Bringing Down the House: Official 2013 Kia Soul Hamster Commercial

Kia and DonorsChoose.org Announce One Million Dollar Partnership

Yesterday morning Kia Motors announced a $1 million commitment to public schools! You can see the nationwide Double Your Impact picking up speed (more than 4,000 classroom projects are eligible!). This fall, by matching donations from citizen philanthropists, Kia Motors will bring more than $2 million to classrooms near their 755 retail showrooms.

Group president and CEO of Kia Motors and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Byung Mo Ahn, delivered boxes of fossils, animal photo books, language games and more to Gates Elementary School in Los Angeles this morning. He presented Charles Best, Founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org, with a $1 million check.

President Ahn said, “Kia is committed to making a difference and is proud to be the first automotive brand to establish a national philanthropic partnership with DonorsChoose.org to help provide school supplies for children most in need, while supporting all of the communities across the country that we call home.”

This funding will be available to more than 33,800 public schools located near Kia Retail Showrooms. Kia will match donations made to qualifying projects from these public and charter schools until the funds have been exhausted. Thanks, Kia!

Source: Kia

2013 Kia Forte LX - Kelley Blue Book's Review

 

Kia has been on a roll as of late, and nowhere is its momentum more obvious than in the 2013 Forte. Available as a sedan, 5-door hatch and coupe (Kia spells it "Koup"), the Forte takes direct aim at the segment leaders Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and beats them in just about every category. While not as stylish or fun to drive as Ford's Focus or Mazda's Mazda3, the Forte nevertheless can hold its own against most compacts. It offers an impressive list of available features, including a navigation radio with rear backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free calling and keyless access with push-button start. There's also Kia's standard 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is still one of the best in the business.

You'll Like This Car If...
If your budget says mac and cheese, but your self-worth demands prime rib, one of the three 2013 Kia Forte compacts is sure to satisfy both demands. Good resale and reliability ratings should ease worries for first-time Kia buyers, as should the robust standard warranty.

You May Not Like This Car If...
Looks can sometimes be deceiving. While the 2013 Kia Forte LX and EX may appear sporty, their overall ride and handling aren't as tight or refined as the Ford Focus or VW Jetta. The exception here is the SX trim, which has a more responsive suspension and a stronger engine.

What's New for 2013
For 2013, the Kia Forte receives only minor changes. There are new 16-inch wheels for the Koup and 5-door, while power-folding side mirrors are added to the EX and SX trims. All models receive a low washer-fluid warning light, and LED daytime running lights are offered on the EX and made standard on the SX.

Driving It
Driving Impressions
On the open road, the 2013 Kia Forte is the master of its domain – so long as the road to that domain remains straight and level. Toss in a few curves, however, and the Forte LX and EX, with their smaller engine and wheel/tire combo, aren't as much fun to drive as the more powerful SX trim. Even in its most aggressive SX suit, the Forte won't deliver the kind of seat-of-your-pants cornering found in the Ford Focus or Mazda3, and its manual transmission is nowhere near as refined. Don't get us wrong; the Forte is not terribly slow or devoid of feedback to the driver, it's just that the sporty exterior had us hoping for a bit more performance. Most drivers will likely appreciate the Forte's ability to prevent wind, engine or road noise from making their ways into the cabin.

Favorite Features
COMPREHENSIVE AUDIO SYSTEM
Every 2013 Kia Forte boasts a flexible AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite audio system with USB and auxiliary ports. When matched with the upgraded speakers, it's among the best sound systems in the segment.

BLUETOOTH
An option reserved for most high-end models, Kia makes Bluetooth connectivity standard on every 2013 Kia Forte. Are you listening, competition?

Vehicle Details
Interior

The 2013 Kia Forte is given a visually appealing dash and seat setup, with lots of colorful instruments, a big LCD screen for the audio and plenty of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. We think a bit more attention could have been paid to the seats, which lack support for the lower back and thighs. Despite its small size, the Kia Forte sedan and hatchback (and to a lesser degree, the Koup) provide surprisingly large cabins, with more interior volume than a Nissan Maxima. The big back seat offers lots of legroom, but headroom is cut short due to the low-slung roofline.

