National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) Names 3 Kia Vehicles “2011 Best Car Buys”

The National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) names 3 Kia vehicles “2011 Best Car Buys.”

The group’s annual NADAguides Best Car Buys Report analyzed criteria like price, depreciation, fuel efficiency, warranty coverage and safety ratings to determine which vehicles are the country’s true customer satisfiers, and among them were:

Kia Soul—The funky-fresh urban passenger vehicle has become one of the most popular subcompacts on the road today, selling in record numbers in 2011 thanks to its unique mix of bold styling, notable fuel efficiency and starting price of just $13,300. The Soul also earned “Top Safety Pick” status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Kia Sorento—The first Kia vehicle to go into production at the automaker’s U.S. manufacturing facility in West Point, Ga., the 2011 Sorento also is an IIHS “Top Safety Pick,” and it’s also achieved record sales this year. In fact, the stylish and fuel-efficient crossover has been Kia’s top seller every month since its introduction.

Kia Sedona—Building on its recognition as “The Best Minivan for the Money” byU.S. News & World Report, the Sedona is packed with the kind of safety content today’s families look for, including six standard airbags (with dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags for all three rows), active front headrests, and four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution for optimum stopping capabilities.

“Our design-led transformation has fundamentally changed consumer perception of the Kia brand, and the inclusion of three of our vehicles in NADAguides’ Annual ‘Best Car Buys’ report is further validation that Kia’s commitment to bringing a comprehensive lineup to consumers that feature a compelling combination of design, performance, safety, fuel economy and value is resonating with more and more new car shoppers,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, Marketing & Communications, KMA. “With year-to-date sales up more than 40 percent over 2010, interest in the Kia brand has never been higher as consumers turn to our fresh new products like the Sorento CUV and Soul that not only offer class-leading features but are backed, like the entire Kia lineup, by our industry leading 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty.”

Read more: http://www.kiainthenews.com/kia-trio-nabs-nadaguide-honors/#more-429

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The Mazda Total Advantage Program

Exciting news!

The company best known for its dynamic lineup of driver-friendly vehicles has now made owning one of those vehicles an even friendlier experience: Mazda recently introduced its first-ever pre-paid maintenance service—the Mazda Total Advantage Program—to provide owners with a more affordable way to ensure their vehicles get the factory-certified routine maintenance they deserve.

The new program was designed specifically to meet customer needs, bundling together typical maintenance services at one low price that delivers a notable cost advantage as compared to paying for the services separately. Plans are available for both Mazda’s Schedule I and Schedule II maintenance regimens, and can be purchased in 1- to 5-year increments. Customers can even roll the cost of the Mazda Total Advantage Program into their new-vehicle financing when a purchase is made through Mazda Capital Services. The entire award-winning Mazda roster is covered, too, including the MX-5 Miata and the Mazda3.

The former was the highest-ranked Compact Sporty Car in this summer’s 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, beating out rivals like the VW GTI, while the Mazda3 recently was named to KBB.com annual list of “Coolest Cars unders $18,000” for the eighth consecutive year. That’s a feat that prompted Jack R. Nerad, executive director and executive market analyst for the site, to say: “At some point we’re going to have to give Mazda3 a lifetime achievement award for its unequaled streak of appearances on our annual list of coolest cars. For the 8th year in a row—every year of the car’s existence, in fact—the Mazda3 has earned a spot on our list for its standout sheet metal, excellent interior and exceptional driving dynamics.”

But keep in mind that the innovative Mazda Total Advantage Program isn’t just limited to new vehicles—used and certified pre-owned Mazdas from the 2007 model year or newer can be covered as well.

Read more: http://www.mazdainthenews.com/mazda-introduces-pre-paid-maintenance-program/#more-987

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Hybrid Version Of Mazda6 Sedan Coming In 2013 or 2014

A hybrid version of the Mazda6 sedan will be out in 2013 or 2014.

In March of last year, Mazda signed a deal to license Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, which Toyota is also licensing to Subaru. With access to this unique hybrid system, the automaker is expected to launch a hybrid version of its Mazda6 sedan as either a 2013 or 2014 model.

Based on spy photos of a Mazda6 development mule from InsideLine and Car and Driver, the Mazda6 hybrid will feature driver-selectable Eco/Power/EV modes, similar to the Toyota Prius. And, mileage is expected to reach close to the Prius’  ratings of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway.

Mazda is eager to improve the efficiency of its lineup overall, but hybrids won’t be the primary method of achieving its goals. The company’s SKYACTIV gasoline engines are expected to return the fuel efficiency of today’s clean diesels. The first car in the U.S. to feature the SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine will be the 2012 Mazda3 compact, which arrives this fall.

Read more: http://www.mazdainthenews.com/mazda-to-launch-mazda6-hybrid-sedan/#more-979

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Kia Sportage Named “2011 Northwest Affordable SUV of the Year”

The Kia Sportage was name the “2011 Northwest Affordable SUV of the Year” by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA).

The award was given during the NWAPA’s annual “Mudfest,” a unique one-day event in which the year’s top SUVs and crossovers are gathered for a comprehensive, hands-on evaluation of their performance, both on and off the road. This includes off-road tests of low-range handling, ride comfort, and hill-climbing and descent abilities, as well as on-road comparisons of stability, handling, emergency-braking maneuvers, and more. In addition, versatility and overall value are scored separately to provide a comprehensive picture of each vehicle’s attributes.

