Kia recalling around 24,000 2010 Soul subcompacts and around 11,200 2011 Sorento crossovers, all built from September 7, 2009 through July 30, 2010, due to a potential fault with the vehicles’ electrical system.

In a letter to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), Kia said a limited number of wiring harnesses supplied by JCI and used in the Soul’s lighting speaker system, located in the front door trim panels, and the Sorento’s interior accent illumination, placed in the front and rear door trim panels, may have been improperly soldered.

Even though there are no reports of accidents or injuries, the safety agency said under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur and result in a fire.

Kia’s dealers will replace the wiring harnesses for the lights on both vehicles, free of charge with the recall expected to begin later this month.

Source: Kia fan blog

The Dynamax will be offered first on the Kia Sorento, available at the Kenosha Kia dealer, Classic Kia.  Kia Motors Corp. has designed this system to anticipate poor traction conditions in order to give the car time to adjust accordingly.  However, Dynamax is not the company’s first go at an AWD system.  Kia models have offered AWD systems for years, but Dynamax is Kia’s response to the industries “branding”, if you will of, of a Kia specific system (think GM’s OnStar).  Kia partnered with Magna Powertrain, which is a division of Magna International Inc., in order to develop the system.

Specifically, Dynamax claims to improve the handling, fuel economy and overall performance of the Sorento in slippery, wet conditions through technology that smoothes out the delivery of power to each wheel while driving in these conditions.  Ultimately, then, the point of Dynamax is to anticipate these conditions and apply the needed power to each wheel before the driver has a chance to reach the hazardous road – all of which is to go all but unnoticed by the driver.  Southern Wisconsin’s Kenosha Kia dealer says the technology is extremely cutting edge.

So, again if you’re like me, you are conveniently located near your Waukegan Kia Sorento dealership and checking out the SUV and its Dynamax AWD system would be a no brainer.  Which therefore means, in essence, brother Steve and Uncle Jerry can instead be mixing me an eggnog this holiday season, while I effortlessly cruise up my parent’s incredibly long and steep driveway in my new Waukegan Kia Sorento.  Thanks for the Happy Holidays Dynamax.

Source: Classic Kia Blog

When the Sorento first came out in 2003, it had a your typical SUV montage- it was big, heavy and didn’t perform very well.  Now, 8 years after it’s debut, the 2011 model is more exciting.  It has a unibody design that resembles a crossover more than it does a truck-like SUV.  It performs very well and it’s lighter on its feet to make for enjoyable travel.  The interior design of the Sorento is also updated.  The layout is sportier and there is more passenger and cargo space!  The gauges have a cool red hue and the seats are softer and more comfortable. In addition, the steering wheel has been redesigned to fit the dashboard area better than in previous models.  The design, both inside and out, is sure to please those who check it out at their Waukegan Kia Sorento store.

Powertrain wise, there are a few options.  First off, you can purchase a base Sorento for about $20K.  It comes with a four-cylinder 2.4 liter engine that’ll give you 172 HP and 166 pound-feet of torque.  It that satisfies you, great, but if not there’s the next option.  For about $25-30K, you can get a more powerful 3.5 liter, V6 that pumps out 273 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.  Hey, if you’re gonna spring for a crossover/SUV, get the more powerful engine, you won’t be sorry!

When driving the Waukegan Kia Sorento on the roadways, you’ll feel how great this auto is, especially if you’ve driven a Sorento in the past.  The 2011 model is about 400 pounds lighter, which improves braking, turning corners, and accelerating.  Imagine the stress you can relieve by taking the open roads in your V6 Sorento!  Good-bye worries of today!

Not only is the Sorento priced right for what you get, but Kia also has that unbeatable 10-year/100,000 mile warranty.  The 2011 Sorento is on sale now at your Waukegan dealer.

Source: Classic Kia Blog

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have launched a preliminary investigation into Kia’s 2010 Soul after receiving a complaint about a steering shaft that literally fell off from the steering wheel on a new car with just 4,300 miles on the odometer. NHSTA said the issue could potentially affect more than 51,000 Kia Soul cars.

“The steering shaft de-coupled from the hand wheel resulting in a complete loss of steering capability. The de-coupled steering shaft reportedly fell into a position that interfered with brake pedal application,” said NHSTA in a statement.

Even though NHTSA doesn’t usually open an investigation based on a single complaint, it did this time because the car was almost brand new and the problem could have led to an accident.