Exterior

In the compact car class, the 2013 Kia Forte's styling falls somewhere mid-pack. Not as modern or aggressively styled as the Ford Focus or Mazda3, the Forte easily outshines the tepid Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra. Although the Forte Koup steals the show, the sedan and hatchback both share the signature Kia grille and headlight design as well as handsome wheel choices. Base-model cars don't look the part, rejecting the unpainted bumpers, mirror caps and door handles of lesser cars and replacing them with properly painted parts for a more harmonious exterior statement.

Notable Standard Equipment
Even the most basic Kia Forte for 2013 will include Bluetooth phone connectivity, iPod integration, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM 4-speaker stereo, color-keyed manual side mirrors, 60/40-split rear seat with folding armrest, a tilt steering wheel and an impressive array of safety equipment including six airbags and electronic traction and stability control. Unfortunately, if you want such simple pleasures as power windows, remote keyless entry or cruise control, you'll have to pony up a bit more cash and move up to the EX or SX trims, which also bring a 6-speaker AM/FM/MP3/SiriusXM audio head unit, heated power side mirrors and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel.

Notable Optional Equipment
Options for the 2013 Kia Forte are limited to the EX and SX trims and include a number of packages as well as some stand-alone features. The Forte EX sedan offers a Premium Package that adds alloy wheels and a power sunroof, as well as a Technology Package (sedan/hatchback/Koup) that includes navigation with Sirius real-time traffic updates, a rearview camera, automatic climate control, smart-key entry with push-button start, foglights and automatic headlights. Options for the SX trim include leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Under the Hood
The front-wheel-drive 2013 Kia Forte offers a 156-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that can be matched with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission. On top-line, sport-tuned SX trims the standard engine is a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. The Forte's automatic transmission has a manual-shift mode and is standard on SX and EX sedan and hatchback models, and available on the Koup. The mid-trim EX is also offered with a Fuel Economy Package that includes the 6-speed automatic plus Motor Drive Power Steering, a load-managing "smart" alternator, low rolling-resistance tires and unique aero enhancements to boost its EPA numbers to 27/37 mpg and deliver class-leading city/highway combined fuel economy of 30 mpg.

2.0-liter inline-4
156 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle [SULEV]: 154 @ 6200 rpm)
144 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm (SULEV: 139 @ 4600 rpm)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 mpg (manual), 26/36 mpg (automatic), 27/37 mpg (Economy Package), 24/33 mpg (manual, coupe), 25/34 mpg (automatic, coupe)

2.4-liter inline-4
173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (SULEV: 165 @ 6000 rpm)
168 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm (SULEV: 161 @ 4000 rpm)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32 mpg (automatic, sedan), 22/32 mpg (manual), 23/31 mpg (automatic, Koup)

Pricing Notes
For 2013, the Kia Forte sedan has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $16,000 and topping out at about $25,000 fully loaded. The 5-door model ranges from around $19,000 to $25,000, while the Koup starts at around $18,000 and goes to about $24,000. Be sure and check our Fair Purchase Price to see what the Kia Forte is selling for in your area. In a feature-based comparison, the 2013 Kia Forte sedan offers more for the money than many cars in the segment, including the Honda Civic and Mazda3. Substandard resale values have traditionally erased Kia's up-front price advantages, but the Forte's resale outlook is significantly better than that of the Kia Spectra it replaced, making Kia's newest compact car its most compelling ever.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

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The 2012 Kia Sportage among Autobytel Fast Five Affordable SUVs!

Though they typically get worse gas mileage and cost more than a similarly sized car, SUVs remain a popular choice with consumers. They ride higher and provide a better view of the road ahead, they impart an active lifestyle in the rugged outdoors, and they provide flexible space combined with the ability to carry plenty of cargo. Additionally, there are several affordable suvs for 2012, though choosing one of them requires compromise.

The most affordable SUVs for 2012 cost less than $20,000, and the least expensive model runs $15,995 before applying the destination charge. Paying a low price for an affordable sport utility vehicle, however, means settling for two-wheel drive and, potentially, a manual gearbox. Adding all-wheel drive and an automatic will push the price higher, and that’s before installing options.

From a pricing standpoint, these five sport-utes are the best affordable SUVs of 2012, listed in declining order of price from most to least expensive.

 

If you seek style and sophistication in an affordable sport-utility vehicle, it’s impossible to beat the 2012 Kia Sportage.

