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#BornToDare – A Daring Step Forward Kia Motors recently teamed up with influential athletes to create a series of sports lifestyle films. Capturing the all-new Sportage in the lush and open landscape of Peru, the film series tells an emotionally moving story and captures precious moments of three unique athletes in action. The Sportage serves as a companion on the adventures for the athlete heroes and heroine. Needless to say, Kia’s prize-winning SUV fits right into the natural scenery, providing impressive performance and driving comfort for our on-the-road partners. Sportage X Slade Prestwich: A Tranquil Escape Slade Prestwich, professional surfer and South African native, is an up and coming star in the international surfing community. We worked to capture Slade’s determination and passion as he went on a solo journey, stopping to surf at least once a day, no matter the weather conditions. Slade reflects on his solo adventure Greeting the evening with the Sportage Driving down the serene landscapes of the Peruvian desert and surfing the coastline, this spontaneous and carefree adventure with Slade captures the freedom of the open road and the sheer beauty of riding unpredictable waves. The Sportage serves as a travel partner, offering silent support and assistance to Slade as he makes this spiritual and soulful journey. Sportage X James Kelly: A Fearless Mission James grabs onto the Sportage for a spontaneous shot James Kelly is a fearless downhill skater from California and a the distinguished winner of the prestigious 2012 IGSA World Championships. A much respected figure and well as the holder of one of the biggest social profiles in the downhill skateboarding community, he thrills fans by sharing pieces of his mind-blowing adventures on social media accounts. With the Sportage as a companion, James’ quest consists of skateboarding down the Cusco mountain region of Peru at highway speeds. This rarely attempted skating feat is captured in a dynamic and upbeat film that showcases the breathtaking landscape of the Peruvian mountains. Unstoppable under any condition, James and his friends sped down the winding roads through rain or shine, day and night. Setting up the Sportage for filming Team stops to enjoy the magnificent view The Sportage is an energetic companion in this fun and exhilarating journey – often providing filming assistance, guidance on the night roads and even momentum for the athletes. With the Kia Sportage loaded with resources, James and his team conquer the winding course only stopping to enjoy the beautiful views. Sportage X Landie Greyling: A Groundbreaking Challenge Landie prepares for the trail ahead Landie Greyling is a South African ultra trail runner who likes to describe the trail as her playground. With numerous wins and international records, this renowned endurance athlete participates in extreme trail running competitions around the world. Teaming up with Kia, Landie traveled to Peru as a personal challenge to take part in a new trail running adventure. Landie was accompanied by extreme sports photographer Craig Kolesky, who documented her journey through Peru. The Kia Sportage provided assistance in carrying travel and photography equipment as Craig moved from location to location capturing Landie’s incredible moments. At the end of each day, Craig and Landie set up tents to spend the night and prepare for the following morning’s challenge. Craig captures Landie’s moments on tough terrain Landie and Craig’s camping site In addition to Landie’s challenge, this film focused on the beautiful and vast nature of Peru. From dawn to dusk, Landie and Craig trekked through difficult landscapes and broke new ground to achieve their personal goals. The resulting film displays the pure harmony of the Peruvian terrain, people and the Sportage, and serves as an appreciative homage to nature. These sports lifestyle films, created in collaboration with Kia Peru, seek to display the dynamically daring moments that come with the Kia Sportage. Capturing these unique and spontaneous moments, Kia hopes to stimulate the adventure genes in our worldwide audience. Enjoy the films for the all-new Sportage and look out for more adventurous surprises brought to you by Kia. ▶ Learn about the color trends for the all-new Sportage! Lees hele artikel

The power of landing at the top of the J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Survey became quickly apparent to Kia, as they saw their sales jump 15.6% over last year after the results of the survey were released. All … Continue reading → Lees het hele artikel

