The Stylish Spacious 2013 Kia Carens Has Now Been Released

2013_kia_carens
The 2013 Kia Carens is a stylish revamp of its older, outgoing sibling. It has a cab-forward design and long wheelbase. It is spacious and practical with seating for five or seven. More modern fog-lights and a more aerodynamic appearance will add to its appeal. It is also slightly wider than the hatchback.

The headlights are now long and swept back and the grille is much more stylish. The manufacturers have added another 100mm to the wheelbase. This allows the introduction of a third row of seats.

The seats are equipped with cup holders and storage holes on either side. Each seat slides independently of its neighbours and both the second and third row seats fold flat easily. Although the new model is designed to take the place of both the Carens and the Sedona MPV, the sliding door rear access has not been included.

Buyers have the option of six-speed, manual or automatic transmission. There is a choice of four engine sizes. Diesel models include a 1.7 litre motor with a choice of 113 or 134 bhp. Petrol models are a 133bhp 1.6 litre model or a larger 175 bhp 2.0 litre petrol engine. The multi-link set-up of the hatchback has been replaced by a torsion-beam rear suspension. This will be adapted to suit roads in the United Kingdom.

The design and quality of the interior has been the focus of a great deal of attention. Clever storage is found behind the front seats in the floor plan area. The visual impact of the new model is much more dynamic impact whilst retaining the same practicality and adaptability of its predecessor.

This is an ideal family car for those who have a busy lifestyle but still want a stylish, practical car. Options on the top model include heated rear seats and steering wheel and a park assist package. A panoramic roof is also offered. The 2013 Kia Carens is bound to find favour with those looking for a spacious but stylish family vehicle.

Courtesy of Ilutions (Blog)

NBA All-Star Blake Griffin Travels Back In Time

V

With the 2012-13 NBA season about to tip off, Kia Motors' global brand ambassador, superstar Blake Griffin, is back in a series of humorous new television commercials featuring the fast-growing automaker's best-selling Optima midsize sedan and innovative UVO voice-activated infotainment system. In the five 30-second spots, Griffin offers helpful suggestions to younger versions of himself as Kia's UVO voice-activated infotainment system takes his futuristic Optima on a time-traveling musical journey through the mid-1990s and early-2000s. Griffin's deadpan delivery and dry sense of humor shines in the first two commercials as he urges younger versions of himself to forget about playing football and spend more time practicing free throws in another spot.

Beginning tomorrow, the first two commercials – titled "Free Throw" (circa 1995) and "Football" (circa 1997), will debut on television with three additional spots scheduled to roll out throughout the NBA season, along with a presence on all Kia social and digital platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Kia.com.

"Blake turned people's heads after his famous dunk over a Kia Optima in the Sprite® Slam Dunk contest at NBA All-Star 2011, and his on-court talent combined with his unique comedic style and personality have translated into a powerful partnership that has helped raise awareness and brand perception for Kia," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "Griffin is one of the most exciting and recognizable young athletes in the world, and this latest campaign pairs Griffin's basketball wisdom and athleticism with the youthful style, performance and cutting-edge technology of our wildly popular Optima midsize sedan and the award-winning UVO infotainment system."

Created by David&Goliath, KMA's advertising agency of record, the Griffin spots were helmed by renowned director Paul Hunter, who directed last year's commercials featuring Griffin and is credited with award-winning spots for Nike and Burger King. "Free Throw" and "Football" are available now at YouTube.com/Kia, and will make their television debuts tomorrow on network and cable programming.

About Blake Griffin
Selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, Blake Griffin took the NBA by storm in his rookie season and broke records every step of the way. Known for his high-flying dunks and unwavering physicality, Griffin competed on the 2011 NBA All-Star Team, the first rookie All-Star voted to the game by coaches since Tim Duncan in 1998. He won the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk contest, participated in the NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, and was named the 2010-11NBA Rookie of the Year. A highlight reel sensation equipped with the size, strength, quickness and skill to keep his household name buzzworthy for many years to come, Griffin has transformed the Clippers into a must-watch franchise. A native of Oklahoma City, Okla., the 6'9" power forward attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was one of the highest rated and most decorated recruits in Sooners history. A media magnet, Griffin already has earned numerous accolades, including the Oscar Robertson Trophy, Adolph Rupp Trophy, John Wooden Award, Naismith Award, Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, multiple NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors and many more; for more information go to www.blakegriffin.com or follow him at @blakegriffin.

About the 2013 Kia Optima
With a luxury appearance and a refined interior, the 2013 Optima is available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, and offers a wide array of convenience and luxury as well as impressive technology features like an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SiriusXM Traffic Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service2, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks, standard Bluetooth®3 wireless connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls, and Kia's new UVO powered by Microsoft® voice-activated infotainment system. Available with three powerful and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder4, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo5 or a 2.4-liter hybrid that achieves up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway6, the stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan begins at $21,2007 for 2013.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality8 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking9. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.10 Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Source: Kia Media

Monday Maintenance Tip: Focus on Car Care for Vehicle Longevity

V

According to Edmunds data, owners are keeping their cars longer than ever, a trend that is expected to continue until the economy recovers. As more of the nation's cars exceed 75,000 miles and approach the 100,000-mile mark, regular maintenance becomes an increasingly important way to prevent costly car repairs.

To help you coax extra miles out of your current car, we wanted to know what consumers could expect to pay to keep their cars running longer. We estimated the cost of scheduled maintenance (service at specific intervals recommended by the manufacturer) and car repairs (unanticipated fixes) for 75,000 miles of normal use for the nation's 10 best-selling vehicles (for 2011 and the first two months of 2012). Additionally, we estimated how much you would pay in maintenance to push those odometers all the way to five zeros. The results are below.

Repair/Maintenance Costs for Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles

Make/Model Repair to 75K Miles Scheduled Maintenance to 75K Miles Scheduled Maintenance to 100K Miles
Ford F-150 $855 $1,747 $2,646
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 $791 $1,491 $2,532
Toyota Camry $654 $1,308 $2,037
Nissan Altima $654 $1,490 $1,956
Ford Escape $814 $1,304 $1,937
Ford Fusion $772 $1,549 $2,240
Honda Accord $654 $1,443 $1,899
Toyota Corolla $654 $1,383 $1,992
Chevrolet Cruze $780 $1,445 $2,316
Honda Civic $654 $1,229 $1,706

The maintenance and repair costs shown are national unweighted model averages reflecting manufacturer-recommended scheduled maintenance services for vehicles driven in "normal" conditions over 75,000 and 100,000 miles. To arrive at the costs, parts pricing is for original equipment manufacturer maintenance parts at manufacturer-suggested retail price. Labor times and labor rates are based on published information from third-party sources.

What the Data Shows
The Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in the U.S., but among the vehicles our top 10 list, it is also the most expensive to maintain to 100K miles. That said, it is only $114 more than the Chevrolet Silverado, its closest competitor. Trucks have larger engines which require more quarts of oil and more parts, so it's only natural that their maintenance costs would be more than a typical car.

Five brands have sedans in the top 10, so we compared their costs and found some interesting contrasts. Foreign brands are commonly thought to be more expensive to repair than domestic ones. But through 75,000 miles of use, the Ford Fusion costs $241 more in scheduled maintenance than the top-selling Toyota Camry. In fairness to the Fusion, the Camry's costs are lowered by its two years of free maintenance. The Honda Accord does not have free maintenance but still manages to cost about $106 less than the Fusion.

If you drive a car for a full 100,000 miles, the Honda Civic emerges as the overall maintenance-savings winner, with an estimated 26 percent ($610) lower cost of scheduled maintenance costs than its domestic competitor, the Chevrolet Cruze.

Some people might think that crossovers are more expensive to maintain than sedans. But the Ford Escape, the only crossover in our top 10 list, has repair costs that are less than five sedans on the list.

Reliability and Warranties
Many people buy vehicles from Japanese manufacturers because of their cars' reputation for long-term reliability. But is that idea borne out within the top 10 best sellers? Not by much. Within the 75,000 miles that our data covers, the difference in repair costs is minimal. The Camry, Honda Accord and Altima each cost an estimated 15 percent less in car repairs over 75,000 miles than the Ford Fusion does — but that's only a $118 difference. More importantly, should an expensive drivetrain part fail after 60,000 miles, Chevrolet's 100,000-mile drivetrain coverage will protect you. The drivetrain warranties by Toyota, Honda and Nissan stop at the 60,000-mile mark.

Warranty Coverage for Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicle Brands in Years/Miles

Make Basic Drivetrain Rust/Corrosion Roadside Assistance
Chevrolet 3/36,000 5/100,000 6/100,000 5/100,000
Ford 3/36,000 5/60,000 5/Unlimited 5/60,000
Honda 3/36,000 5/60,000 5/Unlimited None Available
Nissan 3/36,000 5/60,000 5/Unlimited 3/36,000*
Toyota 3/36,000 5/60,000 5/Unlimited 2/25,000

*Nissan: Towing to nearest Nissan dealer if your vehicle is inoperative due to the failure of a part under warranty.

