Cooling System Maintenance

For most drivers, a new car is their second biggest financial investment after a house, and they need it to run reliably for many years. The cooling system is one of the most important, yet often neglected regular maintenance items in any vehicle.

“Coolant (also known as antifreeze) prevents engine freeze-up in winter, reduces engine temperature in the summer, and protects the cooling system from rust and corrosion year round,” according to the AAA website.

Gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines can produce up to 15,000 explosions per minute with flame temperatures topping 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling system has to efficiently remove that heat energy to prevent damage to cylinder heads, blocks, pistons and gaskets. The engineers that create these engines carefully design the coolant flow passages to ensure that temperatures stay even at all times with no hot or cold spots.

Whether you experience brutal cold, blistering heat or both, coolant has to flow through those passages without freezing or boiling to work properly. Specially formulated antifreeze – typically based on a blend of ethylene or propylene glycol and water – can function over a temperature range of −34°F to +265°F. Other additives in the coolant help to inhibit corrosion of metal parts and lubricate the water pump.

Over time, coolant degrades due to the limited lifespan of the corrosion inhibitors and exposure to all that heat. Without the corrosion inhibitors, scale builds up and restricts flow in the cooling passages, heater core and radiator tubes. When this happens, leaks can develop, temperatures can climb and internal engine components, including the head gasket, can be damaged, leading to very expensive repairs.

A failed head gasket can easily cost thousands of dollars, and potentially much more while periodic cooling system flushes are cheap by comparison. The traditional glycol-based coolants used in many cars and trucks should be replaced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, often about every two years or 30,000 miles. These coolants are easily identified by the fluorescent green or blue dye that is added to make it easier to identify leaks and spills. Many modern vehicles use newer, long life coolants that are designed to last five years or 150,000 miles. These coolants are usually orange or red, and should never be mixed with green coolants. Although the coolant itself lasts longer, these systems should still be checked and maintained regularly, according to the schedule in your owner’s manual.

The first step of cooling system maintenance is a pressure check. In order to raise the boiling point of the coolant above 250°F, all modern vehicles use pressurized systems. With the engine off and cold, a test device can pressurize the cooling system to check for leaks. The pressure ratings vary for different vehicles, but if the pressure holds steady at the recommended level, the system should be free of leaks. The pressure cap itself should also be tested to ensure that it holds and releases at the rated pressure. If it releases at too low a pressure, the coolant can boil while excessive pressure can cause hoses or gaskets to burst. Your dealer’s service department has the tools and the expertise to complete these tests quickly and accurately.

The rubber hoses that transfer coolant between the engine, radiator and heater core should also be inspected for cracks or bulges. The belt that drives the water pump and in some cases the fan should also be checked for cracks or stretching. Problematic hoses or belts should be replaced immediately. The front side of the radiator should also be carefully cleaned to remove the dead bugs and other road dirt that inevitably build up during driving. A thermostat in the system controls the flow of coolant between the engine and radiator and should be checked and replaced if it doesn’t open at the correct temperature.

The freezing and boiling points of the coolant can also be checked by testing the specific gravity. Using a special tool, coolant can be drawn out of the engine and tested. If the freezing point is too high, the coolant should be replaced. 

The coolant is drained using a plug on the radiator, although some vehicles also have a secondary drain on the engine block as well. Drained coolant should always be properly disposed of and never dumped in a sewer or waterway. The sweet smelling glycol is attractive to many animals, but it is toxic. After draining, the system should be thoroughly flushed with water until it runs clear and free of the color of the coolant. The flushing should be done in the reverse of the usual flow direction to help to loosen and remove any scale or other contaminants that have built up. 

After closing up all the drains, the system should be refilled with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. With the radiator pressure cap still off, the engine should be run with the fresh coolant for about 10 to 15 minutes to bleed any air out of the system. Air in the cooling passages will limit the pressure, which will lower the boiling point and potentially cause damaging hotspots in the engine. During this bleed procedure, the interior heating system should also be turned on high to ensure that air is forced out. Once it has been bled, the system should be topped off with coolant mixture, typically through the reserve tank, and the pressure cap should be reinstalled.

