Ah, Mother’s Day, the second favorite day of the year for flower shops and chocolatiers.

In an attempt to sell SUVs and minivans to modern family-goers, car companies have come up with some funny and clever commercials aimed at making these vehicles slightly less boring.

Take a look at a few good commercials aimed at the modern Mother:

4. Family Friendly Vehicle – Kia Sorento

Not particularly funny, but this is one of a series of “documentary-style” ads Kia put out for the 2013 Sorento. They each go over individual features of the SUV aimed at showing mothers why it’s a smart vehicle for them and their little ones.

3. Safety Sacrifice “Ridin’ Dirty” – VW Tiguan

2. “The Motherhood” – Fiat 500L

Clever and well-done ad from Fiat that got some flak when it came out, but overall a good response. I think it’s funny.

Bonus: The Fatherhood

1. “Swagger Wagon” – Toyota Sienna

Easily my favorite Rapping Mom commercial, we posted about the Swagger Wagon when it was first released a few years ago.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Send these to your Mom and let us know what you think!

The article Happy Mother’s Day! Here are the Four Best ‘Mom’ Car Commercials appeared first on Automoblog.net.

Serving as a Christmas after Christmas for me, the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto is my first chance to gain a firsthand view of the most recent products. While many have made global debuts at many prior auto shows, I will attest there is no replacement to setting your own eyes on the presence of great vehicles. Therefore, as a member of accredited media, I set out to the festivities in Toronto ready to be dazzled once again by lovely creations from metal and applicable composites. Fitting for this year, the media day corresponding with Valentine’s Day allowed me to spend a day with ones I love the most from the families of General Motors, Ford, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, just to mention a few.

By entrance into Toronto was confronted by an occurrence that left me feeling a little sore. Getting off a crowded transit train, I attempted to be courteous and allow someone else to step down the stairs from the Toronto’s Union Station first platform. For some reason, the person gave a dirty look at me with a most ungrateful fashion. Chivalry is said to be dead; I am sure people like the one I experienced was the one who killed it. After being in the presence of so many disrespectful people in the past few years, I entered 2013 realizing I need to spend less time trying to be nice to the rotten and rude people because there are too many nice individuals on this planet who deserve respect. The fact that I have written over 500 articles for Automoblog.net and sister site Audisite.com demonstrates mutual goodwill I am thankful to be part of with every project I produce. It was just a bad predicament that shamefully detracted me from my enthusiasm for the 2013 auto show.

There is also the consideration that I believe that the automobile is an exclusive culture. The development of the automobile has always been the result of mass cooperation or mass competition among respectable rivals. For this reason, I looked forward to making up way to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. From the buzz of this year’s show, I knew it would be a bustling exhibition of vehicle lifestyle. I was not to be disappointed. Rather than giving an hour-by-hour account of everything I had the pleasure to immerse myself in during the Valentine’s Day media festivities at the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow, I can sum up the presentation along several themes.

The first such theme of the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow was more free-spirited automotive creations. The BMW i cars (the i3 hatchback and the i8 sport coupe) were found right beside a BMW Z4 roadster and 560-horsepower BMW M6 Gran Coupe creating a satisfying concentration of the German automaker’s best. Toyota brought their far-out Fun-Vii concept vehicle (a design I continue to liken to a lovechild between an electric car and smartphone). The dynamic screen-like panels of the Toyota Fun-Vii was worth beholding in person. With South Korean brand Kia, their display of family and economy-oriented vehicles (such as the newly revealed Cadenza sedan) was joined by a series of art cars.

It was my plan to regularly update of transpiring activities through Twitter but spotty media WiFi in the complex left me sending far fewer than I wanted. Nonetheless, I was able to send out a few rather eye-catching spectacles from the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. An instantly memorable example was a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG treated with a gold exterior. All I could think of when seeing that sport utility vehicle was who would drive something as lavishly but also lovingly pompous as a gold-plated luxury product. As if 544-horsepower from a highly capable four-wheel drive is not extravagant enough. The gold Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG was fittingly placed nearby the SLS AMG GT Roadster and just a small walk away from a disco ball-themed Smart Fortwo.

Aside from the outright showmanship, the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow had many new examples of premium motoring. Maserati held a press conference for the new Quattroporte sedan, Lincoln placed the MKC compact crossover at the centerpiece of their brand exhibition, Acura arrived at the auto show with a detailed prototype of the NSX supercar and McLaren attracted a steady crowd of journalists with the MP4-12C Spider. The ELR plug-in hybrid coupe was one of many vehicles shown by Cadillac in the brand’s floor space. This year, Cadillac was noticeably further from the other General Motors products between Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Topping the premium brands, Audi uncovered the SQ5 crossover, RS7 Sportback and the a red 2014 R8 supercar.

The 2013 show in Toronto also serves as a showcase for two American-derived high performance vehicles. The 2013 SRT Viper GTS in a candy red colour accent to 640 horsepower was understandably the pride and joy of Chrysler’s display. Despite the allure of the Viper supercar (especially in the year of the snake), Chevrolet practically saved the best for last at the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow’s media day. Knowing that everyone in the press were waiting for a special sports car to break away from its concealing sheet, the Chevrolet presentation was actually heavily focused on another vehicles; the next-generation Silverado pickup truck. The reasoning is actually quite excusable based on the fact the Silverado would be a major breadwinner for the brand but this only fanned anticipation for what is the heart of Chevrolet from 2014 and beyond. Finally, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray came to sight needing only a brief introduction. At no other time in the day was there such a media mob surrounding one vehicle and I can‘t blame them (mainly because I, myself, did not let the gray 2014 Corvette Stingray leave my sights for about fifteen minutes). On Valentine’s Day, I stood only a matter of a foot away from one of the special beauties in the modern automotive world.

Every year, I acknowledge the fact it is hard to make these articles engaging when much of the vehicles are not that new to readers. However, every year there is some ‘Canadiana’ present at Toronto’s car show that allows us to stand apart from our northern neighbours. From General Motors, Canada receives the compact utility Chevrolet Trax and Orlando for which are denied a presence in the United States marketplace. In addition to showing off the 2014 Outlander crossover, Mitsubishi has been displaying their newest subcompact car at the Canadian shows ahead of United States presentation in New York later this year. Aside from individual cars, the Suzuki brand of automobiles remains alive and well for the time being in Canada as the United States new car sales have been ending.

During the presentation of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a guest to the unveiling was Canadian sports car driver Ron Fellows. Having taken a Corvette to victory at sports car races at Daytona, Sebring, Road Atlanta and Le Mans, Fellows is so storied with the Corvette name that a special edition version of the C6 version honoured his devotion to the sports car. I can personally confirm that Ron Fellows is one classy guy who has granted me the pleasure of his time on several occasions.