There was a time when car designs were simple. What mattered more was whether or not the nuts and bolts were in proper order. It was not until the era when vehicles became standardized and mass produced that automotive development centered on exterior styling and customized utilities. Today, cars are evolving into beautiful creations and exterior style has become the emotional punch that moves and entices prospective customers. Today’s automobile designs place emphasis on more than just external aesthetics. Most automobile design today involves deep consideration of ergonomics, performance features and driving technology based on consumer needs. Automobile design has come full circle in creating good looking cars that are also enjoyable and safe to drive. ▶ Read more about intelligent cars of the future! Kia Motors, under the direction of chief designer and president Peter Schreyer, has been pursuing the goal of creating dream cars through innovative design strategies. Applying Kia’s design philosophy, ‘The Simplicity of the Straight Line,’ Kia designers have been focused on communication of clarity, precision and distinctiveness through automobile designs that feature simple shapes and thoughtful details. Furthermore, Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille, our powerful visual symbol, gives the Kia family a unique and consistent look, allowing fans to unmistakably notice and identify the brand’s models from afar. So where are Kia’s youthful, sporty, and evolutionary designs being developed? Read on to find out more about Kia’s global design network and stellar design teams that work tirelessly on designing the future. The Global Styling Hub, Namyang Design Center Kia’s Namyang Design Center, first opened in 1977, was completely reborn thanks to a brand new facility that opened in May of 2014. The 18,690 m2 facility is home to an automated CNC milling Machine, large-scale 3-D printer and video model evaluation system, and operates as the current day global hub for the brand’s design innovations. As the breeding ground for Kia cars, the Namyang center shoulders all aspects of car design including the planning and conceptualization of new automobile design. Designers at Namyang closely monitor and research the latest design trends to understand, style and prototype evolutionary car design to eventually reach perfected designs. With world-class design capabilities and state-of-the-art tools, the Namyang team aggressively employs innovative materials and techniques using computer-based modeling to build vibrant models that will keep Kia on top as a reputable automaker. The Global Design Network The efforts in Namyang are supported by Kia’s satellite design centers in the United States and Europe. The U.S. Design Center, located in the Kia Motors America headquarters in Irvine, California, executes Kia’s design strategy in the region. Developing stunning show cars and competitive models for many market segments, the design work at the U.S. Design Center helps refine and improve many of Kia’s globally renowned cars. The design characteristics of the center are also beautifully noteworthy. The 9,355m2 glass and steel structure is well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial light. Sprawling and bright with contemporary details, the building quite fittingly represents the extensive work and creative vigor that takes place within. The European Design Center based in Frankfurt, Germany is also changing the way the brand is perceived by European as well as global audiences. As the first Kia design center independent of its sister company Hyundai Motor, the center represents Kia’s solo venture in emerging as a stand-alone brand. This expansion, backed by our committed design crew, has helped Kia emerge as one of the fastest growing brands in Europe, surprising and intriguing European consumers previously unfamiliar with Kia’s design work and vehicle line-up. Housed in the unique high-rise headquarters of Kia Motors Europe, the European Design Center employs a small but dedicated multicultural team steadfastly devoted to developing striking and distinctive designs that cater to the taste of European buyers. For many years, Kia Motors has been dedicated to establishing a leading and unique brand identity by delivering groundbreaking and cutting-edge designs. Stay tuned as Kia’s global design squad continues to surprise the world! Lees hele artikel

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“Style is nothing without substance, especially in the strong-selling small car segment. Kia knows this, so when it came to revising its third-generation Cerato hatch and sedan range, it balanced some of the former with more of the latter.” Click to Read More Lees hele artikel

