Audi to add two new Q models the Q4 and flagship Q8 Crossover SUV.

• Production of the Audi Q8 crossover SUV to start in Bratislava in 2018
• Audi Q4 compact utility vehicle from Győr as of 2019
• Board of Management Member for Production Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl: “Increased competitiveness in the SUV segment” 

Audi is to expand its portfolio with two new Q models and has announced where they will be built: Production of the Audi Q8 will start in Bratislava (Slovakia) in 2018 and the first Audi Q4 will drive off the assembly line in Győr (Hungary) in 2019.

“We will integrate two completely new Q‑models into the existing production network and will thus increase our competitiveness in an extremely important segment,” stated Audi’s Board of Management Member for Production and Logistics, Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl.

With the Audi Q8, the brand will open up a new segment for its top-end models. The premium SUV in a coupe style combines great spaciousness with emotive design and offers the latest technologies in assistance and infotainment systems. 

Audi will produce the model in Bratislava as of 2018. The Audi Q7 has already been produced at the Slovakian plant since 2005. Meanwhile, the second generation of the large SUV is in production there, as an S version and as the Q7 e-tron plug-in hybrid.

In 2019, production of the Audi Q4 will start at Audi Hungaria in Győr. With this model, the brand is entering the segment of compact utility vehicles (CUVs). Featuring a typical coupe-style silhouette, the Audi Q4 will be positioned between the Audi Q3 and Q5. And as of 2018, Audi Hungaria will also be responsible for production of the Audi Q3 compact SUV, which until then will continue to be produced in Martorell, Spain.

Kia launches a new, even more sporty and powerful SOUL, the Exclaim adds 40hp to the already powerful 1.6 litre Turbo.

• New Soul Exclaim Adds 1.6-liter Turbocharged GDI Engine with 40 More Horsepower, 45 More lb.-ft. of Torque and More to Love
• More power makes Kia’s funky urban runabout more fun than ever
• More power and improved fuel economy
• Other love-inducing additions include specialized trim and upscale, sportier features

It’s hard to make something great even better, but Kia did when it added a 201-horsepower turbocharged engine to one of its best-selling, most-iconic and most beloved vehicles. Fans of the Soul had long lobbied for a little more zip in their favorite ride and the 2017 Soul Exclaim didn’t disappoint when it was revealed to media today.

“We wanted to provide loyal Soul lovers and new buyers a sportier option,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. “The 2017 Soul Exclaim with its turbocharged engine gives the car’s fans another wonderful choice from an already wonderful line-up.”

Though the 1.6-liter turbo engine adds 40 horsepower, fuel economy is 28 miles-per-gallon, city and highway combined[1]—slightly better than the combined mileage of the 2.0-liter normally-aspirated 161-hp engine in the Soul Plus and in the Soul Base 1.6-liter, which produces 130 horsepower.

Performance in the turbocharged Exclaim is further enhanced by the addition of a new 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which, via quicker and smoother shift points and no shift shock, makes for more dynamic acceleration and contributes to a more engaging driving experience.

In addition to the turbo engine, the Exclaim includes specialized trim and sportier features, including: exclusive 18-inch wheels; red-accented body trim; chrome grille surround, unique Soul tailgate badge; and, for the first time on Soul, dual chrome twin-tip exhaust.

The Exclaim also gets a standard leather-wrapped, D-shaped steering wheel, push button start with smart key and UVO3[2] with e-Services with integrated Android Auto™[3] and Apple CarPlay ™.[4] A thumping 315-watt Harman Kardon^®[5] premium audio system with eight speakers, including a center channel and subwoofer, navigation and 8-inch touchscreen display is also available. Other new options for the 2017 model year are convenience systems such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection are also available[6].

The 2017 Soul is available in three trim levels: Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission; Soul Plus with the 6-speed automatic; and the Exclaim turbo with the new 7-speed DCT. There are also two new exterior colors. Redesigned headlights and fog lights, along with front and rear fascias lend a more aggressive appearance while the availability of two dedicated USB charge ports and an 8-way power passenger seat add convenience and comfort.

USA - Kia launches a new model within the Soul range, the New Soul Exclaim comes with 40 more HP and better Torque.

