Happy Monday Folks! This week's car care tip: Maintain your car’s battery.

Maybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenancefree, but don’t you believe it! Check your battery regularly to extend its life and avoid the hassle of being stranded with a dead battery.

• Begin with the simple: keeping your battery clean. A dirty case can actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary.
• Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a brass wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water.
• Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges — signs that a battery needs to be replaced.
• Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion.

2012 Kia Sorento EX-V6 Luxury Review

Here's a vehicle that won't impress you with high-tech gadgetry or its ability to drive by itself. If that's what you're looking for, you might as well shop for an SUV such as a Ford Edge with its comprehensive array of electronic safety features.

 

 

That's right -- the 2012 Kia Sorento doesn't offer a blind-spot monitor, a lane-departure warning system, a collision warning system or adaptive cruise control. Nope, you essentially don't need all these gizmos, irritating or not.

And that basically is what's so good about the Sorento. It's a competent midsize SUV that delivers a lot and asks for little. In short, it's got everything you need in this type of vehicle; nothing less, nothing more.

Packed with features
That doesn't mean the Kia Sorento has a short equipment list. Every trim level includes alloy wheels, fog lamps, power heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, cloth or leather upholstery, heated front seats, sound system USB port, Bluetooth connectivity as well as a backup sonar or rearview camera.

Our EX-V6 Luxury tester also adds a power panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable and ventilated driver's seat with position memory, a 10-speaker sound system, navigation and a heated steering wheel.

The switchgear in the Sorento couldn't get simpler, with temperature rotary dials and well-placed wheel and steering column stalk controls. The touchscreen infotainment system isn't as driver-friendly as Chrysler's Uconnect but better than Ford's MyTouch. There is one flaw: the rear window wiper/washer is activated by dash-mounted buttons on the left of the steering wheel, which is awkward.

On the LX-V6 and EX-V6 Luxury trims, you can also get a 50/50-split folding third-row bench for an extra $1,200, if you need it; it's standard in the top-shelf SX.

There is plenty of space in the Sorento: it feels bigger inside than the outside shell suggests. The seats, front and back, are comfortable for road trips, while cargo space sums up to 1,048 litres with the rear seatback in place; fold it down, and volume almost doubles to 2,052 litres. The Sorento is roomier than the Ford Edge and the Mazda CX-7, but not as roomy as the Ford Explorer, the Dodge Durango or the Chevrolet Traverse.

 

Got muscle
Base versions of the 2012 Kia Sorento are equipped with a 191-hp, 2.4L inline-4, but most shoppers will likely choose the 3.5L V6, which develops 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Both are connected to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode. Acceleration is strong, as Kia's 6-cylinder powerplant offers plenty of low-rpm muscle. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds (or 1,588 kg), which is the class norm.

During an 800-km road trip with the kids wired to an aftermarket rear-seat DVD system (no OEM setup is offered), the Sorento delivered a fuel economy average of 11.9L/100km, not bad for an AWD sport-utility in the dead of winter.

On city streets or on the highway, the Sorento serves up a very comfortable ride, and the only thing that disrupts the quiet cabin is the V6 engine at wide-open throttle.

The Sorento's all-wheel drivetrain favours the front wheels under normal driving conditions, and sends up to 50% of available power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected. The system's reaction time on icy surfaces could be better; a dash-mounted button locks a 50:50 torque split between front and rear, which makes the driver feel a little more confident behind the wheel.

 

 

A Sorento for all budgets
What's good about Kia's midsize SUV is its relative affordability. It starts at $26,595 for a 4-cylinder, front-drive LX, while our EX-V6 Luxury tester rings in at $38,495. A midrange LX-V6 AWD should satisfy almost everyone's needs, priced at $31,095.

In comparison to our tester, the Ford Edge Limited AWD costs $39,999, a Mazda CX-7 GT AWD with navigation costs $39,290, a Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Limited costs $45,075 and a Nissan Murano SL costs $40,698. The soon-to-be-replaced Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5 Limited AWD with navigation, which shares its mechanicals with the Sorento, is a little cheaper at $37,599.

The 2012 Kia Sorento might not be a high-profile SUV, and some people still hesitate to buy a Korean-badged product, but it gets the job done; it looks good, it's got more than enough power, it's got loads of interior room and it's packed with features for the asking price. For what it's worth, the Sorento is an overachiever and definitely deserves your attention.

Source: Auto123

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Fans, it's time for this week's car maintenance tip:

If you have ink stains on the leather, you can remove it with cuticle remover -- not nail polish remover! Just put some on the stain and let it set in anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight and then wipe it off.

Sporty sedan: Kia Rio features good looks, stylish interior and is technically sound

I’ve got a crush on you, sweetie-pie. It snuck up on me. It’s like meeting someone you think is kind of cute, then the more you get to know them, the cuter they become.

The object of my crush is the new 2012 Kia Rio sedan. Obviously, exterior styling of Kia vehicles is eye-catching and much improved since being under the direction of former Audi and Volkswagen chief designer Peter Schreyer. Just take a look at other Kia vehicles — the Optima, Sportage and Soul — that have been launched since Mr. Schreyer’s tenure at Kia. I don’t doubt that I’ll like the looks of this sporty sedan.