Besides having the specific tools, experience and knowledge necessary to maintain your vehicle properly, our dealership’s service department will collect used coolant and send it to a recycling facility for reprocessing. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, service and parts personnel at our dealership can answer your questions and help you get the job done right.

Service                 888-894-8645
Monday-Friday:	8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday:	8:00am – Noon
Closed on Sunday

 

Kbb.com Reports Vehicle Manufacturers With Best Total Cost of Ownership

Audi, Kia Lead Luxury, Non-Luxury Segments with Minimal Depreciation, Low Fuel Costs

Total Cost of Ownership is developed using Kelley Blue Book® Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs.  Depreciation plays the largest role in Total Cost of Ownership, followed by the cost of fuel during the ownership period.  Kelley Blue Book calculates total ownership costs for new vehicles by applying a sophisticated valuation methodology along with critical financial data from third-party providers.  

By reviewing the Total Cost of Ownership for vehicles on their consideration list, consumers can better understand the overall financial implications associated with vehicle ownership through the initial five-year ownership period.  Kelley Blue Book’s Total Cost of Ownership features easy-to-understand charts and graphs on kbb.com to help car shoppers make informed purchase decisions by breaking down the typical ownership costs for a particular vehicle, including depreciation, expected fuel costs, insurance, maintenance and repair costs, state fees and more.  

“The average vehicle typically maintains about 30 percent of its original MSRP after five years of ownership, whereas a handful of vehicles maintain more than 45 percent after the same time period,” said Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for Kelley Blue Book.  “The new Total Cost of Ownership data on kbb.com is based on Kelley Blue Book Residual Values, which are used by banks and manufacturers nationwide.”

At the brand level, Audi and Lexus currently have the lowest depreciation and best fuel economy among luxury brands, giving them an advantage in low cost of ownership at the luxury level.  In addition, Audi, Lexus and Cadillac all offer models that carry a lower MSRP compared to other luxury brands.  Combined with their entry-level vehicles, these brands stand out among their competitors for having low overall ownership cost.  Audi’s Total Cost of Ownership success is primarily driven by the A3 2.0T and A4 2.0T sedan models.  Both edge out competitors with their minimal depreciation and stellar fuel economy.  

For non-luxury brands, Kia and Hyundai have a number of successful redesigns, greatly improved quality and competitive pricing, which sets them apart from other non-luxury brands in terms of cost of ownership.  Key Kia models contributing to the brand’s low Total Cost of Ownership include the Rio, Optima and Forte.  Additionally, Honda continues to be a reliable choice with strong fuel economy and customer loyalty.  

Top Luxury Brands	Average MSRP	Average Depreciation	Average Total Cost of Ownership (Five-Year Ownership Period)
Audi	$47,506	$33,467	$68,866
Lexus	$55,273	$37,029	$73,605
Cadillac	$53,684	$40,028	$77,680

Top Non-Luxury Brands	Average MSRP	Average Depreciation	Average Total Cost of Ownership (Five-Year Ownership Period)
Kia	$21,643	$15,599	$38,884
Hyundai	$23,359	$16,688	$40,092
Honda	$26,301	$17,120	$40,862

“Kelley Blue Book’s Total Cost of Ownership gives car shoppers a realistic view of what they will spend during the initial one- to five-year ownership period, allowing them to get the most for their dollar in today’s economy,” said Juan Flores, director of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book.  “More informative than simply having the purchase price alone, Total Cost of Ownership empowers car shoppers by including all significant costs that are part of the ownership experience.”

Kelley Blue Book’s Total Cost of Ownership launched with the redesigned kbb.com in May 2011 and is available free to consumers at www.kbb.com.  

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), or like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb. 

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies.  Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, used car values, car reviews, new cars for sale, used cars for sale, and car dealer locations. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.

SOURCE Kelley Blue Book

 

Thanksgiving Day Safety Tips

 

Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings friends and family together to share a good meal, conversation and laughter. But Thanksgiving also comes with several health hazards, including an increased chance of fires, food poisoning and choking. Take a few minutes to review these Thanksgiving Day safety tips, and enjoy the holiday without worry.

