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Consumer Reports just released its Annual Auto Reliability Survey, which predicts the dependability of every new vehicle on sale today. There were plenty of eyebrow-raising tidbits like the fact that the Chrysler Pacifica minivan is projected to have average reliability, an unheard-of rating for the brand, especially with a first-year product. Additionally, Kia’s Niro hybrid crossover is supposedly the most dependable vehicle available today, a major win for this South Korean automaker. SEE ALSO: Toyota Tops, FCA and GM Flop in Consumer Reports 2017 Reliability Survey Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is based on responses from their subscribers who have purchased or leased more than 640,000 new vehicles since the year 2000. This gives the influential watchdog organization a huge amount of data to base its predictions on, which apply to more than 300 different vehicle nameplates. But which automakers build the most reliable vehicles? Here are the 10 best. Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands: 2017 10. Hyundai Hyundai may have fallen three places compared to last year, but it still did well enough to earn a 10th-place finish on this list. Consumer Reports gave it an average reliability score of 59, a tie with the next two finishers. The Elantra is this brand’s most dependable model, while the Tucson crossover its least. 9. Honda Basically tying Hyundai’s average reliability score is Honda. The Japanese stalwart improved its performance by one position compared to 2016, a move in the right direction. The ever-popular CR-V crossover is its most reliable model. 8. Buick The tri-shield brand may have tumbled five positions this year, but despite the drop, it still finished in eighth place, making it the highest-rated American automaker in this study. Issues with the all-new LaCrosse sedan are what really hurt Buick. 7. Infiniti Coming in seventh is Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury division. This is an improvement of one spot compared to 2016. The Q70 sedan is its most reliable model but its performance is offset by the Q50, which has been much more problematic. 6. Subaru Subaru drove away with an average reliability score of 60, improving its standing in this Consumer Reports study by a whopping five positions. The BRZ sports car is its most reliable product, though this model is not necessarily a big seller. The far more popular Impreza (it sold 21 times more in the U.S. last month) is the least dependable offering. 5. BMW Historically, it’s somewhat unusual to find German luxury brands near the top of reliability surveys since they’re often the first automakers to debut new features and technologies, which can cause headaches. But BMW managed to earn a very respectable fifth-place finish in this study, jumping ahead four slots. The fun-to-drive 2 Series is its best performer, but according to Consumer Reports, the futuristic i3 is problematic. 4. Audi Inching ahead of BMW is arch-rival Audi. The four-ring brand landed in fourth place, exactly where it was in 2016. Audi’s average reliability score is a healthy 68, with the small Q3 crossover being its most dependable vehicle. 3. Kia OK, we’re getting down to the podium-finishers now! Earning itself a bronze medal is South Korean automaker Kia, which squeaked past Audi with an average reliability score of 71. The Niro hybrid crossover is the best vehicle it builds, and indeed is the most reliable model in this year’s edition of Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey. 2. Lexus This should be no surprise, but Lexus is the No. 2 finisher, swapping positions with this year’s best-performing brand. If it’s about quality, when isn’t it at or near the very top? Its average reliability score is an impressive 77, while Lexus’ best-performing model is the ES sedan. 1. Toyota Could you have guessed that Toyota would come in first place? If there ever was a safe bet, this is it. Its reliability score is three better than Lexus’, topping out at an industry-leading 80. The Tacoma pickup truck is their least dependable model, the 86 sports car its best. Check out more of our feature stories! The post Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands: 2017 appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The 2018 Kia Stinger is being released for sale in a couple weeks and word has been trickling out about its performance prowess and the incredible value it offers for the sports luxury segment. The segment in which Kia decided to join has been home to a host of top performers such as Audi, Mercedes, Infiniti, and BMW. Many have been curious to see how Kia would fare amongst such highly regarded competition. Well, we have some answers. Here’s what people — experts and regular people — are saying about the new 2018 Kia Stinger: ALSO SEE: 2018 Kia Stinger Review “Be afraid, BMW. Be very afraid”, said Angus MacKenzie of Motor Trend. Rich Ceppos of Car and Driver comments, “Restrain yourself on the order form and Kia’s challenger hits much harder against smaller, more expensive driver’s sedans from Germany, Japan, and America.” Paul Hornell of Top Gear says, “The Stinger’s great talent is how natural it feels … its reactions are reassuring and predictable. Turn the wheel and the body moves exactly as you’d subconsciously expect.” Even our very own Editor-in-Chief Jodi Lai declares, “The Stinger is one of the most impressive and surprising cars I have driven all year, and it should go down in history as the most important car Kia has ever made.” Let’s see what our readers are also saying about this highly anticipated car. Check out our Kia Stinger Forum to see what other users are saying. The post What People are Saying About the 2018 Kia Stinger (Sort of NSFW) appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