But like the anticipation of meeting a cute guy about whom your friends have been raving — “He’s such a nice guy, too” ­— I maintain a healthy skepticism about Kia Rio’s personality, performance and interior.

When I spoke with Schreyer during a telephone interview a few months back, I asked him if a vehicle could be beautiful on the outside but technically lacking or wanting. His answer: “You can’t separate the two. Good design is only good if the product is technically good. It has to hold the promise. I always look inside the car at traffic lights if it’s one of my designs, to see who is driving and who are the passengers. Do they look happy in it?”

In the first few days of driving the 2012 Rio, I wondered if Mr. Schreyer was next to me at a traffic light, peering inside his creation to see if I was happy? This is where Kia’s slogan, ‘The Power to Surprise’, comes into play.

I’m surprised I ended up liking the sweetie-pie. During its testing period with me, I didn’t have any exciting missions for it.

I did deliver a daughter back to university after a short Easter break. Delivering my daughter meant a 220-kilometre run on mostly four lanes with some two-lane mix of hilly and twisty terrain in pouring sideways rainstorms for most of the way.

The 6-speed automatic transmission has the option of a manual mode which proved quite responsive downshifting on long hills. The automatic mode also did its job nicely, and the ‘eco’ mode button changed the acceleration and the points where the transmission shifts, making the vehicle even more efficient; but clearly not as much fun to drive.

Another efficiency Kia has integrated into the 2012 Rio is GDI, Gasoline Direct Injection. Fuel is injected directly into each of the four cylinders, which means the 1.6-litre engine needs less fuel to get more power. A rarity for this small-car segment. Also, the Kia Rio sedan achieves 138 horsepower and Transport Canada gives it a fuel economy rating of 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 4.9 L/100 km.

With a price range that starts at $13,795 and goes to $21,695, depending on the trim level, you get a lot of bang for your buck. For instance, there are features in the Rio sedan that wouldn’t normally appear in vehicles in this segment. Shouldn’t every vehicle sold in Canada have a heated steering wheel?

During the 220-km rain-soaked road trip, getting home at midnight was late enough without having to stop for fuel.

The navigation system, another surprise feature in a vehicle at this price point, helped me determine exactly when I would pull into my driveway. Pair that system with the digital gauge on the instrument cluster that gives the distance to an empty fuel tank, and the tension of making it home before running out of fuel virtually disappears.

The driver’s seat is comfortable and covered in leather that ups the feeling of luxury in the vehicle. I found the passenger seat quite low and not adjustable for height. But on a positive note, our six-foot-two daughter didn’t scrape her head on the ceiling when she sat there.

With one day at home before leaving on a trip. I drive the 2012 Kia Rio around town with my mind on other things as I prepare. Pick this up here. Drop that off there. Oh, I can’t forget to do this. I have to go back out to do that.

In the midst of a hectic day and a flight to catch the following morning, I realize I need photos of the Rio for this column. I look at the filthy Rio. A photography session is definitely not on my schedule. I have to wash the vehicle, rub it to a shine. Do the windows. Find an interesting spot to stage the Rio. Wait for the right light.

This is when it happened. My Kia Rio just got a lot cuter and I’ve got a new crush.

Source: The Province

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Folks, it's time for THIS WEEK'S CAR MAINTENANCE TIP:

Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can eventually lead to ignition switch failure.  Add years of service to your ignition switch by driving with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on the car, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded!

Kia Motors America Partners With Wounded Warrior Project To Provide 2012 Soul To A Disabled American Veteran

Fastest-Growing Car Company in the U.S. Donates Modified Kia Soul to Corporal Christopher Melendez of New York State - Kia hatchback outfitted with new steering device to assist with one-handed driving - Other modifications designed to assist those with limited use of their extremities

At the 2012 New York International Auto Show opening ceremony this weekend, Kia Motors America (KMA) joined forces with the Wounded Warrior Project, a national organization dedicated to providing help and raising public awareness for injured service members, to donate a 2012 Kia Soul hatchback to disabled veteran and United States Army Corporal Christopher Melendez. Melendez was injured in the line of duty while on routine patrol in Iraq by a "six pack shape charge" IED, resulting in severe leg and arm injuries. Working with the organizers of the New York International Auto Show, the Soul was modified to meet Melendez's specific day-to-day needs. This donation comes directly on the heels of Kia's donation to Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA's Operation Hero program in coordination with brand ambassador and professional women's golfer Michelle Wie.

 "Kia Motors understands that it is not only important to show our commitment to the U.S. market through investment and job creation, but also to support the service men and women in our country's armed forces," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "The Wounded Warrior Project provides invaluable services to the men and women who have been injured in the line of duty, and it is an honor to donate one of our most popular vehicles to Corporal Melendez as a way to show our appreciation and support for those who have sacrificed so much."

