Kia Optima named as one of the best drives of 2012

Bale Kia one of the leading Kia dealers in Little Rock, Arkansas is pleased to announce that t he critically acclaimed, U.S.-built, Kia Optima added another accolade to its trophy recently when it was named to The Boston Globe's annual Top Ten Drives List for 2012, beating out more than 100 cars and trucks. Optima's world-class design and technology features impressed editors who dubbed the Kia Optima a "first-class, five-passenger, mid-sized sedan" with a "surprisingly spacious interior," and appreciated the available heated steering wheel during the cold New England winter months.

 

"With its powerful combination of world-class design, advanced technology, turbocharged performance and outstanding value, the Kia Optima has been turning heads since arriving in showrooms in January and demand has outpaced supply all year," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing and communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Kia is the fastest growing car company in the U.S.1 and earning a spot on The Boston Globe's Top Ten Drives List adds to our unprecedented momentum heading into 2012."

 

The Boston Globe 2012 Top Ten Drives List spans a wide range of vehicles and prices in all segments, but they all feature key core traits such as excellent performance, quality construction, fine details and solid value.

The Kia Optima has receive positive feedback for its power and pricing form the entire industry including automobile magazine, car and driver, motor trend.

 

About the 2012 Kia Optima in Little Rock, Arkansas

 

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 sedan7 to its production line in September. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Kia Sorento CUV, Kia Sportage compact CUV, Kia 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.

 

Visit Bale Kia to schedule a test drive and experience the 2012 Kia Optima first hand.

KIA MOTORS' NEW 1.6-LITER GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE NAMED TO WARD'S "2012 10 BEST ENGINES" LIST

For the 2012 model year, Kia Motors America (KMA) equips the all-new Rio subcompacts and enhanced Soul urban passenger vehicle with a state-of-the-art 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder Gamma powerplant, which was recently honored as one of Ward's "10 Best Engines." The editors of WardsAuto recognized the engine's combination of performance and fuel efficiency with a class-leading 138 horsepower⁴ while maintaining class-leading fuel economy of 30/40 mpg (city/highway)⁵ in the Rio 5-door and sedan. The flexibility of the 1.6-liter is demonstrated by the availability of the fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology, which turns off the engine when the vehicle is not in motion, such as at a stop light or in traffic.

"With direct injection and ISG technology, Kia's new 1.6-liter GDI engine is truly state-of-the-art and strengthens the brand's position as a fuel economy leader in the U.S.," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With a standout combination of world-class design and dramatically cutting-edge engine technology, Kia has become the fastest growing car company in the U.S. and the Ward's 10 Best achievement is further validation of the brand's relevance in the market."

In its 18th year, the "Ward's 10 Best Engines" competition recognizes the latest powertrain technologies that are affordable and available to most consumers. During their evaluations, Ward's editors consider engines that increase horsepower and torque numbers, sound appealing and integrate well with their respective vehicles.

 About the 2012 Soul

Refreshed for the 2012 model year, the Kia Soul has been fine-tuned with a significant number of technological, powertrain and style enhancements. The 2012 Soul delivers class-leading horsepower⁶ and significantly improved fuel efficiency of up to 35 miles per gallon (mpg)⁷ on the highway. Kia Motors' hatchback remains a class-leading value⁸ with the lowest starting price of its competitive set at $13,900 MSRP⁹. Later this model year, Soul also will be the first among its competitors to offer the fuel-saving ISG technology, which turns off the engine when the vehicle is not in motion, such as at a stop light or in traffic.

 About the 2012 Rio

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the eco-friendly 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading 138 horsepower¹⁰ while maintaining a standard class-leading¹¹ fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway).

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 sedan¹² 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.

2012 Kia Soul and Forte Koup named in MSN Autos

The 2012 Soul and Forte Koup recently were named to MSN Autos "10 Great Cars for Less Than $20,000" list, with Kia being the only brand to have two vehicles selected. Soul, Kia's iconic hatchback refreshed for the 2012 model year, delivers a series of refinements, including more power, improved fuel economy and new technologies along with an updated look. Meanwhile, the performance-inspired Forte Koup offers world-class design, fuel efficiency, and outstanding driving dynamics.

