The 2017 Kia Niro Preview

The 2017 Kia Niro is the first dedicated hybrid model from the Korean carmaker.

Unlike the Toyota Prius or the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq from its sister company, the Niro takes the form of a crossover utility vehicle, rather than a hatchback. That makes the Niro—which debuted in February at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show—the first of its kind among dedicated hybrids.

Kia itself calls the Niro a "hybrid utility vehicle," and hopes this will distinguish the model from competitors' hybrids. Yet while the Niro is certainly more crossover like than other dedicated hybrids, it isn't quite a genuine utility vehicle either. It's styled more like a tall wagon, with a fairly sleek roofline, and a ride height midway between a sedan and an all-wheel-drive utility vehicle.

It will launch with front-wheel drive, and Kia has suggested it has no plans to add a second set of driven wheels. That's despite the electric all-wheel drive system it showed on the Soul-based Trail'ster concept at the 2015 Chicago show., which added a second electric motor to the rear axle to supplement the hybrid powertrain driving the front wheels.

 

The 2017 Niro is propelled by a 103-horsepower, direct-injection 4-cylinder engine running on the ultra-efficient Atkinson cycle, along with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Sandwiched between the engine and transmission, a 32-kilowatt (43-hp) electric motor helps assist the gasoline engine, and can propel the Niro on its own under certain conditions.

 
           In addition to the standard hybrid model, Kia plans to launch a Niro plug-in hybrid a year or so into the model's product cycle. The standard Niro hybrid will go on sale late in 2016, with more detailed specifications available closer to that time.



Check out our other great Kia vehicles here and contact us to take your home today!

Kia Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are HERE!

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the hottest things out there, when it comes to interfacing your smart phone to your car. But you bought a Kia and you don’t have those options…. But have no fear! Kia is offering free updates that will make it possible to have your phone work with your car!

 

Kia Motors America has just announce that multiple models of their vehicles are eligible for the update. Spanning the 2014 to 2017 models years of eight different vehicles can be updated.

Those models are:

• 2017 Forte
• 2015-16 Optima
• 2015-16 Optima Hybrid
• 2015-16 Sedona
• 2014-15 Soul
• 2015-16 Soul EV
• 2016 Sorento
• 2017 Sportage

In order to install the update, owners of new and preowned Kia models will first need to register at myuvo.com. At the end of July, Kia will send out emails to registered owners. This email will include vehicle eligibility info and system update download instructions. Once their updates are installed, iPhone users will be able to use Siri to dictate emails and more. Just don't expect her to access Spotify or let you use anything other than Apple Maps to get around.

Contact us today to set up your appointment to have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto installed if your Kia!

Style and Innovation are Kia’s New Forte

What would you do if you have a record year for sales?

Make it better!

Kia is optimizing their brand and making the Forte so much better. How you ask? By giving you a freshened up look, updated tech and a new and improved 2.0- liter engine.

The Redesigned 2017 Kia Forte

Styled like its big brother, the Optima, this new Forte received a nose job, acquiring the company’s “tiger nose” grille. And new Xenon HID headlight and redesigned taillights help this vehicle light up the road.

"Big Brother" 2017 Kia Optima

A host of features are available on the new Forte, including headlights that can “bend” light around curves, a seven-inch touch screen display and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The autonomous features act as “driving nannies”, including, emergency braking, forward collision and lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and rear-cross traffic alert are the new perks for those techies that love the gadgets.

We’re still waiting for them to drop these off at the dealership. But until then, check out our inventory of this Forte’s big brother and other siblings. And set up an appointment so we can let you know when he shows up!

JD Power has much love for Kia



 

 

JD Power has announced their Initial Quality Study℠ results and Kia performed exceptionally well.  Kia ranked as the #2 brand overall in the study, behind only Porsche out of the 33 industry nameplates that were included.   

 

Additionally, the 2015 Kia Soul was the "Highest Ranked Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle in Initial Quality", and he 2015 Kia Sorento was the "Highest Ranked Midsize SUV in Initial Quality". 

 

2015 Kia Sportage

 

2015 Kia Soul

 

The U.S. Initial Quality Study is in its 29th year, and studies problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership.  The 2015 study evaluates eight problem categories that comprise initial quality:  Exterior, Driving Experience, Features/Controls/Displays, Audio/Communication/Entertainment/Navigation, Seats, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, Interior, and Engine/Transmission.  According to Kia, "The IQS measures both defects/malfunctions and design-related problems—features that may be operating as intended but are poorly located or difficult to use. As a brand, Kia has the fewest number of design-related problems among Non-Luxury brands and improves significantly year over year."

 

 

 

 



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