2013 Kia Optima SX Limited "Appealing" Commercial

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2013 Kia Soul - A Surprisingly Versatile Vehicle

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If you are a young professional searching for a reliable new vehicle on a budget the world is not necessarily your oyster. While you may not be able to drive around in luxury car models such as Audi, Lexus, and Acura to name a few you can have a lot of the luxury features such as Bluetooth wireless communications to your media, a sunroof, and fog lights for under twenty thousand dollars.

There are a lot of good lease deals that run year round however there is an auto maker that has something to suit all needs if you are willing to fall for its unique styling and hamster mascot. I am of course speaking about the 2013 Kia Soul + model. The Kia Soul is a spunky, economy box. While its looks may take time to enjoy it is not without its uses. The boxy look is practical, larger adults can sit in the rear and front seats without issues with head or leg room. There is a lot of room for cargo and you can easily fold the seats down with the flick of a button they call them 60/40 fold flat seats.

The Kia Soul comes with a lot of feature standard that will cost a lot more if you went with another manufacture. These features include standard Bluetooth, UVO interactive infotainment system, three months of Sirius/XM Satellite radio, and plenty of storage compartments. There is a center storage arm rest, two large cup holders in the center and on each of the doors, there is a very deep glove box with 2 levels, there is a deep center box below the center speaker on the front dash, it is good for a wallet, or sunglasses anything that could fit in your hand. The Kia Soul comes standard with AUX and iPod jacks as well as two 12v front power outlets and one rear 12v power outlet.

The standard features alone were enough for me to give Kia my attention. Until 2012 I had always driven a Ford vehicle. Most recently I was driving a 2005 Ford Focus a base model without any bells and whistles. The time came for me to look into new cars. I was very impressed by Kia they used to be a subpar car company overall. I would not be alone in making that assessment that they used to be shoddy cars, however now they have improved their overall quality and perhaps this is due to advancements in technology or a partnership with Hyundai Motors.

I was impressed by how much you could get for fewer than twenty thousand dollars. With a down payment of around three thousand dollars you will assume about $212/mo to lease this type of Kia Soul if you are looking at the (+) model and add the premium sound and sunroof/fog light package. The package is well worth it the speakers are amazing the bass is deep; infinity is the name of the company who does the sound. The UVO system works well but it does take some getting used to, you can voice command a hands free phone call, Sirius channels, Radio stations, or explore your usb device. There is a center touch screen and with it you set your favorite stations or adjust settings. You can load music straight to the car it comes with a Hard Drive. You can upload from a USB stick or with a CD that you have MP3's on. It is a nice added bonus that I did not know at first.

The car shifts well it has two drive modes. You can drive in an Eco mode which gives optimizes output but muting the throttle which adds about one mpg in the city and one on the highway. The standard mode utilizes the 6 speed in line four cylinder engine. You can chose a power shift + and - stick to up and down shift through the gears, if you forget to down shift the car will do it for you or you can simply drive as a normal automatic vehicle. Kia offers standard stability and traction control with this vehicle. The ride height is welcomed and while the car does feel light it is balanced and maneuvers very well in traffic. The added insulation does well to dampen outside noise and winds at highway speeds. The interior materials have great feel to the touch they are of good quality. I average about 29 mpg overall. It is suggested you should get 27/35 mpg. This is a fun car to drive and one that you should test drive to see how much you enjoy it. There are two large pillars in the rear but any experienced driver shouldn't have a problem as this has been a design feature on cars for many years. The speed is great and the large windows provide great visibility.

I have never owned a Kia and I am leasing this 2013 Kia Soul. I have had it about a month know and love it. I enjoy all the standard features, the fuel efficiency the modern technology and the price point. It is really a car that delivers regardless of what you are looking for in a vehicle. It gets me around, it can haul five full sized American adults and I can also haul a lot of cargo which is important for shopping, moving, and getting supplies for my home office. I never thought the hamster car with the light up front speakers would win me over, but once I test drove it and did my homework I truly did fall in love with the Kia Soul (+).

Courtesy of voices.yahoo.com

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Thanks for the five star review! Great job team

"My experience was that Leah Nelson and Bill Ellington represented Downtown Kia above and beyond expectation." - Bob R

Click HERE to read the full review on Yelp.