Granted, the one selling for $18,500 is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, but it has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 176 horsepower, more than any other model on this list of the most affordable SUVs for 2012. In combined driving, this powertrain combination is rated to get 24 mpg, and Kia covers the engine and transmission for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, the Sportage is protected by a five-year/60,000-mile warranty, and features free 24-hour roadside assistance for that period of time.

The Sportage isn’t a stripped-down SUV, either. It comes standard with aluminum wheels, air conditioning, power side mirrors, power windows, power door locks, a tilt steering wheel, and a trip computer. The stereo includes Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, along with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input jack, and a USB/iPod connection. The Sportage is also equipped with four-wheel-disc brakes, Hill-start Assist Control, and Downhill Brake Control.

If you want an automatic transmission, the LX trim level is a requirement, and the Sportage’s price jumps to $20,800. All-wheel drive adds another $1,500 on top of that. Still, there’s no denying that the Sportage is one of the most affordable SUVs for 2012, and one of the most appealing.

Source: Autobytel

Kia Soul among Kelley Blue Book's 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 - 2012

Whether you're looking to express yourself through sheet metal, maximize your in-car connectivity or (re)discover the joy of driving, your entry-level options have never been better. As a bonus, more than half of this year's 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 offer the option of 40 mpg or greater. Check out this year's crop of affordable coolness.

2012 Kia Soul: A unique blend of funky style and practical packaging, the Kia Soul cranks up its cool quotient for 2012 with even more high-value appeal. Nose and tail tweaks add edge to its appearance while drivetrain enhancements bring double-digit horsepower gains plus better mpg figures to its new 1.6-liter direct-injected base engine and the available 2.0-liter upgrade.

Source: KBB

Quick Drive: 2013 Kia Optima SXL

The Kia Optima SXL is a handsome vehicle, both inside and out. Our Snow White Pearl tester looked especially classy, and the black and chrome accents didn’t make it look too gaudy. Even with the eighteen-inch chrome wheels—a part of the Limited Package that comes with the SXL—it didn’t look at all offensive, and actually appeared to be a tasteful use of the shiny stuff. Even the housings for the (power folding) side mirrors look nice on this car. Plus, the Limited gets a set of LED daytime running lights and red brake calipers to help set it apart form the rest of the crowd in a subtle yet fashionable way.

 

The interior of the Optima SXL is a nice place to spend time. The leather seats are heated in front and back, and the power front seats also have a cooling option included—a really nice feature for those Nappa chairs on a hot summer day. The leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel feel nice in hand, and the wood grain on the top section of the tiller sparkles pleasantly in the sun. The paddle shifters on the back of the wheel don’t feel particularly substantial, but they are easy to reach and use.

 

The turbocharged Optima feels quick, and has no trouble at all reaching highway speeds or getting around other cars. Despite having 274 turbocharged horsepower, the power delivery of the 2.0-liter engine feels nicely stable. It doesn’t really exhibit lag or peaks when climbing the rev ladder, but rather pushes the car to speed smoothly and predictably. Its tidy delivery of power means that occupants experience smooth acceleration that doesn’t sacrifice promptness. Also, when driven around town, the power is really easy to manage, offering civil driving that requires no concentration to get right. Plus, being able to drive the car sanely and smoothly will only help to reach its stated 22/34-mile-per-gallon fuel economy figures.

 

In the corners, the Optima behaves itself the way a classed-up family sedan should. There isn’t a lot of body roll, and what movement there is helps to suss out proximity to the grip limits. Turn-in isn’t super sharp, and the steering feels tuned to offer a smoother turning experience rather than a twitchier response one associates with more sport-minded vehicles. The little bit of play on-center feels appropriate, and doesn’t require a lot of corrections when cruising in a straight line at high speeds.

 

So, once again, Kia is proving that it is a brand not to be glossed over by those looking for a high-quality car. The Optima SXL is fairly fast and fun, very comfortable, and extremely rich in content. The one drawback to the Limited, though, is that it comes with a bit of a hefty price tag. Starting at $34,500 before delivery, it includes the Premium Touring Package, Technology Package, and Limited Package, meaning you’re not going to have to tack on anything else to be happy with the car. Still, one can get into a turbocharged Optima for a base price of $26,800. At the SXL’s base price, you’re just two grand shy of a BMW 3-Series. It kind of makes you rethink your priorities, doesn’t it?

