Kia's Working On a Small Crossover Hybrid Vehicle | Keffer Kia Mooresville, NC

There is an all-new sub-compact crossover vehicle coming from Kia sometime in 2016, and some members of the media were invited to the Kia design center in Namyang to get a look at a full-scale model! The new vehicle is as yet unnamed, but it will be a hybrid model (a plug-in version will come a little later) that will be set to steal away some of the sales currently enjoyed by the Toyota Prius. No-one in attendance were allowed to take any pictures at the event, but word has it that the new car carries some elements seen in the Kia Niro concept crossover, albeit with a style that is a little more subdued. The profile is reminiscent of an SUV, although its low ride height gives it a crossover personality. Plastic cladding appears around the wheel arches and bumpers, with the finished car set to appeal to a global audience. A new design theme will be featured in the interior, which consumers will get to see when it appears in the new Kia Optima redesign in 2015. The 4,350mm long crossover vehicle is a litter longer than the current Kia Soul, but shorter than the Sportage SUV. Head of overseas marketing for Kia, Spencer Cho, says that the size was chosen to meet the needs of the consumer. He says that Kia listened to the complaints made by Prius owners, using that feedback to correct elements that hybrid owners felt weren’t quite right with their Prius. Hybrid-Electric Powertrain Powertrain details for the new car were not made available, but Cho did reveal that the platform will feature a combines 1.6L GDI petrol engine and an electric motor that will help improve fuel economy. Cho said that the current Prius gets 57mpg US, and that the next model should hit 60mpg US. He noted that Kia is shooting for over 50 mpg US for their model. Stay tuned as we bring more news and information on the upcoming Kia crossover vehicle! - See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/kia-small-crossover-hybrid-vehicle/#sthash.PfvkYujr.dpuf

Next Generation Kia Sorento Teased

By Keffer Kia |

Kia Teases Third Generation Sorento W/ Video

Just recently the 2015 Kia Sorento has been introduced, is available with a starting MSRP of $24,300 and is capable of an estimated fuel economy of 19 city/ 27 highway mpg. This current generation of Sorento have rounded off, smoothed out, more subtle curves. Its chrome accents, grille, headlights, and other exterior details that give it the athletic facial structure with a twinge of luxury.

Looking ahead into the future, we have discovered that it’s official, Kia teases the third generation of Sorento with a video, to give a sneak peak of what they have planned. Kia isn’t saying or showing off much yet, but they have released this digital image of what we may expect the next Sorento to look like. Hard to tell, but by the looks of things, the next-generation Sorento won’t quite be so mellow in design, but instead will be showing off some new curves.

As shadowy as the image may be, so not to give too much away, you might have noticed that the windows look narrower which is in account of the lower roofline and higher beltline design. The Sorento’s face will now be showing off its “tiger-nose grille” to better suit its newly rounded off shoulders and overall most muscular build compared to previous models.

Be sure to check out the video below and see how Kia created this teaser design of the third generation Sorento. It gives more clues to the body stylings we can expect to see in the near future. In fact, Kia plans to fully unveil the next-generation Sorento at the end of this month.

Until we learn more about the third generation Sorento, we invite you explore the current models we have available here at Keffer Kia. The Sorento is Kia’s best-selling SUV, and we invite you to test drive this smooth and refined ride.

Updates For 2015 Kia Cadenza

By Keffer Kia |

2015 Cadenza Will Redefine Kia Brand

Aside from the all-new K900 that is soon to be released, the Cadenza is the leading luxury vehicle within Kia’s vehicle lineup, and for 2015, the Cadenza will utterly redefine luxury for Kia sedans. According to a recent press release sent out by Kia media, the company believes that the 2015 Cadenza will redefine Kia brand.

In order to revise and upgrade the Cadenza, Kia needed to find ways to take premium to an even higher level. The three overlying categories that Kia is making certain the Cadenza is fully equipped with, and ahead of the competition on, are luxury, technology and convenience.

The 2015 Cadenza will be offered in two different trim levels, the Premium and the Limited. The Limited trim in particular has been overhauled to include physical body improvements including an all-new grille and gender garnish in addition to interior upgrades.