Jabbawockeez Audition Demo Video Part 1 -- Kia Soul "In My Mind" Music Video Challenge

Thanks for the positive review! Our customers are great!

"They took what has, in the past, been a really miserable experience (car buying) and made it a no-hassle, pleasant experience." - c_f_

Click HERE to read the full review on Edmunds.

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2013 Kia Sportage Review

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In evolutionary terms, the 2013 Kia Sportage is as far removed from the original 1993 Sportage as we are from our Neanderthal cousins. No longer a rugged off-road SUV, the current Sportage rides atop a car platform, has a sophisticated engine and suspension setup and is loaded with safety and creature comforts more common to luxury cars than compact SUVs. Competing against the likes of the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4, the 2013 Kia Sportage sets itself apart in the areas of styling, ride and handling and price. The Sportage's one-upmanship continues with an available 260-horsepower turbocharged engine and one of the best standard warranties in the business, covering the powertrain for 10 years/100,000 miles.

You'll Like This Car If...
If you need the all-wheel-drive capability and high ground clearance of a compact SUV, but you don't want to give up sporty handling or head-turning good looks, we think the 2013 Kia Sportage is definitely in your league. Its available 260-horsepower turbocharged engine is a rarity in this segment.

You May Not Like This Car If...
If maximum interior space, a smooth ride and good 360-degree visibility are important factors in your car-buying decision, the 2013 Kia Sportage probably won't float your boat. Best look to a Subaru Forester or Honda CR-V.

What's New for 2013
Changes to the 2013 Kia Sportage include LED accent lighting on LX and EX trims, standard power-folding side mirrors on the SX (optional on EX) and a new Blue Interior Package (Blue seating and inserts). The UVO infotainment system is added to the LX Convenience Package.

Driving It
Driving Impressions
The 2013 Kia Sportage's taut suspension and powerful engine choices put the "sport" in Sport Utility Vehicle. Compared with its nearest competitors, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the 2013 Kia Sportage SUV rides a bit stiffer, but delivers better cornering and recovery from sharp dips in the road. The taut suspension delivers predictable response to rapid inputs and quick adjustments and the nicely-weighted steering wheel helps minimize the amount of play in the steering. The 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines both offer ample power in any driving situation, with our favorite being the turbocharged version in the Sportage SX. The 2.4-liter is more than capable in climbing steep hills and handling quick passing maneuvers, but the turbocharged 2.0-liter adds a new level of driving fun. The 2.0-liter turbo also feature gasoline direct injection technology that helps it attain excellent fuel economy without sacrificing power.

Favorite Features
PANORAMIC SUNROOF
More sun equates to more fun and this dual-section sunroof lets the rear-seat occupants stare at the wonders above.

2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
Found in the 2013 Kia Sportage SX, the 260-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes the car surprisingly quick and a lot more fun to drive.

Vehicle Details
Interior

Functionally, there is much to like inside the 2013 Kia Sportage SUV, with a big, roomy rear seat that can be folded flat to make a modestly-roomy 54.6 cubic-foot cargo hold. While useful, the Sportage's cargo bay is not quite as large as those in the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, both of which offer more than 70 cubic feet of cargo space. EX trims feature special anti-bacterial cloth that helps eliminate odors and stains that can accumulate over time. We like a number of the Sportage's interior options, but the panoramic sunroof's manual sunshades don't strike us as very useful and should be power operated.

Exterior

The 2013 Kia Sportage SUV's sleek design includes sharp lines, narrow side glass and Kia's signature "tab" front grille. The clever interplay between the dark lines surrounding the grille, lower air ducts and painted wheel inserts gives the Sportage a keenly sinister appearance. The Sportage's high beltline and big wheel-and-tire combo make it look a bit like a hopped-up VW GTI. Don't be fooled by the Sportage's sporty appearance, however, as its available all-wheel drive (AWD) and nearly seven inches of ground clearance make it a capable compact SUV.