Certain Kia Soul models have been recalled in the United States for an issue related to the power steering. According to the automaker, affected models may have a faulty steering pinion plug that allows the pinion gear to separate from the steering rack, causing the vehicle to lose steering functionality. Kia says 342,381 vehicles are affected, all built between July 21, 2013 and September 30, 2015. Kia will contact owners of affected models starting on November 16th. It will then instruct customers to book an appointment with their dealer, where the pinon plug will be inspected, replaced and secured. If necessary, the entire steering gear assembly will be replaced. SEE ALSO: 2017 Kia Soul Review The Korea, automaker recalled the Soul for the exact same reason in 2015. That recall affected 2014, 2015 and 2016 model year vehicles, whereas this recall affects those model years plus 2017. The previous fix apparently didn’t work, as vehicles recalled under the last notice have also been lumped in with this one. The NHTSA recall bulletin did not indicate if any crashes or injuries have been linked to this issue. [Source: NHTSA] The post Steering Issue Forces Recall of Kia Soul in the US appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

Among the most anticipated Kia vehicles for the 2018 model year, the all-new Kia Rio definitely stands out. Making its grand debut at the 2017 New York International Auto Show earlier this year, the all-new Rio sedan is slightly bigger in size than its predecessor, and is certainly sleeker with more balanced ride characteristics. Considering its enhanced technology and performance along with tremendous value, it is not surprising that the all-new Rio is already gaining widespread attention in the subcompact market. Today on Kia Buzz, we would like to introduce the four most outstanding reasons why the new Rio should be on your next-car-to-buy list. 1. Style matters With a slender tiger-nose grille, crispier lines and swept-back headlights for a more aggressive appearance, the impressive roster of styling details perfectly sum up how captivating the fourth generation Rio really is. Slightly larger in size over the previous generation, the Rio’s new look is emphasized by the stretched thin and wide tiger nose grille. The vertical side vents and the sporty headlights at the front accentuate its stance, giving it a bolder look. The horizontal styling of the Rio 5-door hatchback further sends enchanting vibes with its roof seamlessly extending to the rear edge. To add an even sportier touch, the Rio hatchback also offers two-tone leather interior options with improved ergonomics. 2. Perfect fit for urban driving Ideally suited to urban driving, the new Rio has become decidedly more sophisticated and athletic for driver enjoyment. The little Rio has always been compact enough for urban parking on crowded streets, and so is the redesigned Rio. For a more engaging driving experience, the latest Rio is equipped with a 130 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine for the first time, improving the driving dynamics as well as fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions over the outgoing Rio. Able to deliver exceptional power and torque, the turbocharged Rio is ever-more capable of maneuvering, making a long commute or weekend road trip all the more pleasant. 3. Roomier than it looks The upgraded Rio comes with a level of comfort and convenience unexpected in a subcompact model. Larger dimensions and wheelbase, combined with a low profile center console on the inside, give it the roomiest cabin in its class. With the seats folded down, the hatchback offers more cargo space to accommodate luggage, small furniture or weekend gear. 4. Stable and safe Rio’s solid structure makes use of advanced high-strength steel to increase durability and torsional stiffness for improved handling and ride quality as well as collision protection. And for the first time the Rio offers optional Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), a system that detects obstacles and automatically applies the brakes to avoid accidents. Standard safety features include six airbags, side-impact door beams, a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). “This fourth-generation Rio makes significant improvements over its predecessor in design, technology and passenger comfort, resulting in an even better value proposition, while raising the bar in the small-car segment,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America. All in all, the 2018 all-new Rio is a most reliable driving companion, especially if you are looking for a versatile subcompact with a well-tuned combination of style, safety and affordability. So why not give the new Rio a quick spin and see for yourself? Hop in, and let the fun begin with Kia Rio! Lees volledige artikel

Kia is teaming up with famed tuner West Coast Customs for a modified Stinger at the 2017 SEMA Show. The new Kia Stinger is quite possibly the Korean automaker’s best looking car yet. The sporty sedan features athletic proportions with a prominent and aggressive front end that flows well with the rest of its body. So we can’t help but be a little concerned with the render Kia and West Coast Customs have released of their upcoming Stinger project, sporting a gaudy widebody that doesn’t seem to work with the rest of the body. But we were taught not to judge a book by its cover, so we will hold our judgment until we see more of the project. SEE ALSO: 2018 Kia Stinger Pros and Cons According to a release from Kia, the Stinger will receive “a number of eye-catching high-performance enhancements including lowered front and rear suspension, a gloss black front grill, a carbon fiber aero kit, 21-inch forged wheels, widebody fender flares, a rear diffuser and squared-off quad exhaust tips, to name a few.” And of course, West Coast Customs will be working its magic to the interior. The West Coast Customs Kia Stinger will make its debut at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on October 31. Check back with AutoGuide.com as we will be covering the event live from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Discuss this story on our Kia Stinger Forum The post Uh Oh, West Coast Customs is Already Ruining the Kia Stinger appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