1.                            Fire

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that, on Thanksgiving Day, more than 4,000 fires occur. The average number of cooking fires doubles on the holiday. In addition to installing a fire detector in the kitchen, there are several easy ways to avoid fires:

Don’t leave the kitchen while frying and grilling. Use a timer and do kitchen checks when simmering, baking, broiling and roasting. If deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer outside, away from walls, fences and other structures. Also, keep the fryer away from moisture to avoid burns from steam and spattering oil.

Keep pot holders and food wrappers 3 feet away from the stove or other hot surfaces. Kids should stay 3 feet away too. Make sure the handles of pots and pans are facing inward. Avoid loose clothes, especially those with long sleeves, while cooking. And make sure all candles and smoking materials are put out after the guests leave.

2.                         Turkey

Eating undercooked turkey is another Thanksgiving health problem. If a turkey is thawed at a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, salmonella or other bacteria that cause food poisoning can grow.

Safely cooking a turkey starts with correct defrosting. There are three methods for safe defrosting. The turkey can be thawed in the refrigerator—one day for every 5 lbs. of the bird. The turkey can be submerged in water if it is in leak-proof packaging—30 minutes for every pound. The water should be changed every half hour. It’s also safe to defrost a turkey in a microwave. Remove any packaging and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

With all three methods it’s important to cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Don’t slow cook or partially cook the turkey, and check the temperature with a meat thermometer to determine if it’s done. Even if the turkey came with a pop-up thermometer, it’s necessary to check the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey needs to be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (and the stuffing, too).

Let the turkey rest before carving. This gives the juices time to set.

3.                          Choking

The most common cause of choking is talking while eating. If a person is unable to cough, breathe or speak, the first thing to do is call 911. Next, the Red Cross recommends a technique called FIVE-and-FIVE for choking victims.

The first step is giving the choking victim five sharp blows on the back, using the heel of the hand. If the obstruction is not dislodged by this move, the next step is to give the victim five quick, upward abdominal thrusts.

Some people run from the table when they start choking. It’s important to stay with other people so they can give assistance. If the victim is alone, he can give himself the five abdominal thrusts using his hand or by pressing his abdomen firmly against the back of a chair.

4.                          Leftovers

Eating Thanksgiving leftovers that have been improperly stored can also lead to food poisoning. Leftovers need to be put away within two hours after serving the food. (This includes pumpkin pie.) They go in the refrigerator if they are going to be eaten within three days otherwise they go in the freezer. Food should be stored in shallow containers. Meat should be removed from the bone before being put away.

Reheated leftovers should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Gravy should be brought to a vigorous boil.

5.                          Pets

Thanksgiving brings health hazards to dogs and other pets as well as humans. Don’t give turkey bones to pets.Turkeybones and other bird bones are hollow, which makes them likely to splinter. This can cause tears in an animal’s esophagus, stomach or intestines.

Fatty holiday foods, like turkey skin and gravy, can contribute to pancreatitis. More pets are brought to vets for pancreatitis after their owners have had a party or holiday dinner.

Be careful about leaving chocolate candies out (or kids dropping candy on the floor). Chocolate can cause illness and even death when dogs ingest it. In addition, dogs shouldn’t be fed grapes, raisins, onions, alcohol or anything with caffeine. It’s also important to keep the string used to tie the turkey and other food wrappings out of reach of pets.

Dogs also tend to be excited when there are lots of people in the house. When dogs are excited they often eat too quickly, and this can lead to bloating, a very dangerous condition. Feed your dogs before the guests arrive and don’t let them be too active before or after eating.