Notable Standard Equipment
Kia's Sportage SUV for 2013 is offered in four front-wheel-drive trim levels: Base, LX, EX and SX, with AWD available on all but the Base. Standard equipment across all trim levels includes air conditioning, power accessories, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a rear under-floor storage compartment and a satellite-radio-equipped audio system with four speakers. Some notable standard features that come with the EX and SX trims include Kia's UVO infotainment system, back-up warning system, push-button start, a cooling glovebox and automatic climate control.

Notable Optional Equipment
All of the options available for the 2013 Kia Sportage come in the forms of packages. Some noteworthy highlights of the Sportage option packages include a navigation system, heated front seats, a cooled driver's seat, a panoramic sunroof and a premium audio system with a subwoofer.

Under the Hood
The 2013 Kia Sportage SUV's 2.4-liter engine is robust and fuel-efficient and should suffice for most drivers' needs. Costing a bit more is the turbocharged 2.0-liter, which provides V6-like power and 4-cylinder fuel economy. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which delivers impressive fuel-economy numbers and can be shifted manually. A 6-speed manual transmission is available, but only on the base trim level.

2.4-liter inline-4
176 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
168 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg (front-wheel drive, manual), 22/32 mpg (front-wheel drive, automatic), 21/28 mpg (AWD, automatic)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
260 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850 - 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (front-wheel drive), 21/26 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes
The 2013 Kia Sportage SUV comes with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $20,000. Stepping up to the LX trim level takes it to about $22,000, with the EX trim coming in right around $25,000. The turbocharged SX trim starts just under $28,000 but, when it's topped with every option, that price can creep past $32,000. A look at the Fair Purchase Price on kbb.com shows what others are paying for the Kia Sportage in your area, so be sure to check it out before you buy. As for residuals, we expect that the Kia Sportage won't hold its value as well as the Honda CR-V, should remain on par with the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 and will be better than the Nissan Rogue, Jeep Compass and VW Tiguan.

Courtesy of Kelley Blue Book Online

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What's Up Elle Demo Video -- Kia Soul "In My Mind" Music Video Challenge

Great Job Team! We got another Great Review!

"Overall, it took about 2 hours and the staff appeared very eager to please. I would definitely contact them next year when it's my turn for a purchase." - wesbab

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The 2013 Kia Rio 5 door SX M/T

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Only 500 units of the 2013 Kia Rio 5 door SX 6 speed will be made for the US Market. That means that only a few models will be available at showrooms once they are released. With a base price of $17,900 these examples are sure to fly out of dealerships as soon as they come in.The Rio SX M/T is inspired by Kia's involvement in motorsports and their involvement in B-Spec racing.  B spec racing came about when Honda and Mazda along with race sanctioned bodies like NASA and SCCA decided to introduce low-cost showroom stock race series for budget-conscious enthusiasts.

 

The 2013 Kia Rio 5 door SX M/T is powered by a 138 HP 4 cylinder direct injection engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing. Two color choices come in Signal Red and Electronic Blue. Outside you’ll find the distinctive tiger nose design up front with an aggressive stance for a small car. 17 inch alloys come standard along with 7 inch touch screen navigation, sport tuned suspension, rear camera display and a minimalistic black interior trim.

 

Although only 500 units will be produced, it’s a good sign from a company who decides to listen to the desires of its customer base. And with Kia going starting its racing heritage, only good things can trickle down from lessons learned on the track. And if you even considered going B-Spec racing yourself, for an additional $14,000, Kinetic Motorsports based out of Georgia offers complete kits including pre-cut roll cages, racing harness, racing suspensions, along with all the other safety bits to keep you safe and secure under speed.

 

Courtesy of  examiner.com

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Take a moment today, to honor all those who lost their lives 11 years ago.  America will never forget.

New/Used Inventory Online!

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2013 Kia Forte Lease Incentive

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$169/Month for a 36 month lease.

$1,999 Down Payment

Subject to availability, and credit approval; not including taxes and fees.

Click HERE to visit the Facebook Event Page

Another five star review! Thanks Shannon!

"I hate car shopping. Love the end result, but hate the haggling, negotiations, smarmy salesmen, and slick finance guys.  Good thing Kia of Downtown has NONE of those things" - Shannon W.