It’s not always so easy to find a vehicle perfectly-fitted with all the features a busy family needs, especially for parents who drive around loved ones frequently. In the hopes of making a more informed decision and investment, the first and foremost factors for consideration are safety, reliability and satisfaction, and no family car choice list is complete without vehicles from Kia Motors. Offering the perfect blend of style and substance, here are some of Kia’s strikingly-balanced models equipped with all the family-oriented features and purpose-built practicality you’ll ever need. Kia Grand Carnival (Sedona) Look no further than Kia Grand Carnival, an ideal ultra-functional minivan that is perfectly tailored for on-the-road family adventures. Boasting a modern, CUV-like design with a feature-rich interior, Kia Grand Carnival (also known as ‘Kia Sedona’ in some markets) was proudly named one of the “12 Best Family Cars” by Kelley Blue Book. Earning the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the USA, the Grand Carnival offers supreme comfort and practical functionality, with generous storage capacity and legroom. Being able to cater to any family’s needs, the Carnival offers captivating technology features such as Smart Power Liftgate, which automatically opens in mere seconds when the Smart key near the vehicle, and 360-degree camera monitoring system that gives a real-time overhead view of the vehicle’s surroundings. Combined with its responsive and secure handling, the Grand Carnival strikes a pitch-perfect balance between sleekness and functionality, while meeting the needs and preferences of all occupants. Kia Sportage Also listed as one of the top 12 family cars for 2017 by Kelley Blue Book, Kia Sportage has proven itself to be a truly practical and affordable family car. With its combination of responsive steering, supple ride and stable body control, the Sportage offers a more upscale ride with a uniquely dynamic and progressive design. This extensively refined compact SUV is also equipped with a controllable drive mode selector with options for normal, eco or sport drive mode, as well as added safety thanks to a rear-camera display system. If your family is among the many camping enthusiasts and enjoys exploring the great outdoors, the Sportage is a perfect fit, with an impressive amount of cabin space that ensures comfort for all passengers. Not only is it exceptionally comfortable, this sporty versatile SUV makes long road trips more enjoyable, and is as capable offroad as it is on city streets. Kia Soul Kia’s signature compact crossover, Soul, caught the attention of experts at Parents magazine and Edmunds, being recognized as the best budget vehicle among the 10 best family cars for 2017. Offering more than just unique styling at a reasonable price, this iconic boxy car outshone the competition with best-in-class cargo capacity, an eight-speaker audio system and Sirius XM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity. Receiving another award from U.S. News & World Report as the Best Car for Families in 2017 for the second year in a row, Kia Soul counters the stereotype that the only family cars are minivans. Bringing funky and youthful appeal to the traditional family wagon, one of the most notable features of the Soul is its dynamic but stable ride and surprisingly spacious, well-organized cabin. While also taking fuel economy into account, the Soul, with its fun-to-drive attitude, makes a great companion for families who are constantly on the go. ▶ Check out Kia Soul EV, the most efficient electric-powered vehicles in the market with an affordable price. With a compelling blend of space, refinement, composed driving dynamics and low operating cost, Kia’s award-winning vehicles are, without a doubt, a great choice for families. The numerous awards for outstanding ergonomics and distinctive design are testimony to our constant efforts to create reliable and dynamic vehicles that keep all families connected on the road in comfort and with limited distraction! Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The 2018 Kia Stinger is an all-new model from the Korean brand and it’s really making waves. Kia is trying to move upmarket and prove that it takes performance seriously — this new grand touring vehicle is a solid shot at premium German automakers and needs to be taken very seriously. Make sure to check out our full review of the new Stinger, but here is a quick overview of the pros and cons for this exciting new Kia. 2018 Kia Stinger Pros and Cons Pros Excellent Driving Dynamics: “Cars often get flustered and come undone when driven angrily, but if you push the Kia Stinger, it rewards you with an invitation to push it even harder. Driven normally, the Stinger is smooth, comfortable, effortless and luxurious with a decent turn of speed — that much was expected,” Jodi Lai, AutoGuide.com‘s Editor in Chief, wrote in her review. “What wasn’t expected was how legitimately fun the Stinger was to go ham on. Maybe the novelty of doing tire-shredding drifts with a Kia is still too new, but the car was genuinely engaging and fun to drive, displaying a pure and tactile feeling that is increasingly rare these days.” Bargain Pricing: The pricing for an entry-level 2018 Kia Stinger starts at $32,795 in the U.S., which includes destination. That gets you rear-wheel drive and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The most affordable V6 GT model starts at $39,895, which is not bad for a V6. Standard features haven’t been detailed yet, but this is a Kia, so we’re certain the base car will have a pretty generous list of standard kit. Find full pricing info here. ALSO SEE: 2018 Kia Stinger Review It’s an Attention Grabber: This is a stylish and aggressively styled yet classy car that gets a lot of looks wherever it goes. The grand tourer gives off crazy Maserati vibes from the rear end and people notice it. When we were driving it recently in Calif0rnia, people were doing double takes, trying to take photos of it, and asking us a ton of questions. Let’s see you do that with a BMW 4 Series, which just seems to fade into the background. High-End Experience: Besides it looking like a high-end car from the outside, the interior is also decidedly upscale. “The interior is well crafted and almost every touch point feels high-end, with authentic materials and hand-stitching making the cabin feel comfortable and fancy. It’s not yet at Audi levels of opulence and swankiness, but it’s close,” Lai says. “Nothing rattles and there are no harsh vibrations that would betray how fast you’re traveling – this is what a well-built car is supposed to feel like.” Cons Non-Functional Hood Vents: Yes, they look cool, but it really bothers me when automakers put non-functional/fake vents and scoops on cars. Only One Model in Canada: Canadians will only get the V6 model with AWD, meaning they won’t be able to buy a four-cylinder model or one with rear-wheel drive. The rear-drive GT (the GT moniker is reserved for V6 models) is arguably the most fun model. American customers get much more choice. It should be mentioned that a manual transmission is not being offered at all, which could be a downside to some purists, but the eight-speed auto is entirely sufficient. Adaptive Cruise Control Could Be Smoother: It’s appreciated that the system works in stop-and-go traffic and that you can reactivate it after a prolonged stop with a button on the steering wheel instead of prodding the gas pedal. The system, however, is a bit jerky with its braking and acceleration, so it ends up feeling a bit unnatural and jarring. $50K for a Kia? Although we think the pricing for the Kia Stinger is reasonable because you get a lot of value for the money, a fully loaded topline model maxes out at about $50K and some people might not be able to stomach paying that kind of money for a Kia. Some people also express concerns about buying a first-generation of a brand new car and prefer to wait for a refresh so the automaker can address any complaints and problems that pop up with early owners. Discuss this article on our Kia Stinger Forum The post 2018 Kia Stinger Pros and Cons appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

