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Report: Kia recalling 70,000 Optima sedans over rollaway fears

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Kia

2007 Kia Optima

According to The Detroit News, Kia is recalling 70,115 examples of its 2006-2008 Optima sedans over a weak shift cable that could break and cause the car to roll unexpectedly when parked. Kia first noticed the problem in 2007 and changed manufacturing processes to try and cure the issue. They also notified technicians to look for flaws in customers’ Optimas and address the issue if there was a problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started an investigation into the 2007 model in November after getting three reports of weak or broken shift cables in automatic transmission cars preventing owners from shifting between Park, Drive and Reverse. In one case, a broken cable caused a parked car to roll away.

In response to the NHTSA inquiry, Kia has done more testing and evaluation on the cars and decided that a recall was necessary. Despite the recall, Kia says the problem hasn’t resulted in any “real world safety incidents.”

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: AOL Autos]

Report: Kia recalling 70,000 Optima sedans over rollaway fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Optima receives five-star NHTSA crash rating

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Safety, Crossover, Kia, Mini

2011 Kia Optima – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Kia Optima set the mark as the first Korean-built car to be officially five-star certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The all-new Optima recieved five-star ratings in the frontal, side-impact and rollover tests.

The Optima sports six airbags, active front headrests, side-impact door bars and height adjustable three-point seat belts for each seat. This five-star rating is indeed something worthy of bragging rights, as NHTSA imposed significantly stricter testing standards for 2011 models. Follow the jump for Kia’s press release.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima 2.0T: First Drive

2011 Kia Optima 2.0T

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Optima receives five-star NHTSA crash rating

2011 Kia Optima receives five-star NHTSA crash rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Sportage SX Turbo packs 256 hp, priced from $25,795

Filed under: Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sportage SX Turbo

2011 Kia Sportage SX Turbo – Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has dropped all the juicy details on its 2011 Sportage SX Turbo. The vehicle will hit the streets with a 256-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s also good for 264 pound-feet of torque. That makes the Sportage the second vehicle in the Kia lineup to take advantage of the automaker’s all-new direct-injection engine, the first being the 2011 Optima. The forced-induction four-pot will come bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, which should help the Sportage SX nab 27 miles per gallon on the highway in front-wheel-drive guise. The automaker says that the figure gives its CUV better fuel economy than any of its competitors.

In addition, the Sportage SX Turbo will use a firmer suspension compared to its naturally aspirated kin, and a host of aesthetic changes will set the vehicle apart from the rest of the Sportage line. Look for special 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust and a different grille to adorn the new turbo model.

Prices start at $25,795 for the front-wheel drive version. Opting for all-wheel drive will set you back an additional $1,500. Both prices exclude a $695 destination charge. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sportage SX Turbo

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Sportage SX Turbo packs 256 hp, priced from $25,795

2011 Kia Sportage SX Turbo packs 256 hp, priced from $25,795 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Rio falls in line with the rest of its swoopy family

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Kia, Diesel

2012 Kia Rio at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

2012 Kia Rio – Click above for high-res image gallery

The fourth-generation 2012 Kia Rio has made its world debut in front of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show crowd. From the subtle swooping body lines to the front grille, the all-new Rio now resembles the rest of the Kia family.

For the 2012 model year, the Kia Rio has become longer (3/4-inch), wider (1-inch) and lower (1/2-inch). Kia has pushed the wheelbase out to 101-inches, an increase of nearly three-inches over the outgoing Rio.

Available as a five-door or three-door, the 2012 Rio is offered with a choice between four engines and three transmissions. The two gas-burning options are a 1.25-liter inline-4 producing 83 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 87 pound-feet of torque, or a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 108 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque. Two turbocharged diesel options are available; a 1.1-liter triple that generates 81 horses and 69 pound-feet of torque or a 1.4-liter unit producing 89 hp and 159 lb-ft. Both diesel burners and the 1.4-liter gas engine are paired with a six-speed manual while the 1.25-liter gas-sipper gets a five-speed manual transmission. The 1.4-liter gasoline engine is also available with a four-speed automatic.

No word yet on which engines and door configurations are headed to the States, but we do expect for this much better looking hatchback to supplant the aging Rio here in North America soon. While you’re waiting, check out our galleries below and the official presser after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Kia Rio: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2012 Kia Rio

2012 Kia Rio

Continue reading Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Rio falls in line with the rest of its swoopy family

Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Rio falls in line with the rest of its swoopy family originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia K9 sedan spied, upscale cues include Maserati-style side vents

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Kia, Luxury, South Korea

Kia K9 – Click above for image gallery

Remember the proposed Kia K9 luxury sedan? Apparently, it’s a reality, as spy shots of the Kia flagship have hit a web forum in Korea. As you can see, the K9’s camouflage (which sneakily includes Hyundai Genesis wheels) doesn’t obscure a set of Maserati Quattroporte-style fender ports. Just how upmarket is Kia shooting with this? Well, according to the tipster who sent them to us, the K9 is expected to slot into the market space between the Hyundai Genesis and Equus sedans.

If those two are anything to go on, Kia might be on to something. From these photos, it looks like the K9 will not only sport Quttroporte-referencing vents along its fenders, but long, angular headlights and a protruding grille, leaving impressions of the BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XJ – lofty benchmarks, indeed. Thanks for the tip, K7!