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About The Contest - Kia Soul "In My Mind" Music Video Challenge

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My One Week 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Test Drive Experience

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Many of you probably remember when I posted about my test drive experience with the 2012 Kia Sorento SX. Well, I had so much fun driving that brand spanking new vehicle and was so impressed with how far Kia has come in the last 10 years, that I persuaded them to let me try another car for a week. Yes!

This time they let me drive the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid with the Premium Technology Package and the Hybrid Convenience Package. Quite honestly, after being inside both the Sorento and the Optima, I'm not sure how I can not get leather in my next vehicle. Especially thinking about the mess that children make; I've had many friends tell me they wish they had leather, and it looks really good in the Optima, as you can see.

I think the new Optima look is quite sleek as well. I had a number of friends and neighbors make the comment that they thought the car looked really nice. It has the 15? tires with alloy wheels, which, quite frankly, doesn't mean a whole lot to me - I just know that it looks good! And the folding mirror is something I can't get enough of - love it!

If you're wondering about the performance and safety of the 2012 Kia Optima, here are some of the highlights I found to be important:

-Dual front and full-length side curtain airbags
-5 Star frontal crash government safety rating and 5 Star rollover rating
-SIRUIS Satellite Radio w/ free 3 month subscription (standard)
-BLUETOOTH wireless technology for hands-free driving
-Push Button Start with Smart key (in addition to just pushing a button to start the car, this also means you just push a button on the car door to get in - you don't need to rifle through your purse to open the door!)
-Because it's a Hybrid, it also gets a Global Warming score of 9 out of 10 and a Smog score of 8 out of 10
-2.4 L 4 Cylinder Hybrid Engine

Which brings me to the actual driving experience of the car. I don't know if you've ever driven a Hybrid before, but this was my first time. It's also the only Hybrid I've driven, so I really don't know what to compare it to. But I will say this was the most uneasy aspect of my review. When you turn on the vehicle, only the electric portion of the car is on. When you put the car in drive, the car responds much like an electric golf cart responds - slowly and with a "metallic" type of sound. It took quite a bit of getting used to, I'm not going to lie.

But here's the number that makes the "getting used to" aspect of the Hybrid well worth it - 40 MPG (35 around town). While I'm sure I didn't totally take advantage of all of the gadgetry, it was fun to view all the different "ECO-screens" that would tell me how efficiently the car was running, whether or not it was using electric or gas, and my favorite screen - Distance to Empty. It started with 515 miles, and I don't care what vehicle you're in, it's nice to know you can go 500+ miles without worrying about filling up!

I guess the biggest thing you'll have to decide is whether or not the fuel efficiency is worth the price tag. This model came in at around $32,500. However, you can save roughly $6000 by choosing to keep the Premium Technology Package off, but you'll miss out on the rear camera display, panoramic sunroof folding outside mirrors, leather, and one of my favorites, heated and cooled front seats, to name a few.

Here's how I would rate the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid:

Vehicle Design and Look - 5 stars out of 5. The Optima looks great. Not just because I think so, but every single one of our friends thought the car looked "hot."

Vehicle Quality - 4 stars out of 5. The craftsmanship on the Optima is every bit was wonderful as the Sorento. I am in love-love-love with the leather, and the off-color trim makes it all the better. One thing I would like to see an improvement on is the gear shift. I find it's too easy to go into the Sportmatic Transmission Mode, especially when I don't want to! I do love the 10-year 100,000 powertrain warranty though, just in case.

Vehicle Technology - 5 stars out of 5. Gadgets galore! There isn't enough time to play with everything in the Optima, but the iPod connect and Voice Command are two of my favs. And what woman won't appreciate the one-touch unlocking feature? I love that I don't have to find the keys are are invariably in the bottom of my purse to open the car door.

Vehicle Performance - 3 stars out of 5. Maybe it's just me, but it was hard to get used to the Hybrid feature, after having driven on gas vehicles my entire life. The engine is still a little small, so "gunning it" in traffic would not be something I would suggest, as it may not respond the way you want. That said, who can argue with the gas mileage?

Overall Score - 4.25 stars out of 5.

Courtesy of addictedtosaving.com (blog)

Another great review on Yelp! Thanks Peter!

"We settled on Downtown LA because of their excellent customer service.  Everyone was extremely helpful and we got the best deal in town." - Peter H.

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