 

2013 Kia Optima SXL

Engine: Turbocharged inline-4, 2.0 liters, 16v

Output: 274 hp/269 lb-ft

0-60 MPH: 6.6 sec (est)

Weight: 3385 lb

Fuel Economy, City/Hwy: 22/34 mpg

Base Price: $34,500

 

Source: Winding Road

Happy Monday Folks! This week's car care tip: Things you should Always have in your Car.

Nobody wants to breakdown and be left stranded on the side of the road somewhere due to car trouble. Some people, never really give the idea a thought; they get in their cars, start the engine and go. For some others, the possibility of breaking down while driving, is a real; ever present fear that could happen at any moment, on every journey, usually due to some known, unattended mechanical problem with their car. Whatever the case may be, breakdowns are commonly a random event, so drivers should try to be prepared if one should find themselves in such a predicament.

There are some essential items that every car should have stored in them at all times…… in case you find yourself stranded on the side of the road due to car trouble.

Spare Tire, Tire iron & Jack

Chances are, at some point, you’re going to get a flat tire. Changing a flat car tire may seem difficult at first, but it's quite easy and straight forward when you have the proper tools, mainly the tire iron (wheel stud remover) and car jack for that particular type of car. Every new car comes with a spare tire and car jack kit, therefore every car should have a set, usually hidden somewhere in the truck area. In some early model foreign cars, you might find the tire iron or jack under the back passenger seat somewhere. Know where your spare tire, tire iron and jack are located in your automobile. This will save you the frustration of trying to find them in the darkness or at the side of the highway with traffic whizzing by.

Jumper Cables or a Portable Battery Booster Pack

Battery failure can happen anywhere, at any time, and to anyone, sometimes twice or more in one day. Next to a flat tire, a dead battery is one of the most common things that will leave you stuck. A weak or failing battery, forgetting to turn off your headlights, leaving your dome/map lights on overnight, or even a loose battery wire connection can cost you big in inconvenience and money- if you're not prepared. Keeping a pair of jumper cables in your car is a smart move. But even better, is a mobile battery power pack.

A 12 volt portable battery booster pack enables you to start your car without the assistance of another car. Two large alligator clip connectors - one red for positive, one black for negative, attach to your car battery as a set of jumper cables from another car would. Turn the booster pack on, and then start your car. It's that easy and that quick. They come in various power ratings for different size cars. Anything above 400A (cold cranking amps) will start most small to midsize vehicles. They can cost anywhere from 55 to 100 dollars. Having a charged portable battery booster pack in your car can be priceless. Trying to find someone to help you boost your car is not always easy, especially if it's cold, rainy, and late at night or early in the morning.

Flashlight

Having a flashlight handy is always a good thing. In a car break down situation, it makes the whole process of changing a tire or jump starting your car, go smoother. When you can see what you're doing you'll feel more confident about 'what' you're doing and you're more likely to finish faster. Rather than fumbling around in the dark. Also, when you stand beside your car holding a flashlight that is on, it acts like a beacon showing other drivers that you are there….so they don't run you over. This goes the same for if you run out of gas and decide to walk to the next gas station…you should bring a flashlight …so other drivers can see you well in advance.

Emergency Road Kit

You can get a readymade mobile safety kit from most of the major big box stores in the automotive department. Usually a good kit will include all the frill and sprinkles such as: booster cables, air compressor, muti-tools, flashlight, emergency blanket, gloves, rain poncho, first aid kit, collapsible metal shovel, reflective triangles, road flares, and disposable camera.

One could make their own emergency road kit to best suit their climate conditions and or personal needs for considerably less than it would cost to buy one. Other items one might want to add to their mobile emergency road kit could include: food/water, clothing, winter weather tools or gear, engine fluids, the list could go on. The idea is for your kit to be compact and functional. It's up to the individual to decide what would be the best for their situation.

You can't pick where and when you're going to have engine trouble. The only thing you can do is control how you're ready to deal with the scenario if it should arise. Having the items mentioned earlier will aid in keeping you safe and give you a peace of mind if you're ever stuck on the side of the road.