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Kia Sportage, one of Kia’s longest running models, has been refined and perfected since the early nineties. Now in its fourth generation, the Sportage has emerged as one of the hottest compact SUVs on the market. One of the many reasons for the popularity of the all-new Sportage is its stylish and dynamic design. Among many impressive features, the carefully selected colors and design accents emphasize the Sportage’s attractive urban image. Members of the Kia Design Team pose with the all-new Sportage. They are (from left) Jung-Bin Moon, Director of the Kia Exterior Design Department; Jung-Jin Lee, Senior Researcher of the Kia Color Team; and Chi-Young Kim, Senior Researcher of the Kia Interior Design Team. Recently, Kia BUZZ had the opportunity to sit down with the Mr. Jung-Jin Lee, Senior Researcher of the Kia Color Team, to learn more about the color development for the Sportage. Read on to find out more about the intriguing process. Q: What are some recent color trends in the automotive industry and, specifically, the compact SUV segment? A: There is an increasing worldwide trend towards white shades such as solid white and pearl white. Black is second, followed, in order, by silver, grey, red, blue and beige. Overall, neutral colors account for 76% of the current auto market. Kia Sportage in ‘Snow White Pearl’ In terms of the CUV and compact SUV segment, it is predicted that neutral colors that blend well with both urban and natural surroundings will continue to be popular in the immediate future. The growing preference for white as well as the emerging interest in brown and beige colors are also notable trends. Among bright chromatic colors, blue and red continue to be popular shades. Q: In terms of color, what are the main differences from the previous generations of the Sportage? Kia Sportage in ‘Sparkling Silver’ A: We utilized pearl particles and colored aluminum pigments to express the sophistication and refined luxury of the Sportage’s exterior. Through countless design developments and quality assessments, we managed to apply a unified color scheme to different materials and metal textures of the vehicle. The interior layout of the all-new fourth-generation Sportage Only high quality materials were used for the interior for noticeable visual and tactile upgrades. We also applied stylish two-tone color combinations and utilized embossing and piping patterns to produce a unique and dynamic outdoor-style design. The interior layout of the previous third-generation Sportage The biggest difference from the previous generation Sportage is that we applied more soft materials and colors for a dramatic and detailed finish. We paid special attention to combining colors and materials harmoniously and seamlessly. Q: What did the color selection process for the Sportage entail? A: The initial process of exterior color selection began with regional trend research and selection of candidate colors that best fit the vehicle’s shape and body. From this initial step, final colors were selected through a strenuous process of careful assessment and elimination by management executives. Leather materials selected for the Sportage interior boast a unique embossed design or stitching Materials and colors for the interior were also selected through careful review as well as production of mock-up models. The final decision was made by taking into consideration the color, luster, shine and embossed design to minimize clashing between different materials. The interior materials of the Sportage were selected by paying special attention to their visual and tactile elements. The interior of the Sportage features different textiles for interesting tactile variation Q: What are the signature colors of the all-new Sportage? A: For the fourth-generation Sportage, we worked to capture both urban sophistication and the sportiness of the outdoors. ‘Cherry Black’ and ‘Mercury Blue’ The brightness and clarity of the ‘Cherry Black’ color were refined for a deeper and more luxurious finish while a young and refreshing ‘Mercury Blue’ color was born from by adding metallic red and blue pearl particles to a modern blue shade. These two colors were created and refined to accentuate the Sportage’s urban and stylish image. ‘Patina Gold’ and ‘Fiery Red’ On the other hand, new colors such as ‘Patina Gold’ and ‘Fiery Red’ capture the natural and outdoorsy image of the compact SUV. For both shades, new colored aluminum pigments were added for more vividness and clarity. Q. What are the main characteristics of the all-new Sportage’s interior color options? ‘Black One-tone’ interior color option Interior colors also highlighted the dual image of the Sportage. The ‘Black One-tone’ shade express the urban and modern image of the SUV while the ‘Canyon Beige Two-tone’, ‘Grey Two-tone’ and ‘Brown Color Pack’ capture its athletic sportiness. ‘Canyon Beige Two-tone’ interior color option ‘Grey Two-tone’ interior color option ‘Brown Color Pack’ interior color option In addition, the piping, stitching and embossing effects add rich and luxurious variations to the soft materials while semi-glossy chrome accents further contribute to the unified and harmonious metallic interior finish. Stitching detail applied to the Sportage interior Chrome accents within the Sportage interior give a luxurious look. ▶ Learn more about the evolution of the all-new Sportage ▶ Find out about the Kia Sportage Digital Campaign Lees hele artikel

The 2017 Kia Forte sedan will be built at the automaker’s new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico. The updated sedan made its debut earlier this year at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show and will be the first vehicle to be built at Kia’s second North American plant. The model arrives just as the Forte family enjoyed its best-ever sales in 2015 and receives several refinements in addition to its updated styling. But starting with the visual enhancements, the Forte receives a new front bumper and “tiger nose” grille that has been extended to connect the newly-designed headlights that are available with Xenon HID lights. In the rear are newly-designed tail lights with optional LEDs. The 2017 Kia Forte sedan will be available in three trim levels, with the new sporty S trim slotting between the entry-level LX model and the range-topping EX model. The S variant adds sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED positioning lights, rear spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip. The top-of-the-line EX model will come standard with LED tail lights, Smart Key with perimeter approach lighting and front door pocket lighting as well as new 17-inch alloy wheels. SEE ALSO: 2017 Kia Forte Adds New Engine, Technology The LX and S models also get upgraded cloth material for the seats inside the cabin, while the S trim features exclusive black cloth seats with white contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The EX model now comes standard with leather seats with heated front seats, dual-zone full automatic temperature control, rear vents and push-button start with Smart Key. The updated Kia Forte also receives a new base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, replacing the old 1.8-liter four-cylinder mill. The new base engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, though a second-generation six-speed automatic is also available. Higher trims are equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired to the six-speed automatic. Discuss this story on our Kia Forte Forum The post 2017 Kia Forte Sedan Detailed appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees het hele artikel

