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!

Kia Sorento: Luxury isn’t always measured in dollars

Kia Motors Corp. of South Korea is determined to redefine automotive luxury, and to do it by jettisoning the notion of exclusion. It is nothing short of a revolution in which Kia is using technology as a battering ram.

I have written or alluded to something similar in previous columns. Now, having driven the 2016 Kia Sorento SX crossover-utility vehicle with all-wheel drive, I am convinced I am right. Kia is democratizing luxury and, in the process, threatening to upset business models based on exorbitant exclusionary pricing.

Traditionalists will laugh or scoff at this assessment, or roll out arguments in defense of prestige or what they deem to be superior product quality. Let them. Empires have fallen and businesses have gone bankrupt because of less severe miscalculations.

The proof of what I am saying is in the product. To be fair, I drove the most expensive sample — the midsize, all-wheel-drive Sorento SX with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine. It starts at $39,700, with a dealer’s invoice price of $37,328. The model I drove came with an additional $2,440 in options — advanced electronic safety equipment and 19-inch wheels.

There is an $895 factory-to-dealer shipment charge. Total price as tested was $43,035, with a dealer’s invoice price of $40,239.

Traditionalists will argue that that is a lot of money — perhaps too much money — for something called Kia. I counter that what is offered is a lot of Kia for the money, a far better overall value than anything similar offered by many European, Japanese or American automobile manufacturers.

Prestige? The 2016 Sorento — that’s right, the 2016 models are already entering the market — has none of that, certainly nothing comparable with BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Lexus. But it is a beautiful, high-quality, fairly priced product that comes loaded with common sense. There is a strong market worldwide for that sort of thing.

In truth, I don’t know how Kia and its South Korean partner, Hyundai Motor Co., which owns 33.8 percent of Kia, manage to offer so very much for so very little. I have visited the Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Ala., where nonunion U.S automotive workers are paid less than their unionized counterparts in Detroit and elsewhere. I intend to visit Kia Motors Manufacturing in West Point, Ga., where the new Sorento is made, this summer.

But I suspect I’ll find in Georgia what I discovered in Alabama — workers who are so proud of where they work, what they make and how they make it, that many of them wear their factory uniforms to work and home from the job. Folks at Kia are doing something right, and a lot of them seriously care about what they are doing.

Look at the new Sorento. Build quality is excellent throughout. The vehicle feels tight, safe. You look at it and want to drive it. My sample came with side-view mirrors that automatically folded when I turned off the engine and left the vehicle and that extended automatically when I approached it with its electronic key. It also had optional “welcome” and puddle lights.

Cabin comfort, enhanced by seats covered in supple Napa leather, was as good as anything I’ve experienced in several European and Japanese models at nearly three times the cost of the 2016 Sorento SX. Advanced electronic safety equipment — surround-view monitor, lane-departure warning system, blind-spot monitoring, advanced smart cruise control — all worked perfectly. The Sorento SX with all-wheel drive was easy to drive, and it handled beautifully in snowy, icy weather. I left this one strongly questioning why I or anyone else should spend more for an automobile — if the primary objective in buying is to find a car that works reliably, safely, perfectly.

LeBron James and the KIA K900

The Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James has finally made the perfect vehicle choice, he has joined the KIA brand to be the ambassador of the luxurious KIA K900 sedan.

“KIA is also the title sponsor of the NBA and they did a lot of great promoting as far as the game.  And to try to promote the game, I thought it was fitting.” LeBron said of the new sponsorship.

James has won a few KIA cars as the result of winning the league’s MVP award, which he has previously always donated to charity, but this past summer, his business partner Maverick Carter said car enthusiast James asked if he could get the new K900 to drive around.  Kia, which is now entering its eighth year as the official vehicle of the NBA was happy to oblige.

“It was a great call to get,” said Tim Chaney, vice president of marketing at Kia Motors America.  “We were not actively seeking another endorser, but LeBron told us, after driving the car around this summer, that he liked it so much, that we decided to partner with him.”

“Everything that I do, I want it to be authentic to what I do,” James said.  “And what Kia is about, they’re a pretty cool brand to be with.  I’m just excited I’m able to be with them.”

The 420-horsepower V8 engine is more than enough to get LeBron to the games on time.  And the interior is loaded with leather, wood trim and even the rear seats are heated and can recline.  This is the first time superstar LeBron James has ever endorsed a vehicle, and this is the perfect vehicle for him to start.

