Hey fans!

Come join us for our Employee Pricing & Model-Year End Discounts on 150 New Kia’s This Weekend at Kia of Puyallup! Sale starts Friday at 9am and ends Sunday at 7pm – 3 Days Only to Save!

Kia donates $100,000 to Make-A-Wish International

Kia Motors, official sponsor of Euro 2012, is donating US$100,000 to its selected charity, Make-A-Wish International. The automaker has also invited six children to serve as official ball carriers during the matches in Poland and Ukraine.

"Make-A-Wish International is thrilled to be Kia's selected charity and know that our wish children are very excited to take part in UEFA EURO 2012," said Jon Stettner, president and chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish International. "A wish come true helps children feel stronger, more energetic and more willing and able to battle their life-threatening medical conditions. All the children attending are an example of the strength given through a granted wish. This opportunity offers a wonderful way for our wish children and Kia to take part in celebrating our mission and love for football together!"

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The Quebec chapter will host its sixth annual Ride for Wishes event at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal from September 14th to 16th, 2012 and Auto123.com will enter three teams of riders.

2012 Kia Soul earns high owner marks in survey

The 2012 Kia Soul took the title of highest-ranking compact multi-purpose vehicle in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study this year, following feedback from new car owners who rated automobiles based on their quality of design and production.

The report captured vehicle assessments from drivers 90 days after their purchase. Overall, the 2012 study consisted of 233 vehicle models evaluated across eight categories, including engine and transmission, driving experience and a range of quality tests.

The positive results of the study come during a year when the Soul received several enhancements. A significant number of powertrain, style and technological improvements have been added to the 2012 model, which Kia claims has led to a 22 percent increase in sales from January through June.

Since its launch in 2009, the Soul has become responsible for Kia’s new direction in design and remains one of the company’s most popular vehicles, said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “Kia Motors is dedicated to building world-class, high quality vehicles, and the Soul’s recognition in the automotive industry’s authoritative study on quality is the latest example of Kia’s maturity and momentum in the U.S. market.”

New Kia Rio5 impresses with 40 mpg, spunk and price

Kia Rio5’s pricing is about as good as it gets for a small hatchback. Ditto on mpg.

In fact, the redesigned Rio hatchback is quite competitive on all fronts. It’s even fun to drive in both manual and automatic form.

Rio5 replaced the Cinco for the 2006 model year.

Just as the Rio was a leap from its predecessor, the 2012 model makes strides on all fronts. For example, it joins the growing number of small all-gas vehicles that boast up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 around town.

At the same time, horsepower jumps from 110 to 138. That helps make the little Kia fun to drive. It’s not fast, but even with the six-speed automatic transmission, it’s feels spunky and is quieter and smoother than some more expensive 4-cylinders.

 

There are now three trim levels; the stripped-down base model no longer is available. The entry-level LX starts at $14,250. It comes with air conditioning, power mirrors, rear spoiler, rear windshield wiper, cargo cover, split-folding rear seats, tilt-steering wheel, a full lineup of safety equipment, Kia’s long warranty, and audio system with CD player, MP3 and satellite radio capability, and steering-wheel controls.

Moving from the 6-speed manual transmission to the automatic costs $1,100, but does not change mpg ratings.

In addition to the upgraded EX model, sportier looks and handling are available in the SX. Options include Kia’s UVO voice-controlled infotainment system, navigation with real-time traffic data, push-button starter, leather and heated seats.

The second-generation Rio5 is a little longer, wider and lower than the 2011. I was pleasantly surprised at how far the driver’s bucket scoots back. There are six rather than last year’s eight ways to adjust the seat, but the procedure is much easier.

As long as you don’t recline the seatback all the way, there is enough leg room in back for an average adult. Rio helps compensate for its subcompact size with a deep cargo bay, which means there is a small step up if you fold down the rear seats.

Another improvement for 2012 is the interior, which takes on a higher-quality look in addition to its functional setup. Materials are softer to the touch and nicely grained. I’m not wild about the long dash, though.

Federal crash test results are not yet available, but i'm hoping the Rio can improve on its previous generation’s score 3 of 5 stars for rear side impacts.

The Rio also comes as a sedan, starting at the same price and with the same fuel stats. As with most hatchbacks, Rio5 looks jazzier than the sedan, and the format is a little handier. The trade-off comes with the wide C pillar framing the hatch, which cuts into rear vision.

Kia also offers the larger Forte coupe and hatchback and the boxy Soul.

Kia Rio5

Subcompact hatchback

Base price: $14,250

MPG range: 30/40

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Not yet rated;

Web: www.kia.com

Competitors: Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mazda2, Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Kia Forte, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Yaris

Bottom line: Improvements all around puts Rio5 on shopping short list

How to Change a Tire in the Middle of the Road with Kia's all new Optima

Check out our weekly parts special!

This week, you'll find an iPod Cable for only $29.00 - a $10 saving!
Offer is valid 6/19/12-6/26/12
One discount per customer. Not redeemable for cash.

Car Maintenance Tips & Tricks : How to Restore Cloudy Headlights