This is how much does the 2016 Kia Sedona cost! The Kia Sedona was officially launched roughly two years ago, and the 2016 model comes with a few minor little tweaks. Flexibility is the name of the game for the … Continue reading → Lees het hele artikel

Let’s talk about aerodynamics We typically associate aerodynamics with flight, but the concept lies close to the heart of automobile design as well. So what exactly is aerodynamics and what does any of this have to do with Kia Motors? Aerodynamics is the study of how different forces affect objects that move through the air. Imagine a paper airplane. When you throw a paper plane through the air, there is the force that thrusts it forward (your hand) and another force (usually air and wind) pushing back and slowing it down. How we fold or design our paper plane affects how these two different forces react and dramatically changes how well our contraption flies. Similarly, when a car is driving down the road, wind and air are moving in all directions. How a car is shaped and how it cuts through these opposing forces become an essential factor in allowing it to move faster, while still maintaining stability. It is estimated that more that 70% of the air resistance a vehicle encounters is determined by its exterior styling. Taking measures to reduce air resistance will allow vehicles to accelerate more easily and of course, achieve higher fuel efficiency (because the engine does not have to work as hard to drive against the wind). Reduced noise and increased driving stability are also added benefits. Kia Niro undergoes aerodynamics experiments at Namyang R&D Center For decades, car designers and engineers have been battling the wind to create functional (but unique and aesthetically pleasing) designs that will effectively cut through the wind and minimize air resistance. Since early in the brand’s history, Kia Motors has been working to create aerodynamic car bodies at its state-of-the-art Namyang R&D center. Inside the world’s largest aerodynamics research complex that spans the size of a football field, Kia utilizes a 28-square meter nozzle that blows winds at the speed of 200km/h to conduct research on airflow. Researchers utilize the wind nozzles to study airflow up close When developing vehicle designs, Kia engineers work to optimize smooth lines so that wind can flow easily around the car. The profile elements of the vehicle, such as the hood, windshield, roof and trunk lid, are intricately shaped for smooth flow of air from grille to rear bumper. Developers also pay special attention to the front surface – the bumper and grille – as well as the under body design, to maximize airflow on the areas that come in contact with wind the most. Kia Optima – Sleek and iconic design One of Kia Namyang R&D center’s most recent aerodynamic accomplishments is the all-new Optima. Working closely with the design team based in Frankfurt, Kia focused on enhancing the Optima’s aerodynamic body by refining rear diffusers and giving the car a sleek side profile and sweeping trunk lid. In addition, the sunroof structure, created from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and larger full-floor undercover help boost the car’s aerodynamics by reducing weight, noise, vibrations and lowering the car’s center of gravity. Aerodynamics meets hybrids The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, the sister model of the Optima, also boasts sleek designs and maximized aerodynamics. Although the models of the Optima family share similar exterior aesthetics, the new hybrid boasts further advances in aerodynamic efficiency well-suited for an eco-friendly vehicle of its caliber. The airflow vents of the Optima Hybrid reduce drag by allowing air to freely pass through. In addition to the already present aerodynamic features of its gasoline counterpart, the new Optima Hybrid possesses an active air flap grille that automatically opens and closes at high speeds. When activated, it will help the Optima achieve an impressive coefficient of drag of 0.24cd*. A retouch on its front and rear bumpers and new alloy-wheel design also allows for a smoother, energy saving flow of air over the car body. * Note: The drag created by a vehicle is measured by the unit called coefficient of drag (c d ). The lower the drag, the easier it is for a car to move through the air pushing against it. The average c d for modern automobiles is 0.25 to 0.35. The Optima sedan features a 0.27 c d . The aerodynamic designs of the Optima sedan and Optima Hybrid maximize driving pleasure by bringing easier acceleration and higher fuel efficiency. Kia is hard at work at our R&D centers to create dynamic and highly functional vehicles with unique styling. So stay tuned for the latest developments from Kia as we continue to deliver advanced aerodynamic engineering and design. ▶ Learn more about the exciting features of the Optima and Optima Hybrid! ▶ Meet the all-new Kia Niro Lees hele artikel