Of course, the cost of maintenance and repairs are only two factors in judging a car's True Cost to Own (TCO®). Toyota still enjoys strong resale value, which figures very prominently in a vehicle's overall value. And driving your car for 75,000 or 100,000 miles — even if it costs more to maintain — is almost always a better value proposition than trading it in for a new car.

Spend Now, Save Later
Proper vehicle maintenance is clearly a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but still, tough economic times and busy lifestyles can push car maintenance down on many owners' to-do lists. Recent findings by the Car Care Council found that 28 percent of cars surveyed had low or dirty engine oil, 24 percent had inadequate cooling protection, 20 percent needed new belts and 18 percent had low or contaminated brake and transmission fluid — all potentially costly problems that regular maintenance can prevent.

Fortunately, the days of shelling out money for oil changes every 3,000 miles are long gone. Forget that old rule of thumb. Only your owner's manual, which you can also find online, is the bona fide source for a vehicle's maintenance schedule, from when to rotate the tires to the frequency of transmission service.

Don't rely solely on more general recommendations, and certainly not the "dealer's recommended schedule," which will cost you more than necessary. If you want to look at extending oil change intervals, you can also have your oil analyzed. Following the manufacturer's schedule carefully not only means fewer problems as a car ages; it also prevents the manufacturer from ever voiding your warranty based on "neglect."

Source: Edmunds

Car Tip of the Week: Know the Cargo Weight Limits of Your SUV

New vehicle segments, technology and safety legislation — along with commonsense driving advice — can go a long way toward insuring that the worst does not occur when you're behind the wheel of a sport-utility vehicle. A few years ago it seemed that every commercial for an SUV included a group of hard-bodied 20-somethings set to conquer the wilderness. They high-fived their way through whitewater rapids, forests and the occasional desert with kayaks, mountain bikes and backpacks scattered inside — and on top of — their vehicle. However, in the real world of bulky baby seats and traffic jams, these scenes of off-road machismo make as much sense as a Good Humor truck at the North Pole.

SUVs appeal to consumers because of their greater cargo capacity and perceived go-anywhere capability. Compared to typical sedans and station wagons, it seems logical that a larger 4WD vehicle would offer both these advantages with few tradeoffs. This is despite the fact that many SUVs have a payload capacity (how much weight they can carry) that is considerably less than what buyers assume. Once an SUV is overloaded, the chance of a rollover increases dramatically.

The taller height of an SUV (which provides a commanding view of the road that many consumers love about their SUVs) also raises the chance of a rollover. Due to their higher center of gravity, SUVs are more prone to roll over than passenger cars that ride closer to the ground. Overloading an already top-heavy SUV not only raises the risk of rollover; it also places added stress on the brakes and can cause a tire blowout — especially if the tires are improperly inflated. Automakers have taken some steps toward improving the segment with a mix of new models and advanced technology.

One of the newer trends in the sport-utility market is the emergence of crossover vehicles, or what the media sometimes refers to as "soft-roaders." This segment is becoming increasingly popular with people who enjoy the style and space of an SUV, but are happy to trade rock-climbing capability for more carlike manners. Vehicles in this segment include the BMW X3, Ford Edge, Chevy Traverse, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander. These vehicles sit lower to the ground, permitting easier entry and exit with the added benefit of a lower center of gravity. Crossover vehicles are tuned for on-road handling and ride comfort, and are usually based upon an existing car platform. For example, the Toyota Highlander shares much of its structure with the Camry, whereas the X3 has the same underpinnings as the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Not surprisingly, this segment has fared better in rollover studies compared with traditional truck-based SUVs.

The options sheet can play a large role in SUV safety, too. Stability control can prevent accidents due to rollover and/or tire blowout. This system goes by many different names: GM's StabiliTrak, Mercedes' ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Ford's AdvanceTrac, Toyota's VSC (Vehicle Skid Control) and so on. No matter the name, nor the manufacturer, the systems do pretty much the same thing- computer sensors spring into action upon sensing that the vehicle is about to go out of control. These sensors can cut engine power and brake individual wheels to help the driver regain control and keep the vehicle heading in the intended direction. The hoped for end result being that car and owner escape unscathed from a situation in which — without the aid of a quick-thinking computer — a crash would have been inevitable.

Legislation pertaining to SUV safety has made it easier to know the limitations of your vehicle. As of September 2004, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has required the tire label on the doorjamb of a vehicle to say what the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo is for all vehicles with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 10,000 pounds or less. It had previously been up to the manufacturer to publish the maximum load carrying capacity either in the owner's manual or somewhere inside the vehicle. Without this vital piece of information, SUV owners could unknowingly overload their vehicle and increase their chances of a rollover accident.