“Kia talks about the new Rio being “grown-up,” and that’s a good way to describe it. It’s a subcompact car where nothing feels flimsy or like a design afterthought. From the ground up, the 2018 Rio is a solid car that just happens to be very small.” Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel

At least 859 complaints about exploding sunroofs have been filed in the past 22 years. Consumer Reports recently conducted a study into exploding sunroofs, finding that the safety standards and regulatory oversight of sunroofs have not kept pace with dramatic size and design changes over recent years. The publication used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation’s vehicle owner complaint database from 1995 to September 2017 to determine the vehicles with the most complaints. The list included at least 208 models of cars from 35 different automakers with the Scion tC being the most popular with 71 complaints. Hyundai topped automakers with 119 complaints, with Ford coming in second at 85 and Nissan in third with 82. Other vehicles that had frequent complaints include the Hyundai Veloster (54), Kia Sorento (43), Nissan Murano (28), and Kia Optima (25). One of the biggest issues with shattering sunroofs is that consumers are left on their own to deal with it if it occurs. Consumer Reports found little consistency in how dealerships or automakers acknowledge or resolve the issue, or even worse, who should pay for it. SEE ALSO: Hyundai Sonata Recalled for Sunroof Issue Exploding sunroof complaints increased steadily from 1995 until 2013, when they spiked through 2015. Many of those complaints came from Kia and Hyundai owners, although complaints have declined since then. If you’re interested in protecting yourself, Consumer Reports has published some tips including asking the dealer if a sunroof is made with laminated glass before you purchase a vehicle. In addition, you should ask about the vehicle’s warranty and specifically if it covers shattering sunroofs, and listen for warning signs such as popping sounds coming from the sunroof area. The post Shattering Sunroofs Might be More Common than you Think appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

Kia’s smallest hatchback has returned with a fresh new look! Last month in Frankfurt, Germany, the Kia Picanto X-Line made its grand debut at the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Taking inspiration from Kia’s popular crossover and SUV model lines, the pumped-up Picanto X-Line definitely triggered a wow effect on the show floor. Read on to find out about the latest yet the mightiest Picanto ever! Picanto, with an SUV attitude The all-new X-Line variant has further broadened the appeal of Kia’s smallest car with a series of rugged new design cues. Building on the bold and youthful character of the newest Picanto, the Picanto X-Line boasts an ever-energetic look, with vibrant lime-green highlights at the grille and fog lamp surroundings. While still fundamentally a delightful city car underneath, the Picanto X-Line gives a more robust presence on the road with SUV-style cross bumpers and metal-look skidplates at the front and rear – emanating go-anywhere confidence and power as a true all-arounder for fun and enjoyment. For the visual effect of elevated ground clearance, the ride height has been raised by 15mm compared to the standard Picanto – giving drivers a ‘high-rider’ look while adding better road visibility and extra fun to driving. The most powerful Picanto ever The secret of the new Picanto’s mighty performance can be found beneath the bonnet. For the X-Line trim, the Picanto is powered by Kia’s 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, which is both lightweight and highly efficient, boasting super low emissions. Previously only available in the cee’d model family and the All-new Rio, this compact new engine perfectly suits the Picanto’s handling characteristics and makes the new generation Picanto the most powerful to date. Fun-filled city driving guaranteed The Picanto X-Line goes above and beyond to offer an enchanting urban ride. Like the Picanto GT Line, a flat-bottom D-cut steering wheel adds a sporty vibe to the overall interior. With more legroom and headroom than all other rivals in the A-segment, its class-leading cabin space also offers impressive spaciousness and undeniable comfort. Thanks to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless entry, the Picanto X-Line turns everyday driving into an even more engaging activity. Safety first On top of all the ornate and sophisticated details, the new Picanto stands solid on our core value – safety. As the safest A-segment car Kia has ever made, the Picanto X-Line is equipped with Kia’s DRIVE WiSE technology such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) which helps the vehicle avoid or minimize the impact of a collision with pedestrians or other obstacles on the road. Safety and stability have been improved thanks to a strong body comprised of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) and up to seven airbags with an optional knee airbag. With all these upgraded features, Kia Picanto X-Line will surely maintain the long-lasting global popularity of the Picanto line-up. Check out the video below on the first impressions of this charming city car and tell us what you think about the Picanto X-Line in the comments section below! Lees volledige artikel