The 2012 Soul, retrofitted by New York-based Bussani Mobility Team was modified specifically to allow Corporal Melendez to continue with his daily activities through modifications that assist when flexibility is limited. The modifications include a steering wheel device that allows him to turn the steering wheel using one hand, while maintaining complete control of the wheel and car at all times, however all alterations are easily removable to allow others who do not need them to drive the vehicle safely.

SOURCE: marketwatch.com

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$179/month or 1.9% APR
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Happy Monday Folks! It's time for this week's maintenance tip.

Every 5,000 miles or 8,000km, rotate your tires.

 

Front and rear tires wear at different rate and have different wear pattern. By rotating your tires regularly, you are making sure that your tires wear more evenly and last longer. Tire rotation pattern is also different for different tires. It's best to check your owner's manual or call your local dealer for exact recommendations for your tires.

Kristy, thank you for this incredible review.

"I love my Kia Forte and I love taking it to All Star Kia for service! The staff is always friendly and keep me posted on things that they find while they are working on the car before they do any additional work. No surprises when I get the repair bill!!!" - Kristy Chambers.

Click here for more reviews.

2013 Kia Optima Turbo Overview

There is no such rumors and information from the manufacturer regarding the new Kia Optima Turbo. The present generation Optima is a medium-sized sedan featured with the turbo engine is significant to the manufacturer.

The 2012 Optima Turbo edition is also available in EX and SX trims. 2013 Optima is one among the new 2013 cars, which is expected to make gossips in the car market. Presently, the brand-new Optima are still in the process, and the manufacturing would start soon. The Kia fans can expect this new sedan with an additional limited package along with the existing trim levels.

  

 

Comparable to Optima Hybrid, the new 2013 Kia Optima Turbo has got a different exterior. For the year 2013, the modern Optima features with fully modified front fascia, this is not available in other non-turbo editions.

The new Turbo SX is the high end model comes featured with rear LED combination lights, sculpted side sills, and front grille design.

The designers at Kia have spent most of their work in redefining the interiors, by including cockpit-style layout, paddle shifters, and some of the common features like Bluetooths compatibility with voice and radio controls mounted in the steering wheel.

Limited Package

Most of the people are looking for the luxurious sedan featured with turbo engines in the limited edition. Some of the true competitors for Optima Turbo are Ford Fusion, Altima Nissan, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry.

Stay tuned to know more updated information and gossips about 2013 Kia Optima.

Source: Kia Buzz

Erika, thank you for sharing your experience.

 

"I recently bought my car from allstar kia and I had a great experience and my sales person moe was great" - Erika.

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Thank you for this incredible review!

"I just bought a 2012 Sorento. My salesman, Javier Parada, was professional, courteous and attentive. He listened to what I needed, asked the right questions and was able to provide me with a brand new car. Yes, of course, the back and forth takes time - but that happens everywhere. You just don't go into a dealer and in 30 minutes have a deal done. There was no pressure or anything like that from this salesman. My sister late last year bought a used car from Allstar Kia and she was happy with her experience as well. I had a trade-in still paying for it - they were able to pay it off completely and now don't owe on that car and just owe on the brand new car. I would definitely recommend Mr. Javier Parada. I'm now trying to get my son to trade-in my daughter-in-laws car so she can have a new car. Go and see Mr. Javier Parada - you will not be disappointed. Thanks!!!" - cigajr.

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Chief Designer Explains Kia’s Simplicity

Ahead of the unveiling of its flagship K9 sedan in early May, Kia Motors Corp. on Thursday held a news conference where Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer explained his design philosophy.

Mr. Schreyer drew a pencil sketch of a K9 on a big white board to show what makes the upscale sedan different from its competitors from BMW AG, Audi AG and even the company’s sister company Hyundai Motors. He said simplicity, balanced proportions and attention to detail are important features for the new model.

“This is a really big step for Kia. Combination of power and style is a breakthrough for Kia,” Mr. Schreyer said. Kia has seen its presence growing in global markets since 2006 when the company brought in Mr. Schreyer, former top designer at Audi and Volkswagen, for design innovation. Mr. Schreyer said he was “given a lot of freedom” which he added he rarely experienced in his former workplaces.

Helped by changes in design and improved brand recognition, Kia’s profits have soared. Last year, non-consolidated net profit was 1.805 trillion won (US$1.6 billion), far above the 39.34 billion won ($35 million) Kia made in 2006. Unit sales more than doubled to 2.48 million from 1.23 million in that time.

Nearing a completion of the K-series with the distinctive “tiger-nose” or “tabbed” grille, Kia is set to add the K9 in the existing lineup including the K5 (or Optima) and K7 (or Cadenza) sedan. The K9, Kia’s first rear-wheel drive model, shares the same platform as the Hyundai Equus sedan.

Next in the pipeline: facelifts and upgrades on existing models, Mr. Schreyer said.

But no change to Kia’s emblem. “There is no reason to change it. The emblem has been facelifted and (it looks) short, clear and it is good.. for any country,” he said.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Fans, it's time for this week's car maintenance tip

 

Use baby wipes on car dashboards, they clean like new and leave an anti-static layer.