2012 Kia Rio, Optima get MotorWeek best subcompact, midsize honors
Posted on February 12, 2012 by Weekly Driver News Service
The 2012 Kia Rio and Kia Optima have been designated with Drivers' Choice Awards as the best subcompact and midsize sedan by MotorWeek at the Chicago Auto Show.
The long-running television program recognized the Kia models for their performance, fuel efficiency and overall value.
The Rio and Optima bring many convenience features to their respective segments, including Bluetooth wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM satellite radio capabilities with three months complimentary service.
The annual MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards represent the editors' best automotive picks for a range of lifestyles. This year, a team of 15 judges comprised of MotorWeek's editorial staff, evaluated more than 150 cars, trucks and utility vehicles. Decisions are based on performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and dollar value. The winners represent what MotorWeek considers to be the best in each class.
The 2012 Kia Rio is available in LX, EX and SX trims, all with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engin. The Rio features a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or six-speed automatic. Gas mileage is an EPA estimated 30/40 mpg (city/highway).
The 2012 KIa Optima features the same trims with standard equipment that includes cruise control, USB port, satellite radio dual-zone climate control and smart-key system. Options include leather trim, a panoramic sunroof and Infinity audio. Heated-and-cooled front seats are available in mid-level EX or SX trims.
Hyundai's biggest rival? It's Kia
By STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images
If you think the biggest automakers are afraid of fast-rising Hyundai, consider what company is catching Hyundai's attention -- its own smaller sibling, Kia.
Both are owned by giant Hyundai of South Korea. Bloomberg News says Kia is on a roll, and the two affiliates have been pitted against each other internally.
Both Hyundai, the car brand, and Kia had record sales last year. One of the reasons is the Kia Optima, shown above. Kia is even developing its own near-luxury model to challenge Hyundai in South Korea with the well-regarded Genesis. Reports Bloomberg:
Frank Ahrens, a spokesman at Hyundai, says the intensity of the sibling competition is "car-to-car" across segments. His Kia counterpart, Michael Choo, who refers to Hyundai as an affiliate instead of the parent company of his employer, says the two compete "head-to-head" in most of the world's auto markets and vehicle categories.
Both spokesmen declined to say whether the competition is by design, saying any such strategic decisions are made by Chairman Chung, who was unavailable for an interview.
Kia was flat on its back a decade ago. Hyundai acquired it out of bankruptcy, taking a 51% stake. Kia now benefits from Hyundai's engineering.
Both brands seem to be going upscale rather than just one," Christian Yang, an analyst at IHS Automotive, an industry researcher, tells Bloomberg. "The K9 will again represent problems if Hyundai and Kia's plans of alignment does not go as planned."
2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick
- 2012 Soul
- 2012 Sorento
- 2012 Optima
- 2012 Optima Hybrid
- 2012 Sportage
- 2012 Forte Sedan
Best Hatchback by VroomGirls.com JANUARY 31, 2012
Review and photos by Paul Williams
Phoenix, Arizona – The Rio is Kia’s subcompact car, with the four-door Sedan version complementing the recently introduced Rio four-door hatch. The sedan rides on an all-new platform shared with the Hatch that is longer, lower and wider than the previous generation Rio. And like the hatch, it features styling that is more distinctive and attractive thanks to Kia’s ex-Audi Chief Designer, Peter Schreyer. The Rio sedan and hatch are fundamentally the same vehicle, although the sedan is 320 millimetres longer than the hatch, and has a different front fascia, grille, headlamps, LED positioning lights, solar glass and available rear LED lights. Also at the rear… well, that’s pretty obvious: it has a trunk. Choosing one Rio over the other is simply a matter of personal preference. Interior dimensions are virtually the same between the two models, although the sedan is priced slightly below the hatch. The 2012 Kia Rio’s opening price is $13,795 (all prices plus $1,455 freight/pdi) for the LX with manual transmission. It is equipped with a four-cylinder, gasoline direct injected (GDI) engine of 1.6-litre displacement that makes 138-horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission replaces the six-speed manual for an additional $1,300. Also standard on the LX are 15-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, tilt steering column, trip computer, map lights, power door locks, power windows, driver seat height adjustment, power and heated mirrors, satellite radio with speech recognition, auxiliary/USB