Flex Steer now comes standard as well as Kia’s 360-degree camera system, Surround View Monitor, that gives an overhead view of the vehicle, new LED lighting and analogue clock design, as well as accenting chrome trim pieces throughout the sedan’s body.

Both trim levels, the Premium and the Limited will gain an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat as well as a 12-way driver’s seat. Drivers who opt for the Technology package (which comes standard on the Limited trim) will receive a slew of advanced safety technology including: Rear Cross Traffic Alert which notifies a driver while in reverse of any passing-by traffic, 19-inch alloy wheels, a “radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise control System, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning system, electronic parking brake, and water-repellent Hydrophobic front side windows for improved visibility during inclement weather.”

This is all the information that Kia has currently released on the 2015 Cadenza, and until more information becomes available we welcome you to explore the abilities of the 2014 model, and encourage you to try it out on a test drive before holding out, and considering the up-coming 2015 Kia Cadenza.

Accessorize Your Soul To Fit Your Lifestyle

Available Kia Soul Accessories

The Kia Soul is all about practicality and individuality, and how do you make an already unique car stand out even more while also making your life easier, you accessorize. Rather than Soul surfin’ the internet for just any items and accessories that are cheaply made or don’t fit, check out the available Kia Soul accessories specifically designed to fit seamlessly to your Soul.

To give you a better idea of the items available for this urban hatchback, we have selected a few of the most popular Soul accessories that consumers have been most satisfied with.

Technology:

Interior lighting- light up the night with vibrant floor lighting to set the driving mood, whether you’re getting amped up for a night on the town or taking a mellow drive back home after a long day.

Remote start-from up to 800-feet away you’ll be able to start your Soul, especially recommended for those in colder climates to prevent sitting there watching your windshield defrost slower than Internet Explorer loads.

Auto-dimming mirror with compass and HomeLink- it’s always helpful to know what direction you’re headed in, especially with a digital compass located in a convenient place. Also, when glancing up into your mirror, you won’t have to worry about squinting to see beyond the bright and piercing glare of reflecting headlights; meanwhile, HomeLink is always there as a backup should a problem ever arise.

Exterior:

Puddle lights- give your Soul that night club look with LED puddle lamps located beneath your vehicle to illuminate the bottom and entrance to your vehicle.

Roof Bike Attachment- save your cabin space for cargo and passengers by safely securing your bike atop the roof of your Soul.

Interior:

Sport pedals- don’t just get the look, but the feel too with the Soul sport pedals. Experience a more interactive drive, and when lifting your foot from pedal to pedal, the rubber pads prevent any slipping while the brushed metal gives it a professional look.

Floor mats, all-weather- never worry about tracking ice, snow, or sand across the carpet of your Soul with custom-fitted rubber floor mats that not only protect but make for quick and easy cleaning.

Feeling the Summer Heat? Your Car Battery is Too

July 8, 2014

If the heat of summer is wearing you down, it is likely taking its toll on your car battery too. Contrary to popular belief, summer highs rather than winter lows pose the greater threat to battery life, according to the non-profit Car Care Council.

Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced. Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, leading to slow death for a battery.

“When most motorists think of dead batteries that cause starting failure, they think of severe winter weather, but summer heat is the real culprit,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Many battery problems start long before the temperatures drop. Heat, more than cold, shortens battery life.”

Colder temperatures increase the thickness of the engine oil, making the engine harder to turn over, causing the battery to have to work more. These factors lead to harder starting.

To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following simple steps:

• Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.

• If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.

• Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.

• Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.

Driving habits such as frequent engine on/off cycles will cause more wear on the starter than a simple back and forth to work. Other factors include driving and weather conditions, mileage, vehicle age and excessive electrical draws like in-vehicle entertainment systems. Check the battery if you notice headlights and interior lights dim, accessories that fail to operate, or the “check engine” and/or battery light illuminated.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Six Spring Cleaning Tips for your Car Interior

February 28th, 2012 Posted in Tips & Advice 
By Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

Springtime is here and you know what that means. It’s time to throw out those filthy fast food cups, wipe down that dusty dashboard and let in some fresh air to dispel that smell that’s been bothering you for the last 3 months. Yes, it’s time for some spring cleaning and we want to share six simple tips using common household items to properly clean your car interior without a fuss. Let’s start with the ceiling.

