Kia Forte 2015 Gets Top Safety Raiting at NHTSA Crash Tests | Kia of Abilene Abilene TX

The second generation Forte sedan from Kia Motors America has been awarded a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA). The addition of more ultra-high strength steel and active safety features helped the Forte sedan score 5 stars on the side impact test and 4 stars in the frontal and rollover tests. The all new Kia Forte is a sporty sedan that has features and amenities that are class-up, and all for the value starting price of just $15,890. For the 2015 model year, Kia has further improved the structure of the Forte 4-door sedan, with A-pillars and lower side sills both being strengthened. It was those sorts of changes that were instrumental in the vehicle achieving the coveted 5-star crash test rating. Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, KMA, said that the 5-star safety rating from NHTSA was proof positive that Kia were fully committed to safety. He went on to say that the car has already proven that it is a quality vehicle that looks great and delivers tremendous value. The 5-star rating is pretty much the icing on the cake. Hedrick also spoke about the high level of engineering that went into the creation of the second-generation Forte, and he feels this played a major role in the 5-star rating from NHTSA. - See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/forte-2015-safety-rating-crash-test/#sthash.9yeLIrG7.dpuf

This Striking Kia Forte EX Sedan Gets Extra Tuning Love From the Owner | Kia of Abilene Abilene TX

For the lasts in our series of interviews with Kia owners, we head to West Orange, NJ to chat with Chris Quiros, a full-time student at Rutgers.

When Chris isn’t hitting the books, he loves to play sports and find time to tinker with his Kia Forte.

This is the first car that he has ever owned, and he has been a happy Kia customer since 2011.

What he particularly enjoys about the ownership experience is how deeply it has pulled him into the car world.

He immediately fell in love with the unique design of the Forte, and how there were few other cars like it in his area.

It also helps that the Forte seems to be a vehicle that seems more the willing to be modified, which is a hobby Chris has grabbed with both hands.

Chris has received a lot of attention thanks to his choice of ride. He is constantly being asked what type of car it is, with many surprised that such a cool looking vehicle is a Kia.

His favorite story, though, is evading a ticker after being pulled over. The trooper got into a conversation about the card and the modifications that Chris had made, and was so impressed that he allowed Chris to go without getting that ticket.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all for Chris is that he has actually become so deeply passionate about modding the car.

He loved the car just the way it was, but soon found himself making little changes here and there to personalize it a little more.

He has tinkered with the wheels, spoiler, and color to begin with. If you want to know what else he has done, take some time to read the full interview.

Kia Forte Specs

• Engine: 2.0L Theta II
• Color: Snow White Pearl
• Trim: EX
• Model Year: 2012
• Tire Size: 225/45/17
• Average MPG: 26mpg
• Miles driven so far: 53000 miles

   

Kia Owner Interview

1. Share your thoughts on your Kia car ownership experience!

I’ve enjoyed owning a Kia. It was a great experience and it really got me deeply into the car world

. It’s a very unique car that I don’t think i would’ve have done all this to if it was a Civic or any other typical car I see in the streets. I barely see any Fortes on the street which is why I did a lot for this unique and amazing car.

2. What do other people say about your car?

I’ve gotten so many compliments from people. Many had no clue what it was and after telling them, they were very surprised.

Especially when being pulled over by a trooper. He was surprised and speechless after I told him what car this was. He didn’t believe me, which also led me to evading a ticket haha.

3. How long have you owned your ride?

I’ve owned my Forte since about August of 2011 – little over 3 years now.

4. Honestly, what was your intention when you bought your Kia?

My honest intention when i bought this was really in no way of changing it the way I did. I thought I’d be driving it like any other car.

No mods or appearance changes but something about this car after owning it, made me do the things i did to it.

   

5. What do you like the most about your ride?

The thing i like most about my ride is it’s beautiful look, form and style the car was made. It really helped when changing the appearance of it especially the wheels, the color, spoiler, etc.

6. What is it that makes your ride look unique?

I think the color theme, the wheels, and the headlights are what make this car really unique and stand out.

7. What accessories have you installed so far / do you have any future plans?

The things I’ve done so far are OBX headers, Short Ram Intake, Custom made headlights, LED tail lights, XXR 527 Chromium Black Wheels, Window Tints, CF vinyl Hood and Roof, new horns, conversion of the koup bumper onto the sedan, kenwood aftermarket radio, lightweight pulley, footwell lights, Viper full security and alarm, lowered on ARK springs, and magna-flow cat-back exhaust.

My future plan is to purchase a turbo kit for her in the next few years.

Thanks for participating in the Kia owners interview! Enjoy your Kia ride!

- See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/forte-ex-sedan-tuning/#sthash.50sUE1nl.dpuf

2015 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle is a Positive Surprise | Kia of Abilene Abilene TX

The Tesla may be the electric car that gets all the press, but other automakers are now starting to vie for the headlines. The latest entry into the market is the 2015 Kia Soul EV, which is scheduled to hit limited U.S. markets within a few weeks, and comes with a driving range and price point that may well blow all the competitors out of the water. The good folks at the Orange County Register got to test drive the new Soul electric car, and this is what they thought. Pricing for the car comes in at $33,700, which drops to $23,700 after applying the $7,500 federal tax credit and $2,500 clean vehicle rebate from the California Air Resources Board. Better Mileage On Full Charge Than Nissan Leaf Kia claims that the car can get 93 miles on a full charge, and the gentleman who drove the car for a week verified that to be the case. He has been leasing a Nissan Leaf for the past 3 years, and says the he took trips in the Soul EV he would have never dared attempt in his Leaf. At the heart of all that is a 27-kilowatt-hour battery pack that also deploys a new, more energy-dense battery chemistry. Kia have backed up this electric car set-up by offering the same 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty that it does on all its vehicles. The first test of the car was a trip from Northeast LA to Angeles Crest Highway, a 37-mile uphill ride that would hurt the range. There were 65 miles left when the driver hot the base of the 27-mile climb. He employed a couple of built-in features (eco Boost and B Drive Mode) to boost the range before starting the round trip, not entirely confident of finishing it. The car managed the twists and turn of the climb well and reached the top with 24 miles of range left for the 37 mile trip home. The downhill ride helped recover some of the lost range, and got the driver home with 14 miles to spare. He experienced equally impressive trips on a round trip to Pomona. Soul EV Compared To Nissan Leaf EV Again What was surprising was how well the Soul EV performed when compared to other electric cars that the driver had tested, including his own Nissan Leaf. He was also impressed by the use of eco-friendly materials used within the vehicle. He tested the top of the line Soul+ version and was impressed by the space and comfort level found in the car. The pricing for that model is $2,000 more than the base. It can be leased for $279 per month as opposed to the $249 per month for the base. There isn’t much in the way of design differences between the electric and fuel model Souls, save for a few little tweaks to the grille and tires. The EV comes with all kinds of efficiency improving technologies that make the value for money even better than it already appears. The vehicle can be charged in a regular 120-volt wall outlet, but can also be fully charged in just 33 minutes using a Chademo outlet, of which there are currently 198 in California. Soul EV owners will be given an EX Charge Card that allows them to use these charging points. 2015 Soul EV Should Be At The Top Of The Buyers Lists The driver who tested the Soul EV will see his Nissan Leaf lease expire in March. He was considering a number of different electric options, but now claims that the Soul EV is at the top of his list.

Originally posted here - http://www.kia-world.net/2015-soul-ev-review/#sthash.qgtU70p2.dpuf

Kia's Working On a Small Crossover Hybrid Vehicle | Kia of Abilene Abilene TX

There is an all-new sub-compact crossover vehicle coming from Kia sometime in 2016, and some members of the media were invited to the Kia design center in Namyang to get a look at a full-scale model! The new vehicle is as yet unnamed, but it will be a hybrid model (a plug-in version will come a little later) that will be set to steal away some of the sales currently enjoyed by the Toyota Prius. No-one in attendance were allowed to take any pictures at the event, but word has it that the new car carries some elements seen in the Kia Niro concept crossover, albeit with a style that is a little more subdued. The profile is reminiscent of an SUV, although its low ride height gives it a crossover personality. Plastic cladding appears around the wheel arches and bumpers, with the finished car set to appeal to a global audience. A new design theme will be featured in the interior, which consumers will get to see when it appears in the new Kia Optima redesign in 2015. The 4,350mm long crossover vehicle is a litter longer than the current Kia Soul, but shorter than the Sportage SUV. Head of overseas marketing for Kia, Spencer Cho, says that the size was chosen to meet the needs of the consumer. He says that Kia listened to the complaints made by Prius owners, using that feedback to correct elements that hybrid owners felt weren’t quite right with their Prius. Hybrid-Electric Powertrain Powertrain details for the new car were not made available, but Cho did reveal that the platform will feature a combines 1.6L GDI petrol engine and an electric motor that will help improve fuel economy. Cho said that the current Prius gets 57mpg US, and that the next model should hit 60mpg US. He noted that Kia is shooting for over 50 mpg US for their model. Stay tuned as we bring more news and information on the upcoming Kia crossover vehicle! 

Originall posted -http://www.kia-world.net/kia-small-crossover-hybrid-vehicle/#sthash.s7P79Tf5.dpuf

2015 KIA SPORTAGE | The Athletic and Attractive Sportage Continues to Excite CUV Buyers | KIA of Abilene

 For 2015, the Kia Sportage continues to offer an impressive feature set, robust performance and modern styling.  Recently recognized for the second consecutive year as the top-ranked small CUV in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study (in a tie), the Sportage carries over from a year of updates, including notable exterior revisions and a variety of comfort and convenience enhancements. The Sportage is offered in three trim levels– LX, EX and SX– and offers two powertrains: a 2.4L GDI I4 (LX and EX) and a 2.0L Turbo GDI (SX).

Starting with the LX trim, the 2015 Sportage offers numerous standard features, including 17-inch alloy wheels matched with 225/60R17 low-rolling-resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, Bluetooth®1 Wireless Technology Hands-Free Connectivity, solar glass, privacy glass, keyless entry with folding key and a six-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic™ automatic transmission. The popularly equipped EX trim offers stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55R18 tires, LED turn signals on the outside mirrors, high-performance dampers, roof rails, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome body trim and door handles. The top-of-the-line Sportage SX adds a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine producing 260-horsepower, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, sculpted side sill moldings, LED accent lighting along the headlamps for a sportier, more upscale appearance and a unique SX grille. For added driver comfort, a tilt and telescopic steering column is standard across all trims.

For enhanced passenger comfort, all trims feature standard rear vents and reclining outboard seats as well as an optional ventilated seat for the front passenger.  Drivers of the EX trim are treated to the perks of standard heated front seats, Infinity®2 Premium Audio, and heated outside mirrors. The impressive Premium Package adds navigation with SiriusXM Traffic3, leather-trimmed seats, panoramic sunroof, smart key with push-button start, and power-folding outside mirrors.

In terms of technology features, consumers will find that all trims of the 2015 Sportage offer Apple®4 USB compatibility.  Standard on the EX and SX models and available as a package on LX, the UVO5 system utilizes the advanced eServices telematics suite enabled by an exclusive, free smartphone app6that provides drivers with an innovative in-vehicle connectivity experience including diagnostics capabilities7 and added convenience features.  UVO is short for "Your Voice" and promotes driver convenience through Advanced Voice Recognition technology, which allows consumers to control music and mobile phone operations while keeping their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.  When equipped with UVO eServices, the 2015 Sportage also features a Rear Camera Display8 and auto headlamp system.

DIVERSITY Different minds. Exceptional thinking. | Kia of Abilene

Kia is a team of talented, dedicated, and diverse individuals who work together to bring out the best in each other. We recognize that the company’s most valuable asset is, in fact, its people. And not just us, but also our dealers, the communities we live in, our suppliers, and especially our customers. Our steadfast belief in diversity stems from the recognition that every culture helps enrich our company. We sell vehicles around the entire world, and Kia is focused on satisfying every customer and embracing all of the different communities that we live in. That’s why we work so hard to foster an inclusive environment—it enables us to capitalize on the strength we derive from our diversity.

Source:  http://www.kia.com/us/en/content/why-kia/community/diversity

SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENT Kia thinks green. And acts it, too. | KIA Of Abilene

Sustainability plays an integral role in our vision for a better future. That’s why we’ve partnered with The Ecology Center in Orange County, CA—a regional hub for practical eco education. They provide the community fun, hands-on activities that highlight empowering and cutting-edge environmental perspectives. These are eco solutions that can be applied at a community level. Each household can make a difference toward a sustainable future.

Kia has also partnered with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, CA—a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of marine mammals stranded along the California coastline. Increasing public awareness of the marine environment through education and research is another main initiative. From our employees volunteering at the facility, to sponsorship of seals, to participating in exclusive release ceremonies, Kia has a special place in its heart for these beloved animals.

In addition to our partnerships, we have significant internal sustainability efforts. We push everything from green manufacturing practices to delivering high fuel efficiency across our entire vehicle lineup. Kia is dedicated to being a leader in the area of environmental consciousness. In fact, we can be found on Interbrand’s list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands for 2013. We want to help create a healthy world with clean resources for present and future generations.


Source: http://www.kia.com/us/en/content/why-kia/community/sustainability-and-environment

Kia Soul EV and the GT4 Stinger concept car made their first road trips to Europe

Hello from Geneva!

March 4th, 2014 Posted in Design & Technology,Motor Shows & Awards,Soul 

Just when you thought you had seen all there is to see, Kia shows up again—this time in Europe. We stopped by in Geneva, Switzerland, for the 84^th Salon International de I’Automobile, also known as the Geneva Motor Show.

The Best of the Best

First and foremost, the new Kia Soul EV and the GT4 Stinger concept car made their first road trips to Europe.

The new Kia Soul EV, which will be Kia’s first globally-sold electric vehicle when it goes on sale later this year, attracted many auto fans in Switzerland.

The GT4 Stinger concept car, which wowed the auto industry at its Detroit debut at the North American International Auto Show, finally made its way across the pond for those in Europe to admire.

 

The upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid and enhanced Kia Sportage will also be making their European debuts, full of new features such as new touchscreen interface (specific to the hybrid system) and a new (optional) high tech pack of driver assist systems.

 

More Firsts

In addition to the Soul EV’s European debut, Kia is also showcasing a new hybrid powertrain technology. This new technology was developed by the brand’s European R&D center, and will be plugged into future Kia models all around the world. The new hybrid powertrain can drive a car in electric-only mode at low speeds and while cruising, while the battery is recharged under deceleration. When the car is stationary, the technology also acts as a zero-emissions stop-start system, performing with almost no noise or vibration as it is features a belt-starting system.

 

Kia also revealed details of its all-new seven speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The first seven-speed transmission from the Korean manufacturer has been engineered to deliver both greater fuel efficiency and improved performance.

 

Back to the Basics

Exactly 70 years ago, Kia manufactured its first bicycle parts in Korea—who would’ve thought? Though we’ve come a long way since, we decided it was time to go back to the basics, but with a twist. Kia unveiled two prototypes (City model for urban use, and MTB for tougher terrain) of the Kia Electric Bicycle (KEB) concept to select media in Geneva. The KEB, designed and engineered by Kia’s Namyang R&D Center in Korea, has an innovative metal frame, propelled by a 250 Watt electric motor and weighing in around 20 kg. The KEB is designed for commuters, promising up to 40 km on a single charge, with a four-hour recharge time.

 

We are so excited to show everyone in Europe once again what Kia’s all about. Stay tuned for more news straight from Geneva!

                   

The best from behind-the-scenes in Geneva

March 17th, 2014 

• Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

It was a whirlwind couple of weeks with Kia in Geneva, where we got to finally greet our European fans with the Soul EV, the GT4 Stinger concept car, and showcase the latest Kia technologies during the Geneva Motor Show.

While the Soul EV was in the spotlight, plenty of other Kia cars and Kia’s latest technologies, like the all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and our new hybrid powertrain technology on display, also received a fair amount of attention.

In case you missed out on the action, catch all the highlights from the Geneva Motor Show below!