New Soul Exclaim Adds 1.6-liter Turbocharged GDI Engine with 40 More Horsepower, 45 More lb.-ft. of Torque and More to Love

• More power makes Kia’s funky urban runabout more fun than ever
• More power and improved fuel economy
• Other love-inducing additions include specialized trim and upscale, sportier features

It’s hard to make something great even better, but Kia did when it added a 201-horsepower turbocharged engine to one of its best-selling, most-iconic and most beloved vehicles. 

Fans of the Soul had long lobbied for a little more zip in their favorite ride and the 2017 Soul Exclaim didn’t disappoint when it was revealed to media today.

“We wanted to provide loyal Soul lovers and new buyers a sportier option,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. 

“The 2017 Soul Exclaim with its turbocharged engine gives the car’s fans another wonderful choice from an already wonderful line-up.”

Though the 1.6-liter turbo engine adds 40 horsepower, fuel economy is 28 miles-per-gallon, city and highway combined¹—slightly better than the combined mileage of the 2.0-liter normally-aspirated 161-hp engine in the Soul Plus and in the Soul Base 1.6-liter, which produces 130 horsepower.

Performance in the turbocharged Exclaim is further enhanced by the addition of a new 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which, via quicker and smoother shift points and no shift shock, makes for more dynamic acceleration and contributes to a more engaging driving experience.

In addition to the turbo engine, the Exclaim includes specialized trim and sportier features, including: exclusive 18-inch wheels; red-accented body trim; chrome grille surround, unique Soul tailgate badge; and, for the first time on Soul, dual chrome twin-tip exhaust.

The Exclaim also gets a standard leather-wrapped, D-shaped steering wheel, pushbutton start with smart key and UVO3² with e-Services with integrated Android Auto™³ and Apple CarPlay ™⁴ . A thumping 315-watt Harman Kardon^{® 5} premium audio system with eight speakers, including a center channel and subwoofer, navigation and 8-inch touchscreen display is also available. Other new options for the 2017 model year are convenience systems such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection are also available⁶.

The 2017 Soul is available in three trim levels: Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission; Soul Plus with the 6-speed automatic; and the Exclaim turbo with the new 7-speed DCT. There are also two new exterior colors. Redesigned headlights and fog lights, along with front and rear fascias lend a more aggressive appearance while two dedicated USB charge ports and an available 8-way power passenger seat add convenience and comfort.

USA - Soul Crowned King of Urban Category for Fifth Consecutive Year with the Cadenza also helped earn it points.

Soul Crowned King of Urban Category for Fifth Consecutive Year

• 2016 Soul praised for its expansive and versatile interior
• 2017 Cadenza’s feature-rich roster, fun driving dynamics and practicality helped earn it points

For the fifth consecutive year, Kia Motors America’s (KMA) iconic urban passenger vehicle, the Soul, was named a winner at the 13^th annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards held recently in Chandler, Arizona. 

Once again, local media and elite athletes rated the Soul best in the urban category after dynamic and real-world evaluations, while the all-new 2017 Cadenza¹ wowed them with its stunning new design and comfortable passenger space. 

“Winning the Active Lifestyle Vehicle award for the fifth consecutive year is a clear indication that the Soul makes a great companion for urbanites who are constantly on the go,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, KMA. 

“Its unique combination of style, fun-to-drive attitude, extensive feature content, and practicality make the Soul a crowd favorite, while the Cadenza’s upscale design, ample interior, and advanced convenience features make it a fierce competitor in the full-size sedan segment.”

The 2016 Soul is one of KMA’s best-selling nameplates for good reason. The fun-loving Soul combines a funky and functional design, premium interior and a long list of standard and optional amenities. 

With a starting MSRP of just $15,900² (excluding destination charges of $850), the 2016 Soul boasts value and utility in a small and stylish package. For 2017, the Soul aims to increase its popularity with the addition of a turbocharged engine option. 

The all-new Cadenza will soon be arriving in showrooms with an estimated starting price just below $32,000³.

“Buyers with active lifestyles have always been value focused. They need vehicles with the versatility to haul their gear, but want to have money left over to afford the new bicycle, kayak or skis they’ve been lusting after,” said Nina Russin, founder of the Active Lifestyle Vehicle program. 

“The Kia Soul won the urban category for the fifth consecutive year because it’s a stylish, affordable vehicle with a spacious cargo area and small footprint that functions well in congested city centers. 

And along with its industry-leading warranty, the new Cadenza is proof that a luxurious car doesn’t have to break the bank.”

