo-lag as compared to more traditional single-scroll turbo systems.

The twin-scroll design features two valve-operated exhaust gas inlets responsible for feeding exhaust flow through separate paths into the turbine. Utilizing a divided manifold, exhaust gasses from separate cylinders travel more efficiently into the turbocharger's turbine, avoiding possible interference. The result is a system that improves efficiency and pressure distribution, lowers exhaust and cylinder temperatures, and prevents loss of exhaust energy. The quantity of the air entering each cylinder is increased, resulting in more power.

Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), offering more power (up to 176 hp) and better fuel economy (22/31 city/highway) than the previous 2.7-liter V6 engine.

Visit Jim Butler KIA's St. Louis KIA Sportage Inventory!

[Source: KIA Motors]

2011 KIA Optima gets Highest Possible Crash Test Ratings from IIHS

Highest Possible Ratings for All-New Kia Midsize Sedan in Frontal, Side and Rollover Impact Crash Tests

• All-new Optima is first Korean-built vehicle to achieve the highest rating under new, more stringent government guidelines by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• High level of standard safety features contribute to Optima's overall performance and high scores in all four categories

IRVINE, Calif., March 3, 2011 -- The all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan has achieved an overall five-star crash safety rating – the highest possible score – after attaining five stars in each of the overall ratings categories in the latest crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's NHTSA. Already a recipient of a "Top Safety Pick" award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Optima offers consumers exceptional levels of standard safety equipment and technologies.

"As the most recent addition to Kia's lineup, the 2011 Optima incorporates some of Kia's most advanced safety technologies with head-turning style, performance and comfort to provide consumers with high value and peace-of-mind," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "As the first Korean-built vehicle to be awarded a five-star crash safety rating under NHTSA's new, stricter guidelines, Optima creates a new benchmark in the segment and underscores Kia's commitment to offering consumers the highest levels of quality and safety in all of our vehicles."

In all, 24 passenger cars, 20 sport utility vehicles, two vans, and nine 2011 model year pickups were rated under the new system that not only includes tougher crash tests, but, for the first time, provides consumers with a single overall safety score per vehicle. The new testing program also provides consumers with information about new advanced crash avoidance technologies, such as lane departure and forward collision warning systems.

About the 2011 Kia Optima

Like the rest of Kia line-up, the 2011 Optima comes equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including: six airbags(1) (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), ESC, a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

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 service(2), auxiliary and USB audio input jacks and standard Bluetooth®(3) 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).

View Jim Butler's 2011 KIA Optima Inventory!

[Source: Autoblog, KIA Media]

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]