Video: Revealed! Kia Soul EV real-world range test | Keffer Kia Moorseville NC

Most of us would agree that driving an electric vehicle is an eco-friendly and cost-efficient choice when it comes to choosing a car. Despite its multiple advantages, the relatively short range of EVs has been a major concern for many car buyers. In terms of range, Kia Soul EV is setting a new benchmark in its class, witha single-charge driving distance of 132 miles. Next Green Car, a group of renowned eco and green car experts based in the UK, recently conducted a real-world range test to verify Soul EV’s actual driving range. The results were even better than could be imagined!

Watch as the Soul EV takes a range test through the beautiful cities and countryside of Somerset and Wiltshire in the UK:

After driving the test route designed to reflect real world conditions, including heavy traffic, huge ups and downs on a countryside road network, and high speed demands, Soul EV achieved a range of 125.3 miles, with nine miles remaining on the display. That is a total range potential of 134.3 miles, even in challenging weather and road conditions.

Furthermore, a diagnostics report showed that the vehicle still had 13% battery remaining, which conservatively equates to 15 miles of extra range. Drivers can expect to benefit from the extra range afforded by the Soul EV’s intelligent regenerative braking system and by complying with frugal driving tips.

This range test has once again proven that Soul EV is an appealing electric vehicle for customers looking for practicality and cost-efficiency.

Soon-To-Be-Launched 2016 Kia Optima Rendered | Keffer Kia Moorseville NC

A number of spy shots of the next-generation 2016 Kia Optima sedan have been released to date, leading many to speculate about what the finished article might look like. Car fans over at the Kksstudio took to Photoshop to create a rendering of what we might expect, and it certainly looks convincing. Recent reports indicate that this 2016 Kia Optima will have a slightly sharper design than before. The new 4th generation model will hit the market in 2015, and will feature a new design language that will set the tone for future Kia releases in the coming years, with the likes of the next generation Cadenza and GT RWD sedan at the top of the list.

The tiger nose grille will continue to feature in the 2016 Optima, but will feature an updated front fascia and new LED lights. Larger taillights will be found around back. The gas models of the new Optima sedan will have sportier looking air intakes in the front bumper. The hybrid models will have more of a closed grille that will help with aerodynamics, and which will open and close as needed. New alloy wheels and exterior colors will be made available on all models. The newly redesigned Optima is also going to come with a seriously upgraded interior design language, another feature that will carry over to new Kia sedans. Expect more features and a more premium feel on the inside. As previous spy shots revealed, the vehicle will feature an incredibly sporty 3-spoke steering wheel, chrome trim throughout, and a new infotainment system that will show on a large 8-inch display. Rumored Release Date: We will get all the details for sue when the 2016 Kia Optima gets its expected unveiling at the New York Auto Show in April.

- See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/launch-kia-optima-rendering/#sthash.w2VSBo4K.dpuf

Best Safety Rating For 2016 Kia Sorento At EuroNCAP Crash Tests | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

Great news for the all-new 2016 Kia Sorento, as it has been awarded a 5-star crash safety rating by EuroNCAP. 

Kia’s brand-new crossover vehicle performed well in all areas, scoring 90% in Adult Occupant Protection, 83% in Child Occupant Protection, 67% in Pedestrian Protection, and 71% in Safety Assist. A big reason for the high scores can be attributed to a stronger body shell and great safety features that the vehicle adopted after a complete makeover. One element that was highly praised was the stability of the passenger compartment in the event of a collision. It was found that all passengers, regardless of size, were well protected wherever they were positioned in the vehicle. All passengers, from front row to third, were also protected from whiplash, while pedestrians were aided during impact by the active deployable bonnet.

Crash Test Video 

  

 2016 Sorento Safety Features

The Sorento comes with a significantly stronger structure, with much of the credit going to the extensive use of ultra-high strength steel (UHTS).

The outgoing model consisted of 24.4% UHTS, while this new 2016 model is comprised of 52.7%, which helps improve the integrity of the core structure during a collision. It also helps improve torsional rigidity by 14%.

The new Kia Sorento also has more ultra-strong hot-stamped steel than before, going from 4.1% to 10.1%, which is a move that adds more strength to the A- and B-pillars.

The Safety Assist category was another area where the new Sorento scored well.

The new model comes standard with a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, allowing the vehicle to remain stable when the driver is braking and cornering, especially in poor surfaces.

This is done by controlling both the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and electric motor-driven power steering.

The moment a loss of traction is recognized, both systems kick in, allowing the driver to maintain control.