For more information about the KIA K900 visit the professionals at Round Rock KIA at 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas or give them a call at 512-617-5000 today!

First Round Rock Police Appreciation Breakfast at Round Rock KIA

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and the professionals at Round Rock KIA couldn’t agree more.  And who needs a hearty breakfast more than the men and women that work every day protecting our community?

Round Rock KIA was proud to host the first Police Appreciation Breakfast for the professionals who work so hard to protect and serve our terrific Round Rock Community.

Many came out to a buffet style breakfast at the Round Rock KIA facility and there was food, fun, and fellowship for all.  Thank you to all of the great men and women of the Round Rock Police Department!

For more information about Round Rock KIA visit them at 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas or give them a call at 512-617-5000 today!

KIA’s K900 is Turning Heads

Luxury is not uncommon, but perfection is rare.  Since the K900 debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year, the media has praised the luxury vehicle for its “elegant yet dynamic exterior styling,” first-class interior, robust standard feature set and advanced technologies.  Over one thousand K900’s have been sold quickly raising the bar for the most affluent driver.

August’s issue of Robb Report features a glowing review of the K900.  For more than 30 years, Robb Report has served as the definitive authority on connoisseurship for ultra-affluent consumers, showcasing products, services and experiences from luxury brands and now the magazine is happy to add the KIA vehicle to its list.  Robb Report’s impression of the K900 speaks to the great in-roads KIA has made into the premium space and ability to compete in the luxury market.

The Robb Report notes, “the KIA has all the credentials of a luxury sedan, and its exterior paint, interior upholstery, and fit and finish would be exemplary on a $100,000 automobile.”

KIA USA is dedicated to offering world-class design, advance technology and outstanding quality in every segment.

The professionals at Round Rock KIA are available and ready to show off the luxurious KIA K900 today.  Visit them at 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas or give them a call at 512-617-5000 today!

Round Rock Kia is proud of Kia’s K900

Kia has been busy debuting the Kia K900 lately.  The K900 signals a new era for the Kia brand and is rapidly attracting more affluent customers into Kia showrooms.

Kia hosted the March meeting of the Motor Press Guild (MPG) at its corporate headquarters and featured an extensive overview of the K900.  It gave the largest automotive press association in the U.S. an opportunity to drive the vehicle and to experience the K900’s advanced technology and superb craftsmanship.

Round Rock Kia is thrilled to be a part of a company that is so involved in the community and that strives to improve their products and services to meet and exceed their customer’s expectations.

Round Rock Kia in Round Rock, TX, also serving Austin, TX and Temple, TX is proud to be an automotive leader in their area. Since opening their doors, Round Rock Kia has kept a firm commitment to their customers. They offer a wide selection of vehicles and hope to make the car buying process as quick and hassle free as possible.

If you would like financing options and you are in the market to purchase a new Kia or used car or truck, they will provide assistance to help you find financing options that fit your needs. Whether you have bad

credit, no credit, or are a first time car buyer, you can trust that Round Rock Kia will get you into the car or truck you choose with professionalism and attention to your needs.

For more information contact Round Rock Kia at 517-617-5000 or visit them at www.roundrockkia.com.

Round Rock Kia and Ice Cream

Round Rock Kia has as many car options to choose from as the local ice cream parlor has flavors of ice cream.

Variety is the spice of life and that is why they have a wide selection of new and used vehicles for you to choose from.

Most people have a favorite flavor of ice cream, but some like to try new things and be adventurous.  Ice cream makers have been inventing new flavors of ice cream at rapid speeds to keep up with demand, much like Round Rock Kia keeps up with the individualized and specific needs of their customers.

Tailoring a car can be as much fun as added toppings to your favorite sundae.  Your imagination is the only thing that limits your ability to add upgrades and features to your vehicle.  The endless possibilities are sure to appeal to every customer, because just like there are 31 flavors, there are many options, features, bells and whistles, makes and models for your car buying pleasure.

Round Rock Kia in Round Rock, TX, also serving Austin, TX and Temple, TX is proud to be an automotive leader in their area. Since opening their doors, Round Rock Kia has kept a firm commitment to their customers. They offer a wide selection of vehicles and hope to make the car buying process as quick and hassle free as possible.

If you would like financing options and you are in the market to purchase a new Kia or used car or truck, they will provide assistance to help you find financing options that fit your needs. Whether you have bad credit, no credit, or are a first time car buyer, you can trust that Round Rock Kia will get you into the car or truck you choose with professionalism and attention to your needs.

For more information contact Round Rock Kia at 517.617.5000 or visit them at www.roundrockkia.com.

Love and Round Rock Kia

Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us.  It is a day for people to show love for one another through gift giving and gestures.  These symbols of love can range from cards, flowers, jewelry, a nice dinner or a box of chocolates.  The latter is my personal favorite, and an excessive amount of chocolate is even better.

It is acceptable for people to show love for people.  Whether you show love to a parent, a friend, a spouse, or a child, they are all forms of socially acceptable love.  Romantic love to a spouse or significant other is also deemed as a socially acceptable form of affection.  However, a grey area emerges when wondering if it is acceptable to show love for an animal or pet.  It becomes an even greyer area when talking about showing love for things.  Specifically, the notion of showing love to an inanimate object--like a car, for instance.

I don’t expect people to go out and buy their car flowers or jewelry, or even a box of heart-shaped chocolates as a loving gesture on February 14th.  However, is it acceptable to buy someone a car as his or her gesture of choice on Valentine’s Day?  In my personal opinion, I think that would be a grandiose gesture of love, and one I’d like to experience one day.

Make this Valentine’s Day one for the record books by making your way to Round Rock Kia to buy your loved one a new car to celebrate the special day dedicated to love and heart-felt gestures.

Round Rock Kia in Round Rock, TX, also serving Austin, TX and Temple, TX is proud to be an automotive leader in their area. Since opening their doors, Round Rock Kia has kept a firm commitment to their customers. They offer a wide selection of vehicles and hope to make the car buying process as quick and hassle free as possible.

If you would like financing options and you are in the market to purchase a new Kia or used car or truck, they will provide assistance to help you find financing options that fit your needs. Whether you have bad credit, no credit, or are a first time car buyer, you can trust that Round Rock Kia will get you into the car or truck you choose with professionalism and attention to your needs.

For more information contact Round Rock Kia at 517.617.5000 or visit them at www.roundrockkia.com.

Round Rock KIA has Soul

The 2014 KIA Soul has been praised by USA Today as a “Seriously good small car with premium touches.”  The article released a few days ago went on to state that the 2014 KIA Soul is worthy of the phrase used too often in the automotive industry, “all-new.”

The redesigned and refreshed Soul resembles the previous generation, but it is a very new machine.  The body panels and interior are new while retaining the features that consumers love about the Soul, however it’s made jauntier by a slightly lower roofline, new grille, huge taillights and more angle of the windshield pillars.

The Soul has an iconic look that KIA wanted to preserve, and they were able to brilliantly pull it off, retaining the features we all know and love and at the same time making it new and eye-catching.  

Inside, additional sound insulation imposes and applause-worthy level of quiet in a small car.  Stiffer chassis and reconfigured rear shock absorbers combine for a pleasant blend of ride comfort and handling agility. 

The Soul’s tight turning circle, trim dimensions and auto-folding outside mirrors all were perfect for busy days at the mega-mall.  The mirrors unfold automatically when you approach the car, as they are triggered by the key fob remote.

USA Today added to the heaps of praise being lavished on the 2nd generation of America’s favorite small car and you can see what everyone is raving about today by visiting Round Rock KIA at 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas or give us a call at 512-617-5000 today!

The 2014 KIA Soul is Ready to Amaze

Go ahead and jump into the new second-generation Kia Soul and be amazed at how much the much loved vehicle has improved.  The base Soul comes equipped with a 130-hp 1.6L GDI engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Soul + (plus) and ! (exclaim) models command a 164-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Soul + has an available ECO package that includes Idle Stop and Go which automatically turns off the engine when you come to a complete stop, and seamlessly restarts the engine when you release the brake pedal allowing for an impressive 31 mpg on the highway.

The exclaim and plus models are outfitted with sleek 18-inch alloy wheels, Infinity Audio System, and UVO eService in-vehicle infotainment with HD radio and personal device connectivity.

Soul gets its name because of its music.  It comes standard with USB/auxiliary input jacks that let you connect any kind of MP3 player.  The new Soul comes with a complimentary trial subscription to over 130 Sirius XM satellite radio stations that offer commercial-free music, sports and entertainment.  Cell phone usage, streaming audio, subwoofer, and external system make your Soul music experience amazing.

The Soul is safe and loaded with airbags including dual front seat, front seat mounted, and full-length side curtain airbags just to name some.  Side impact door beams, tire pressure monitoring system, and front active headrests are additional safety features.  Couple that with KIA’s industry-leading warranty program and you have a vehicle you can’t miss.

See the all-new 2014 KIA Soul today at Round Rock KIA.  Visit our showroom at 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas or give us a call at 512-617-5000 today!

The 2014 KIA Soul Is Ready to Amaze

The Kia Soul is all new for 2014, entering its second generation after being introduced in 2009.  The 2014 Soul blends tasteful, but bold design with a functional comfortable interior and an affordable price tag.

The award winning design team at Kia has been working hard to make a good thing even better.  Rocker panels to roof, hood to hatch, the Soul is completely redesigned.

Overall the 2014 model is incrementally lower, longer and wider than previous models and the wheelbase has been increased.  The overall size increase adds interior space and the lowered hip point makes the seats more comfortable.

Two engines are available underneath the Soul’s hood.  The base unit is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, or you can go up to a 2.—liter unit that puts out 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.  Both engines feature gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing to increase horsepower and torque without hampering fuel efficiency.

The interior takes huge step ups and features higher quality materials all the way around, making the 2014 Soul a genuinely nice place to spend time.  All of the buttons and switches have a premium feel and the piano-black accents inject a healthy dose of sophistication into the passenger realm.

The Soul has an available navigation system that is colorful and extremely responsive.  Other available extras include a 10-speaker Infinity audio system with light-up front speakers that pulsate and change colors to the beat of whatever you’re listening to.  Heated and ventilated front seats are also on the menu.

Overall the new Soul is efficient and large step up from the already amazing and best-selling generation.  You truly have to see the new Soul to believe it.  And there’s no better place than at Round Rock KIA.  Visit our showroom today at 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas or give us a call at 512-617-5000 today!

The Kia Soul is All-New for 2014

The Kia Soul is one of the best and most popular vehicles in America and is all new for 2014.  Following in the footsteps of the original, the all-new Kia Soul retains all of the fun and personality, while delivering a fresh and updated look and feel.  New, advanced technology combined with a more premium interior make the new Soul a great place to spend some time.

The iconic “Track-ster” inspired design is longer, lower, and wider, which translates to a slightly more aggressive appearance on the road.  The new Soul provides a roomy and comfortable interior that is still fun and easy to drive.

The new Soul Base comes back with a 1.6L GDI 4 cylinder engine that delivers 130HP and has been tuned to deliver 5% more torque at 1,500 rpm for better drive-ability. The previous 2.0L MPI engine has been improved with a GDI version delivering 164HP. The new 2.0L GDI engine has also been tuned for enhanced drive-ability by increasing torque 9% at 1,500 rpm.

The Kia Soul sits atop an entirely new platform, designed to deliver improved NVH, and superior driving dynamics for both long and short distance trips. This platform also provides a significant 28.7% improvement in rigidity, which translates to improved ride comfort and better handling.

Listen to your favorite songs, make important phone calls, and chat with passengers in the peaceful quiet of the Kia Soul. A number of advancements in various areas all contribute to an interior environment that is noticeably quieter. Rubber isolating bushings in the front sub-frame, expansion foam, and a reinforced isolation padding are just a few of the items included on the all-new Kia Soul that make the cabin even quieter.

The extensive use of soft touch materials and high quality textures and finishes create a premium atmosphere not typically found in a car in this category.  The Kia Soul rewards customers with a rich and tasteful experience that’s both fun and a feast for the senses.  

Exciting and interactive new features abound.  Available Panoramic Sunroof, HID Headlights, an all-new 8” Navigation system with new user interface, ventilated and heated Leather Seats, and a 4.3” TFT LCD Display are just a few of the impressive features found in the Kia Soul.

The all new Soul will be arriving soon at Round Rock Kia.  Visit our showroom at 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas or give us a call at 512-617-5000 today!

Get the Most Affordable Sedan at Round Rock Kia

One of the most popular vehicle segments in America is the midsize sedan.  It serves as a family car, daily commuter, road trip vehicle, and more.  It is perfect for just about anything the average car buyer needs, plenty of passenger room, cargo storage, and easy on the gas tanks.

Now because of the popularity of the midsize sedan, there’s no shortage of options for consumers to choose from.  What is the best vehicle for your money?  Recently cars.com conducted a test and their analysis determined what the most affordable midsize sedan was.  For us at Round Rock Kia, the results were not surprising.

The Kia Optima is one of Kia’s bestselling vehicles and for good reason.  The test conducted by cars.com analyzed cars with a certain level of content that most car shoppers desire.  All vehicles tested were of trim levels that included automatic transmissions, cruise control, USB, Bluetooth, Power windows and driver’s seat, and a backup camera.

Most midsize car shoppers are choosing cars with at least the equipment listed above.  Also included in the test for affordability was the cost of 5 years of gas at the current price and driving ration provided by the EPA.

Not only was the Kia Optima the most affordable car on the list, it was a full $645 less expensive than the second place car.  You’ll also notice the Kia Optima Hybrid was pretty high on the affordability list, as a matter of fact, it was more affordable after 5 years than 7 non-hybrid vehicles on the list.

That’s a lot of value in Kia’s favor.  And if you want even more value you should get your Optima from Round Rock Kia!  Visit our showroom 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas or give us a call at 512-617-5000 today!

Great things to do in Round Rock Texas

The summers here in Texas are filled with fun and exciting things to do.  As a matter of fact, Round Rock Texas hosts some of the greatest events and businesses in all of the country.  It is pretty amazing that a town of just over 100,000 people just outside of Austin, Texas boast some pretty famous attractions.

Take for example one of the best Donut places in the world!  Round Rock residents wake up dreaming about these glazed Round Rock donuts melting into your mouth.  Patrons have been known to scarf down a box of donuts before they bring them back to the family for a morning breakfast.  There should be a minimum purchase of three dozen of these tasty treats.  One box should go to the person that buys for the family, another box for the kids to share, and one more to use as negotiation tactics for the kids to start their chores.  We have never known a person that could ever eat just one!

Now, if you like baseball, you will love the AAA Round Rock Express.  They play at Dell Diamond which is one of the top stadiums in the country to view a baseball game.  This Sanders-Ryan owned team is currently in first place in the Pacific Coast League of the American Division and they feed into the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball Club.



Round Rock, Texas is also home to Dell Inc. (formerly Dell Computer), and is an American multinational computer technology corporation.  It develops, sells, repairs and supports computers and related products and services.  Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest technological corporations in the world, employing more than 103,300 people worldwide. Dell is listed at number 38 in the Fortune 500 list. In 2012 it was the third largest PC vendor in the world after HP and Lenovo.

Round Rock’s latest newest attraction is a company that has had an unprecedented 17 consecutive years of market share growth, and is the fastest growing automotive brand in America. Thanks to advances in product quality, design and innovative marketing, they are also one of the fastest-growing car companies in the world. Now, for the first time, in a study conducted by Interbrand, the world's leading brand consultancy agency, this company is on the "Top 100 Best Global Brands" list.

Round Rock KIA is a state-of-the-art facility with some of the most sought after vehicles on the market.  The staff at Round Rock KIA is eager to help everyone get into the car of their dreams.  Customers will have plenty of vehicles to choose from such as the Optima, Soul, Forte, and the all-new, wow-factor- KIA Cadenza.

As a “thank you for welcoming us to the neighborhood” the dealership is giving away 60” TV’s, Wal-Mart Gift Cards, and IPads just for registering at the dealership!  All guests are treated like family from a salaried NO PRESSURE sales staff, and the amenities such as free Wi-Fi and Big Flat Screen TV’s will make a visit very comfortable.

Round Rock KIA’s General Manager, Ali Khan (middle) and some of his exciting sales staff looking forward to awarding gifts to lucky guests who register within the dealership.

“We are very excited to be part of the Round Rock community.  I look forward to meeting every guest, and build a great relationship with them for years to come” says, Ali Khan, General Manager of Round Rock KIA.

Round Rock KIA is located 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas 78665 and can be reached at 512.617.5000 or www.roundrockkia.com.