Source: Infobarrel

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Kia picks up the product pace

After a slow 2012 for new products, Kia will be back on the gas in 2013.

A redesigned Forte compact sedan will be launched in January, followed by a five-door hatchback and a coupe by next summer. The upscale Cadenza sedan arrives at Kia's U.S. dealerships next summer.

A rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan, known as the K9 in South Korea and the Quoris in overseas markets, arrives stateside for the 2015 model year.

Here's the rundown for Kia for the 2013-15 model years from company and other sources.

Cadenza: Kia will launch the Cadenza sedan next summer as a 2014 model. The upscale, front-wheel-drive sedan shares a platform with the current generation Hyundai Azera and is expected to be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine used in the Korean version of the Cadenza, known as the K7.

The Cadenza, nearly five inches longer than the Optima mid-sized sedan, will sit above the Optima in Kia's lineup. Pricing is expected to be between the high $30,000s and low $40,000s, Kia Motors America's sales boss Tom Loveless has said.

Forte: Kia's compact sedan will be redesigned for the 2014 model year. A modified version of the Hyundai-Kia compact platform, used by the Hyundai Elantra and the European Kia Cee'd compact, will underpin the second-generation Forte.

The redesigned Forte sedan will be launched in January. The two-door Forte Koup and a five-door hatchback are scheduled to go on sale next summer.

A source says Kia is aiming for at least 40 mpg on the highway with the Forte's 1.8-liter four-cylinder base engine.

GT Concept: Kia is wrestling with whether to build a production version of its head-turning GT Concept car shown at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show.

The rwd concept car is powered by a 395-hp, 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 with gasoline direct injection.

Peter Schreyer, Kia's global design boss, is pushing management to green-light the project. But a source says a business case strong enough to put the car into production has yet to materialize fully.

Optima: The Optima mid-sized sedan was redesigned for the 2011 model year. A freshening is planned for next summer for the 2014 model year.

Rio: The subcompact was redesigned in 2011.

Quoris/K9: Kia has given the green light for U.S. sales of its rwd flagship, known as the K9 in South Korea and the Quoris in overseas markets, according to a source with knowledge of Kia's plans.

The large sedan should go on sale sometime in mid-2014 as a 2015 model.

Kia says a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with gasoline direct injection producing about 330 hp will power the flagship in overseas markets starting in its second year of global sales, which begin in the fourth quarter. The engine will be paired with a new eight-speed transmission.

The car will boast active safety features unseen on Kia vehicles to date, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot detection and other systems.

Sorento: Kia's top-selling crossover gets a freshening for the 2014 model year, and the next-generation Sorento should arrive two or three years later, but the precise timing is uncertain.

The redesign will place the Sorento on the chassis underpinning the upcoming 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Soul: The next generation of Kia's funky subcompact crossover is slated to arrive stateside in late summer 2013 as a 2014 model. The redesigned Soul will be built on a modified version of the Hyundai-Kia subcompact platform underpinning the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent. The current Soul is based on Hyundai-Kia's older subcompact platform.

The 2014 Soul's sheet metal will be new, but the car's proportions will remain intact to maintain its distinctive look.

Sportage: Kia engineers updated the Sportage's suspension for a smoother ride for the 2013 model year.

A freshened Sportage is scheduled to arrive in the late summer of 2013 with a new grille and fascia for the 2014 model year.

New sheet metal and major platform changes are in the works for either the 2015 or 2016 model year, but a source says the launch timing has yet to be determined.

Source: Automotive News

Happy Monday Folks! This week's car care tip: How To Jump Start a Car.

You’re walking out of your apartment and notice a good looking gal with the hood of her car open, looking at the engine with desperation. You go over and ask what’s wrong. The car battery is dead, and she’s late for class. She asks you if you can give her jump. You look down at the ground, kick some rocks, and offer to call AAA instead.

You have no clue how to jump start a car.

Every man should know how to jump start a dead car battery. You never know when you’ll need this knowledge to aid a stranded damsel in distress or help yourself. While jumping a dead battery is super simple, you’d be surprised by the number of men who have no idea how to do it. Even if a man has learned how to jump start a car before, it can be easy to forget what cables go where. Positive on negative? Ground the positive cable on the car with the good battery? Red cable is negative?

To help you avoid looking like a putz when asked to jump start a car and to help prevent you from shocking the hell out of yourself when you do it, here’s the rundown on how to jump start a dead car battery.

How to Tell if Your Battery Is Dead

Before you try jump starting a car, you need to determine that the battery is the reason the car isn’t starting up. If you turn the ignition and hear the engine cranking, a dead battery isn’t your problem and jump starting it won’t do a darn thing. However, if you turn the key and the car does absolutely nothing, then there’s a good chance you have a dead battery on your hands and jumping it may be your ticket to getting back on the road.

How to Jump Start a Car with Cables

See the full gallery on Posterous

Note: You should always carry jumper cables in your car with you. You never know when you’re going to need them.

1. Make sure both cars are turned off.

2. Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal on the stalled battery.

3. Then connect the other red (positive) cable clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.

4. Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.

5. Then connect the other black (negative) cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the disabled car’s hood. Somewhere on the engine block is a good place. Unless you want to see flying sparks and a possible explosion, do not connect the negative cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery .

6. Start the car that’s doing the jumping, and allow it to run for about 2 to 3 minutes before starting the dead car.
7. Remove cables in reverse order.
8. Keep the jumped car running for at least 30 minutes to give the battery sufficient time to recharge itself.

And you’re done. Give yourself a pat on the back for a manly job well done.

Source: The Art of Manliness

Guess the song these Warped Tour goers are jammin' to. See how it went!

Miles and smiles: The most fuel-efficient (non-hybrid) cars money can buy

We can all agree: Not one of us likes wasting money at the pump. Unfortunately, with gasoline prices fluctuating more often than Jessica Simpson’s waistline, it’s not always easy to avoid draining your wallet while filling your tank. Of course, there is always the option of getting behind the wheel of some new-fangled cartraption like a hybrid or — gasp! — electric vehicle, but that’s for communist (just kidding, comrade). Whatever your reasons for forgoing alternative fuels, what we have here is a list of the most fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered cars on the market.

Kia Rio

The newly redesigned 2012 Kia Rio might stand out for its influx of style and je ne sais quo, but it hasn’t forgotten its humble beginnings. No, in fact the Kia Rio earns its place in the prestigious 40 miles per gallon high club by virtue of its workman-like 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The standard 2012 Kia Rio comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission with an EPA rated 31 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, making for 33 mpg combined. Surprisingly, the automatic version sees an increase of one mile per gallon to its combined rating, for a total of 40 mpg on the highway, 30 mpg in the city, and 34 mpg combined.

Source: Kia

Kia Optima hybrid sales gather pace

Sales of Kia’s Optima Hybrid are flying in the US with 732 deliveries last month, a 261% increase over July last year, and overtaking Ford’s Fusion and Toyota’s Prius hybrids.

The only two models ahead in monthly US sales of the Optima (called K5 in South Korea) are Chevrolet's Volt and the Toyota Camry hybrid.

This marks something of a turnaround for the Kia which was a slow burner when it arrived in US showrooms in June last year.

Slow sales were attributed to low brand awareness of Korean hybrid cars. In its first two months Stateside, just 273 were sold.

So far this year 4,756 units have been delivered.

Source: Just Auto

Today's Weekly Car Care Tip: How to Change Your Wiper Blades.

• Purchase the correct replacement windshield-wiper blades for your car at an auto parts store. Buy the entire blade, not just the rubber blade insert.
• Open the package and find the attachment that matches the one on the wiper blade on your car. Read through the directions to see how to connect the attachment to the blade.
• Pull the wiper arm up so it is no longer resting on the windshield.
• Remove the old wiper blade from the wiper arm (see picture). This typically involves pushing on a tab and pulling the wiper blade off or lifting a tab with a small screwdriver.
• Insert the attachment onto the new blade or onto the wiper arm (see picture). On some cars, it may be easier to put the attachment on the wiper blade first; on other models, it is easier to first put the attachment onto the wiper arm. Listen for a click.
• Tug on the wiper blade to make sure it is securely attached and won't fly off later.
• Gently lower the wiper arm onto the windshield.

Source: eHow

Take an inside look with Kia at how the group Of Mice and Men lives life on the road traveling for the Vans Warped Tour.

With the Olympics off to a grand start, we'd like you to caption this photo.