See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/safety-rating-2016-sorento-crash-test/#sthash.bzaHNmbE.dpuf

All-new Kia Sorento receives Life Cycle Assessment certificate | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

It’s been described as sleek, bold and luxurious, and now you can add ‘green’ to the list. The all-new Kia Sorento has recently been recognized as the 12th Kia vehicle to receive the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) certificate from TÜV Nord, the renowned international technical inspection organization. The LCA certificate is awarded exclusively to vehicles that have satisfied the demanding ISO 14040 standards, which consider the environmental impact of the vehicle throughout its whole lifespan, from the production process all the way to its decomposition. Kia cee’d and Optima are just two of our previous recipients.

The all-new Sorento’s Photochemical Oxidants Creation Potential (POCP) has been improved by 13% over its predecessor, which means that it produces less smog during the vehicle’s manufacturing process and over the vehicle’s lifetime. This improvement reflects Kia’s efforts aimed at minimizing its carbon footprint at every stage along the way. Despite its larger size, the all-new Sorento also has improved fuel economy andreduced amounts of harmful emissions.

Along with its 5-star safety rating and user-friendly features, the all-new Sorento will appeal to global motorists and their families who enjoy an active lifestyle while caring for the environment. Kia will continue to make strides in our green efforts, using international standards on corporate energy conservation as the guiding standards for our global production facilities.

Why Buy From Keffer Kia | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

Keffer Kia Cares about Every Customer

Why shop at another dealership when you have an award-winning Kia dealership right in your own backyard? Our state-of-the-art Kia store and service center in Mooresville is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Kia Dealer Meeting Award, the President’s Club award and the Kia Dealer Excellence Program award! We pride ourselves on maintaining a friendly, community-minded environment, where customers can feel comfortable and trust they are receiving honest service.

Our goal is to provide personal and fair service to our customers, and we won't stop after the initial purchase. Our Kia certified service team will provide your vehicle with optimal care for years to come. Don't take our word for it, though: visit our Kia dealership in Mooresville today and see for yourself why we stand above the rest.

More Ways Keffer Kia Cares about Every Customer:

• Free loaner vehicles are made available for your convenience.
• We provide excellent warranty and roadside assistance options for new and select used vehicles.
• You can receive several rebates, including college, military and customer loyalty discounts.
• Master technicians in our body shop will physically show you why they're making a recommendation.
• Each customer gets a courtesy car wash.
• Bring us a competing offer from another Kia dealership and if cannot beat the competing offer we'll pay you $1,000 within 72 hours of the offer's timestamp.
• We reward the community with "Student of the Month" and "Teacher of the Year" awards for hard work and dedication to education.
• We give back by organizing food drives for the local soup kitchen and donating to the Red Cross.
• We offer free Wi-Fi, coffee and freshly made popcorn in the showroom.
• While waiting for your vehicle, relax on our couches while your children play with toys.

How to Winterize Your Vehicle | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

Are you ready for the upcoming winter and what it will be offering? Before you rush to the store for the last gallon of milk and loaf of bread, you’ll want to be sure your car is ready to battle the elements. Follow these tips before venturing out into the winter wonderland.

• Get a Tune-Up. Have your mechanic check your hoses, belts 
  and anti-freeze. A weakened hose or belt can break and leave you stranded, or a 
  weak solution of anti-freeze can ice up and damage your cooling system. 
• Check Your Battery. Make sure your car’s battery connection 
  is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If 
  the battery is three years old or more, have it tested and replace it if 
  necessary.  
• Check Your Heater and Defroster. If your heater isn’t 
  working, you’ll probably know. But what about front and rear defrosters? Before 
  you’re faced with a frosty windshield, turn your front and rear defrosters on 
  and off to make sure they’re working. 
• Give Yourself a Brake. If you have the slightest concern 
  that something’s amiss with your brakes, get them inspected immediately. If you 
  have anti-lock brakes, you should avoid pumping the brakes if you begin to 
  slide.  
• Have Your Exhaust System Checked. Ask your mechanic to 
  double check the exhaust system for leaks, which can emit dangerous carbon 
  monoxide into your car. If you become stuck in the snow and want to run the 
  engine and heater, make sure your tail pipe is clear of the snow and crack open 
  a window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. 
• Fill up with Washer Fluid. Slush and mud splashed on a 
  windshield can spell danger for a winter driver. Make sure your washer fluid 
  reservoir is sufficiently full, and keep a spare jug in the trunk. 
• Consider New Wiper Blades. Even if your windshield wiper blades 
  are in good condition, you might want to upgrade to a rubber coated snow blade 
  that can handle the extra weight of wet snow. They’re not expensive, and could 
  make your winter driving a lot safer in the long run. 
• Take a Look at Your Tires. Your tires need to have adequate 
  tread with “grip” to propel you through the snow. 
• Fill Her Up! One of the best driving tips for winter is to 
  keep your tank more than half full at all times. It will help you avoid 
  freezing in your fuel lines, and will keep you safer in winter weather 
  situations.