“In other words, this is a grand touring sedan that actually takes its GT badge seriously. Out on the highway, it’s everything you want on a road trip. It floats over bad pavement while remaining taut and responsive on long, sweeping corners. ” Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel

Kia Motors America are used to sales success, and while the numbers in 2017 have been good, they have been a bit off the pace when compared to 2016. As 2017 draws to close, though, there are signs that Kia … Continue reading → Lees volledige artikel

Driving around in a nice looking car usually means parting ways with a significant amount of your hard-earned cash. Here are some vehicles that manage to look stylish and expensive without making you broke. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Looking Sedans of 2017 Top 10 Cars That Look More Expensive Than They Actually Are 10. 2018 Acura TLX Acura got a lot of flack over the previous TLX’s competent but plain design. The 2018 refresh brought a much-needed reinvigoration. A less controversial grille treatment, available fancy-looking paint choices, nice wheels, and new LED lighting signatures front and back totally transform this car from a Plain Jane to one a car that has a lot more swagger, and the more aggressive A-Spec model amps up the style even more. What makes it even more surprising is that the TLX starts at just $33,950 in the U.S. ($38,162 in Canada). All pricing includes destination fees. 9. Chrysler 300 The 300 has a timeless and clean design. The 300’s strong character lines and bullish front fascia have aged well and a current refresh has kept its presence intact. Starting at just $33,435 ($42,690 in Canada), the big standard 18-inch wheels, imposing stature, polished chrome door and grille trim, as well as attractive LED headlights, makes this sedan look more expensive than its price suggests. 8. 2017 Honda Civic Coupe Touring Honda’s recent designs have taken the industry by storm. The one vehicle that takes center stage in all of this is the Civic. Particularly in the Coupe Touring trim level, the Civic is a stunner and elements such as LED light treatments, swoopy body creases, funky wheel designs, and a tasteful use of exterior chrome add up to one hell of a visual package. This car costs just $26,325 ($29,657 in Canada) and is geared towards the masses. It makes you forget that once you look at it. 7. 2017 Mazda CX-5 It should not come as a surprise to anyone that a Mazda is on this list. A huge part of the CX-5’s reputation revolves around its handsome looks — it delivers premium looks that rival vehicles costing thousands more. Even a base CX-5 starting at $24,045 ($26,930 in Canada) comes standard with attractive LED headlights and gunmetal style wheels. We should also mention that most other Mazda models like the Mazda6, CX-9 and MX-5 RF also look more expensive than they actually are. ALSO SEE: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Review 6. 2017 Volvo XC90 Volvo has been on a roll lately with its designs and it all started with this very popular SUV. The XC90’s introduction showed the world Volvo was aiming to become the benchmark for outstanding automotive design. It mixes very straightforward but high-quality exterior elements to create a premium looking car, which, by the way, has a starting price of just $46,900 ($56,200 in Canada). There are way more expensive crossovers that can not hold a candle to this car’s attractiveness. 5. 2018 Infiniti Q60 It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Infiniti Q60 is simply beautiful. The car’s swoopy lines and thin panel gaps make the car look unmistakably fancy. It’s a bonus that you can get it for as low as $38,950 ($45,990 in Canada). Just make sure you can get used to the attention from strangers unable to resist its good looks as you drive past. 4. 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C With a low-slung stance, classic style Alfa wheels, tidy proportions, and crazy color options, the Alfa Romeo 4C fits the typical stereotype of a good-looking sports car. With unmistakably exotic Italian looks, people assume this is really expensive, but are always surprised to learn that it starts at just $55,900 ($66,495 in Canada). It could easily pass for something that costs six-figures. 3. 2017 Nissan Maxima The Nissan Maxima’s simple touches like its floating roof, piano black trim pieces, and chrome door handles lend a premium vibe that doesn’t break the bank. Starting at just $32,610 ($34,400 in Canada), it is pretty much a bargain, especially if you are looking to make a statement. 2. 2018 Genesis G70 Genesis’ mandate for the G70 was to create a “desirable” and “sexy Korean car.” Well, it has succeeded with the upcoming G70 sedan. It looks like something that was created with the intention to stand out from the competition. Prices have yet to be announced, but we predict the pricing will reflect the Genesis MO of offering stunning vehicles at prices that reflect value for your money. ALSO SEE: 2018 Genesis G70 Review and First Drive 1. 2018 Kia Stinger Kia is a brand that is finally taking some risks with design. The upcoming Stinger with its cool exterior lighting elements, daring fastback design, Maserati-like rear end, and ready-to-play rear-drive profile is sure to make this car a huge success. An even more pleasant surprise came in the recent announcement of MSRPs listing from $32,795 (TBD CAD) all the way to $50,395 (TBD CAD). The post Top 10 Cars That Look More Expensive Than They Actually Are appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

