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

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

2014 KIA SORENTO NAMED TO “TOP 10 CARS OF THE YEAR” LIST BY HISPANIC MOTOR PRESS AWARDS

• Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

Kia Motors is on a roll, winning another award at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In addition to the K900 (Qurois), the Kia Sorento also caught the attention of many people, especially among the Hispanic community.

Kia Motors top-selling crossover utility vehicle, the 2014 Sorento, was recently named one of the “Top 10 Cars of the Year” by the Hispanic Motor Press Awards. The Sorento took top honors in the competitive crossover segment of the annual survey of influential Hispanic journalists by virtue of its sleek styling, improved ride and handling and outstanding value proposition.

“Quality and value have universal appeal among car buyers, and the Kia Sorento offers both,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “With its multiple trim levels and wide array of standard features – all at an affordable price – the Sorento has earned many accolades, and we’re honored to count the Hispanic Motor Press Awards recognition among them.”

“The crossover segment is gaining popularity among consumers, and the size and attributes of these vehicles fit the needs of the family. The all-new Kia Sorento shows that this automaker is paying attention to what consumers want today. It won not because of its price, but because it is the best overall value in its class,” said the HMPA jury director, Ricardo Rodriguez-Long.

The Hispanic Motor Press Awards, which began in 2010, honor the Top 10 Cars of the Year annually at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Hispanic Motor Press Awards jury evaluates vehicles in 10 categories and in search of offerings that represent the best value, design, comfort, safety and functionality for Hispanic families

Kia of Abilene - About Us

About Our Kia Dealership in Abilene, TX

Kia of Abilene in Abilene, TX, also serving San Angelo, TX and BROWNWOOD, TX is proud to be an automotive leader in our area. Since opening our doors, Kia of Abilene has kept a firm commitment to our customers. We offer a wide selection of vehicles and hope to make the car buying process as quick and hassle free as possible.

If you would like financing options and you are in the market to purchase a new Kia or used car or truck, we will provide assistance to help you find financing options that fit your needs! Whether you have bad credit, no credit, or are a first time car buyer, you can trust that Kia of Abilene will get you into the car or truck you choose with professionalism and attention to your needs.

Kia of Abilene has an experienced and reliable Service and Parts departments that are open extra hours to help fit our customers' hectic schedules, and as always, Kia of Abilene offers competitive pricing for your automotive maintenance needs. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority, and our staff is committed to achieving this goal in every aspect of our business. Please feel free to reach us at (800) 741-5874 if you have any questions or comments.

Kia of Abilene offers a full selection of service areas including:

• New Vehicle Sales
• Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales
• Car Loans and Financing
• Certified Service Department
• Full Selection of Kia Parts and Accessories

- See more at: http://www.kiaofabilene.com/section/car-dealer/about-us/Abilene-TX-Kia-Dealer#sthash.RRsYEyi9.dpuf

Our hope is you will use this blog as a resource for shopping for a vehicle as well as new car reviews, auto industry news, and much moreOur hope is you will use this blog as a resource for shopping for a vehicle as well as new car reviews, auto industry news, and much more