Industry watchdog Consumer Reports publishes the recommended load capacity of many vehicles. They warn that having an SUV doesn't necessarily mean that your vehicle can handle a lot of cargo. For example, a Lexus RX is listed as having a load capacity of 910 pounds. With five 191-pound people onboard, this maximum would soon be reached — with nary a kayak or mountain bike onboard. Of course, load capacity is only one factor that might cause an SUV with an already high center of gravity to roll over.

Equally important is making sure that the tires are properly inflated. Go with the tire-pressure specifications shown in the doorjamb or owner's manual, not the tire's sidewall. Take into account that tire pressure increases after the vehicle has been driven and the tires are warm. Underinflated tires heat up more quickly and become more prone to failure. Checking the tire pressure is made much easier if you buy a digital tire gauge — sold in many auto supply stores for less than $20. Tire-pressure sensors are quickly becoming standard equipment on all vehicles sold in the United States, and can issue a helpful warning if the tire pressure is too low.

A quick check of the tire pressure is also a good time to give each tire a simple visual inspection. Tire tread depth can be checked by using a small, inexpensive gauge. As on any vehicle, the tread on the tires should be uniform and have a depth of more than 1/16 of an inch. Any signs of damage, such as cuts or bulges in the sidewall, should be rectified immediately. Be sure to follow the tire rotation schedule in the owner's manual. Fitment of aftermarket wheels can also contribute to excessive tire wear and dramatically change an SUV's ride and handling dynamics. It's worth checking with the manufacturer before fitting a set of wheels that you think might be outside the tolerance of your SUV's suspension system.

Lastly, no matter what SUV you buy or what optional electronic devices it might have, the best way to prevent a rollover begins with smart driving. You don't have to be Mario Andretti to understand the safe way to drive an SUV. In fact, the best tips are simple common sense.

Generally speaking, an SUV is heavier and takes longer to stop than a passenger car. Quick steering inputs that are possible in a car could lead to big trouble in an SUV. Say, for example, that a vehicle suddenly stops in the path of the SUV you are driving. The panic reaction is to cut the steering wheel to avoid the obstacle, then to cut it back to return to your lane. This back and forth motion sets up the potential for a rollover because the higher center of gravity is swung first to one side, and then turned to the other side with increasing force.

Some precautions you can take may seem obvious; don't tailgate the car in front of you, signal your intentions and always be scanning the road ahead and to the sides. The same good habits one should use while driving any vehicle apply — pay attention to what you're doing, be aware of what's going on around you and use your head. Remember that having four-wheel drive does not help when it comes time to stop or turn quickly. During a snowstorm, you might have better motive traction with a four-wheel-drive SUV when pulling away from a stoplight. However, once you have to stop or turn suddenly, be aware that an SUV's considerable weight and higher center of gravity are working against you.

Before loading your SUV up with friends, suitcases and pet Pug, know exactly how much weight can be safely transported. Visually inspect the tires and make sure the tire pressure meets the manufacturer's recommendation. When you're ready to buy your next vehicle, check out all the options on the market, such as electronic stability control, or perhaps a car-based crossover vehicle. Above all, be sensible, on the road and on the showroom floor, and choose the vehicle that best suits your specific needs and weight-carrying requirements.

Source: Edmunds

Batman-Themed 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited Unveiled

V

Kia has taken the wraps off of the Batman-themed 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited, the first of eight Justice League vehicles it is building with comic book publisher DC Entertainment and Rides magazine.

The Korean Batmobile gets a custom front grille shaped like a bat wing.

Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg will be matched to other Kias in the coming months.

Customization of the Kia Batmobile starts with the exterior of the turbo sedan being outfitted in a mix of matte and piano black paint, and continues with a coil-over kit, body kit, exhaust system and 20-inch blacked-out wheels with Batman center caps. Other details include yellow underbody lighting and a Bat signal etched into the HID headlights.

The interior gets black leather-and-suede upholstery with yellow accent stitching, a center console with "utility throwing stars" as well as a Bat suit for crime-fighting purposes in the trunk.

Kia, DC and Rides will release customization packages based on other Justice League members in the next few months. Some of the featured superheroes are Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg, and Kia says the Soul, Sorento, Sportage, Rio and Forte will be some of the models outfitted for the next projects.

The partnership is raising awareness of DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign that fights hunger in the Horn of Africa. Each car will eventually be auctioned off to raise money for the cause.

Source: Edmunds