If for any reason you are in need of assistance with any one of these safety precautions please give us a call and we will be happy to help you in any way we can. Please contact Keffer Kia in Mooresville, NC to schedule service.

The all-new third-generation Kia Sorento has clearly been making waves in the automotive world after it was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The third-generation Kia Sorento is much more than just an upgraded SUV; it’s more of a luxury SUV. The latest Sorento was designed as a collaborative effort among Kia’s design teams in Korea, the United States and Europe. The end product? An SUV you just can’t take your eyes off of.

Taking design cues from architectural structures, the all-new Sorento is both luxurious and sophisticated, the two design concepts that were the focus for both the exterior and interior.

The initial exterior sketches below give us a peek into the process of conceptualizing the new Sorento model.

We asked the design team experts, Kia designers Kurt Kahl and Ralph Kluge, to get a better idea of the design story behind the 2015 Kia Sorento. These two designers were responsible for the all-new Kia Sorento from start to finish—from the initial design sketches to the final product.

What was the main foundation and background for the design of the all-new Sorento? What did the design team particularly focus on when coming up with the new design concept?

 

Designer Kurt Kahl: When designing the exterior of the all-new Sorento, our main focus was to retain the strengths of the predecessor while giving it a greater sense of premium quality and sophistication. The shoulder is very powerful and blends into a sculptural side body. We created a strong ‘down the road’ presence for the Sorento’s front end, with sharply angled headlamps intersecting a dimensional chrome-framed grille. The rear retains hints of the previous Sorento with rectangular tail lamps and a forward swept backlighting that still reflects a spacious interior. The interior design was based more upon ‘sophistication.’

Designer Ralph Kluge: For the all-new Sorento’s interior, our concept keywords were “muscle and brains.” We reached out to create a strong and confident surface language with increased levels of sophistication and richer details, while simultaneously avoiding the “rugged SUV” clichés. We wanted a refined and sophisticated design language: muscular shapes fused together with refined details. The word “premium” should immediately come to mind when you get inside the all-new Sorento.

Can you explain the architectural inspiration behind the design?

Kluge: We paid careful attention to the ergonomics and layout of all individual elements to form a logical basis for the physical volumes, just as you would with architectural structures. A good example of this is the clearly structured instrument panel: screens and vents are positioned high up for the best ergonomics and visibility, while interface buttons are kept simple and placed lower down in the perfect reach zone for all passengers.

What is particularly different about the third-generation Sorento compared to the design of the previous generations?

Kahl: The third-generation Sorento is longer and sleeker, with a sculptural quality that lends a humanistic feeling to the shape compared to the previous Sorento models. Meticulous attention was paid to the lines finessing the surfaces. As a reaction to some current day products appearing too synthetic or digital, Sorento highlights the renewed appreciation for hand-crafted products where the ‘imprint’ of the artist or craftsman is apparent.

How would you describe the typical ‘third-generation Sorento driver?’

Kahl: I think the Sorento driver can be anyone looking for an upscale and refined SUV.  The Sorento is a sweet deal in terms of size and pricing. It offers spacious utility but is still easily maneuverable, and is luxurious but not overly expensive. I would like to see customers look at the all-new Sorento as a very competitive alternative to other luxury mid-size SUVs offered by the European and Japanese manufacturers.

What are the current trends for the SUV market worldwide?

Kluge: We see the “classic” SUV becoming more and more of an on-road vehicle. People really enjoy the higher seating, combined with the “go-anywhere” attitude. Moving forward, the biggest challenge is to improve fuel efficiency and ride quality, and I think Kia delivered in these departments with the all-new Sorento.

How do you see the design trends for vehicles in general evolving?

Kahl: There seems to be a general trend for all vehicle models to blur the lines of their segments. Just as an SUV in most cases has become a more car-based CUV, other segments are beginning to blend together to make new vehicle spaces that offer unexpected features and unique profiles.

This behind-the-scenes design story is not just about the Kia Sorento, but rather shows how Kia’s design direction has been shaped over the years.

Check out the video below of the Sorento on a drive through Paris and see for yourself the cool design evolution of the popular Kia Sorento, complete with a review of its newest features!