NHTSA said it was “very concerned about this failure in that it occurred without warning on a new vehicle at low mileage and resulted in a complete loss of steering as well as a compromised brake system.”

The Kia responded with a statement saying it is “committed to sharing information and findings with NHTSA on an ongoing basis in order to reach a prompt resolution.”

Source: Kia fan blog

The subcompact Sportage has been upgraded to a Theta 2.4 liter engine. This engine utilizes Dual CVVT to reach 176 horsepower, which is higher than any other Kia Sportage. The 2011 Kia Sportage is available with either a 6 speed manual transmission or a 6 speed automatic transmission. A Kenosha Kia dealer confirms the 2011 Sportage offers a smooth speedy ride at an affordable cost. The Sportage reaches an incredible 31 miles per gallon fuel efficiency.

The Kia Sportage comes with a variety of options to meet the needs of every Kia driver. The LX model comes equipped with an automatic transmission as well as other luxury features ranging from keyless entry to privacy glass and LED turn signals. The Navigation Package is another option for the 2011 Sportage that includes a rear camera to improve efficiency. Also available are packages like the Convenience package featuring heated mirrors and a cooled glove box. Drivers looking for optimal luxury can upgrade to the EX model which has everything from driver seat with lumbar support, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a ventilated air-cooled driver’s seat.

The incredible range of options for the 2011 Sportage also creates a wide window for price. A local Gurnee Kia dealer believes the variety of price will contribute to the success of the 2011 Kia Sportage. The Sportage starts with a base MRSP of $18,295. The price increases to about $20,295 for the LX model and $23,295 for the EX model and increases with more options. To find out more information about this incredible vehicle, one of the best CUV deals available on the market, visit your local Kia dealership.

Source: Classic Kia Blog

The 2011 Sorento is currently on your favorite dealer’s lots and has much to offer an interested SUV owner.  Some new frills for the 2011 model include a “skinnier” body with the hopes of increasing fuel economy.  The engine will come in two great options.  A 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder will be installed in the Sorento for the first time.  A V6 that boasts 270 Horsepower and is 3.8 liters will make for some fun driving as well.  The 2.4 liter engine will be very fuel efficient versus other SUV’s found at your Kia dealership Kenosha.

The Sorento also comes in many trim options including an EX and LX that have four models under their wing, including the 4X2, 4X4, the V6 4X2 and the V6 4X4.  A Base EX 4X2 starts around $24K and the top of the line LX V6 4X4 comes in just under $27K, so it’s truly an affordable SUV with an outstanding basic and powertrain warranty program.

The 2011 Optima is also an excellent choice if you are looking for a nicely equipped, but affordable sedan.  A base will start around $18K and is set to go on sale at your favorite Kia dealership this Fall.  One key area that will get a facelift for 2011 is the car’s styling.  In the past, Antioch IL used car Optima’s have been said to be a bit plain in styling.  The upcoming model certainly has a sporty, eye catching look.  It is longer, sits lower, and is wider than previous models.  A key feature of the 2011 Optima is the front grille that has a “tiger” look.  The front headlights are angled upwards as well as the lower part of the grille area.

Consider both options if you want or need something new.  You can catch the 2011 Sorento now at your Kia dealership Kenosha, and the 2011 Optima is right behind it this fall.

Source: Classic Kia Blog

However, some things never stop being cool. Green Day, for example, is a band that kids loved in the mid-‘90s and still love today. Music in general is still something that adolescents love, and teens still put a lot of stock in driving what they and their friends would consider a “cool” car. In Gurnee, Kia dealerships are hoping that their parent company’s partnership with the Warped Tour brings more love and attention their way, as kids who go to the huge music festival to see Blink 182, Alkaline Trio, Dropkick Murphys and others will be exposed to Kia promotions that could dramatically enhance their view of the automaker.

The partnership between Kia and Warped Tour starts with the Soul Lounge, which gives concert-goers all sorts of information about the top Kia vehicles, most notably the lounge’s namesake, the Soul. It’s sleek look and personalization options make it a top choice among younger demographics, and that’s why they’re pushing that as the main car in the promotion.

There also will be live DJs spinning records, airbrush tattoo artists, and autograph tables for hot bands like Hey Monday and NeverShoutNever. Also, Kia representatives will be handing out a select few VIP wristbands that allow certain patrons access to a special hi-rise seating area for a bird’s eye view of all the great music being played.