Best thing about major auto shows is not limited to the new cars. Several exhibitions such as Auto Exotica, Canadian Hot Rod Builders Showcase and Cruise Nationals gave an additional flavour to the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. Consisting of high-end new cars such the Ferrari F12berlinetta and a Skyfall Silver edition of the Aston Martin Vanquish, Auto Exotica also presented a Maserati MC12 Corsa, Ferrari F40 and a 1989 Formula 1 Ferrari driven by Nigel Mansell.

While I prefer the pristine, stock-level automobile, I am not without appreciation to the personalized efforts that go into customized vehicles. The Canadian Hot Rod Builders Showcase was a scene where mild to more extreme custom cars and trucks were treated with unique touches. One noted vehicle was decked out as a street rod version of a Bell Canada service truck. A Chip Foose modified Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was another one of many attractive machines.

An annual event for the Canadian International AutoShow again collected a selected is few vehicles from various outdoor car shows over the past summer in the province of Ontario. The 2013 Cruise Nationals combined stock and custom vehicles that are featured in a room opposite of Auto Exotica. This year’s finalists ranged from a 1937 Studebaker Dictator and 1969 Lincoln MK III to a 1955 Ford F100 truck that was rebuilt from scratch into a custom. On display at the 2013 show, the nature of Cruise Nationals insures the owners do not have to maintain their vehicles as ‘trailer queens’ meaning that all the finalists will once again be hitting Canadian roads when the weather improves.

This year’s Canadian International AutoShow was the 40th consecutive edition in Toronto. From what I had been witness to for the 2013 edition of the auto event, celebration is everywhere. For someone who attended the show with little sleep from the night before, overloaded by camera equipment this year, I left the day knowing my love is well placed in automotive culture.

Information, photo, video source: Canadian International AutoShow, Chris Nagy

The article Love at the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow appeared first on Automoblog.net.

Reaching an end to another year, 365 days can be summed up by a number of successes and failures; the same can be said for the automotive field of 2012.

Vehicle premiere, discontinuation of models, safety recalls and other tidbits of news have been the subject matter for this as well as other automobile resources this past year. In what is a traditional pattern among news outlets, this article is taking time to look back at what the previous 12 months brought to car culture. The following examples are some spotlight moments involving automobiles in 2012.

Viper Returns as SRT Brand Vehicle

The discontinuation of the Viper supercar took the cherry off the top of the automaker’s sundae in 2010. Accepting the fact that a very potent Dodge Challenger SRT8 maintained some performance creditability for the Chrysler division, fans venomously desired the high-performance vehicle behind a reptile-inspired name. A car steered by a culture even the auto company was not immune to, the New York Auto Show marked the return of the Viper supercar. Under the newly assembled, performance-oriented SRT brand, a 640-horsepower V-10 engined dream machine materialized. Back with a vengeance, the SRT Viper took a bite at the American Le Mans Series with the Viper GTS-R for selected 2012 events starting at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Hyundai-Kia Busted on Fuel Economy Miscalculation

For anyone who has purchased a new car and boiled with outraged when fuel mileage was not as advertised, 2012 brought some high profile attention to this costly pet peeve. After an investigation by the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) into 13 Hyundai and Kia brand vehicles the Hyundai Motor Company was pressed to knowledge they misstated fuel economy. Affecting popular products built between the 2011 to 2013 model year, Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe as well as the Kia Shortage are some of the vehicles revealed to receive less fuel mileage than originally stated. The worst offender in terms of fuel economy was the automatic-equipped Kia Soul observed in producing six miles per gallon less in highway gas mileage.

Upon admitting the error, Kia and Hyundai owners of affected vehicles by lower fuel economy received special debit cards that will reimburse for the increased fuel consumption. Estimated to cost 100 million dollars, some civil attorneys filing suits to the problem could potentially make the price higher. There are many indications now the Hyundai-Kia fuel economy embarrassment could be etching the soil of even more investigations into misquoted fuel calculations. Bad news for automakers, the news has been terrific for lawyers filing class-action lawsuits.

Audi Hybrid Claims Historic Le Mans Win

The 2012 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was a technological showcase. Occupying paddock 56 was the radical Nissan Deltawing race car exhibiting clever lightweight engineering as an unclassified experimental entrant in the race. In the fight for victory in the prototype category, Audi’s R18 e-tron quattro diesel powerplant combined with an electric motor became the biggest newsmaker of the sports car season. Fielded by Team Joest, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro was brought to the Circuit de la Sarthe with just a single race of development. For the Le Mans 24-hour race, the two hybrid race machines entered by Audi crossed the finish line first and second place. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro became the first hybrid vehicle to win the French sports car classic.

Battle of the Super Pony Cars

As sharply rising fleet fuel economy averages threatens to put a cap on horsepower (or at least the way will get performance in future new cars), there is a very real possibility that free-spirited, American supercars could eventually be forced to practice more civility. Acting as a refreshingly defiant scene in the face of zero-emissions vehicles as well as downsized powerplants, Ford and Chevrolet grabbed pony car performance echelons untouched from a factory-prepped version.

Rolling out the 580-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 early in the year, General Motors’ pre-production enthusiasm was hindered by Ford’s latest Shelby GT500. Seeing the high-performance Camaro in the horizon, the response from Ford was a 662-horsepower presented as a 2013 model year vehicle. The latest motoring extremes of the supercharger-induced Ford Shelby GT500 and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 revisited the muscle car era where street-going horsepower was not subject to compromises. However, with both vehicles north of the $50,000-range, the super pony car lifestyle is about as accessible as an entry-level Tesla Model S.

Sun Sets on Suzuki’s Automotive Business

In November, American Suzuki Motor Corporation filed for bankruptcy and announced the winding down of their 27-year effort of distributing automobiles to the United States. Operating as a very small vehicle niche in later years, sales of vehicles like the Grand Vitara crossover and the Kizashi sedan in the United States were ultimately not enough sustain the product line-up for the future. Despite concerns that Suzuki vehicles could now possess lower resale values as part supplies and customer support after warranty periods will be tainted, sales of automobiles have been showing an upward pattern ending off November claiming by 22 percent compared to 2011.

Chrysler, Dodge Drops NASCAR Effort After 2012 Season

After five wins and 23 top-ten finishes on the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup tour, Brad Keselowski claimed the 2012 stock car title. Driving a Dodge Charger, it was the first time since 1975 that the brand powered a competitor to the series championship. With the triumph in 2012 came realization that 2013 will not feature a title defence from a Dodge. Early in 2012, Keselowski’s NASCAR team Penske Racing had announced a switch to Ford for the upcoming season. Unable to find a suitable anchor team in the present NASCAR series or the Nationwide Series, Chrysler chose to pull the plug on support of racing activities. It also means the sharp-looking 2013 Sprint Cup version of the Dodge Charger will not be joining the Chevrolet SS and Ford Fusion on NASCAR race tracks.

Brad Keselowski was also involved in a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series moment of glory with Chrysler Group. Ryan Blaney won the September race at Iowa Speedway driving a Keselowski-owned Ram pickup truck. The first victory for the Ram brand, Blaney’s win was the first for a Chrysler division truck since March of 2008.

Tesla Shocks Many with Model S

A car that almost didn’t come to be as Elon Musk’s all-electric automaker has been tethering on financial disaster, Tesla’s luxury four-door sedan certainly made a charge forward in the battery-powered car segment.

An eye-catching sports sedan, technological innovation at the heart of the Tesla Model S. Safe to say the Tesla Model S is not likely to become an all-electric equivalent to the Ford Model T in changing the way we travel. However, requiring around $50,000 (after government tax credits) for a base example, the price of the Model S positioned at roughly half of their outgoing Roadster. Tesla is showing electric vehicle can edge towards cost effectiveness.

Nine years since the Toyota Prius, two years after the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt, the Tesla Model S became the 2013 Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. The award’s first all electric vehicle winner the Model S sedan was admired for its technological as well as design. At this point, only one of the company’s harsher critics Mitt Romney could be quieter than the Tesla Model S sedan’s electric motor. For the record, I am tiring of the electric vehicle puns as much as I suspect readers are.

Battery Blunders for Electric Vehicles

As electric cars have become more prevalent, it is perhaps inevitable that electric vehicles join the rest of the production car culture with the occasional recall. However, with so many new electrified vehicles entering the marketplace in 2012, quite a bit of noise was created around some popular battery-dependant cars.

At the beginning of 2012, the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt was placed under a safety recall after a federal crash test later led to a fire. Linked to a damaged battery coolant system following the crash, the Chevy Volt’s problem was quickly addressed.

Another plug-in hybrid car, the Fisker Karma, has been connected to more troublesome battery saga. A late 2011 recall of the Karma because of a battery fire risk was only a start to a series of teething problems resulting with a start-up auto company and their new vehicle. Similar to the Chevrolet Volt, the cooling system for the Karma’s battery was the culprit that time as well as a later recall in August. The Fisker Karma was also the recipient of a lot of embarrassment when a Consumer Reports test vehicle shut down during evaluation. Ultimately found to be a construction flaw at Fisker’s battery supplier A123 Systems, the issue compounded issues with the latter company. Entered into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October, A123 Systems was ultimately sold to Wanxiang America Corporation founded by Chinese businessperson Lu Guanqiu.

Google Revolutionizing How People Will Not Drive

In 2012, the Google driverless car or self-driving car fleet has achieved over 300,000 miles of travel with 50,000 performed without a human driver. Despite the many concerns regarding autonomous vehicles roaming the roads and highways, work by Google is continuing to gain steam.

2012 saw new freedoms introduced for the Google driverless Car project as the state of Nevada and California where tests can be performed on public roads. Unrelated to Google, mining company Rio Tinto announced they were created a driverless train for operating in Western Australia by 2014. A popular cultural icon among anyone following technology, the Google driverless car concept was also a subject of a NASCAR April Fool’s Day joke. As the driverless vehicles earned the right to operate on roadways, it is unclear if the car had to pose for an ugly license card picture.

Information source: A123 Systems, Audi AG, Chrysler Group, Google, NASCAR, Suzuki, Tesla Motors
Photo source: Audi AG, Bryan Czobat/Autostock, Chris Nagy, Google

The article In the Rearview Mirror: 2012 Auto News in Review appeared first on Automoblog.net.

Both Kia and Honda are releasing small cars at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. We have yet to drive either, but based on looks, Kia certainly has the upper hand. In order to keep sales consistent, Hyundai and Kia have staggered model releases. Hyundai gets the newest generation models first, while Kia follows later.

Hyundai released the 2011 Elantra to great acclaim while the Forte remained a previous generation model. For 2014, the Forte is all-new and you can see some styling influence from the Elantra that it is based on. The good news though, is that it is better looking…a lot better looking. In fact, it is one of the freshest designs in the segment.

This continues a trend of us liking Kia designs more than their Hyundai counterparts. Hyundai took Fluidic Sculpture too far and is now showing off a more toned-down “Storm Edge” look beginning with the new Santa Fe. Kia’s designers are some of the best in the business. What a startling turn-around from just a few years back, when their cars were, at best, nondescript. Curiously, they didn’t release any pictures of the Forte. If they keep up the good work though, we will get a stylish driver-centric cockpit feel.

Despite not showing off the interior, they did release a host of other details. Keeping with Kia’s aim for a premium feel, the Forte has standard features like LED accent lighting and optional features like high-intensity discharge headlights. Under the hood you have the choice of two engines: the first is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, making 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Moving up to the 2.0-liter unit will get you 25 extra hp and 22 lb-ft. of torque. The Forte goes on sale early next year. The model we are really looking forward to is the new Koup model. Despite not being fans of the sedan the last time around, we have always liked that car.

The article LA: 2014 Kia Forte appeared first on Automoblog.net.

Alright, so it is two days past Black Friday. Assume I was like so many others who were making leaping dives to save ten dollars on a toaster. Black Friday is one of those interesting periods of near savage behaviour in the name of consumerism. The ironic part is day where shoppers are enticed to swarm into stores arrives after one of family togetherness and bidding thanks to simpler things (along with the generous addition of football).

On the day of Thanksgiving (or Black Friday Eve if retailers would be able to brand the November day), many of us are reintroduced to relatives we have a hard time believing are part of our family. Referred to as “Black Sheep”, almost every family has at least one member that adds a different (often positive but quirky) element to the dinner table as the turkey is served. In the car business, the desire to inhabit or create niche markets has created many Black Sheep vehicles. Is being labelled a Black Sheep really a bad thing? Consider the act that the Toyota Prius could have been seen as a Black Sheep example a decade ago.

Whether evolving the brand’s family or becoming an outcast, the automotive world’s Black Sheep of 2013 is an intriguing group of individuals.

Buick Encore

There is no better way to stand out from a crowd than to formulate an all-new category in a marketplace. Defined as the first premium subcompact crossover vehicle to be sold in the United States, the Buick Encore is a surreal direction for the General Motors brand to explore. Built on the same Gamma II platform as the Chevrolet Sonic and the upcoming Chevrolet Trax, front-wheel and all-wheel drive options are available on this new for 2013 Buick product. Despite Encore’s small dimensions, Buick family traits will be realized through the ride and comfort.

Chevrolet Volt

Coming from the same brand nameplate that crafted the Corvette and Camaro, the Volt sedan without the Chevrolet ‘bowtie’ would hardly be seen as a relative. Perhaps the first black sheep that comes to mind in the auto industry, the plug-in hybrid Volt is a quiet outsider. Thanks to a lithium-ion battery pack powering an electric motor, the 2013 Chevy Volt can cruise up 37 miles without even sipping gasoline. With the Chevrolet Volt is being sold as a vehicle for the future, this could be the equivalent to the first child who graduated from high-tech university course. A possible trailblazer for newer models of Chevrolet automobiles or perhaps its extended family under the Cadillac name, the Volt could be misunderstood or disliked for its desire to trumpet techo talk. However, as time goes on, the Chevrolet Volt’s lingo could become the source for new conversation at family gatherings.

Nissan Juke

Nissan has been effective in the past several years establishing a more prevalent global fixture. While vehicles need to stand out from the competitors in a sales-oriented position, there has to be a level of restraint in place so consumers can easily envision stepping into a vehicle; The 2013 Nissan Juke is unapologetically not that vehicle. Appearing to be the lovechild between the 370Z sports car and a Rogue crossover utility vehicle, the Juke is an unmistakable creature relishing urban environments. Powered by its 1.6 liter turbocharged engine, the Nissan Juke’s ground clearance and optional all-wheel drive reveals a sense of dependability. A Black Sheep vehicle with rock and roll dreams, the Juke-R could be a persona that causes a serious double take.

Lincoln Navigator

In a family, the Lincoln Navigator would be the older aunt or uncle that refuses to create an Apple iTunes account. Much preferring the collection of ‘vinyl’ it accepts as tried and true, the Lincoln Navigator is a relic of a time of big American luxury (even if it is a sport utility vehicle). V-8 engine as well as large size inside and outside are feature’s the ‘new’ Lincoln line-up has worked hard to distance itself from in the new era. Remaining a steady seller in the Lincoln model range, the Navigator is a Black Sheep that holds clout within the family.

Porsche Cayenne

Thanks to corporate peer pressure, Porsche joined the crossover utility segment in 2002. A platform co-developed with the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg, the Porsche iteration of the vehicle was by far the most controversial. While all-wheel drive had already been explored in Porsche sports cars, the presence of a full-fledged member to the urbanized utility vehicle market was in effort to boost sales of the sports car maker. While opposition from purists still exists for this Black Sheep, strong sales overrode the initial stigma of the Cayenne. In 2013, the Porsche Cayenne is one of the division’s most diverse line-up with the addition of the Cayenne Diesel, Turbo S and the Cayenne GTS.

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is like the cousin that shows up to a traditional, posh family wedding wearing sneakers and sunglasses. Brought to the automotive marketplace in 2010, the Kia Soul was a radical vehicle from a company that was only starting to establish a styling ID. Though sharper design has branched out throughout the Kia model range, the Soul possesses the most Black Sheep-like personality. Existing as a front-wheel drive subcompact, the Soul’s proportions avails the vehicle to sizable cargo capacity. Despite its practicality, the Kia Soul backpack presentation is quite a party animal. Well-equipped in standard trim, the top-rated Soul ! package adds premium Kia’s UVO in-car entertainment suite. Despite its chic image, the Kia Soul is still aware of the value of a dollar presented for a price below $20,000.

Information and photo source: Chris Nagy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Kia Motors, Nissan  Porsche Cars

The article 2013 Automotive Black Sheep Herd appeared first on Automoblog.net.

Growing up, many of us have acquainted ourselves with the incorruptible good guys originating from comic books. If you were a Marvel comic book fan, you anxiously read the adventures of the recently live action-adapted team called The Avengers. If a supporter of DC Comics (known officially as DC Entertainment), your world was highlighted by the Justice League pairing. Two cases demonstrating the power a combined force can have against a massive enemy, the real world faces evils that are not sourced from a villain costumed as a “Joker” or “Penguin”.

In the Horn of Africa, a hunger epidemic reports 8 million in urgent need for food and assistance. Realizing an importance in bringing some of the ideals of their comic superhero characters to the living world, DC Entertainment founded the “We Can Be Heroes” initiative to bring awareness and aid to the troubled region of the world. In attempt to empower others to give to the We Can Be Heroes campaign, DC Entertainment has enlisted their Justice League force to spread the message.

Since 1939, Gotham City is been protected by a caped crusader. While the story tone and even the character was altered through several iterations of the Dark Knight over 73 years, Batman has always been an individual guided by a sense of justice and committed to defending the innocent from the devious plans of frightening villains. In a partnership with DC Entertainment, RIDES magazine as well as Kia Motors, the full Batmobile treatment was given to the Optima SX Limited sedan inside and out.

A custom vehicle created from the sketchbook of artist Jim Lee in association with RIDES magazine, the Batman-themed Kia Optima SX Limited mirrors the shadowy character and near-hunting attitude of the superhero inspiration. A matte and piano black paint scheme covers the sedan that is now accented with a body kit. The car’s ride height has been lowered for a more aggressive profile by a coil-over suspension system. Ksport performance brakes, custom 20-inch black wheels and a performance-tuned exhaust are other modifications make a relatively mild-mannered Kia Optima SX Limited a potentially elusive presence when daylight drops. Bright yellow exterior LED lighting along the lower surface of the Dark Knight version Kia sedan brings illumination to the dark night along with HID headlamps that now project the bat signal.

Sheltered when the turbines are at speed (or rather the Optima SX Limited’s turbocharged 2-liter powerplant), a custom interior for the Batman-themed vehicle carries on the superhero persona. Black leather and suede with yellow stitching shapes the seating adorned with bat insignias. A pair of front seat headrest-installed video screens greets rear seat passengers with an intentional message from the Justice League creators. A special video presentation has been produced for viewing on the rear-viewing displays highlighting the African hunger crisis provoking the We Can Be Heroes campaign. Another Batman touches that will adorn the custom Kia Optima SX Limited include throwing stars installed in the center console area and a full Bat suit located in the trunk.

The Batman-inspired Optima SX Limited sedan will be the first of eight Kia brand vehicles that cooperative agreement with DC Entertainment for the We Can Be Heroes initiative. Raising money through www.WeCanBeHeroes.org, DC Entertainment has pledged to match donations.

Information and photo source: Kia Motors

The article The Dark Kia? Batman-Themed Optima Prepped for Charity appeared first on Automoblog.net.

Hybrid technology is here to stay, and while it is not a new technology on the road, it is only recently that the vehicles have started to show up with a bit more styling than their early predecessors.  Recently, I had the opportunity to test two of these rides next to each other, the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid, and there is quite a bit to talk about between the two.

As it heads into its second generation as a hybrid, the Camry Hybrid is powered by a 156 horsepower, 2.5 liter 4 cylinder motor, mated to the drive train with a CVT.  Unlike the fully equipped regular Camry, the Hybrid model does not come with the extra trim pieces around the body, keeping the clean, smooth lines the Camry is known for. The power allows for quick acceleration off the line, and while not as smooth as a regular vehicle, it is quick enough to get to speed when necessary.

With that though, the transition from electric (EV) mode to powered comes with a physical hiccup, a delay that isn’t as smooth as the Prius model.  Even though the whole setup is very similar, the Camry Hybrid does not feel as refined as its sister, and that came as a bit of a disappointment as I cruised all over the state.  The Camry will still run on full electric up to 27 mph, but after that, the 2.5 liter motor is a bit underwhelming.

And that feeling does not end at the power.  Inside the Camry, the technology integrated feels already outdated, with analog gauges, an outdated navigation and multimedia unit, and overall inexpensive materials used for the build.  While this is not an article comparing the Prius to the Camry, it’s difficult to go from a ride that has stepped its game in regards to quality and hybrid technology to one that feels left behind.

Overall comfort of the Camry Hyrbid is there though, as the lineup has always been known for.  It’s a smooth riding vehicle able to handle rough roads and corners like most family sedans.  Even with the increased weight from the hybrid drive train, the Camry Hybrid actually felt sportier than the previously reviewed SE Limited Edition, which came as a big surprise.  Sadly, even when cruising the highway, it wouldn’t go to full EV mode except going down hill or coasting, which felt a bit like an misstep on Toyota’s end.

The controls on the steering wheel were the standard features, and overall, the vehicle left no major bad taste in my mouth as it’s just a Camry, a vehicle known for being safe, easy to drive, and sadly bland.

Now lets look at the Kia Optima Hybrid, a vehicle new to the green market, and coming fast and strong.  Powered by a 166 horsepower, 2.4 liter 1-4 motor, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with auto-manual, this new ride has quite a kick for a hybrid.

Pressed hard off the line, the tires were able to lose traction every now and then, and acceleration to speed was quick and smooth.  The transition from electric and to powered is quite a bit smoother than the Camry, but still has a bit of lag.  That is honestly to be expected.   The interaction between the two systems is very seamless, and aside from the physical hiccup, is of little notice while driving.  Unlike the Camry Hyrbid, the Optima is able to go under electric power up to 40 before transitioning, and uses both energy sources for hard-hammered driving.

Inside the Optima was a different story than the Camry, with a fully loaded an integrated multimedia system packed full of driving information useful and easy to access.  The screen between the two gauges provided all the information needed, from driving habits to navigation, all accessible through the steering wheel.

The quality of the interior pieces carries over the great styling from outside, with a solid touch to every aspect inside.  This is not your every day, mom and pop grocery getter.  No, this Optima Hybrid is class and style all wrapped up in curves, glass, and leather.  The glass is very important here as there is quite a bit of it, even on the roof with a panoramic moonroof.

Driving the Kia Optima Hybrid was a joy, with solid acceleration and braking, and a very sport feel even through canyon runs.  The tires that wrap the 17-inch wheels though are a bit soft though, and honestly I would replace them with a set that is provides more grip.  The suspension was able to keep up with all over the divots and bumps that come with driving, and inside road noise was minimal.

While front seat comfort was great, there is a downside to the sloping back of the Optima.  Headroom was lacking for my 6ft 1in frame, and even slouched, got a bit close for comfort.  And while the ride might not be aimed towards drivers with full grown passengers all around, it would have been nice to be able to fit in the back for those times it would be necessary.

Both the Camry Hybrid and Optima Hybrid as equally priced fully loaded, but differ in so many other ways.  From the build quality to the integrated technology, the Camry is left in the dust by the Optima.  The Camry is bland and outdated inside the ride, leaving little to the imagination when it came to driver comforts, with a few things like heated seats, navigation, and a nice clean look.  The Optima felt stuffed to the brim with everything imaginable, from heated and cooled seats to a great technology system providing all sorts of useful data, all surrounded by a solid feeling dash in a cabin that where you feel safely confined.

Hybrids may be here to stay, even against many wishes of writers like myself, but there is no reason they should be boring.  Eco doesn’t mean bland, but unfortunately for Toyota, that is exactly what the Camry Hybrid is on the road.  And with Kia bringing a better-equipped vehicle to market, costing less than the Camry, there honestly is little excuse for bland.  The Kia Optima Hybird has set the standard, and its currently out of reach for the Camry Hybrid.

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The article Hybrid Sedan Face-Off: Kia Optima vs. Toyota Camry appeared first on Automoblog.net.

More often than not, Kia vehicles have been associated with low quality and low prices, but over the past few years, the rides have shown an increase of quality and styling while keeping prices reasonable.  This is especially true for the 2012 Kia Sportage, a small SUV that has earned its place on the road.

On the outside, the Sportage is sleek looking, with unique lines and body panels that will never be mixed up with another ride.  It’s a body that has personality, giving it a sort of appeal that many manufactures have trouble designing. With its sleek back front end, full glass panoramic sunroof, and sleep styling, this third generation Sportage is something different in an often-mimicked world.

While the ride is available with a few different levels of trim and engine configurations, in order to get the most out of the vehicle, it’s the 2.0-liter turbocharged motor with 260 horsepower that has truly set the bar high.  Available in the SX model with the sport tuned suspension, this engine took the ride to a whole new level of enjoyment when hitting a variety of roads, from cruising the highway in quiet and comfort, to taking the corners of the local mountain roads.  Never coming across underpowered, the ride delivered perfectly on every journey it took.  And with an estimated 22 miles per gallon in the city, and 29 on the highway for the front wheel drive version, the Sportage is far from cutting into the wallet for those drives.

