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!

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 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.

Pet Peeves and Round Rock Kia

It is perfectly natural and acceptable to possess at least one pet peeve.  As humans, we all have something that irritates us slightly more than it should.

A pet peeve is a minor annoyance that an individual identifies as particularly annoying to himself (or herself), to a greater degree than others may find it.

For some, it’s when people eat with their mouth open.  For others, it’s people who constantly interrupt.  These are mildly rude or annoying characteristics that people can demonstrate which can usually be overlooked.

At Round Rock Kia, their philosophy is that no pet peeve should be overlooked and they strive to keep their customers so content that they have nothing to find as a pet peeve about their establishment or your experience at their dealership.

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.

2014 DeliveryMaxx KIA Dealer Group of the Year

DeliveryMaxx’s Dealer of the Year Award Program recognizes a select number of car dealerships throughout the United States for outstanding customer satisfaction in the dealership’s online reputation.

Round Rock KIA is proud to be part of the 2014 KIA Dealer Group of the Year.  The dealership is located at 600 Jeffrey Way in Round Rock, Texas and exemplifies the values that modern car dealers strive to achieve.  Consumers have more choices than ever, and Round Rock KIA goes above and beyond taking care of their customers by doing more than just selling a vehicle, rather by helping the customer find the right vehicle for their family’s needs and providing exceptional service creating customers for life.

Round Rock KIA qualified for consideration to receive the award by maintaining outstanding customer satisfaction and providing informational social media content advantageous for consumers to make informed automotive buying decisions.  Minimum qualifications for the DeliveryMaxx KIA Dealer Group of the Year Award requires a minimum of 50 new reviews during the previous calendar year with an overall average online rating greater than 3.75 with 5.0 as the highest possible score combining all review sites per location.  For more information about the DeliveryMaxx Dealer of the Year Award Program visit http://www.deliverymaxx.com/dealer-of-the-year.html 

Exceptional customer service can be found at the Austin location of the 2014 DeliveryMaxx Dealer Group of the Year, Round Rock KIA.  They can be reached by calling 512-617-5000 or by visiting http://www.roundrockkia.com