The summer heat was no match for the pleasure that Kia Stinger brought. Kia Motors teamed up with the BBC Top Gear team this summer to visualize how the Kia Stinger premium sports sedan is certainly no ordinary Kia. The mighty 3.3-litre, twin-turbo V6-engined sports sedan was put through the ultimate test on road and track with 2012 World Touring Car Champion Rob Huff at the legendary Cadwell Park circuit, known as the “mini-Nurburgring.” Cadwell Park at Lincolnshire, United Kingdom is the perfect racetrack, featuring challenging elevation and tight curves as well as high speeds, often resulting in faster vehicles detaching from the Earth momentarily. For an exclusive, one-and-only Kia experience, Kia invited four excited petrolheads to Cadwell Park for an introduction to the mighty new Kia Stinger by special chauffeur, Rob Huff. Coming face-to-face with the Stinger for the first time, their eyes were totally captivated by its head-turning looks and muscular confidence. As a true gran turismo tailored for spirited long-distance driving, the petrolheads were truly amazed by how the flawless stance, proportions and visual balance of Stinger lend the car an air of elegance and athleticism, rather than aggression and brutality. The reaction from the passengers was as big on the road as it was on the track – they were surprised that it could be so stable and so effortless on such a demanding track. They weren’t the only ones who were stunned by the towering performance of the Stinger. Throughout the performance test drive on the track, professional racer Rob Huff was genuinely impressed by the groundbreaking performance and nimble handling of the Stinger, as well as with its aesthetically pleasing styling and ambiance. From the track driving experience that underscored its powerful acceleration, the Stinger then headed north from Lincolnshire through the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands, the perfect setting for a dream drive. Validating its quality and reliability at both Cadwell Park and the Scottish Highlands, the Stinger, without doubt, boasts a near-perfect driving experience with a refined balance of power and comfort. The man behind the Stinger’s ride and handling performance is Albert Biermann, Kia Motors‘ Head of Vehicle Test and High-Performance Development. Biermann stated that the core philosophy of Stinger lies in its chassis development, which makes possible ‘a legendary GT driving experience’. This is also what he is most proud of about the Stinger. “Now the driving experience can compete with its highly emotional appearance.” He confirmed, “The Stinger drives as good as it looks.” Kia Stinger, a true driver’s car, is the historic result of years of impassioned design and development work at Kia. As the most exciting and thrilling Kia machine yet, the Kia Stinger is surely a whole different animal that combines power, practicality and extremely appealing styling with the GT-ignited embers of passion. This game-changing new Kia will go on sale globally in the fourth quarter of this year, so stay tuned for its long-awaited arrival! Lees volledige artikel

“Within its small, economical footprint, the Soul offers surprisingly good passenger room in both the front and rear seats. The cargo floor behind the second row is sufficient for a good-sized grocery run, and folding the rear seats opens up enough space to haul an impressive amount of stuff, given the Soul’s tidy exterior dimensions.” Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel

In North America, there is no automotive segment growing faster than the compact crossover. That is perhaps why Kia has gone to great lengths to deliver a stunning redesign of the Sportage compact SUV. Inside and out, every detail of … Continue reading → Lees volledige artikel

“The steering feels natural, and the long, 114.4-inch wheelbase, coupled with a rear-driver’s limited-slip differential, makes neat little tail slides easy to hold.” Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel

The 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show (Internationale Automobile-Ausstellung) recently concluded a successful 11-day run, with Kia Motors featuring stunning new models and the next-generation silhouette of the Kia brand. For those of you who missed the unveilings at Frankfurt, Kia Buzz is here to wrap up the top stories to keep you in the know. As the curtain finally rose on September 12, we shared the moment live in a Facebook live stream, making the show all the more engaging for our fans all over the world. The live stream instantly gathered soaring attention, hitting nearly 80,000 views! Kia’s new and upgraded models were proudly on parade in Frankfurt this year. Among all the flashy vehicles, the Picanto X-Line definitely stole the limelight with its imposing presence, despite its small footprint. Building on the energetic character of the latest Kia Picanto, the Picanto X-Line has been infused with bold and rugged elements both inside and out. This new Picanto variant further expands the appeal of its predecessor not only with its charismatic looks, but also with top-of-the-segment quality. With its confident, crossover-inspired styling, the Picanto X-Line absolutely projects an all-powerful presence as it is readied for the road! The upgraded Kia Sorento also made a grand entrance at the show. With the Sorento being one of the core contributors to Kia’s worldwide sales success, the upgraded version boasts slick shifting and reduced emissions thanks to the company’s new eight-speed automatic transmission. Even more thrilling news is that the new Sorento comes with a ‘GT-line’ specification for the first time in the Sorento line-up, offering enhanced performance and styling while retaining the Sorento’s versatility and comfort. In the other corner of the hall stood a mysterious silhouette, constantly arousing curiosity from the crowd. Can you guess which Kia is hiding under the veil below? Kia has rolled out yet another versatile crossover, Kia Stonic. All eyes were on the Kia Stonic when the unveiling finally took place accompanied by a thrilling musical performance. Kia Stonic offers an exciting driving experience with immediate handling response, as well as customization options with up to 20 two-tone color combinations and 5 color variations for the roof. With a strking exterior design, Kia Stonic definitely stood in the spotlight on the show floor. Perhaps the most eye-catching moment was when the long-awaited new Proceed Concept hit the stage. Take a look at how this shooting brake concept made its glorious debut on stage! Kia’s new concept presents a unique body type for Kia, suggesting a thrilling alternative to the three-door hatchback. With its impressive ‘Lava Red’ paintjob and curvaceous design, the Proceed Concept was, without doubt, a true head-turner at the show. Meanwhile, it was also an exhilarating experience for our designers as well. Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer at the Kia Europe Design Center, was on hand along with Kia Motors Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. Referring to the latest concept, Guillaume said, “The Proceed Concept represents a bold new vision of how the vibrant soul of the pro_cee’d could be reincarnated and revitalized for a new generation of performance-oriented drivers.” Finally, Kia’s strongest-to-date sedan also made its presence known. Gaining in popularity, – and even more so after its impressive cornering at Nurburgring – our handsomely appointed Kia Stinger didn’t miss this chance to show itself off to the crowd. The mighty new Kia Stinger gets a rousing applause wherever it goes these days, and Frankfurt was no exception. It seemed pretty hard for passersby not to stop and take in the alluring fastback sports sedan. Throughout the show, Stinger was highly praised for its ability to strike a unique compromise between comfort and excitement. ▶ Learn more about 5 different drive modes of Kia Stinger Kia’s showing this year in Frankfurt undoubtedly was a rare opportunity for our fans to encounter Kia’s big new ideas on the world stage. Who else is longing to get behind the wheel of Kia’s new line-up? Leave comments below and share your excitement for the future of Kia! ▶ Read more details of exhibits Kia presented at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show! Lees volledige artikel

If you regularly follow our blog, you will already know how excited we are about the speediest car in the Kia line-up. Yesterday, we put together a piece talking about the rave reviews that the new model is receiving, and now … Continue reading → Lees volledige artikel

Dyson are a UK-based company best known for making high-end vacuum cleaners, but it has long been rumored that they are going to enter the electric car market. That rumor has now been confirmed, as Dyson are expected to have … Continue reading → Lees volledige artikel

Kia have developed a reputation of building great looking vehicles that are packed with standard features, yet affordable for just about everyone. The one thing that has been missing from the Kia line-up is a sporty model that will appeal … Continue reading → Lees volledige artikel

Kia’s continuous efforts outshine the world! Kia Motors has been ranked among the highest valued brands in the world for the sixth consecutive year, according to the 2017 ‘Best Global Brands’ report published by Interbrand, the world’s leading brand consultancy. For the second year running, Kia is named the world’s 69th most valuable brand in the report despite the challenging global market conditions. With constant efforts to evolve and redefine our brand, Kia has grown its brand value 6% from last year’s USD 6.33 billion to USD 6.68 billion. Kia’s brand value has skyrocketed 645% since 2007, when the brand declared design-driven management as the key strategy behind the company’s future growth. Design driving Kia’s growth Without a doubt Kia’s rapid growth in brand value comes largely from placing design at the core of the company’s management philosophy. With highly desirable, distinctive designs and features in Kia’s product line-up, Kia’s has cemented its position as a design leader, boasting an impressive record of 18 Red Dot Design Awards and 12 iF Design Awards. ▶ Learn more about Kia’s vehicles that scored a triple victory at Red Dot Awards 2017! Applying Kia’s design philosophy, ‘The Simplicity of the Straight Line,’ Kia has been pursuing unprecedented designs that focus on the clarity, precision and distinctiveness of all our vehicles. With the creative vigor and passion to create performance-inspired products, Kia launched its first-ever premium sports sedan, the Stinger, and its new hybrid crossover Niro, both of which are expected to further boost the brilliant ascent and dynamism of the Kia brand. Portraying a modern, forward-looking image, Kia’s latest products speak loudly about the company’s efforts to prepare motorists for the future, with innovative technologies and premium quality and design. Brand experience behind Kia’s growth The rise in Kia’s brand value is also a clear reflection of Kia’s dedication to cultivate a more emotional attachment between the company’s products and consumers in every market. From Kia’s music collaboration project ‘A Good Vibe’ to sports sponsorships for FIFA, UEFA, NBA, LPGA and the Australian Open tennis championship, Kia is striving to bring more soul-stirring branding campaigns to engage with customers across the globe. Designed to make each customer’s heart beat with one-of-a-kind experience, Kia’s very first brand experience zone, BEAT 360, was recently launched in Korea to provide a unique customer experience and offer a glimpse into Kia’s vision for the future of mobility. ▶ Find out more about BEAT 360 – Kia’s first brand experience zone in Seoul Being widely recognized as a world-leader in brand quality and reliability, Kia has also achieved the coveted first-place ranking in the USA’s J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for two consecutive years, and also earned the highest-ranked brand title in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study in both Germany and the UK in 2017. Proceed Concept unveiled at IAA 2017 With a long-standing legacy for design excellence, Kia is continuously redefining its brand through constant innovation. Not content with its current success, Kia Motors will focus on leading the brand into another phase of tremendous growth. Our journey won’t stop until we become the most desirable automotive brand in the eyes of the world’s consumers! Lees volledige artikel