There are few vehicles on the road today that are as open to customization as the Kia Soul. If you regularly follow our Kia blog, you will have already read our interview series that features people who have made a … Continue reading → Lees het hele artikel

Kia tops US car quality rankings! The people who have made a habit of driving Kia cars are well aware of the quality of the brand, but they still have a tough time convincing other drivers of that fact. They … Continue reading → Lees het hele artikel

“Whether you’re drawn to the new Sportage by its distinctively designed front end or in spite of it, Kia’s compact SUV only gets more appealing by the mile. Over two days and 450 miles of driving, the Sportage demonstrated strength after strength with refined driving manners, user-friendly operation and an accommodating interior. But the Kia didn’t stop impressing when the driving was done. Crunching numbers back in the office, the Kia proved a standout in predicted resale value, qualifying this well-rounded SUV as one of the segment’s smartest buys.” Click to Read More Lees hele artikel

The 2017 Kia Rondo facelift scheduled to go on sale in Canada next year. Kia has taken the wraps off their refreshed Rondo 7-seat minivan and here are the very-first pictures that reveal the mid-cycle styling tweaks. Speaking in general, … Continue reading → Lees het hele artikel

The worst thing about buying a new car is having to take it back to the dealership for an issue almost immediately. This is why for the past 30 years, J.D. Power has published its Initial Quality Study that examines the number of problems experienced by vehicle owners within the first 90 days. J.D. Power then takes the results and assigns an initial quality score that is based on the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score indicating higher quality. SEE ALSO: The Best Automaker in Initial Quality is a Big Surprise So if you’re shopping for an SUV of truck and want to make sure you aren’t making frequent visits back to the dealership within the first three months, here are the highest quality SUVs and trucks available today. Small SUV – Kia Sportage Kia as a brand actually was the highest quality automaker this year, marking the first time in 27 years that a non-premium brand sat at the top of the list. The Kia Sportage led the way in the Small SUV category, while the Hyundai Tucson and Buick Encore were also in the top three of the segment. Small Premium SUV – Audi Q3 In the Small Premium SUV category, the Audi Q3 ranked highest while the BMW X1 came in second. No other vehicle performed above average in the segment. Compact SUV – Chevrolet Equinox / GMC Terrain The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain tied in the Compact SUV category, leaving the Ford Escape on its own as the third top finisher. Compact Premium SUV – Porsche Macan For the Compact Premium SUV segment, the Porsche Macan finished top while the Lincoln MKC and BMW X3 were also recognized for their high quality. Midsize SUV – Toyota Highlander The Toyota Highlander was the highest ranked Midsize SUV, but the Kia Sorento and Nissan Murano also made the top three list. Midsize Premium SUV – BMW X5 One of the most popular luxury SUVs available, the BMW X5 ran into little issues in the Midsize Premium SUV category. Finishing second was the BMW X6 while the Lexus RX was a surprising third. Midsize Pickup – Nissan Frontier The Midsize Pickup category has a surprising best with the Nissan Frontier. The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado followed, proving that the Japanese automaker does know a thing or two about building a quality pickup. Large SUV – Chevrolet Tahoe There’s still quite a bit of competition in the Large SUV category, but the Chevrolet Tahoe remains at the top of the list. The Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition followed. Large Premium SUV – Lincoln Navigator Then there’s the Large Premium SUV segment, which has seen an increase of competitors in recent years. The Lincoln Navigator was highest ranked, while the Infiniti QX80 and Land Rover Range Rover were also recognized. Large Light Duty Pickup – Chevrolet Silverado LD The Ford F-Series might be the best-selling pickup truck in the country, but it’s not the highest quality according to J.D. Power. In fact, the F-Series didn’t even perform above segment average since the GMC Sierra was the only other vehicle to be recognized in the segment. Large Heavy Duty Pickup – Chevrolet Silverado HD So it’s not a big surprise that the Chevrolet Silverado HD also claimed a victory in the Large Heavy Duty Pickup segment. But this time, the Ford Super Duty does make an appearance in second, followed by the GMC Sierra HD. Discuss this story on our Kia Forum The post Highest Quality SUVs and Trucks of 2016: J.D. Power Initial Quality Study appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees het hele artikel