 

2012 Kia Forte

The 2012 Kia Forte sees minor trim but otherwise no major changes. This compact car consists of 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and 4-door hatchback body styles. All come in EX and sporty SX trim levels; the sedan is available in base LX form. Two 4-cylinder engines are offered. LX and EX have a 156-horsepower 2.0-liter unit. SX versions have a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter engine. All are available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. An optional “Fuel Economy Package” for EX sedans includes the 6-speed automatic and other body and powertrain tweaks designed to improve fuel economy. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. A wireless cell-phone link, auxiliary audio input, and USB port are standard on all models. Power windows and locks, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and remote entry are standard on the EX and SX. A sunroof, keyless access/engine start, automatic climate control, and a navigation system with rearview camera are optional on the EX and SX. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is optional on the SX.

 

Teach Kids How to Lend a Helping Hand

 

Volunteer work can offer memorable experiences for the whole family.

No matter where you live, you’re likely surrounded by several volunteer opportunities. In almost every city across theUnited States, there are organizations – in every field from environmental to health care to animal rescue – that rely upon the time and energy of others to promote well-being throughout their communities. Kids can especially benefit from volunteering, learning how to use their strengths to help others and make a difference.

 

Take advantage of websites that can easily connect you with volunteer opportunities in your area. Volunteer.gov, for example, is a database run by the Federal Interagency Team on Volunteerism that lets you search by keyword, state, city or agency. Another useful tool is VolunteerMatch.com where you can also search by location and keyword. The website provides information about getting students, employees and business customers to lend a helping hand.

 

Many volunteers find that their work is especially meaningful when they team up with an organization or cause close to their heart. Even young kids have specific interests and skills that they can use to help others. If they love animals, check out ASPCA.org, which has lots of information about helping local shelters in your community. Many shelters need volunteers to help walk dogs or participate in fundraising events. Older teens who enjoy working with little ones may find that tutoring is a personally rewarding experience that can also jumpstart a great career in education.

 

Kelly Palmatier, founder of the international nonprofit organization Compassionate Kids, stresses the importance of working side-by-side with your child. “Children who see their parents volunteering are much more likely to believe in the value of working to help others.” She also notes that volunteering as a family is a bonding experience, and it will let you help your child take on more complicated responsibilities that you can work on together. When choosing the right opportunity, Palmatier recommends taking the following elements into consideration: Location, frequency and duration of the work, staff attitude and your child’s interests. Find more tips at http://www.compassionatekids.com.

 

Volunteering helps kids learn responsibility and kindness, and often allows them to explore future career or hobby interests as well. Working side-by-side also instills a sense of teamwork and sets a great example for children of all ages.

 

Lend a helping hand at a food pantry during school vacation weeks, or spend every other Saturday at your favorite animal shelter; however you choose to take action, it won’t go unappreciated.

 

Production of 2012 Kia Optima kicks off in the United States

The first U.S.-built 2012 Kia Optima rolled off the production line last month at the company’sGeorgiaplant as it completed a series of expansion projects to raise annual capacity.

The 2012 Kia Optima now joins the Sorento as the second Kia vehicle to be produced at theWest Pointfacility. Kia recently added a third shift that raised the total number of jobs created at the plant to more than 3,000.

“Kia has become one of the fastest growing car companies in theU.S.thanks in large part to the success of KMMG, and the addition of new team members, and the critically-acclaimed Optima to the production line is further evidence of our commitment to theU.S.and local economy,” said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America.

In addition to the jobs created at the plant, nearby suppliers have added another 7,500 new positions in the region to support Kia’s annual capacity of 360,000 vehicles  in 2012.

2012 Kia Optima:

Class Leading Fuel Economy

Sleek Bold Styling

Innovative Technology

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating

IIHS Top Safety Pick

Class-defying Features

Unprecedented Design

See what truly makes the Kia Optima a midsize sedan unlike any other.

 

Winterize Your Vehicle

 

Winter is the enemy of the car. Cold temperatures make it harder for an engine to work properly. Snow and ice limit traction. Potholes damage wheels and tires. Salt causes rust and gravel pits the paint. But there are things you can do to help your vehicle in this time of duress. Following are some easy steps to properly prepare your car for winter. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

1. Consider using snow tires.
The condition of your car’s tires is critical during the winter. If the tires are worn or if they are high-performance tires, braking, acceleration and handling all suffer on slippery roads. Because of reduced vehicle capabilities, the likelihood of a crash increases. All-season tires will work to a certain point, but their effectiveness depends on their tread depth.