The features in the ride are far from lacking as well.  The base model includes Bluetooth connectivity, iPod/USB audio interface, satellite radio, 60/40 split folder rear seats, and full power windows and doors.  Upgrading to the SX model, as was tested, takes it all to a whole new level, with LED daytime running lights, fog lights, keyless ignition and entry, leather seas, 18 in wheels, UVO voice activated controls, HD radio, touch screen controls, and heated/cooled seats.  Quite the package for such a well-priced vehicle, and in many cases, steps beyond what the competitors are bringing to the roads.

The interior of the Sportage is a far cry from the bland and boring styling of the past, bringing a touch of class and quality to it that is a pleasing mix of curves and organic design.  The leather sears in the SX model are well contoured, allowing for great comfort even on the longer trips, while also providing plenty of support while driving the vehicle in a spirited manner.  The headroom was ample, especially with the full panoramic sunroof, and the overall feel was comfortable even with 4 adults inside.  Cargo space was a bit smaller than found in competitor’s vehicles, but not so much that it hindered usability.  Even with the rear seats laid flat, there was plenty of cargo room for a wide range of tasks.

Driving the Sportage was an adventure in itself, with the 260 horsepower motor powering the ride smoothly and comfortably.  With all the driver aids within reach or built into the steering wheel, there was little else to do other than focus on driving.  It was pleasantly smooth and comfortable, even while accelerating hard up to speed on the highways, and never gave a hint of linger as it navigated even some of the worst maintained streets in the area.  Even with the 18-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspect ion, the ride was quite enjoyable.

The overall impressions of the 2012 Kia Sportage are quite favorable.  With a very well styled ride, paired with an array of options, there are few small SUVs on the market that can meet, or beat, the Sportage.  With a fully loaded price of a bit over $26,000, Kia has brought a well rounded, fun SUV to the market that has almost every option imaginable for the modern driver, and has left many competitors in the dust.  Price vs. price, option vs. option, the Kia Sportage is the deal of the year in the small SUV market.

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The article Deal of the Year: 2012 Kia Sportage appeared first on Automoblog.net.

The Kia Sorento was completely redesigned for the 2011 model year and cruises into 2012 with a new engine with more power, improved fuel economy, and new technology to help the driver stay connected. The fully-equipped mid-size Sorento was redesigned last year with a new unibody construction and is much more car-like than before. The previous generation Sorento used a truck-based architecture, but the newly designed crossover is 600 pounds lighter, roomier, and offers greater cargo capacity.

We’ll be testing the EX AWD three-row model that seats seven. The 2012 Sorento competes in the midsize crossover segment with the Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge, and Honda Pilot. With the Sorento’s new styling, engine and infotainment system, it offers a good value when compared with the competition. The Sorento is the first vehicle built at Kia Motors in West Point, Georgia and the company’s first vehicle to surpass sales of 100,000 in a single year.

New technology inside

For 2012, the Kia Sorento features a new voice-activated infotainment system designed to help the driver stay connected without being distracting from the road ahead. The new system called UVO, is based on the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform.

This EX AWD tester ($27,650) comes with a number of standard comfort features like automatic dual-zone climate control with ionized air purification, eight-way power driver seat with lumbar controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, push-button start, and reversing sonar and camera. Outside the EX comes with foglights, automatic headlights, rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, and roof rails.

The Premium Package ($3,800) upgrades to leather seats first and second rows, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, power folding mirrors, memory driver’s seat and outside mirrors, power front passenger seat, navigation with Sirius traffic, Infinity surround-sound, and split-folding 50/50 third-row seat.

Sorento is spacious

The Sorento feels spacious inside and when equipped with seven-passenger seating configuration, it offers 149.4 cubic feet of interior volume. The compact crossover offers lots of legroom up front making it a good choice for taller drivers. The second row is comfortable and legroom is adequate for average size adults. As in most three-row vehicles, the Sorento’s third row is good for carrying adults short distances and good for small children.

Overall, the 2012 Sorento interior offers good versatility with enough interior volume for passenger comfort and plenty of cargo carrying ability for grocery hauling during the week and camping trips in the mountains on the weekends.

A new engine offers more power and increased fuel economy

The 2012 Sorento is available with a new four-cylinder engine that delivers excellent fuel economy. The new 2.4-liter Gas Direct Injection four-cylinder gets an EPA-rated 21/28 mpg with AWD. The 2.4-liter engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb. ft. of torque. The new GDI engine produces 10 percent more power and 7 percent more torque than the base engine. And it does this while getting slightly better fuel economy.

The 2012 Kia Sorento’s new unibody construction translates to a smooth and more comfortable ride over the previous generation model’s truck-based architecture. The lighter version handles better and is relatively quiet and feels stable on the road at high speeds.

The suspension is tuned more for driving comfort and sport than for off-roading. Between the independent rear suspension, unibody architecture and power-assisted power steering, the Sorento handles the curves well when driven aggressively. The small crossover is agile and has a sporty feel to it. And the available full-time all-wheel-drive with locking rear differential offers good footing in dry or wet conditions.

The 2012 Kia Sorento EX AWD is a stylish compact crossover that has received numerous awards including being recognized as a 2011 “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The small SUV is a well-appointed, fuel efficient and functional vehicle that will haul the family or cargo. But the new engine and chassis offers performance and handling that will please the driver looking for a fun-to-drive sporty family hauler.

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The article 2012 Kia Sorento EX AWD Review appeared first on Automoblog.net.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the current Kia Forte sedan was being launched, heralding a new era in Kia small cars. The current Forte is perhaps the first truly competitive Kia small car, and we’ve taken a liking to the sporty Koup version. Since its launch though, the company has grown leaps and bounds, settling into a role as a bolder, more driver-focused brand than Hyundai.

Models like the Optima and upcoming Quoris (really now?) illustrate this change. The next step is a redesign of its small car, and Kia has revealed some images of the all-new 2013 Kia Forte, and boy does it look good. The 2013 makes its mark as a more substantial vehicle than it replaces – both in style and substance.

The new car is lower, longer and wider than the model it replaces. Stylistically the Forte moves up to a new level; the current Forte has an attractive but plain appearance. The 2013 is more dynamic and manages to not be as overwrought as the “Fluidic Sculpture” Elantra. Inside, we expect it to be a similar story, with a more driver-focused cockpit feel.

The Forte comes packing some upscale touches such as LED headlights front and back. Even in the mid-size segment we haven’t risen to that level of standard equipment yet. LED lighting helps gives the car a premium appearance and appears to be a standard feature. The Forte continues with the Hyundai/Kia strategy of next-generation Hyundai models debuting first. Staggered launches for the two brands help to keep sales stable. Today’s small car segment is filled with highly competitive models like the 2013 Dodge Dart, 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 2013 Ford Focus and the company’s own 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Sorry Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but those aforementioned models are the ones to beat now. With Kia’s success in other segments, we’re eager to see where the 2013 Forte places among the small car pack.