The J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study results are in and there are quite a few surprises. The annual study is now in its 30th year and examines the number of problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days. An initial quality score is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score representing higher quality. SEE ALSO: The Best Automaker in Initial Quality is a Big Surprise This year’s study also marked the first time that a non-premium brand ranked at the highest, with Kia scoring 83 PP100, besting Porsche that finished second with 84 PP100. If quality if your primary concern when shopping for a new car, here are the top models per segment. City Car – Chevrolet Spark The Chevrolet Spark is the sole model to be ranked in the City Car segment, since no other model performed above segment average. Small Car – Hyundai Accent In the Small Car category, the Hyundai Accent claims top honors with the Chevrolet Sonic and Kia Rio finishing in the top three as well. Small Premium Car – Lexus CT The Lexus CT, a luxury version of the Toyota Prius, beat out the BMW 2 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class for top honors in the Small Premium Car segment. Compact Car – Toyota Corolla Always a consistent performer in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, the Toyota Corolla ranked best in the Compact Car category. Also being recognized is the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra. Compact Sporty Car – Buick Cascada / Scion tC There is a tie this year for the highest quality Compact Sporty Car, with the Buick Cascada and Scion tC both being recognized in the category. Also in the top three is the Hyundai Veloster. Compact MPV – Kia Soul Although Kia ranks best among all automakers, it only has one model that is recognized. The Kia Soul is the highest-ranked Compact MPV and is actually the only Compact MPV on the list since no other model in the segment performs above average. Compact Premium Car – Lincoln MKZ Leading the way in the Compact Premium Car segment is the Lincoln MKZ, followed by the Lexus ES and BMW 3 Series. Compact Premium Sporty Car – Audi TT The Audi TT receives top honors in the Compact Premium Sporty Car segment, scoring better than the Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman. Midsize Car – Toyota Camry Like the Toyota Corolla, the Toyota Camry consistently finds itself recognized in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. It’s the best Midsize Car, although the Nissan Altima and Honda Accord also finished in the top three in the segment. Sporty Car – Dodge Challenger Surprisingly, only the Dodge Challenger performs above segment average in the Midsize Sporty Car category, making it the undisputed leader in quality within the segment. Minivan – Chrysler Town & Country It’s hard to believe there are even three minivans to compete, but there are. Only two, however, perform above segment average and they both come from FCA. The Chrysler Town & Country is rated higher than the Dodge Grand Caravan. Midsize Premium Car – Lexus GS The Midsize Premium Car category is getting competitive, but Toyota’s luxury arm is still best. The Lexus GS ranked highest while the Audi A7 and Hyundai Genesis are also in the top three. Midsize Premium Sporty Car – Porsche 911 Like the Midsize Sporty Car category, only one vehicle performed above segment average and it is the Porsche 911. Large Car – Hyundai Azera In the Large Car category, the Hyundai Azera paves the way, while the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Impala follows. Discuss this story on our Hyundai Forum The post Highest Quality Cars of 2016: J.D. Power Initial Quality Study appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees het hele artikel