Honestly, all that would’ve been cool when I was in high school, too, and it would’ve been cool for my parents, and their parents as well (though I’m not sure what Warped Tour 1932 would’ve looked like—headlined by Lawrence Welk?). This year’s ticket clearly is a hot Waukegan buy. Used car salesmen in the area are hoping the backlash from the promotion allows for higher sales. That’s Kia’s goal, at least, and it’s a pretty cool one. Pretty cool indeed.

Source: Classic Kia Blog

Kia says that expanding the Soul lineup beyond the current five-door hatch would prove to be more difficult than you might think. Earlier reports stated that Kia was keen to the idea of building an open-top Soul, but changing economic times seem to have crushed those plans.

“(The Soul) tends to be a niche vehicle,” Orth Hedrick, director-product planning, tells Ward’s at a Sportage media event here. “There is very high appeal to a very narrow group of buyers.”

Kia hinted at a future derivative with the convertible Soul’ster concept shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

But in order for Kia to green-light a production Soul’ster, Hedrick says “You have to have broader appeal” to justify the development time and money it would take to bring the model to market.

When Kia launched the Soul in spring 2009, it had high hopes the vehicle would expand the reach of the Kia brand to more stylish, affluent markets. And, so far, that is happening, says Tom Loveless, vice president-sales.

Source: Kia fan blog

KBB chose the Soul for the second year in a row and used several criteria for creating it’s top 10 list.  They considered fuel economy, comfort, technology, safety, and interior size- those items that most everyone takes into consideration when buying new or Gurnee used cars.  But, they also added another “cool” criteria.  The 2010 Soul combines fun-to-own and fun-to-drive in a great way that makes it worthy of making the “cool” list.

The 2010 Soul, according to a top Kia staffer, keeps drawing shoppers into their favorite Kia dealer.  It’s funky design as well as being a great value, are big selling points with interested buyers.  Having something a little different than your mainstream preowned car Waukegan sedan or coupe keeps the line up fresh, attracting buyers of all different ages and walks of life.

The Soul comes in several different trim options:  The base, +, !, and Sport.  Yes, that’s correct, the plus sign and exclamation point are not typos, but actually “Names” give to Soul trims.  Kind of fits this model, since it’s quirky and fun!  The base Soul comes with a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine that gives 122 HP.   Stepping it up to another trim you’ll get the pleasure of a 2.0 Liter, inline-four that ups HP to 142.   Not bad driving!

The 2010 Soul also comes with antilock brakes, stability control, front side and side curtain airbags.  The interior is also pretty cool.  You can get upholstery that glows in the dark and/or colorful seating to spice up the common black, gray and white interiors found in other Gurnee used cars!

Come and check out the 2010 Kia Soul for yourself- see if this modern, boxy style fits you!

Source: Classic Kia Blog

Kia realesed today pricing for its all-new 2011 Sportage compact crossover. The 2011 Sportage goes on sale in the U.S. at the end of the July with a starting price of $18,990. There are three trim levels, Base, LX and EX. Standard safety features include ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags.

Kia’s fully redesigned crossover comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 176HP. A far more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI petrol engine with 270+ horsepower will join the range next year.

The Sportage will be offered in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive configurations paired to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Base model offers manual transmission, several standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels matched with 215/70R16 low-rolling resistance tires, SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth wireless technology.

Upgrading to the $20,990 LX trim adds a 6-speed automatic transmission, exterior mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, privacy glass, keyless entry with panic alarm and multi-way adjustable front seats. The top model, Sportage EX, costs $23,990 and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated vanity mirrors, automatic folding rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and air-conditioned and illuminated glove box.

Source: Kia fan blog

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In the first third of 2003, the KIA Carens was available 1.6-liter engine and 105 hp, which is the same as had the previous KIA Carens.

KIA Carens

This minivan is still an interesting alternative for the relationship between price and performance. It is cheaper than many smaller minibuses (about 4.1 meters long), sometimes are less potent.

KIA Carens

Compared to its size vans (Citroen C8, Fiat Ulysse Daewoo Tacuma or) it is very spacious. However, compared to its price minivan, it has a good habit.

KIA Carens

Now you can have two seating configurations: good five beds in two rows or six seats in three rows.

KIA Carens

If you have six seats, the last row has little legroom and severely limits the capacity of the trunk. The six-seat configuration has a cost overrun of 301 €. The interior is far better looking and better finish than its predecessor.

KIA Carens

The Fiat Multipla, much shorter than the KIA Carens (3,994 mm), can also lead to six people (distributed in two rows of seats, three in each).

