In Case You Were Wondering, the Kia Soul Holds More Jellybeans than Honda Fit

 

When shopping for a new vehicle, any number of factors are in play.  Price, features, horsepower, dependability, and depreciation are all at or near the top of most people's list of consideration.  Kia has added a new metric to the equation.  Jellybeans. 

 

As silly as that may sound, there is a method to the silliness.  Proving that the interior space of the Kia Soul is far more vast than that of one of it's main competitors, the Honda Fit, Kia shows in this 30-second commercial how much more space there really is. 

 

 

If you want more proof than just the jellybean test (really, that's not enough?), we can go to the tale of the tape.  The Kia Soul has 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, compared to just 16.6 cubic feet for the Fit.  Maximum cargo capacity is 61,3 cu.ft. for the Soul, and 52.7 cu. ft. for the Honda Fit.  The Soul is also wider, taller, and longer. 

 

No matter how you measure them, the Kia Soul offers a much roomier ride than the Honda Soul, and of course, comes with the unbeatable Kia 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.  Come visit Lujack Kia to see our inventory of new Kia Soul models and our entire inventory of new and used vehicles



Warriors Curry Wins Kia MVP Award

 

Kia and the NBA have continued to strengthen their relationship over the past several years, and now the NBA Most Valuable Player Award is sponsore by Kia.

 

 

While there were several canditdates, for the 2015-2016 season, there was really only one answer for the league's MVP Award, and the is Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors. 

 

Granted, Curry is the reigning league MVP, but as long as Lebron James is still in the leaguek it's hard to consider anyone to be an odds-on favorite for the honors headin into the season, let alone a repeat winner.  When considering Curry's achievements this year, however, there was only one clear choice.

 

Curry became the first player since Larry Bird in the 1984-1985 season to improve his scoring average in the year after winning the MVP.  Curry also shattered his own record for 3-pointers in a season, knocking down 10 in the final game of the regulary season, leaving him with a ridiculous total of 402 for the year.  His 3-point shooting percentage of 45% is equally mind-boggling.

 

All of this happened in a year where the Golden State Warriors eclipsed the Chicago Bulls record for regular-season wins- a record many thought would never be topped.  At this point, all that is left if for Curry and the Warriors to be Lebron and the Caveliers in the NBA Finals to put the topper on a historic season.  

Kia Soul to Get Turbochared?

Ok, hamster lovers, it's time to get some wind in your hair.  Kia has, subtly, announced that they may be introducing a turbocharged version on their iconic Soul, the CUV made famous by the dancing hamster commercials. 

 

We can expect (or at least hope for) an all-wheel drive version, with an anticipated 1.6-liter turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine, producing somewhere in the neighborhood of 180-200 horsepower.  Given the size and weight of the Kia Soul, that should be more than enough pep to excite the average driver.   Again, based solely on guesswork, we would anticipate a return of the life-sized rodents for promotional purposes, although this time they may have a bit more of a wind-blown look. 

Until we hear more however, the 2016 Kia Soul is a wonderfully fun to drive and practical crossover vehicle, and a mainstay in the Kia lineup.  You can view our selection of Kia Soul models at www.lujackkia.com

Kia Niro Hybrid UV Set for 2016 Arrival

The 2017 Kia Niro is slated for a late 2016 arrival, and will be Kia's first dedicated hybrid vehicle.  One thing that is noticeable right from the beginning is that the Niro doesn't have a look that screams "hybrid".  While some dedicated hybrids like the Toyota Prius have a design that sacrifices style for aerodynamics, the Niro is a great-looking CUV that emphasizes styling and drive-ability. 

Orth hedrick, VP of product planning for Kia Motors America says that "Aerodynamics is of course important, but we wanted to offer a choice for which there’s utility involved, for which there’s a different look, a different stance, bigger tires...and with a DCT and a strong motor that has a great off-the-line experience."  

With a targeted 50 MPG fuel-economy rating*, the Niro's power train is highlighted by an all-new, extremely efficient 1.6L Kappa GDI engine and a smooth-transitioning 6-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission that's unheard-of among hybrids. The Niro also features UVO-based telematics that help boost fuel economy via the Predictive-Energy Control and Coasting Guide*, as well as lightweight advanced body materials. 