If you have the cash, consider buying a set of winter tires. Winter tires are optimized for snow and ice. They aren’t magic — even with winter tires, your car will still perform worse on slick roads than dry ones. But winter tires provide more traction on slick surfaces than all-season tires.

2. Check your tire pressure.
Tire pressure is especially important during the winter, because traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It’s critical to have properly inflated tires, which guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road. A properly inflated tire will also help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle drives over potholes. Read your owner’s manual to find the correct tire pressure.

In winter’s lower temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire will drop. Since air is a gas, it contracts when it cools. Keep this in mind if you are checking tire pressure. Generally, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in ambient temperature, your tire’s inflation pressure will change by about 1 psi (up with higher temperatures and down with lower temperatures).

3. If you have a four-wheel-drive system, make sure it is working properly.
A big selling point for SUVs is that many offer four-wheel drive, which improves traction in slippery conditions. But most people don’t use their 4WD systems during the summer. And while a 4WD system requires minimal maintenance, it’s still a good idea to check that it works properly before winter arrives.

Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises emanating from the drivetrain when the system is in use. Check to make sure that the transmission and gear oil levels are correct.

If there are multiple drivers for your vehicle, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system. The owner’s manual will state at what speeds and in what environments the 4WD can be activated.

4. Check to see if your engine requires lower-viscosity oil in the winter.
This isn’t nearly as hard as it sounds. Viscosity simply refers to how thick or thin a fluid is. (Tar has a higher viscosity than orange juice, for example.) Engine oils are sold with different viscosity levels. When winter arrives, the outside temperature drops. The colder the oil is, the thicker it will be. A thicker oil doesn’t circulate as well in an engine during start-up as a thinner oil would. If the oil is too thick, the engine doesn’t get the proper lubrication.

To solve this wintertime problem, some engines require a change to a thinner oil. This may be more necessary on older vehicles, since many new cars already come with oil that’s thin enough to withstand the winter. Even when the thinner oil is cold, it is still not too thick for proper engine lubrication. Keep in mind that an oil can also be too thin.

It’s easy to determine what type of oil your car should have in winter. Simply read the owner’s manual. It will list the manufacturer’s oil recommendations for different climates. If a dealership or local garage performs the oil change, you can ask the manager what type and viscosity of oil he’ll put in your vehicle.

5. Inspect the belts and hoses.
Belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn’t mean they don’t die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose, so have them inspected before winter starts.

6. Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid.
Visibility is particularly key in winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt build-up on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car’s blades are older, replace them. There are a number of aftermarket wiper blades that are made for winter use.

Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. You might consider adding wiper fluid that has been mixed with a de-icer. A harsh winter storm is the worst possible time for untreated wiper fluid to create ice on your windows or for you to discover your blades aren’t performing properly.

7. Check the battery.
Batteries give little notice before they die, and they absolutely love to expire at the worst possible moment. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion. If the posts are corroded, you can clean them with baking soda, water and a small wire brush.

8. Check antifreeze mixture.
The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. If the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot- and cold-weather performance can suffer.

If you were to put pure water in your vehicle’s radiator, it would freeze at 32 degrees F. But if you combine the water with an equal amount of antifreeze, the new mixture won’t freeze until -34 degrees F. Most antifreeze you’ll find in stores already comes pre-mixed, which makes this process much easier.

You can check the composition of a radiator’s mixture by using an antifreeze tester, which is available at auto parts stores and is inexpensive and easy to use. If the mixture is off, adjust it by adding more antifreeze.

9. Carry an emergency kit in your car.
A roadside kit doesn’t take up much space and can prove invaluable in an emergency. Many companies sell pre-assembled kits, but if you want to save a few bucks, you may already have the key items around the house. Things you might want to consider carrying include:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
• Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.
• A blanket, warm clothes, hat and gloves.
• Paper towels.
• A bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck.
• A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel.
• Extra washer fluid.
• Extra food and water.

10. Check the heater and windshield defroster.
Winter will put your vehicle’s windshield defrosters to the test. It’s a good idea to check that they are in working order. While you’re at it, check the air-conditioner, too. An easy way to speed up the defrost process is to turn on the A/C. (You can leave the temperature dial on warm so you don’t have to suffer.) And now is also a good time to make sure your heating system works.

Our service department will be happy to assist you in getting your car ready for winter.

Service – 888-894-8645
Monday-Friday:	8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday:	8:00am – Noon
Closed on Sunday

 

Halloween Party Games for Kids

 

There has been a lot written about kids Halloween party games. Children between the ages of four to ten can be a handful especially when they are excited. So, you need to capture their energy and everyone will have more fun

Pumpkin Bowling – this is a game where you fill ten looking good bottles with stones or gravel, you can draw silly faces on them and then use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. The child who knocks the most over wins.

Musical Headstones – use strong cardboard boxex for this one or nice plastic containers. You can decorate them with spray paint or cover them with sheets – say sevenish chairs – 8 kids, fancy Halloween music and march em around the chairs and when the music stops they all must sit down on a gravestone. The one who cannot find one is out – repeat removing a chair each time.

Ghost Hunt – or pumpkin hunt – This is like the easter egg hunt except use pumpkins or ghosts with treats. It will get the kids up and moving.

Mummy Wrap – draw straws to see who is going to be the mummy or mummies. Then have a group of kids wrap em in toilet paper – messy but what fun. Divide the kids into teams. The first team done with the best wrapped mummy wins.

Cupcake Decorating Contest. – provide the room, the cupcakes, the supplies to decorate em with and let the imaginations run wild. Then the adults get to decide who wins.

Pass the Pumpkin – pumpkins come in all sizes – or use a small gourd, ties the hands behind the back, divide the group into teams and start passing the pumpkin down each line from under the first childs chin. This ought to be fun.

 

 

2012 Kia Rio5

Aggressive new styling, more power and tight handling make Kia’s all-new Rio5 subcompact great fun to drive. Plus, new efficiency-boosting tech means that athleticism doesn’t come at the expense of segment-leading mileage.

What’s New: Kia’s design shop in Irvine, Calif., overhauled the Rio’s styling from bumper to bumper in an attempt to convey power, agility and aggressiveness—qualities Kia believes will capture the attention of the young and restless. This version is also wider, longer and lower than its predecessor. The new Rio keeps the same all-aluminum 1.6-liter four-cylinder from the previous version, but adds direct fuel injection in addition to a new system called Idle Stop and Go.

Tech Tidbit: Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology is a subtle system that improves city fuel economy up to 3 percent, according to Kia’s engineers. In certain conditions, ISG shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary to save gas; the power plant refires when the driver takes his foot off the brake. Algorithms and sensors ensure that ISG doesn’t engage when this feature would be more annoying than efficient, such as when you’re inching along in a traffic jam or creeping through a fast-food drive-thru lane. I didn’t even notice the first time it kicked in, which was at a toll booth; it wasn’t until I took my foot off the brake that I felt the engine turn over, and it occurred well before shoe leather traveled those few inches from brake to accelerator. Stop-and-go tech is finding its way into more and more cars, but Kia says it’s the first automaker to offer ISG in a car that’s not a hybrid or luxury vehicle.

Driving Character: The Rio5 is a subcompact, so it’s not designed to haul a quartet of basketball players cross-country in gracious comfort, but the cabin does offer decent headroom and legroom for four adults of normal height and girth. The cabin is also quieter than that of the prior version. The dashboard retains the clean, functional three-cylinder setup, and Kia designers have heeded the cry of drivers who appreciate intuitive controls: There are knobs for audio volume, cabin temperature and fan speed, and toggles on the central console for climate control, making the car’s interior a snap to suss out. With two passengers, the Rio has plenty of acceleration off the line. The steering is tight but not twitchy, and there’s only minor cornering roll. At higher speeds, you have to punch it a little more aggressively to pull out and pass, but when cruising, the 1.6-liter engine takes the car to a quiet 80 mph and above without breaking a sweat. The Kia-built six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and alert to downshifts. (A six-speed manual comes with the LX trim level.)

Favorite Detail: The 60-40 split folding rear seats—a feature that seemed especially appealing coming on the heels of a gear-laden camping trip.

Bottom Line: The Rio5 provides a lively driving experience, outstanding mileage for a nonhybrid engine, a cool exterior and an interior with the kind of high-quality design and materials that you’d expect in a larger, more expensive car. The Rio5 couldn’t look or handle less like the stodgy econoboxes of yore. It’s an excellent value at around $14,000, and you can feel virtuous about the Rio’s efficiency without sacrificing any driving fun.

 

2011 Kia Forte Koup Named One of the ‘Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000′ by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

 

The 2011 Kia Forte Koup has been named to the “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” list by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, a leading provider of new and used car information. Kia Motors America’s (KMA) performance-inspired Koup was selected for offering consumers a stylish and affordable vehicle filled with modern technologies at a tremendous value.

“Our design-led transformation has dramatically increased consumer perception of the Kia brand, and the Forte Koup’s recognition by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com as a ‘cool’ vehicle is further validation of our strategy to provide consumers with a compelling combination of aggressive styling and performance, a long list of standard safety features and strong overall value,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “The Koup, like the rest of the Kia lineup, continues to raise the bar in its segment by offering fun-to-drive performance and modern technologies that contribute to an outstanding ownership experience.”

The annual “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” list published by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com features vehicles that are fun to drive, fun to own and, most critically, possess the decidedly subjective “cool factor.” Editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book’s exclusive Fair Purchase Price, which reflects vehicle transaction prices paid by consumers and is updated weekly to reflect changing market conditions.

“Having an attractive car that others haven’t seen – that’s cool. The 2011 Kia Forte Koup isn’t just the sportiest-looking car on our list, its standard equipment list includes a satellite-ready audio system, Bluetooth®(1) wireless technology and USB/iPod®(2) integration,” say editors from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “For buyers who think cool and obvious are mutually exclusive concepts, the uncommon Forte Koup is about as cool as it gets for less than $18,000.”

Available in two trims, EX and SX, Forte Koup offers consumers an aggressively styled and performance-inspired two-door coupe with an abundance of amenities as well as impressive power. All Forte Koup models feature Bluetooth® wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SiriusXM(TM) Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service(3). For added listening convenience, steering wheel-mounted audio controls also come standard on all models, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or steering wheel-mounted controls while maintaining a starting price of under $17,000 (MSRP).(4)

Designed and engineered as a driver’s car, Forte Koup is powered by either a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine (EX models), producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque(5) that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, or an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine (SX models), also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque(6).

Adding to the Forte Koup’s “cool factor” is the fact that its outstanding driving dynamics and performance-inspired styling provided the basis for Kia’sU.S.motorsports program, which competes in GRAND-AM’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in the Street Tuner class. The No. 10 and No. 12 Infinity Audio Forte Koups have proven to be a road racing force to be reckoned with in their sophomore season, capturing five-consecutive top-ten finishes and two podium appearances, including a victory atBarberMotorsportsParkinBirmingham,Ala.

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

Kia’s model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based inSeoul,South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout theUnited Statesand serves as the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” In 2010, KMA recorded its best-everU.S.sales and 16th consecutive year of increasedU.S.market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1) The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners.

(2) iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. iPod mobile digital device sold separately, and connectivity requires the Kia accessory cable, also sold separately.

(3) Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com. If you decide to continue your Sirius service at the end of your complimentary trial, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call Sirius at 888-539-7474 to cancel. Sirius U.S. Satellite service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguousUnited States, D.C. and PR. Go to http://www.siriusxm.com/traffic for available coverage. © 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.

(4) Starting price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

(5) 2.0-liter SULEV-rated engine offers 154 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque.

(6) 2.4-liter SULEV-rated engine offers 165 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque.

SOURCE Kia MotorsAmerica