The 2016 installment of J.D. Power’s annual Initial Quality Study (IQS) was just released and it’s full of unexpected news. Presented at an Automotive Press Association event in Detroit, the biggest revelation in this closely watched survey is that Kia is now the highest-rated brand, with a score of just 83 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). This Korean company’s impressive performance marks the first time in 27 years that a non-premium automaker topped the list. “The Korean brands have really been outpacing other brands,” explained Renee Stephens, vice-president of U.S. automotive quality at J.D. Power. This is true for sister-company Hyundai as well, which came in third place with a still-impressive PP100 of just 92, which put it right behind Porsche, a perennial IQS leader. Part of the reason for the strong showings posted by Kia and Hyundai is that they were the best in the ACEN category, that is, audio/communication/entertainment/navigation. Owners found their respective infotainment systems to be speedy and simple to decipher. This is the most troublesome category for all automakers, though across-the-board improvements are being made every year. Overall, IQS measures problems reported by new-vehicle buyers during the first 90 days of ownership. For 2016, more than 80,000 consumers responded, providing data on 245 different models from 33 separate brands. ALSO SEE: The Best Automaker in Initial Quality is a Big Surprise IQS tracks 233 issues that are grouped into eight different categories. It monitors outright malfunctions, such as a sunroof that stops working but it also keeps track of so-called design defects. This includes things like an infotainment system that’s difficult use or poorly designed cup holders, items that cause owners trouble but can’t really be fixed since they operate as engineered. Aside from Korean dominance, another unexpected finding in this year’s study is that the Detroit Three automakers have lower reported issues than their imported rivals. This is only the second time this has ever happened in the 30 years J.D. Power has published its Initial Quality Study. On average, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have just 103 PP100, a score that represents a whopping 10 percent improvement compared to last year. Underscoring this performance, the speed at which domestic automakers are moving forward is twice that of their imported rivals, which averaged 106 PP100. Curiously, Chrysler and Jeep are the two most improved brands. Both of them reduced the number of problems per 100 vehicles by 28. Consequently, both of them jumped 11 spots compared to 2015, with Chrysler coming in 20th place and Jeep 18th. On the flip-side, Jaguar had a terrible showing in the latest IQS, falling from third in 2015 to 27th this year thanks to a PP100 rating of 127. But for a little perspective, that wasn’t too bad; smart was the worst of all 33 automakers ranked, with a devastating score of 216. “The domestic level of improvement has really come around,” said Stephens. Like Korean companies, the Detroit Three have improved significantly in the ACEN category. So far, Ford’s Sync 3 and FCA’s Uconnect infotainment systems have proven to be responsive and easy to use. But this is not to discount the advancements made by all carmakers. Stephens said, “We saw a great level of improvement in the industry this year,” the rate of which hit 6 percent, double what it was back in 2015. The average for the entire car business in America is 105 PP100. Quality has increased dramatically to the point that outright failures have taken a backseat. “When we look at it today,” said Stephens, “The majority [of issues] are design-related.” In fact, they represent 64 percent of all reported issues; defects only account for 33. Improved initial quality is good news for consumers, who demand it. According to J.D. Power data, expected reliability was cited by nearly half of all vehicle owners as their No. 1 purchase consideration. This topped other aspects like styling, price and even fuel efficiency. But strong initial quality isn’t just good for motorists, it’s a boon for manufacturers because it drives brand loyalty. Nearly 54 percent of new-vehicle buyers that have zero issues during the first 90 days of ownership are likely to buy another car or truck from the brand. However, if they endure three or more problems that figure drops to less than 45 percent. Fortunately, you don’t need a suitcase full of money to own a trouble-free vehicle. According to Stephens, “Non-premium brands have improved at a much higher rate.” Compared to their ritzy counterparts, mainstream models are appreciably less problem-prone, with a PP100 of just 104; luxury models average 108. But don’t think this is just because affordable models have fewer features. Automakers are adding more and more amenities every year. “[it’s] not just a content story,” explained Stephens, quality really has improved. Check out our News Blog for More Breaking Stories The post Kia Pushes Porsche out to Claim Top Spot on Quality Survey appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees het hele artikel

The owners have spoken! We are proud to announce that Kia Motors has taken the number one spot on the 2016 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS)! This year marks the 30th year of the annual J.D Power IQS and the first time in 27 years that a non-premium brand has topped the list. J.D. Power 2016 IQS rankings Each year J.D. Power, a U.S. based marketing research firm, conducts syndicated studies to evaluate driving experience, vehicle performance, and quality during the initial 90 days of car ownership. For 2016, a total of 80,157 surveys of were completed by vehicle owners to assess 233 potential problems for 33 US auto makers and 245 vehicle models.. In addition, 167 assembly plants were evaluated for quality. Kia has been steadily rising in ranking in the past ten years, initially placing 36th in 1999 and entering the top ten in 2013. This year’s first place recognition is an affirmation that Kia Motors has truly come a long way to become a world-class automobile brand. Kia third-generation Sportage (left) and Kia Soul (right) In addition to the overall brand recognition, several Kia models also sparkled in the spotlight, receiving individual recognition in their respective vehicle segments. The third-generation Sportage and second-generation Soul have emerged as winners in the small SUV and compact multi-purpose vehicle segments, respectively, while the Rio and Forte (also known as Cerato) were also runners-up in their corresponding categories. Kia Rio (left) and Kia Forte/Cerato (right) Furthermore, the Gwang Ju Manufacturing Plant in Korea was ranked number two in the Asia Pacific region. A huge thank you to our customers and fans for this incredible recognition! Kia Motors will take this shining achievement as further motivation to continue our giant stride forward in craftsmanship and owner satisfaction. We’ll work extra hard to stay at the top. Lees hele artikel