USA - Texas Auto Writers Association Names 2016 Mazda CX-9 Full-size CUV Winner at 26th Annual Event.

• Texas Auto Writers Association Names 2016 Mazda CX-9 Full-size CUV Winner at 26th Annual Texas Truck Rodeo

More than 70 automotive journalists from across the country gathered at Longhorn River Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas, for the Texas Auto Writers Association’s (TAWA) annual Texas Truck Rodeo. 

Over the two-day event, more than 70 vehicles were evaluated in 17 competitive categories, with the all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 taking home top prize in the full-size CUV segment.

“Mazda’s all-new CX-9 earned class-leading marks from our judges particularly in exterior styling, premium interior finishes, the performance of the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T powertrain and overall personal appeal in the highly competitive full-size CUV category,” said Nic Phillips, Texas Auto Writers Association President. 

“Mazda’s CX-9 is a combination of sleek style with exciting, driver rewarding dynamics and family efficiency which makes for an award winning package, one that carried the CX-9 to be our runner-up for the overall CUV of Texas award.”

In the decade since the first Mazda CX-9 made its world debut, it has transformed the full-size CUV segment and is the brand’s grandest expression of KODO – Soul of Motion design. The 2016 model year offers innovative technologies, premium and authentic materials and is simply fun to drive with a focus on overall driver experience.

The Texas Truck Rodeo win comes on the heels of the announcement that the 2016 Mazda CX-9 made the shortlist of nominees for the 2017 World Car of the Year. It’s great momentum for the Mazda brand considering the 2016 MX-5 won two awards for World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year earlier this year.

Mazda North American Operations is proud of its award-winning vehicle line-up. The 2016 model year vehicles have already earned more than 100 industry accolades.

USA - 2017 Sorento Earns Coveted Safety Award Under More Stringent IIHS Standards.

• 2017 Sorento Earns Coveted Safety Award Under More Stringent IIHS Standards

Kia Motors America’s best-selling CUV, the 2017 Sorento, has earned top honors – Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) – from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional front-crash prevention.

With the Sorento earning “good” crashworthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system, Kia continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to safety.

“These results are a clear indication that Kia places a high priority on safety by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies and enhancing vehicle structure through the use of advanced high-strength steel,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA.  “We are proud that the Sorento received strong ratings across the board, and having earned the prestigious TSP+ award bolsters our strong safety record and the integrity of our products.” 

To qualify for a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, each vehicle must earn “good” ratings in each of the five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention.  

The 2017 Sorento is available with many driver-assistance systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)¹, Advanced Smart Cruise Control¹, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)¹, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)¹, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)¹, and HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL)¹technology, high-beam assist (HBA)¹, and rear parking assist¹. 

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts

1 These features are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive responsibly.

** K900 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability. 

*** Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.

USA - Sorento CUV and Sedona Minivan Named Total Quality Impact Winners in Respective Segments

• Sorento CUV and Sedona Minivan Named Total Quality Impact Winners in Respective Segments
• · Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Impact is the automotive industry’s most complete measure of the quality of a new vehicle
• · Kia owners praise their vehicles’ stylish design, innovative features and outstanding craftsmanship

Kia Motors’ hard-earned reputation for delivering world-class quality and reliability across its model line was reinforced today when Strategic Vision named Kia the highest quality brand under $26,000 (in a tie) in the research-based consultancy Total Quality Impact (TQI) study. 

Leading the way for Kia were the Sorento and Sedona, which achieved the highest TQI scores in the mid-size CUV and minivan segments (in a tie), respectively.

“The latest Strategic Vision Total Quality Impact data is further proof of the ‘New Kia’s’ standing as a leader in design, quality, technology and value,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America.  

“The Sorento and Sedona are prime examples of Kia’s commitment to surpassing consumers’ expectations in everything we do, and the Total Quality Impact recognition is especially gratifying as it represents the voice of our customers.”

Strategic Vision surveyed more than 39,000 new-car owners to select the winners of this year’s Total Quality Impact awards. Owners surveyed praised the Sorento for its excellent value and premium interior design, while others gave the Sedona high marks for its innovative features, interior craftsmanship, and performance. “Kia's focus on design and technology has nurtured the belief that customers have in the thoughtfulness and quality of their products,” said Alexander Edwards, President of Strategic Vision. “The Total Quality Award winners, and other well-performing models like the Optima, point to the success that Kia has had in this regard.”