 *Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.

2017 Kia Sportage Arrives

 

Improvements are plentiful in the updated 2017 Kia Sportage.  In the ultra-competitive space that is the compact SUV/Crossover market Kia has made a concentrated effort to lead the way. 

 

The first thing you notice about the newest Sportage is the more aggressive styling, particularly on the front end.  The "ice cube" LED fog lights, a cluster of four small LED units grouped together (available on higher trim levels) and unique grille, described as larger and more vertical, get your attention from the outset. 

 

From the driver's standpoint, Kia has totally overhauled the Sportage's suspension, improving the ride, handling and stability.  Also enhancing the handling is a new electric power steering system.  Kia has also implemented the 50/50 locking center differential for the Sportage when equipped with AWD.  The system anticipates the road conditions to optimize traction in adverse conditions.  Under the hood, the Sportage now offers a 241 hp 2.0-liter four cylinder, one of the few compact SUV's to offer an engine with over 200 horsepower. 

 

 

Behind the wheel, the Sportage has skewed things more towards the driver- literally.  The center stack has been tilted in the driver's direction.  When you get into the higher trim packages other amenities are available like a flat-bottom steer wheel with paddle shifters. 

 

Moving towards the rear of the Sportage, you'll find more space for your passengers and stuff alike.  Cargo space with the split-folding rear seats in place has increased from 26.1 to 30.7 cubic feet, and with the seats folded, max cargo capacity is a whopping 60.1 cubic feet.  

 

Lujack Kia has already received delivery of the 2017 Kia Sportage. Stop by our showroom at 3708 North Harrison in Davenport, or see our entire inventory of new and used vehicles online.   

 

Kia Optima Concept Convertible

I had the chance to attend the Chicago Auto Show and got to see some AMAZING cars. Check out the Kia Optima that was transformed into a convertible.

Just when you though Kia had topped itself with their off-roading Sorento, they go prove us all wrong. Enter the Kia Optima Convertible. Kia has transformed one of their most popular cars, the Optima, into a four-door convertible. They took into account the 2016 redesigned Kia Optima and Florida's sun-drenched A1A highway. Kia engineers then removed the car's roof and shortened the windshield for a more confident look, added extra steel reinforcement tubes to keep the body rigid despite the lack of a roof and changed the hinges on the back doors so they are rear-hinged now, which according to Kia adds "a touch of whimsy and fun" to an otherwise totally serious car.


Though this car probably won't go into production, you can shop our current Optima inventory at www.lujackkia.com or you can visit our showroom located at 3708 N. Harrison St. Davenport, IA. 52806 where you can speak with a member of our Kia Certified Sales Team. We look forward to hearing from you.

Kia Sorento PacWest Adventure

  I had the chance to attend the 2016 Chicago Auto Show the other day and saw some AMAZING vehicles on display. There was one that definitely made me do a double take. Feast your eyes on the Kia Sorento PacWest Adventure.

 Go where you didn't think a Sorento could take you. The show car, "PacWest Adventure" is out to prove Kia has the muscles to compete in the off-roading vehicle category and truthfully, they did a very thorough job. The end result is a barely recognizable Sorento with an elaborate paint job and exterior modifications that scream "take me off road!"

  What catches your eye first is definitely the intricate paint job. It would have been easy for Kia to just use a vinyl car wrap, but they took it a step further and actually had it painted with several layers of paint. The end result? A crazy, but beautiful paint job with several shades of green that create different pearl and candy effects when viewed at different angles. There is a forest scene painted on either side, with something apparently glowing just beyond the treeline. It looks like a scene for the X-Files.

 

 

Continue reading about the PacWest Adventure here. And even though this is just a concept right now, feel free to shop our current Sorento inventory at www.lujackkia.com. You can also visit our showroom located 3708 N. Harrison St. Davenport, IA 52806 where you can speak with a member of our Kia Certified Sales Team. We look forward to hearing from you.