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.

Hyundai launches a new limited production Tucson at SEMA, the NIGHT model, comes with dark/black accents.

• New NIGHT Model Goes on Sale Late 2016

Hyundai revealed its new, limited-production NIGHT model at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas. This new offering for the popular Tucson CUV appeals to customers that value a distinctive new blackout monotone attitude that expresses their own individuality. 

“Our new NIGHT model attracts those who already appreciate the striking styling of the Tucson and want something just a little more to set them apart—the exclusive black RAYS® wheels with the panoramic roof combine for high appeal, inside and out,” said Trevor Lai, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. 

The Night model goes on sale in late 2016 and pricing will be announced with dealership availability.

Tucson achieves this black monotone appearance by adding the following combination of special features to standard Tucson Sport model content:

Exterior

• RAYS® 19-inch black-finish alloys with black lug nuts, branded center cap and red valve stem caps
• Panoramic sunroof with dark, black-tinted glass appearance for a blackout look
• Gloss black side mirror caps

Interior

• Aluminum-alloy sport pedals
• Perforated leather steering wheel
• Front and rear LED maplights

The Tucson NIGHT model is available exclusively in Coliseum Gray, Caribbean Blue, Dazzling White and Black Noir Pearl exterior colors.

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 - 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.”

USA - Mazda’s Award-Winning CUV Now Includes 18-Inch Wheels in Touring Trim, Lower-Cost i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Package

Mazda’s Award-Winning CUV Now Includes 18-Inch Wheels in Touring Trim, Lower-Cost i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Package

Mazda CX-3 captivated onlookers with its show-car-like KODO—Soul of Motion design that stood out among its staid competitors when it hit the road last year. Seventy-three of the world’s most esteemed auto media jurors from around the world nominated it as a finalist for 2016 World Car Design of the Year.

But looks weren’t all it over-delivered with, coddling drivers and passengers with amenities like available leather and Lux Suede two-tone seats, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and its Active Driving Display head-up unit—“Mazda Premium” features that are all but exclusive to CX-3 among its competitive set, save for much pricier competition. CX-3 held media in awe for its driving dynamics that were more engaging and fun than they had any right to be for any vehicle, let alone a small crossover.

And CX-3 stunned them when it took on some of the most-capable vehicles in its segment and beat them at the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s annual Mudfest off-road event, thanks to its predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive that can detect road conditions and shift power output before a driver and or passengers will ever notice.

For 2017, CX-3 enters its second model year holding its $19,960 starting MSRP¹. Changes in content are subtle but include standard 18-inch alloy wheels for CX-3 Touring models—an item brought down from Grand Touring—and a lower cost of entry for Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE Package of safety technologies in CX-3 Grand Touring–$1,170 versus last year’s $1,920.

All CX-3 models come standard with a punchy, 146-horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sport mode. Power is routed to either the front wheels or through all four with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive.

CX-3 Sport models come equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, cloth seats, a seven-inch MAZDA CONNECT^TM touchscreen infotainment system with voice commands, Bluetooth phone connectivity for phone and audio streaming, a USB input, keyless entry, push-button start, power door locks, a six-speaker audio system and air conditioning, among a long list of other features.

CX-3 Touring upgrades with the aforementioned 18-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior door mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps, leatherette and cloth seating surfaces, heated front seats, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, fold-down center armrest with built-in phone holder, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The Touring Premium Package further upgrades CX-3 with a BOSE^® seven-speaker audio system, power moonroof, satellite radio, HD radio and a cargo cover.

The top-level CX-3 Grand Touring includes all of those features and adds leather and Lux Suede seats, LED headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), LED fog lights, navigation, automatic climate control, paddle shifters and Active Driving Display head-up unit that helps keep a driver’s eyes focused on the road.

The i-ACTIVSENSE package includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), automatic Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and Smart Brake Support (SBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), High Beam Control (HBC), automatic on/off headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

MSRP¹ for all models is as follows (add $1,250 for i-ACTIV all-wheel drive):

CX-3 Sport	$19,960
CX-3 Touring	$21,960
• Touring Premium Package	$1,410
CX-3 Grand Touring	$24,990
• i-ACTIVSENSE Package	$1,170

Premium exterior paint colors include:

Crystal White Pearl	$200
Soul Red Metallic	$300

The 2017 Mazda CX-3 arrives at dealerships nationwide in early July.

Kia Motors United States of America has produced it's 2,000,000th car, a Sorento SXL.

Today, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) celebrated as the plant’s two millionth vehicle – a white 2016 Sorento SXL – rolled off the assembly line in West Point, Georgia.

Representing an investment of more than $1.1 billion, KMMG began mass production on November 16, 2009 and today produces more than forty percent of all Kia vehicles sold in the United States.

“Assembling two million vehicles in less than seven years is a remarkable achievement, and one that each of our team members can take a lot of pride in,” said KMMG President and CEO Hyun-Jong Shin. “The world-class quality that goes into every Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan we build is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of our team members, and today we salute their commitment to excellence.”  

Together with on-site and local suppliers, KMMG is responsible for the creation of more than 15,000 jobs in West Point and the surrounding region, and achieved its highest-ever ranking – top five among vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. – in J.D. Power’s most recent Initial Quality Study.

“Together, Kia and Georgia have a strong reputation of success,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “The company’s continued investment in the state speaks volumes to our pro-business atmosphere, and we will continue to support them as they grow here. I want to congratulate Kia’s team members on this accomplishment.”