KIA Carens

The Opel Zafira (information Zafira 2.2 DTI 16V and 16V DTI 2.0 test), as the KIA Carens, has three rows of seats (the latter can juggle below the floor), but can carry seven people.

KIA Carens

Alternatively, nearby (also with seven seats) is the Honda Stream (4.57 meters). There are versions of Mitsubishi Space Wagon (4.6 meters) for six people and the Toyota Previa (4.65 meters) also has a setting for 6 people (plus a 7 and another 8 places).

KIA Carens

The KIA Carens has been redesigned, with a front that follows the trend set in the Kia Carnival and a completely new rear has not only changed its image, but has also expanded the capacity of the trunk.

KIA Carens

The appearance of the plastic seems better now, although the dashboard is still hard plastic. It is refined but not poor. It has no sharp edges in places where other cars do have them cheap. Several holes are covered with a rubber surface.

KIA Carens

Standard has five seats (two rows of seats), the choice of six seats (three rows of two) costs 301 €. It is not possible to have seven seats.

KIA Carens

With five seats, the back row accommodates three people (with three safety belts three anchor points each) and has no armrests.

KIA Carens

With three rows of seats, in the second row can only go two (only two seatbelts) and has three folding armrest (one on each side and one in the middle). Unlike other minivans, the KIA Carens has bucket seats in any of its rows of rear seats, benches and folding are in unequal parts.

KIA Carens

In the five-seater KIA Carens, both the bench and the backrest can be folded over the backs of the front seats, but can not be disassembled. Thus, the boot is completely flush with the carrier.

KIA Carens

Another peculiarity of this version is that the trunk (420 liters) has a false floor that houses a plastic box (relatively lightweight and easily washable) with holes of different shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of objects. Below the drawer is the wheel parts, which is like the other four.

KIA Carens

In the six-seater version, the central bench can be moved forward (by a spring) and the back folds down over the curb (but not completely flush) to facilitate the transition to the rear seats.

KIA Carens

Even so, access to rear seats is narrow and difficult for a normal person. The available space is insufficient legroom for an adult to travel comfortably for a distance of a certain number of miles. Ample width and height are just right. In these conditions, there is practically no space for luggage. Passengers of all rows of seats have holes in the sides for placing objects.

KIA Carens

Given its length, the space available in the second row of seats is the smallest for width and legroom.

KIA Carens

The LX version is 1743 € more expensive than the EX. This difference is justified because more teams are side airbags, front fog lamps, air conditioning (instead of air conditioning), alloy wheels and center console is finished with similar color titanium.

2002 KIA Carens photo gallery

The new campaign came out the end of May and runs through the month of July.  The “rapping hamsters” can be seen doing their thing on Comedy Central, Fuse, MTV, MTV2 and Spike.  Since social media is such a growing industry, the campaign will also stream through Pandora, Facebook, Social Vibe’s PetVille, KMA’s Kia.com. and a YouTube contest. Very cool!

The video’s song lyrics will be sung to the tune of “The Choice Is Yours”, which was performed by the 1990′s sensation Black Sheep!  The hamsters will be driving around in an urban setting behind the wheel of a Kia Soul painted a cool green color.  They’ll be singing “You can get with this, or you can get with that”, comparing the boxy style of the Soul to other Antioch used cars of similar shapes. The other cars will be represented by washing machines, cardboard boxes, and toasters.  Pretty cool concept, as the song is definitely a catchy one!

The 2010 Soul has a very unique style, compared to the design of other preowned car Waukegan models.  Depending what model you opt for, the designs are certainly appealing.  For example, the Soul Sport features red and black interior patterns.  You’ll get cloth seats that have a red trim and accents with a metal finish!

There are many other outstanding features that the 2010 Soul offers such as outstanding gas mileage.  The Soul + will give you 24 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.  It also comes in many awesome paint color options.  A few of my favorites include Bright Silver, Java (a rich brown color), and Ignition (a bright orange).

Like many other Kia Antioch used cars, you’ll get all the important safety features such as front and side, driver and passenger air bags, tire pressure monitor, four-sensor anti-lock brakes, and much more.

Head to your local dealer today and test drive the 2010 Soul and many other preowned car Waukegan models!

Source: Classic Kia Blog

The new special editions named Domino and Echo that both play on black and white color schemes has been unveiled for Kia’s UK-market lineup. The Domino special edition is available on the Picanto and Rio superminis, while the Echo is offered on the Soul crossover.