The article Next-Generation 2013 Kia Forte Debuts Online appeared first on Automoblog.net.

The new 2012 Kia Rio has shown the world that fun and affordability in the subcompact market are not impossible to find.  With a brand new design brought to the 2012 model year, this new look brings with it a sedan and five-door ride, all with a sleek new body.  Along with the improved styling has come the fuel economy many are looking for in a new car.

While the Rio is a small car, it still manages to be spacious inside, with the new five doors bringing increased legroom and headroom in the front and rear.  Even for taller passengers, there is more than enough room inside the car, giving an almost deceiving feeling to its actual size.

The Rio is not a technologically driven car, but still has great options available, including a great multimedia system called UVO, along with a backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and steering wheel controls.  Overall, the interior has a smooth, comfortable layout that doesn’t intrude on the comfort or passengers.

The 2012 Kia Rio is one of the best small cars to hit the streets in a while, and with a strong engine producing 138 horsepower and 123 ftlbs of torque, it is no shortage of power to lead to some nice spirited drives through the corners and strait aways.  And while it is not the fastest subcompact on the road, for the price, it really is one of the better ones to drive.  Zero to sixty is achieved in less than 9 seconds, all while maintain 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway.

With a great amount of comfort and safety also crammed into this small car as standard, including six airbags, ABS, and stability control, this is also a great car for the average driver on the road.  The increased vision with the 5-door coupe minimizes the blind spots, and with a car as peppy as this, it is almost necessary for navigating the chaotic roads.

There are no shortages of accolades that can be said for the Kia Rio, but the best would be to describe it as the new go cart for the road.  It is not the fastest and doesn’t have all the electronic additions becoming common in rides these days, but the package it delivers truly gives it great marks.  And while the road noise is a little loud, and the seats a bit hard, the redesigned Rio brings to the table styling and peppiness that is often reserved for higher priced cars.

The 2012 Kia Rio starts at $14,500, and with options up to $18,000 fully loaded.

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The article 2012 Kia Rio: Full of Pep appeared first on Automoblog.net.

There’s a lot of power in a good name. A name brings to mind certain things; associations, characteristics and the like. Impressions can form that stick for years. Kia has been working to change perceptions about its brand; and the effort has been successful thanks to impressive product. In the United States the Kia Optima is the brand’s largest sedan.

Elsewhere in the world, the front-wheel drive, Azera-based Cadenza has done flagship duty. We don’t get it here in the U.S, but that’s OK because we’re getting something much better – a rear-wheel drive sedan. Up until now, we haven’t known what to call it. In it’s home market of Korea, the car’s official name is K9. No joke.

Apparently the name K9 doesn’t have the same implications there as it does here. It was clear that for the U.S and other markets, a new name was needed. Kia has announced it today and the result is Quoris. It sure is unique, but we’ll let you be the judge on whether or not that is a good thing. Thomas Oh, Kia’s Executive Vice President, had this to say about the name:

“Derived from the English words ‘core’ and ‘quality’, the name of our new flagship sedan hints at the attributes at the very heart of the vehicle….the word ‘Quoris’ conveys solidity, luxury and high-technology, all resonating together as a chorus…..our decision to give this striking new sedan an unconventional name means it will stand out even further from the established crowd, driving Kia sales in what is a new segment of the global automotive market for Kia.”

Regardless of what it is called, we’re looking forward to the new sedan being sold here. Who would have thought Kia would be fielding a competitive RWD sedan? That’s the kind of change we like to see.

The article Kia Settles On Quoris Name For Rear-Wheel Drive Flagship appeared first on Automoblog.net.

If you haven’t been following what the South Koreans are doing, it might look like they have come from nowhere and taken the automotive world by storm. Kia, which is owned by Hyundai Motor Group has been steadily moving up the automotive ladder in a number of key areas. The quality of their cars has improved significantly, they are bringing new cars to market quicker than any other manufacturer and they are building stylish vehicles. The Kia Optima is a good example of what the South Koreans have been able to do.

When you think of family sedans, the first word most people associate with them is dull or boring. The 2012 Kia Optima is anything but dull. It is sleek, aggressive and modern. Although it doesn’t get many changes for the 2012 model year, it doesn’t need any. The big news this year; the 2012 Optima adds a Hybrid version to the lineup.

Hybrid technology

The all-new 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid ($25,700) uses a 2.4-liter Inline 4 Atkinson cycle gas engine that produces 166 horsepower. The Hybrid’s gas engine is connected by a wet clutch to an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor producing 40 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.

The 270V lithium-polymer (Li-PB) battery that powers the electric motor is state-of-the-art. Hyundai says that compared to a nickel metal hydride system, this 95-pound Li-PB system is 20-30 percent lighter, 40 percent smaller, holds a charge 25 percent longer, is 10 percent more efficient, and offers twice the power density.

The Optima Hybrid can be driven in full-electric mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour. Hyundai says when the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions. We didn’t experience this in the week of testing the Hybrid. A unique Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation up to 12 miles per hour, to help notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.

Optima Hybrid features

Outside, Optima Hybrid ($25,700) comes loaded with extra features like 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, a rear spoiler, and LED taillamps. Inside, there’s an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, electric dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with Smart Key, and Sirius radio. The Hybrid also offers a Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system with its audio system, incorporating Bluetooth and back-up camera, and Infinity’s deluxe 12-speaker audio system.

The Hybrid’s Premium Technology Package ($5350) adds 17-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, panoramic sunroof, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID head lights with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink and compass, a navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic, and the premium Infinity audio system.

More Hybrid features inside

The 2012 Optima Hybrid features a display on the instrument panel with flowers that grow in the Eco mode. The driver can watch the bouquet grow which means the driver is being as green as possible while driving. In the center of the instrument cluster, a display shows average and instant fuel mileage, with blue bars that move with the throttle position and scores the driver’s efficiency. An Eco guide with white, green and red zones flows back and forth between the wheels, battery, and engine, and is more of a distraction than anything very useful.

Optima Hybrid performance

The Optima Hybrid is reasonably powerful. The gas engine and electric motor have enough power and torque to move the new hybrid sedan quickly. Because it’s a hybrid, there is no plug-in, so you just fill it up with gas and go. The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 35/40 miles per gallon city/highway. But these are just estimates and in real-world driving, the Optima Hybrid won’t match these numbers. The only way to hit those numbers is to drive at 60 mph in Eco mode. That’s not very realistic for most drivers. Expect more like 33/35 city highway if you drive normal.