inputs, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and body-coloured mirrors and door handles. Notable are features like the four-wheel disc brakes, satellite radio, power mirrors and power windows that are rarely found on base subcompacts. Likewise, the GDI engine with its generous output is noteworthy, as is its designation as one of Ward’s Autos Ten Best engines. Kia expects the LX+ to be the “volume seller” at $15,295. It adds air conditioning, cruise control, fog lights, heated seats, Bluetooth and keyless entry to the base package, creating a very well equipped car for the price. Other trim levels include a $17,395 LX Eco that maximizes fuel economy by including an idle stop/go feature that shuts down the engine at stoplights, restarting it when the driver releases the brake. The $16,695 EX adds features like a power sunroof, auto folding mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the $17,195 EX+ adds the UVO infotainment system and rear view camera. The $20,495 EX Luxury offers many items found in larger, luxury-oriented vehicles like a heatable steering wheel, rain sensing windshield wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels with sport suspension and bigger front brakes, electronic climate control, two-tone leather upholstery, and the option of a navigation system ($1,200). Automatic is the only transmission offered with the EX Luxury. We drove both the LX+ with manual transmission and EX Luxury with automatic. Normally I find the manual transmission versions of small cars to feel more peppy and responsive than those with an automatic, and while this version of the Rio has those attributes, the automatic model seemed equally capable.
Kia Wins What Car? Low Carbon Award
Kia has scooped the What Car? Ultra Low Carbon Award for its environmentally efficient range of cars. Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, received the award and commented: ”Kia has been striving over recent years not only to deliver exciting, attractive, high-quality cars - but also to deliver real benefits to customers in the form of cleaner technologies that don’t carry a price premium. We are delighted that What Car? – one of Europe’s leading consumer magazines – has recognised our efforts.” Despite Kia's environmental credentials, the manufacturer lacks 'mass recognition' among British motorists. Let us, therefore, consider the highlights of their range. The all-new Picanto rivals the popular Ford Ka, whereas the larger Rio is a supermini. The Venga is a compact MPV that faces the capable Nissan Note – and the Cee'd is a Vauxhall Astra class workhorse. This comes in hatchback and estate guises. The Sorento is a large four-wheel- drive, and the Sedona is a seven-seater people carrier. Something for everyone, perhaps?
The Kia Sorento has been named as Total 4x4's Best SUV for the second year in a row - beating off keen competition in a well-established segment.
Editor Alan Kidd said: ‘The Sorento was our reigning champion in the full-size SUV class, and it impressed us every bit as much this year as last. Its style, poise, kit and practicality all score heavily in its favour.
‘Make no mistake, this award wasn't about just being cheap. The Sorento beat a long list of premium opponents because it's very good at everything that matters. Its bargain price and unbeatable seven year warranty merely seal the deal.'
The latest version of Kia's full-size 4x4 Sorento was launched in the UK in February 2010 and immediately impressed the Total 4x4 team. It remains the flagship of the Kia range and is available in two and four wheel drive versions - but it is the full-time four wheel drive model that again impressed the Total 4x4 judges to retain its Best SUV crown.
Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said "From the day of its launch we knew that the latest Sorento continued the car's impressive record of delivering excellent go-anywhere ability coupled with on-road sophistication at a great value price. Sorento has been a long-time favourite in the Kia range and its popularity amongst a wide variety of customers - from those who want on-road towing security or all-weather ability to the more adventurous owner who needs to head away from the main roads.
"I am delighted that Total 4x4 has again awarded Sorento its Best SUV accolade - especially in the face of so much impressive competition in what remains a hard-fought sector of the market," he added.
The Total 4x4 awards issue is released today - Friday December 16.
West Point, Ga. Sept. 2, 2011 – Following the completion of a series of expansion projects to raise annual capacity, the first U.S.]built* 2012 MY Kia Optima midsize sedan rolled off the production line today at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG), joining the popular Sorento CUV as the second Kia vehicle to be produced at the West Point facility. In addition to the physical expansion, KMMG recently added a third shift that raised the total number of jobs created at the plant to more than 3,000.