1. Ceiling: If the ceiling of your vehicle is made out of fabric material, wiping it too hard with a wet cloth may cause some fuzz. You want to make sure you use a slightly damp washcloth made out of superfine fibers and you can add a bit of neutral detergent as needed.

2. Dashboard: You can wipe the dashboard down with a washcloth and use a car brush or toothbrush to dust any hard to reach spaces.

3. Handles & Steering Wheel: Many cars have leather handles, so you may be tempted to use household leather care products, but it’s not advised. These can make your steering wheel slippery and hinder you from having a good grip. We recommend keeping a dry cloth in your glove compartment to wipe it down every now and then.

4. Heater: Use a dry cloth and cotton swabs to easily access those narrow vent spaces. It’s good to clean these areas to help prevent any allergies and respiratory ailments caused from too much dust.

If you smell something foul when turning on your heater – It could be fungus or a special surprise from a skunk. Mix some mustard powder in warm water and spray it into your vents. Afterwards, run your heater on the strongest mode for 4-5 minutes. This is a very effective way to eliminate odor.

5. Car Seats: Car seats are often the culprit of unpleasant stenches (Think about all the spills, pets and people that have been in your car). You can certainly use various products to clean your seats, but as the saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ so try to wipe down seats often. Leather seats are easier to clean with a damp cloth and a bit of neutral detergent. For fabric seats, spray water mixed with a neutral detergent and wipe down the seats with a damp cloth, followed with a dry cloth. Make sure to keep the windows down to allow the upholstery to dry completely.

6. Car Floor Mats: For rubber, simply spray it down with soapy water and wipe, and for fabrics, you can always use your household vacuum.

Hopefully we’ve shared some tips you can put to good use and make your car squeaky clean and ready for spring.

Be sure to check out our previous post for tips to wash the exterior: ‘How to wash your car properly.’

Roads less traveled: vehicle testing in the Mojave Desert

Roads less traveled: vehicle testing in the Mojave Desert

March 27th, 2014 Posted in Design & Technology,In Other Words

About 100 miles north of Los Angeles, in the Mojave Desert, sit the final testing grounds, where every Kia vehicle must receive the stamp of approval before mass production. At the Hyundai-Kia California Proving Grounds, located in California City, stretching over an area of about 4,300 acres, our next-generation vehicles are tested to their absolute limits, until we’re certain they are suitable for even the most extreme weather conditions. So what does it take to be an approved Kia vehicle?

Prove yourself

Although all vehicles are tested for engine and air conditioning system reliability in specially controlled hot chambers, the vehicles are once again tested at the California Proving Grounds because the Mojave Desert provides the most ideal environment, with temperatures reaching up to 39°C (about 102 °F)

 

We test on multiple types of roads to ensure that we’ve covered almost any type of scenario that our vehicles might face. The extended uphill road was created with an inclination angle between 2 and 12% to test the hill-climbing ability and the Automatic Cruise Control System. On the multi-purpose road, shaped like an open fan, vehicles go through a variety of tests that test for vehicle stability, brake performance and ride and handling.

The endurance test road replicates more than ten different types of road surfaces, making sure that all vehicles have been roughened up enough to take on any type of terrain. This test road is so rigorous that it tests vehicle wear and tear to the equivalent of 60,000 miles (96,000 km) when driven for just 10,000 miles (16,000 km). It makes sense that every single vehicle must survive the endurance test track before it can be mass produced.

 

The handling test road is made up of sharp winding roads, ensuring optimum drivability of vehicles on the mountainous U.S. road system and testing how responsive the handling is on all the vehicles. The straight road is the hottest in all of the Mojave Desert, with a sensory temperature that reaches up to 90 degrees Celsius. In addition to this straight road, we also have a separate extreme condition materials testing facility which exposes both cars and their various components to scorching hot temperatures and blistering sunlight to prove their integrity. Those that fail to pass this test never see the light of day and are sent back for further improvement.

Roaring engines and screeching tires are the norm at our Proving Grounds, and while the testing can’t exactly be kept a secret, we do make an effort to keep things on the down-low in the Mojave—after all, it’s all these tests that determine which vehicles make the final cut.

Every Kia out in the market right now (even yours!) has gone through all of these tests before having the privilege of sitting in your driveway. Now, isn’t that reassuring?