The 2012 Optima Hybrid uses a six-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission. The transmission is programmed for optimum fuel-mileage and not performance. The Hybrid transmission has a bit of hesitation when needing to accelerate quickly while in traffic. If you want performance, the Optima with the 2.0-liter turbo is the car for those who like to drive.

For 2012, the Kia Optima lineup includes three different models, each with distinctive characters. The base Optima EX is great for families, the fast and silky Turbo for sport minded drivers, and the new Hybrid which offers the best fuel mileage. The South Koreans are catching up fast to the competition and may have passed them in styling and sportiness.

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The article 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Review appeared first on Automoblog.net.

The 2012 Kia Soul is a compact hatchback aimed at the Millennial generation, but is perfect for anyone who has a youthful spirit. Youthful styling is what draws younger buyers to the Kia Soul, but it also has a lot to offer like good fuel mileage, practicality and technology. For 2012, the styling on the new Kia Soul has been freshened and boasts new engines that should make the functional hatchback even more attractive.

Outside, the new Soul gets a refresh that didn’t have any major changes, but there are new details like flashy LED running lights on the ! model. From the front, the Soul looks like it’s wearing a pair of wraparound shades. And there is an illusion that appears to be a downward rearward slope to the roof, because the rear windows are narrower than the front windows. The design gives the car a unique wedge shape appearance.

New drivetrains for 2012

The biggest news for 2012, however is what motivates the new Kia Soul. The wedge-shaped hatchback gets two new engines of exactly the same displacement as their predecessors but both deliver more horsepower. The 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder has 138 horsepower (up from 122), and the larger 2.0-liter powerplant gets 164 horsepower (up from 142). Both engines get improved fuel-mileage to go along with the extra power.

The increased mileage can be attributed to the new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions and the engine’s new direct-injection. Mileage has been improved by 1-4 mpg whether automatic or manual, to 27/35 mpg for the 1.6-liter and 26/34 mpg for the 2.0-liter. That’s a significant increase and should be a motivating factor as buyers look at the new 2012 Kia Soul.

Pricing has also seen an increase because of the mechanical upgrades, but it should be worth it. Most buyers should find the cost penalties well worth it because of the extra power and fuel-efficiency.

The Soul ! is well equipped

The Soul ! with the six-speed automatic ($19,600), comes well equipped and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, body-color trim, LED running lights, projector headlights, sand and black interior with houndstooth upholstery inserts, and standard In-vehicle infotainment system with rear camera (UVO). The primary option is a premium package ($2,500) with navigation, XM traffic, leather seat trim, heated front seats, climate control, and push-button start/Smart Key.

Also included on the 2012 Soul ! is standard air conditioning, power windows and door locks,, body-color door handles and mirrors, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 stereo, USB and auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth with steering-wheel controls, 6-way manual drivers seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seat, remote keyless entry, and variable intermittent wipers.  Additional features include stereo tweeters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Soul logo inserts on upholstery, and metal-finish trim.

The interior is simple, functional and offers the latest technology

Inside, the Soul feels big because of the box shape which allows for extra interior volume. Six-footers can find a comfortable seating position and the front seats offer plenty of adjustment. Gauges and controls are simple and intuitive to use. The UVO in-vehicle infotainment system will be especially attractive to young buyers that allows you to control your cell phone, iPod and more with voice commands.

What makes the design of the Soul so appealing is its functionality. The back seat has enough legroom for kids and average-sized adults to be comfortable. Behind the rear seats there is 19 cubic feet of cargo room, which grows to 53 cubic feet with both sections of the 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded flat. This is similar to most of the competition except for the Scion xB’s cavernous 70-cubic-foot cargo carrying ability. The liftgate is light and opens easily to access the rear cargo area. There’s also an extra compartment under the trunk floor for storing items away from view.

The Soul is nimble and fun to drive.

Kia was able to increase horsepower and improve fuel-efficiency in the 2012 Soul with the use of the latest direct injection. The 2.0-liter engine makes 164 horsepower and 148 pound feet of torque. The 2.0-liter engine motivates the 2,700-pound Soul easily at highway speeds and is quick for passing and merging. For driving on long or steep hills, the automatic’s shifter has up/down manual control to the left of the D position for lower gearing.

The power steering is hydraulic rather than electric, and feels light and responds well in tight corners. The suspension isn’t set for sport, but is good for city driving. Brakes are all-disc on all four corners and are firm and solid in the wet or dry conditions.

Overall, the 2012 Kia Soul offers four-door hatchback versatility, it’s better on gas than the previous generation, and will appeal to the young at heart who needs a highly functional small compact. It’s fun to drive, has plenty of new power and great in urban settings because of its nimble size.

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The article 2012 Kia Soul ! Review appeared first on Automoblog.net.

High gas prices make most people think differently about driving. Carpooling, driving less, switching to more fuel-efficient vehicles – those are all options many consider. Truck and large SUV sales usually correspond closely with changes in prices. Hybrids are one way to do that, but so are diesels. In the rest of the world, particularly Europe, diesels are by far the largest sellers.

They’ve never caught here because in the past they’ve been loud and dirty. Today’s clean diesels have a much different character. The biggest seller of diesels in the U.S today is Volkswagen, with its TDI engines. We rave about it a lot, but the new Passat TDI really does offer an impressive package for those looking for a mainstream, fuel-efficient sedan. But, we digress.

Kia has signaled that it is considering adding a diesel engine to its lineup. We hear a lot of about manufacturers adding diesels to their lineups, but it really is beginning to happen. Chevrolet, as mainstream as they come, is preparing a big push with the upcoming Cruze Diesel. It is a pretty forward looking move for them.

On Kia’s North American PR Facebook page, they recently posed the question: “Would you drive a diesel?” They did this in response to a post on EfficientDynamics speculating about the possibility of bringing the Optima Diesel over here to the U.S. In Europe, the Optima is only available as a diesel. The engine in question is a 1.7-liter CRDi (Common Rail Direct Fuel Injection) turbo diesel making 134 horsepower and 244 pound feet of torque. 0-60 takes 11.5 seconds. Yikes. A more powerful version of the engine is being debuted by Hyundai though, making 160 hp. That would make a lot more sense. So would having it in the Forte small car. Then, Kia could go directly against the Chevrolet Cruze and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. So, what does all this mean? Kia does have the diesel technology and appears to be considering the idea. They’ll probably monitor Chevrolet’s introduction of the Cruze closely before pulling the trigger on anything. If it is successful, a raft of competitors will be sure to follow.

The article The Diesels are Coming: Is Kia Next? appeared first on Automoblog.net.