“Kia has become one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. thanks in large part to the success of KMMG, and the addition of new team members, and the critically]acclaimed Optima to the production line is further evidence of our commitment to the U.S. and local economy,” said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and KMMG. “The attention to detail and dedication to world]class quality shared by each KMMG team member is the primary reason for Kia Motors’ decision to invest an additional $100 million to expand the plant’s four main shops to support Optima production.”
Representing an investment of more than $1 billion, KMMG began producing the Sorento on November 16, 2009. In addition to the jobs created directly at the plant, on]site and nearby suppliers have created another 7,500 new positions in the region to support KMMG’s annual capacity of 360,000 vehicles in 2012.
Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design]led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Led by the best]selling Sorento, KMA completed an historic first half of 2011 with back]to]back best]ever quarterly sales and year]to]date sales have increased more than 40 percent over 2010.
Stylish Midsize Sedan is One of Nine Vehicles Honored in Top Men’s Lifestyle Magazine’s 2011 Design and Technology Awards • Kia’s popular midsize sedan praised for its “deceptively simple, yet classy” design that exudes refinement and luxury at an outstanding value
• Optima continues to receive critical acclaim for its superior combination of world-class design, performance and long list of convenience features
IRVINE, Calif., September 6, 2011 – With U.S. production of the stylish and performance-oriented Optima getting underway last week at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG)1, the head-turning design of Kia’s popular midsize sedan continues to earn high praise, including the title of “Most Gorgeous Car Under $20K” from the sophisticated men’s lifestyle magazine, Esquire. Along with the recognition, Optima is one of only nine finalists in “The 2011 Esquire Design and Technology Awards” after editors applauded its “clean and inspiring” design that provides a refined and upscale feel at an extraordinary value.
“Esquire defines and shapes men’s style and fashion in today’s contemporary culture, and this recognition further validates the Optima’s tremendous value proposition with its unmatched combination of world-class design, advanced technology, and fun-to-drive performance,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communication, Kia Motors America (KMA). “The stunning design and value of the Optima has significantly increased awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand and with demand continuing to outpace supply we are looking forward to the first U.S.-built* Optimas arriving in showrooms in the coming weeks.”
The Optima’s latest accolade from Esquire follows a slew of awards for the popular midsize sedan, including being named a 2011 “Editors’ Most Wanted” vehicle by Edmunds’ Inside Line, a 2011 “Best New Model” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, and being included as part of the “Ward’s 10 Best Interiors” list. In addition to being recognized in the press, Optima also has received prestigious safety accolades, being named a 2011 “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and receiving an overall five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
About the 2011 Kia Optima
With sleek exterior styling and a refined interior, the 2011 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™2 Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks and standard Bluetooth®3 wireless connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls4. Available with three powerful and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo or a 2.4-liter hybrid, the stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan begins at $19,200.
Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan to its production line in September. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
• Value-packed and fuel-efficient vehicles such as Rio, Forte and Optima help the brand lead its segment in Total Cost of Ownership
• Kia’s diverse and fun-to-drive vehicle lineup offers unmatched levels of style, performance, fuel efficiency, technology and overall value
IRVINE, Calif., August 17, 2011 – Leading online automotive resource Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com recently reported the top automotive manufacturers with the lowest average Total Cost of Ownership for the initial five-year ownership period, with Kia Motors America (KMA) landing in the top position for nonluxury brands. Calculating depreciation, expected fuel costs, insurance, maintenance and repair costs, state fees and more, Kia’s average Total Cost of Ownership came in below $40,000 over a five-year ownership period, besting all other non-luxury brands with a full-model lineup.
“Kia Motors is committed to offering consumers a full array of high-quality cars and CUVs that provide a combination of world-class styling, cutting-edge technology and an abundance of standard convenience and safety features, and being recognized as a cost of ownership leader by kbb.com is further proof of the brand’s compelling value equation,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Consumers are looking to make smart purchases and stretch their dollars, and every Kia vehicle allows them to do just that with low starting prices and outstanding fuel economy, without sacrificing fun-to-drive performance or the modern amenities new car shoppers now expect.”
Total Cost of Ownership is developed using Kelley Blue Book® Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs. According to the website, depreciation plays the largest role in Total Cost of Ownership, followed by the cost of fuel during the initial five-year ownership period. The company then calculates total ownership costs for new vehicles by applying a valuation methodology along with critical financial data from third-party providers.
Kelley Blue Book’s goal for providing the Total Cost of Ownership for vehicles is so consumers can better understand the overall financial implications associated with vehicle ownership through the initial five-year ownership period. Kelley Blue Book's Total Cost of Ownership features easy-to-understand charts and graphs on kbb.com to help car shoppers make informed purchase decisions by breaking down the typical ownership costs for a particular vehicle. For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s www.kbb.com.
Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which will add the critically-acclaimed Optima midsize sedan to its production line in the near future. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
| Kia Motors Corp.'s Sedona minivan is the cheapest 2010 model-year vehicle to insure in the U.S., while luxury performance cars crowd the list of the most expensive, topped by Honda Motor Co.'s Acura's sporty ZDX, according to online insurance comparer InsWeb Corp.. After the ZDX at the top of the most-expensive list are Audi AG's TTS and A5 cars, followed by General Motors Co.'s Cadillac's luxury Escalade SUV and powerhouse Chevrolet Corvette. Audi is Volkswagen AG's premium brand.
The Sedona, a minivan whose 2011 model starts at $24,595 new, tops InsWeb's least-expensive list to insure, followed by Mazda Motor Corp.'s Madza5 Minivan and Ford Motor Co.'s Escape SUV. Most of the vehicles on the least- expensive list carry high passenger loads.
The value of the vehicle is one of the most important factors that determine a vehicle's cost to insure, so the fact that most of the vehicles on the most- expensive list cost more than $40,000 isn't surprising, InsWeb said. The firm said the other main factor in determining insurance cost is the particular model's loss history.
Those who drive the sportscars on the top of the most-expensive list are likely "more aggressive by nature, which could lead to a higher likelihood of claims," said Brad Cooper, InsWeb's senior vice president of operations. "On the other end of the spectrum, most of the vehicles on the least-expensive-to insure list are minivans, wagons and small SUVs. Those vehicle types are often preferred by individuals with families-perhaps the least likely people to engage in risky driving behavior."
-By Nathan Becker,
Dow Jones Newswires |
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Gary Rome Kia of Enfield attended the Enfield High Senior Assembly to kick off the 2011 Senior Soul Giveaway. We announced the program to the Class of 2011. Principal Duffy introduced Gary & Jack to start the Senior Year right, announcing the criteria of each qualifying student must maintain a "B" average, participate in two school activities, not have more than six excused absences and perform forty hours of community service. We will be at the Parents Open House on Thursday the 23rd of September to exhibit the car and answer questions for parents. We will also be at the Homecoming Football Game on October 8th.
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News and Events
2012 Kia Rio, Optima get MotorWeek best subcompact, midsize honors
Hyundai's biggest rival? It's Kia
If you think the biggest automakers are afraid of fast-rising Hyundai, consider what company is catching Hyundai's attention--it's own smaller sibling, Kia. Best Hatchback by VroomGirls.com
Phoenix, Arizona – The Rio is Kia’s subcompact car, with the four-door Sedan version complementing the recently introduced Rio four-door hatch. KIA Sorento wins Total 4X4 accolade for second year in a row
The Kia Sorento has been named as Total 4x4's Best SUV for the second year in a row - beating off keen competition... U.S. Production of the 2012 Kia Optima Begins at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Kia Optima named "Most Gorgeous Car Under $20k" by Esquire
Stylish Midsize Sedan is One of Nine Vehicles Honored in Top Men’s Lifestyle Magazine’s 2011 Design and Technology Awards Kia Motors America named best Total Cost of Ownership brand by Kelly Blue Book's KBB.com
New Report from Leading Online Resource Highlights Kia in Non-Luxury Segment Kia Sedona Tops InsWeb Cheapest-To-Insure List
Kia Motors Corp.'s Sedona minivan is the cheapest 2010 model-year vehicle to insure in the U.S., while.... Gary Rome Kia of Enfield 2011 Senior Soul Giveaway
Gary Rome Kia of Enfield attended the Enfield High Senior Assembly to kick off the 2011 Senior Soul Giveaway.... |