Safety is an incredibly important part of any vehicle, and with each passing generation, Kia continues to deliver cars that are safer and of a better quality than those that went before. The Koreans are ahead of the game in … Continue reading → Lees het hele artikel

If you are a fan of the great outdoors, but have to spend a lot of time in your car, the Kia Optima with panoramic sunroof may well be the solution. It really is the next best thing to driving … Continue reading → Lees het hele artikel

The long wait and anticipation came to an end as the UEFA EURO 2016™ finally kicked off on June 10 at the Stade de France in Paris. With 24 European countries taking part in this regional football competition, the excitement is already sky-high. As an official partner of the tournament, Kia Motors is enjoying the enthusiasm of football fans as we continue to spread and intensify the excitement surrounding the event. Trophy Tour builds excitement and provides history <Photo courtesy of Kia Motors France> From April 1 to June 9, Kia participated in the official Trophy Tour of the European Championships as the Henri Delaunay Trophy was taken around 25 selected cities of host country France. Titled ‘Le Rendez-Vous’, a train of specially decorated Kia cars traveled to each participating city, providing locals residents and visitors the opportunity to see the trophy firsthand and learn more about its history. During this adventure through France, special Kia models paraded through the cities, uncovering their unique histories, culture, and, of course, sports. Needless to say, this spirited parade boosted the energy and enthusiasm of an already festive atmosphere. Fleet handover boosts morale As a major sponsor of the event, Kia will be responsible for providing transportation for the football teams, referees, officials and VIPS throughout EURO 2016. On May 31, Kia delivered a fleet of 447 vehicles to the UEFA Organizing Committee in a celebratory official vehicle handover ceremony. More than 80 delegates from Kia Motors and UEFA participated in the ceremony held at the Stade de France. The young and talented 2016 Official Match Ball Carriers also joined the ceremony to celebrate the competition and the partnership. The Kia cars that will drive around the host cities of France include the Sportage, Optima, Sorento, Carens, Soul and the European-exclusive cee’d range. Also at the ceremony, Kia launched the Kia Roadside Assistance Team to provide 24/7 support and ensure the safety of drivers and passengers of the official fleet vehicles. The excitement continues online! Kia is also stirring up EURO 2016 excitement with worldwide fans through its social media channels. Kia has been organizing and hosting a variety of social campaigns to engage online fans in exciting ways. In May, Kia sent out an open casting call for football hopefuls to partake in an experience of a lifetime as the Official Match Ball Carriers for EURO 2016. 51 young footballers from 15 countries were selected to ‘carry their dreams’ onto the field with their football heroes. As they take part in this life-changing event, the stories about their experience will be posted online to encourage other young fans to participate in the future. As the championship matches continue, Kia fans will also enjoy a near real-time social broadcast of the competition that will be shared on our worldwide and regional Facebook pages. Each and every one of our EURO 2016 themed content is designed to pump up your passion and football spirit before the match kicks off. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Enjoying the competition? Stay tuned for part 3 of our 2016 UEFA EURO series. This will be an exciting and amazing month of football so don’t miss out! ▶ Read Part 1: Carry Your Dream – Kia kicks off UEFA EURO 2016! Lees hele artikel

Where to rent a Kia Soul? If you are planning on taking a trip where renting a car is involved, there is probably a specific model that you have in mind. If it’s the Kia Soul, you are in luck, … Continue reading → Lees het hele artikel

<p>Thx Niek, maar eigenaar is ondertussen bij dealer langsgeweest. Maar ik onthoud deze tip.</p> Lees het hele artikel

The 2016 Kia Optima has been a major success for the Koreans, and is in fact the top-selling vehicle for the company in the United States. The latest version of the Optima was released a couple of months back, and … Continue reading → Lees het hele artikel