May 2011 ~ Monroeville Kia Mazda

Monday, May 30, 2011

Happy Memorial Day!

Posted by Monroeville Kia Mazda on 10:32 AM

How are you planning to celebrate/ honor Memorial Day weekend? Is the holiday a chance to barbeque and hang with friends, or is it a more solemn occasion as you remember a loved one? Share with us!

But no matter how you choose to spend your weekend, we want you to stay safe. Here are some tips for grill safety this weekend:

Keep food covered or refrigerated until ready to be cooked. Cook meat to 170 degrees Farenheit as a minimum.

Cooking (by any method) of meats (particularly red meat and chicken) at very high temperatures until surface charring occurs can cause cancer causing substances (Heterocyclic Amines (HCA)) to form. To avoid this, use marinades and turn frequently.

Inspect your grill before you ignite to ensure everything is in working order.

Don't use a grill indoors including garages, overhangs and canopies.

When using a grill, you should use a 10-foot perimeter from anything combustible, including your house.

Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill.

Only use approved ignition fluids – don't use gasoline to ignite a grill.

Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill fire.

These tips are from: http://bbq.about.com/od/grillinghelp/tp/grillsafety.htm

Kia Sorrento Named “Top Pick” by Consumer Reports

Posted by Monroeville Kia Mazda on 11:58 AM

The 2011 Kia Sorrento was named a “Top Pick” by Consumer Reports.

The “Top Pick” honor goes only to the best all-around models from the different CR vehicle categories, and each one must put up superior performances in a wide range of key quality, safety and reliability measures.

The Sorento claimed the highest spot among “Family SUVs,” thanks to “a roomy, nicely finished interior [that] includes comfortable seats and easy-to-use controls,” according to CR. Other Sorento advantages noted by the publication included the vehicle’s smooth-running V6 engine, which delivers an impressive mix of performance and fuel economy, and its high-value combination of an affordable MSRP with premium levels of standard content—“making it one of the bargains of this class.”

In addition, both the Kia Forte and Kia Soul were named to CR’s list of “Best vehicles under $20,000.” And significantly, both start well under that ceiling: The former has a base price of $14,995 and the latter has a starting MSRP of $13,300, and even the up-level models specifically called out by CR—the Forte EX and Soul Plus—only set the publication back by $18,540 and $17,690, respectively. (Consumer Reports buys all vehicles it tests directly from dealers.)

Even the least-expensive Kia model was able to open some eyes at Consumer Reports. The affordable Kia Rio, in both sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, earned kudos for offering some of the best visibility in the industry.

Motortrend Says The Mazda CX-9 “Keeps the sport in sport/utility vehicle”

Posted by Monroeville Kia Mazda on 9:03 AM

Motortrend says the Mazda CX-9 “keeps the sport in sport/utility vehicle.”

A key to the CX-9’s top rating was a heavy dose of Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” approach to driving dynamics. Typical comments from MT writers included:

“As a high speed, canyon-carving seven-seater, the CX-9 is severely gifted. It actually inspires confidence when you push, quite unlike the rest of the field.”

“Throttle response and front-end dynamics make it a hoot to take on undulating mountain roads. The excellent chassis smoothes out any nasty chop.”

“Out of this group, the [CX-9's] entire driving experience is second to none.”

That kind of performance comes courtesy of a well-engineered suspension that boasts MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup at the back, with stabilizer bars at both ends. Add in a 273-hp 3.7-liter V6, a six-speed electronically controlled transmission with Mazda’s Adaptive Shift Logic and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, and it’s easy to understand why MT called the CX-9 “the best driver here, no questions asked.”

Yet the CX-9 also offers the kind of interior functionality drivers look for in a big crossover. It seats seven in comfort, with the second row offering fore and aft adjustability for extra room. For added versatility, that second row features a 60/40 split folding configuration, with the folding third row providing a 50/50 split. The CX-9 can even tow up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped.

The real kicker? Not only did Mazda’s big crossover trump its rivals, but it was the least-expensive vehicle in the comparison—by $500.

Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6 Earn Top Recognition From Consumer Reports

Posted by Monroeville Kia Mazda on 1:42 PM

In 5 separate categories the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6 Earn Top Recognition From Consumer Reports.

Mazda’s commitment to spirited driving also was a key to the kudos received by the Mazda3 and Mazda6 s, which bested all rivals in terms of “Driving Enjoyment.” The Mazda3 earned the nod in the “Small Sedan” class, thanks to features like its well-sorted suspension and chassis, choice of two responsive I4 engines, and enthusiast-oriented suspension. In addition, boasting a starting price of just $15,800, the Mazda3 sedan earned a place on CR’s list of “Best Vehicles under $20,000.”

The Mazda6 earned its “Driving Enjoyment” title in the “Family Sedan” class. Mazda’s mid-sizer is available with a robust 272-hp V6, a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, and a suspension specifically tuned to keep drivers in touch with the road. The setup is a double-wishbone independent suspension at the front, with a multi-link arrangement at the rear, delivering precise handling everywhere.

Finally, the nimble new Mazda2 made CR’s “Best overall fuel economy” list, thanks to its ability to reach 33 mpg in the publication’s own real-world fuel-economy testing—and that goes with EPA ratings of 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway.