And the Winner is

It is football award season and everyone is excited as the Heisman award is handed out and now NFL is starting to announce players of the year and MVP’s.  Well if you want to meet the one that is sure to clean up in every award category imaginable, look no further than the 2016 Kia Optima.

It is slightly longer, taller and wider and looks even more vogue and sports-minded, with a coupe-like profile that leads to a tapered backend. Kia's signature tiger-nose grille is set off by sweptback headlamps, with Kia's first use of Bi-Xenon HID lighting with available Dynamic Bending Lamps, illuminating the tarmac around corners, and High Beam Assist. The rear quarter windows kick up in front of the carved rear fenders. In the back are a raised deck lid and available LED halo-style taillights. The four-door sedan rides on 16 – to 18-inches alloy wheels.

Basically, you are able to add options to the Kia Optima to make the interior look like a car that's at least one class higher than the usual bland midsize sedans.  The design of the instrument panel and center console are as close to flawless as any car comes. The Kia Optima has every millimeter just right. There is zero confusion, all the features are there, and the storage cubbies are ideal for keys, phones, coffee cups and more.  Android Auto is standard on most trim levels, and this system will be upgraded via software to also include Apple Car Play in the next few months. It worked flawlessly.

Come see one for yourself at Round Rock Kia 600 Jeffrey Way Round Rock, TX or give us a call at 512-617-5000 today!

2017 Kia Sportage is Getting Revamped

If you don’t like the all new updated 2017 Kia Sportage, you don’t deserve to drive anymore.  Just cut your license up and throw it away.  This one is a game changer.

The 2017 Kia Sportage is a bit bubblier on the outside than before, and it's got more interior room thanks to a chassis that's been stretched 1.2 inches longer than the previous model. Two powertrains will be available: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbo with impressive figures of 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. All-wheel drive will, of course, be optional, and Kia claims the new Sportage will be more fuel efficient than before.

Kia's latest infotainment system will make its debut inside the 2017 Sportage, and it will bring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a seven- or eight-inch screen, though LX models will have a lesser five-inch display.

"Simply put, the Sportage is a breed apart in the compact CUV segment," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. "Instead of bland utility, the Sportage combines distinctly European and sporty styling with thoughtful design and functionality, including innovative packaging, premium materials, a turbocharged engine and surprising features. Sales of compact CUVs are on a sharply upward trajectory, and the all-new 2017 Sportage hits the sweet spot by providing an alternative for those seeking to express themselves with a vehicle that's versatile enough to suit their unique lifestyle."

For more information, come by Round Rock Kia 600 Jeffrey Way Round Rock, TX or give us a call at 512-617-5000 today!

2016 Kia Sorento

The 2016 Kia Sorento is an all-star family-hauler with standout styling and a comfortable, feature-filled cabin.

For 2016, the Sorento is bigger, has a revised control layout and a new, optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Like its predecessor, the new Sorento is available with standard seating for five, and it can seat seven with an optional third row.   The SUV's new face is dramatic, with an upright, studded grille; available quad-LED fog lights; and sweeping LED-accented headlights. Sculpted body sides add some muscle to its profile.

Power from the new, optional turbocharged 2.0-liter is surprisingly robust.  Even loaded with adults, it never felt strained around town or on the highway. The 240-horsepower four-cylinder is EPA-rated at 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive, good for a vehicle this size.  Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on all Sorento models except the base L. All the engines team with a six-speed automatic transmission.  On the highway, the cabin is impressively hushed. Wind and road noise are well-checked.

Overall, passenger comfort is exceptional, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the two front rows. The Sorento really delivers in the features department, with plenty of optional creature comforts for both rows: heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, manual roll-up sunshades for the second-row windows, and plenty of first- and second-row connectivity options (USB port, auxiliary input jack, 115-volt outlet, 12-volt outlet).  The control layout is new this year, and audio and climate controls are grouped into separate planes. On top is the available UVO multimedia system's 8-inch touch-screen. The system's quick response time, large buttons and logical menu structure make short work of changing audio presets or inputting a navigation destination. Its swipe functionality has a natural, smartphone-like feel. I quickly and easily paired and connected my Android phone and launched Pandora internet radio. Two handy knobs separate the volume and station-tuning functions from the touch-screen. The climate controls are totally separate below the screen, and the large, clear buttons are ergonomically placed.

UVO also includes some interesting services, like a parking minder and My Car Zone. With the former, the vehicle's location is sent to your smartphone after you park. With the latter, parents can set curfew, location and speed limits for other (teen) drivers and get alerts if (when) those boundaries are breached.

Come take a look at Round Rock Kia 600 Jeffrey Way Round Rock, TX or give us a call at 512-617-5000 today!

2016 Kia Sorento: Bigger and Better

Though not released yet, the 2016 Kia Sorento concept is perfection. It is bigger in every way and has been given upscale cosmetics and up-to-date features. Some features available for the 2016 model are dual-zone automatic climate control, 4 way adjustable power head-rest in order to position it the most comfortable way for you, 14 way adjustable driver’s seat in order to find your custom position, heated front and rear seats for those chilly winter mornings and ventilated front seats for those hot summer afternoons.

The larger grille gives the model a more upscale look than the previous generations. With a three inch longer body, 3.1 inch extended wheel base, and 2 inch lower floor plan, the interior space is increased by 1.5 cubic feet. Most of this added space is located behind the optional third row which means more cargo space for all of your family’s necessities. This lowers the need of taking two vehicles on long trips due to lack of space for your needs! Ultimately, this could save your family time, gas and money. The third row splits 50/50 for laying and stowing and the second row splits 40/20/40 for the same purposes. All in all the 7 seat SUV is the ideal family car.  

The new rear spoiler and smooth, sleek underbody give a more aerodynamic look and overall reduces wind noises at the fast highway speeds. 

Come in for a test drive of all of our current models at Round Rock Kia 600 Jeffrey Way Round Rock, TX or give us a call at 512-617-5000 today!