Taking home this new honor is one of a long list of Sportage accomplishments, which also include:

• Being named “Best New Crossover Vehicle” in the About.com 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards
• Earning the title of “International Truck of the Year” as part of the International Car of the Year Awards
• Achieving “Top Safety Pick” status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reflecting the fact that the
• Sportage offers standard electronic stability control and received the highest possible scores in the group’s front, rear, side and rollover crash testing

“The latest award for Sportage from NWAPA underscores Kia Motors’ ongoing commitment to delivering high-value, high-quality vehicles that combine outstanding fuel economy and safety with world-class design, cutting-edge technology and fun-to-drive performance,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). “Demand for the 2011 Sportage has outpaced supply since arriving in dealerships, and the Sportage has played a significant role in the increased consumer awareness and consideration of the Kia brand that has resulted in record sales for the company.”

Read more: http://www.kiainthenews.com/the-northwest-sportage-kias-crossover-is-mudfest-champ/#more-413

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2012 Mazda3 Expected To Get 40 MPG

The all-new 2012 Mazda3 is expected to get 40 mpg. It is expected to be available in October.

The refreshed 2012 Mazda3 will arrive in showrooms this fall. With it will be the first application of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV powertrain technology in the United States. And, thanks to this new tech, the latest Mazda3 is expected to deliver dramatically better fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

The new SKYACTIV 2.0 direct-injection gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission is expected to help the 2012 Mazda3 achieved 40 miles per gallon on the highway. With a six-speed manual, it’s expected to achieve an impressive 39 mpg highway. City mileage ratings will be 28 mpg with the automatic, 27 mpg with the manual.

Not only will SKYACTIV help the Mazda3 get better mileage than before, but the new powertrain components are also expected to help the compact deliver plenty of power. SKYACTIV 2.0 is rated at 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

The current model’s 148 horsepower 2.0-liter engine will also be available for the 2012 model year. Buyers can also opt for the more powerful 167 horsepower 2.5-liter unit.

Read more: http://www.mazdainthenews.com/2012-mazda3-to-join-40-mpg-club/#more-971

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Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips

10: Check Your Tires

Tires are one of the most overlooked parts of a car. According the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), only one out of 10 drivers checks his or her tire pressure correctly, compared with almost seven out of 10 who wash their cars regularly [source: RMA]. But the truth is that an under-inflated, over-inflated, worn down or misaligned tire can be extremely dangerous, particularly in hot summer weather.

9: Change Oil and Oil Filter

Oil is the lifeblood of your car. It keeps hardworking engine parts running clean, smooth and cool. Most owner's manuals suggest that you change your oil and oil filter every 7,500 miles (12,070 kilometers). Oil change specialists suggest every 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) or three months. The fact is, most of us do a lot of heavy driving during the summer when an engine is more likely to overheat. So at least check your oil before you head out on that road trip with the family.

8: De-Winterize Your Car

If you haven't driven your car very much during the winter, or if you've had it in storage, then you need to check all of the fluid levels -- coolant, transmission,differential, power steering and brake fluid -- to make sure there weren't any leaks. You'll also want to change the oil, since oil gets thick and collects condensation if it sits in the engine all winter. If you haven't used your battery in a while, you might need a recharge or a replacement. It's also important to really clean the undercarriage of the car after a long winter, especially if you live in a snowy climate.

7: Check Hoses and Belts

The key to summer driving is keeping the engine cool. We're going to talk about the radiator and coolant soon, but first you need to check the hoses and belts. The hoses connected to the radiator help pump coolant to and from the engine block, and the belts run the fan that helps cool the system further [source: CBS News]. If the hoses crack or the belts snap, the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded.

6: Change the Air Filter

Over the winter, your car's air filter can get clogged with salt and other thick debris. A clogged air filter can really lower your fuel efficiency. Replacing a dirty or clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent

5: Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Winter can be tough on windshield wipers. Ice, snow, salt and extreme temperatures make cracks and tears in the rubber that lower the effectiveness of the wipers. If your wipers are leaving visible streaks or take several passes to clear away light rain, they need to be replaced.

4: Check Your Brakes

Brakes need to be replaced when the lining on your brake pad or brake shoe is worn down past the minimum thickness specified by the car manufacturer or state law [source: Yahoo! Autos]. You can have your brake linings checked at any normal service shop or at a brake specialist.

3: Check the Coolant and Radiator

Cars are designed to run hot, but there's a limit to how hot they should run. A combustion engine is most efficient at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). But if an engine is allowed to get too hot, moving metal parts can actually start to melt and fuse together, causing a variety of internal problems for your engine -- and, you guessed it, a hefty repair bill.

2: Clean Your Battery

Wintertime is notorious for dead batteries and early morning jumpstarts. But the truth is that hot weather is even tougher on your battery. Summer heat can speed up the chemical reaction inside a battery, causing the battery to be overcharged [source: CBS News]. This can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your battery. Heat can also damage the battery by evaporating internal battery fluid [source: Car Care Council]. The best way to keep your battery running smoothly is to keep it clean.

1: Maintain Your Air Conditioning

The most common cause of a malfunctioning air conditioning unit is a low level of refrigerant. This could be caused buy a leak somewhere in the system. Since modern air conditioning systems are complicated creatures, it's best to have a professional check out the problem.

Tips courtesy of: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/summer-car-maintenance10.htm

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Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator

While installing and using child safety seats may appear to be easy enough, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that close to 3 out of 4 parents do not properly use child restraints ... and if you are one of them, that child safety seat may not protect your child the way it should. Use this locator to find a child safety seat inspection station nearest you. Certified technicians will inspect your child safety seat and show you how to correctly install and use it.

Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator

You can filter results by State/Zip Code as well as with Spanish-speaking technicians, and/or having local Child Passenger Safety events.

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Kia Optima Beats Honda Accord in Consumer Reports Showdown

The new Kia Optima beat the Honda Accord in a recent series of tests conducted by a team of experts at Consumer Reports.

The Kia won based on performance in five areas: Handling, Transmission, Controls, Fuel Economy, and Safety. For more information on the tests visit the Kia in the News article!

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