"MSN Autos selection of Soul and Forte Koup for the '10 Great Cars for Less Than $20,000' list reflects the value Kia vehicles provide consumers with a host of standard technology, safety, and convenience features," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Kia's technology-laden, fun-to-drive, uniquely-styled vehicles continue to attract new customers to the Kia brand, as evidenced by 15 consecutive months of sales records."

About the 2012 Soul

Refreshed for the 2012 model year, the Kia Soul has been fine-tuned with a significant number of technological, powertrain and style enhancements. The 2012 Soul delivers class-leading horsepower¹ and significantly improved fuel efficiency of up to 35 miles per gallon (mpg)² on the highway. Kia Motors' hatchback remains a class-leading value³ with the lowest starting price of its competitive set at $13,900 MSRP⁴. Later this model year, Soul also will be the first among its competitors to offer the fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology, which turns off the engine when the vehicle is not in motion, such as at a stop light or in traffic.

About the 2012 Forte Koup

Available in two trims – EX and SX – Forte Koup offers consumers an aggressively styled and performance-inspired two-door coupe with an abundance of amenities as well as impressive power. Designed and engineered as a driver's car, Forte Koup is powered by either a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine (EX models), producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque⁵ that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, or an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine (SX models), also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque⁶.

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 sedan⁷ 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.

MSN Autos compared a number of new vehicles available in the market today to provide consumers with a list of products that provide the best-value for their money. Vehicles were evaluated on standard amenities, design and functionality.

1 Class-leading horsepower claim based on comparisons to 2011 and 2012 compact wagons as of December 2011.
2 Class-leading claim based on comparison of 2011 and available 2012 compact wagons as of November 2011. 2012 EPA fuel economy estimates for Soul Base 1.6L GDI engine are 27/city and 35/hwy MPG. Actual mileage may vary.
3 Class-leading claim based on comparisons to 2011 and 2012 competitors as of December 2011.
4 Starting prices are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), MSRP excludes $750 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
5 Maximum hp for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) engine is 154 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 139 lb.-ft. @ 4,600 rpm. SULEV engine is the only engine available in these states: California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Oregon, Maine, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, New Mexico.
6 Maximum hp for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) engine is 165 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 161 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm. SULEV engine is the only engine available in these states: California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Oregon, Maine, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, New Mexico.
7 Optima Hybrid will not be built at KMMG.

Photos courtesy Kia.com

Top Gear Magazine award for Kia Picanto and Peter Schreyer

BaleKia, the leading Kiadealership in Little Rock, AR, is proud to announce that the all-new Kia Picanto and its Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer have won the BBC Top Gear Magazine Annual Award. The Picanto has received the ‘Bargain of the Year’ title while Schreyer was selected as one of the ‘Men of the Year’ in the special awards issue, published on 30 November 2011.

Picanto has been a top performer since its launch earlier this year. It has already received numerous awards in Europe. BBC Top Gear Magazine wrote about the car, “Finally, here’s a Korean supermini that you might choose over, say, a Fiat 500. You want a bargain? The car we have here is a touch over 10 grand (£10,000 GBP), but you can have one for under eight. That’s two grand less than the cheapest Cinquecento, and – for our money – it’s the better car.”

The whole credit for designing the Picanto goes to Peter Schreyer, the chief design officer, who is responsible for developing this strong identity for the car. To acknowledge his contribution, Schreyer was chosen as the “Men of the Year.” 

An ecstatic Schreyer commented, “I am hugely honored by BBC Top Gear’s generosity both to me and, more importantly, to our Picanto. I have said before that it is incredibly rare for a designer to be given a clean sheet of paper when joining a company – but I think with this award, the bravery of that decision has clearly paid off! “Top Gear is famous around the world as probably the most independently minded magazine, staffed with car enthusiasts who are not afraid to say what they think – so this award truly excites every one of us within Kia,” he concluded.

Global sales of the new Kia Picanto, which is manufactured exclusively in Korea, have totaled 158,427 from January to October of this year.