The Picanto Domino is motivated by a 1.1-litre petrol engine hooked up to either a manual or automatic transmission, while the Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine. Both the Rio and Picanto Domino editions are available in white or optional black metallic paint. Buyers can also opt for a contrasting black or white stripe covering the bumpers, mirrors and door handles.

Standard features include front fog lights, air-conditioning, iPod connectivity, remote central locking, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob and Electronic Stability Control, as well as rear electric windows on the Rio.

Prices start from £7,995 OTR for the Picanto Domino and from £9,295 OTR for the Rio Domino.

Following on from the Burner, Shaker and Samba, the Soul Echo is the latest special edition version of Kia’s small crossover. It is offered in a choice of two colors – Clear White or Quartz Black metallic – with contrasting features.

In particular, the white Echo gets black 18-inch alloy wheels, black high-gloss door mirrors and a corresponding black sports stripe, while the black Echo features white 18-inch alloys, white high-gloss door mirrors and a sports stripe in white.

Interior upgrades include a full black leather interior and high-gloss black dashboard fascia and uprated audio system with and iPod connectivity, as well as standard parking sensors, air conditioning and privacy glass.

The Soul Echo is offered with a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engines, with prices starting from £13,995 OTR.

Source: Kia fan blog

The Kia Sorento is a compact utility vehicle, or a midsize crossover SUV. The Sorento boasts a sleek stylish outside featuring the prominent Kia trademark Tiger nose grille. The Sorento is available with a plethora of features from satellite radio to a stunning interior. An Antioch used cars dealer reports that Kia is an incredible brand that promotes style and safety and the Sorento is no exception.

The IIHS “Top Safety Pick” is an incredible honor and the 2011 Kia Sorento certainly earned it. The 2011 Sorento comes full equipped with the best safety features available. The Sorento has several sets of airbags including driver and passenger advanced front airbags, side curtain and front seat mounted airbags. The Sorento also utilizes four wheel antilock brakes as well as other brake technology ranging from Downhill Brake Control to Hill Start Assist Control to keep passengers safe. Gurnee Kia dealers agree the incredible safety programs included in the Sorento greatly attribute to its new reputation.

The IIHS did not stop honoring Kia with the 2011 Sorento. Kia’s Sedona minivan also earned a few awards this year including the “Top Safety Pick.” The Sedona also earned the “Safest Minivan Ever Tested” award every year from 2006 to 2009. Drivers of used Kia’s from Antioch used cars agree Kia cars are extremely safe and fun to drive. Kia strives to be known not only for incredible automobiles but for safe automobiles and the automaker is certainly on the right track.

The Kia Sorento is just one shining example of a well performing, extremely safe automobile. The automaker boasts a wide array of safe vehicles ranging from cars to SUVs. To find out more information about Kia visit your local Gurnee Kia dealer or visit the automaker’s website.

Source: Classic Kia Blog

The former laughing stock of the automotive industry, Kia is now making serious plays in most automotive market segments. Kia along with its sister automaker Hyundai have been winning tons of awards in the past two years and analysts over at PriceWaterhouseCoopers suggest that 2010 will be filled with just as much success, if not more.

The Forte Koup is based upon a Kia Koup concept vehicle that was unveiled at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. This concept vehicle was well received, won some rewards and generated enough buzz to be tweak and made into a viable vehicle available for purchase. Check-in at your local Round Lake Kia Rondo dealer to find out when you can grab the keys to a 2010 Forte Koup.

Hugging the ground closely while sporting an aggressive body, the Forte Koup has a contemporary design futuristically accented with wrap around headlamps, dual exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser. Further reinforcing its contemporary look is a pair of chrome exhaust tips, integrated turn signal indicators and body-color bumpers. To see for yourself visit a Gurnee Kia Sportage dealership, where the staff will encourage a test-drive.

Sporting enthusiasts are also excited about the Forte Koup turning radius, which can circle in 33.9 feet. Whether you’re riding the red at high speeds or carving the curbs with precision you’ll be doing so very quietly thanks to Kia’s new noise-lowering materials in the engine bay bulkhead. The Forte Koup has a 2.0 L four cylinder engine, which comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission or the option of a 4-speed automatic.

The Forte Koup seamlessly takes the place of the five-door Spectra job which was lagging in sales and the fact that Kia has chosen the Forte Koup to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Sports Car Challenge, their first entry ever, means they’re proud of their compact coupe. Stop by your Classic Kia dealership to test drive the Kia Forte Koup and experience a vehicle that will make you proud to be its owner.

Source: Classic Kia Blog