The 2018 Kia Stinger will start at $32,795 in the United States. For that price, you’ll get a rear-wheel drive Stinger with the 255 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. A step up to the 365 hp 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 model will run the price up to $39,895. All-wheel drive can be optioned on both cars for a $2,200 premium. The eight-speed automatic is the only transmission option and is standard on all models. SEE ALSO: A V8 Kia Stinger Could be Headed to North America The Stinger model lineup will start with the entry-level base model and extend to include Premium, GT, GT1 and the range-topping GT2. The base and Premium trims are exclusive to 2.0-liter models. More detailed pricing for these trim levels and the content they will include will be released in November. According to Motor Authority, an all-wheel drive, V6 Stinger may cost a bit more than $51,000. We think the Stinger’s price is just right and should allow it to be a more budget-friendly alternative to sports sedans like the Cadillac ATS and BMW 3-Series. Only time will tell if badge snobbery will put a damper on its sales, though. Discuss this story on our Kia forum. The post 2018 Kia Stinger Pricing is Actually Pretty Reasonable appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

In North America, if it’s not a crossover, truck or SUV, a vehicle’s sales are probably declining. New passenger car sales have decreased 12 percent through the first eight months of 2017, compared to the same period last year. The result is 565,000 fewer cars being sold, while the light truck category sees a four-percent increase year-over-year. In terms of total auto sales, cars now account for just 37 percent, down from over 50 percent as recently as 2012. SEE ALSO: US Car Sales Have Fallen for Five Straight Months There are, however, some cars that continue to see growth in sales, although there aren’t many. Our friends at The Truth About Cars compiled data from the Automotive News Data Center, seeking out cars with a meaningful volume of at least 1,000 U.S. sales per month. Models that weren’t on sale throughout the first eight months of 2016 were also excluded. The result? A total of 16 cars that have seen a growth in sales over 2016, and here are the top 10. 10. BMW 4 Series Through eight months of 2016, the BMW 4 Series saw 23,747 units sold. This year, however, the German luxury automaker’s popular model has seen an uptick to 26,629 units sold for 12.1-percent growth. 9. Kia Forte Kia‘s affordable compact car continues to be popular after moving 81,461 units through eight months of 2017. Last year, over the same time period, Kia sold 71,352 units. That marks a 14.2-percent increase in sales for the Kia Forte. 8. Toyota Yaris iA / Scion iA The Toyota Yaris iA started its life as the Scion iA, before the Japanese automaker decided to discontinue the brand. Through eight months of 2016, the iA sold 21,949 units. This year, however, Toyota’s branding may have contributed to the model’s boost in sales to 25,472 units, a 16.1-percent increase. 7. Volkswagen Beetle Although the Volkswagen Beetle saw a 16.1-percent increase in sales, the overall volume is still a bit low for the iconic compact. Last year, Volkswagen sold 9,820 units through the first eight months of the year. Over the same time period in 2017, a total of 11,404 Beetles have left dealership lots. 6. Toyota Corolla iM / Scion iM Like the Yaris iA, the Toyota Corolla iM started its life as a Scion model. Sales of the model have increased 18.5 percent to 14,313 units through the first eight months of 2017. Last year, 12,079 units were sold through the first eight months. 5. Nissan Leaf Nissan has introduced its all-new, next-generation Leaf, but the current model is still seeing success. Through the first eight months of 2016, the Nissan sold 7,922 Leaf electric vehicles in America. This year, however, it has sold 9,685 units through the first eight months, marking a 22.3-percent increase. 4. Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda‘s popular lightweight sports car may have low volume numbers compared to the brand’s crossovers, but the MX-5 Miata continues to see growth. Last year, the company sold 7,088 units through the first eight months. Over the same time period this year, however, Mazda has seen 8,871 units roll off dealership lots for a 25.2-percent increase. 3. Volkswagen Golf The Volkswagen Golf family’s sales are boosted by the SportWagen/Alltrack variant, helping increase sales from 36,513 units over the first eight months of 2016 to 49,791 units through the first eight months of this year. That’s an impressive 36.4-percent increase in sales. 2. Subaru Impreza The Subaru Impreza sees a boost in sales with the introduction of an all-new model. Sales jumped 44.6 percent year-over-year, after moving 40,284 units through the first eight months of 2016. This year, Subaru has sold 58,265 units over the same time period. 1. Audi A5 But the model seeing the biggest growth in sales through the first eight months of 2017 is the Audi A5. This year, the German automaker has sold 11,597 units compared to last year’s figure of 5,926 units. That represents a 95.7-percent increase, and the availability of a new, more practical four-door Sportback model probably has something to do with this. [Source: The Truth About Cars] The post Top 10 Non-CUVs Seeing a Rare Increase in Sales appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

The fully-redesigned Kia Rio 4-door sedan and Rio 5-door hatchback models are coming to your local dealers in October, and Kia USA have now announced the pricing for the new models. The 2018 Rio is one of the best value … Continue reading → Lees volledige artikel