Gallery: Kia K9 out and about

Kia K9 front disguised Kia K9 read disguised Kia K9 mirror Kia K9 wheel Kia K9 headlight

[Source: Bobaedream.co.kr]

Kia K9 sedan spied, upscale cues include Maserati-style side vents originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia making commercial out of Blake Griffin’s weak sauce dunk [w/video]

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Kia, Celebrities

blake griffin jumps a 2011 kia optima for a dunk

Blake Griffin posterizes the 2011 Kia Optima – Click above to watch video after the jump

The NBA All-Star Weekend has come and gone. As usual, the big story from basketball’s all-star break comes from the dunk contest. Depending on who you talk to, it was either a showcase of creative new stuff or an overload of weak-sauce prop dunks. Regardless, Kia is surely thrilled with the attention it’s own all-star Optima received. In fact, the automaker is so thrilled that footage of the dunk will be used in an upcoming commercial.

For those readers not following the NBA, Blake Griffin, LA Clipper and jumper extraordinaire, pulled a 2011 Kia Optima on to the court for his final dunk. Hiding in the cabin was Baron Davis, who provided an alley-oop pass through the open sunroof. Griffin lept over the hood, caught the ball and brought the already-standing crowd to a new level of excitement.

Upon intial viewing of the dunk, it seemed pretty amazing. However, upon subsequent review, we find the dunk to be fairly tame. We have a clip of the dunk for you to examine after the jump; sound off on its merits in the Comments.

[Sources: Kia, YouTube | Image: Noel Vasquez/Getty]

Continue reading Kia making commercial out of Blake Griffin’s weak sauce dunk [w/video]

Kia making commercial out of Blake Griffin’s weak sauce dunk [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Sportage tops small CUVs in Consumer Reports test

Filed under: Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan

2011 Kia Sportage

2011 Kia Sportage – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Kia Sportage beat out both the Nissan Juke and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in a recent CUV shootout conducted by Consumer Reports. According to CR, Kia has managed to more effectively straddle the line between a full-on SUV and a more civil hatchback with its offering. That’s thanks largely to the fact that the Sportage serves up plenty of interior room without falling on its face in the fun-to-drive department. While the Juke delivers unique styling and plenty of performance, buyers are forced to make major sacrifices in the cargo room department.

Meanwhile, Consumer Reports found the Outlander Sport to share too much DNA with the standard Outlander to take the title.

Everything wasn’t all roses and sunshine with the Sportage, however. CR noted that the vehicle has a planted highway ride, but that acceleration was “leisurely.” Additionally, the Korean CUV has a stiff ride and plenty of road noise at speed. The tester for this particular competition carried a $23,790 MSRP and the company’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower. CR says that the vehicle managed 22 combined miles per gallon in its testing. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sportage: Review

2011 Kia Sportage

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Kia Sportage tops small CUVs in Consumer Reports test originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Motorsports, Sedan, Kia, Racing

Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car – Click above for high-res image gallery

Is Kia considering following the lead set by Toyota in crafting an entry into NASCAR? No – at least not that we know of. But the Korean automaker is proving it has an interest in racing nonetheless, as you can see from the 2011 Kia Optima Turbo SX built by Kinetic Motorsports seen above.

According to Kia, this race car was built as a prototype to showcase the performance and racing capabilites of the Optima. Performance aside, this machine, which is being shown off at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, certainly looks the part of a credible racer.

It’s worth noting that the Kia Forte race car, also built by Kia racing partner Kinetic, finished second in the Grand-Am race at Daytona a few weeks ago. Will the Optima be following suit? It certainly wouldn’t be a complete surprise…

Gallery: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Facelifted Kia Soul hanging out in the cold

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Wagon, Hatchback, Kia

next generation kia soul spy photo

Spy Shots: Next-Generation Kia Soul – Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia is hard at work crafting an update to its funky little Soul. Our spy photographers in Germany have spotted a camo-clad example hiding an updated look.

Kia evidently plans on keeping up with current automotive trends, so the next-generation Soul will wear LED running lights (which are hiding beneath the amber stripes in the above photo) and sport turn-signal indicators in the mirrors.

Up front and out back, the Kia Soul will get revised bumpers. According to our sources, the Soul’s revised mouth will mimic the style found on the Kia Picanto, while the rear bumper cap are expected to seee the fog lights pushed further to the outside edges on Euro models.

There’s no word yet on when we’ll see this Soul sans-camo, but anything can happen when the auto show season is in full swing. In the meantime, we’ll have to use our imagination to figure out what’s going on under that camouflage, and you can try do the same by clicking through the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-generation Kia Soul

Spy Shots: Next-generation Kia Soul

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Facelifted Kia Soul hanging out in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Kia lining up third shift in GA to meet Sorento demand

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sorento SX

2011 Kia Sorento SX – Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia is fresh off a fantastic 2010 in which the Korean automaker increased sales by 19 percent versus 2009, boosting its market share from 2.9 to 3.1 percent. A major reason Kia fared so well in 2010 was the success of the Sorento, which managed 109,000 sales for the year.

Automotive News reports that Kia will look to increase that total in 2011 by adding a third shift to the company’s West Point, Georgia plant. Kia feels that stronger Sorento sales are inevitable given the fact that the U.S. auto market is picking up speed. Add the fact that dealers have reportedly been asking for more Sorentos for months now, and increasing production becomes more of a no-brainer.

Kia hasn’t yet announced a start date for the plant’s third shift, though dealers tell AN that additional Sorento CUVs will begin hitting retail stores “in the next couple months.” In the meantime Kia will be looking for additional workers in Georgia, and we’re thinking the Korean automaker will receive more than enough applications.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sorento SX

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Kia lining up third shift in GA to meet Sorento demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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