Displaying items by tag: Kia

The front-wheel-drive hybrid version of Kia's redesigned Sorento mid-size three-row crossover packs a solid 227 horsepower and a 37-mpg EPA combined estimate.

The new 2021 Kia Sorento hybrid doesn't make a big deal of itself, despite being the first electrically assisted version of Kia's mid-size crossover. It's got a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and it drives like you'd expect—except that the little four feels like it has about 25 percent more displacement than it actually does. In fact, the Sorento hybrid's combined output—227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque—nearly matches that of the 2020 Volkswagen GTI. Like a GTI, the front-wheel-drive Sorento torments its front tires with torque. Unlike the compact GTI, though, it has three rows of seats and an EPA combined estimate of 37 mpg. Thus concludes our references to the Volkswagen GTI, but we hope the comparisons helped you subliminally internalize the idea that the Sorento hybrid is actually kind of fun.

2021 kia sorento ex hybrid
 
HIGHS: More power than the nonhybrid base version, 11-mpg fuel-economy gain, modest price premium.
 

To get the Sorento hybrid's 227 horses out of a 1.6-liter turbo four, you'd generally have to boost the bejesus out of it. Kia didn't do that. But it did pair the engine with a sizable electric motor and a 1.5-kWh lithium battery that enables some neat tricks. Such as producing an abundance of torque off the line and sailing along at highway speeds with the engine off. And, yes, achieving solid fuel-economy ratings of 39 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. Our 75-mph highway fuel economy test returned 42 mpg, 13 percent better than the EPA’s estimate, and unleashes the potential for a whopping 740 miles of range from its 17.7-gallon fuel tank.

 
2021 kia sorento ex hybrid
 

Kia's highly specific spec sheet lists the 1.6-liter as making 177.2 horsepower and 195.4 pound-feet of torque from 1500 to 4500 rpm. The electric motor generates a claimed 60.1 horses and 194.7 pound-feet from zero up to 1600 revs. Notice that those two torque figures are almost the same and happen at low revs, which helps explain why the hybrid's low-end grunt feels diesel-like in strength. It's simply a smooth, prodigious shove that's out of proportion to the gas engine's displacement. The duo combines to send the Sorento to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15.6 seconds at 92 mph. The powertrain's responsiveness is reflected in the Sorento's 5-to-60-mph time of 7.9 seconds—the power is there, real-world ready when you need it.

The 1.6 does sometimes lug at low rpm, particularly when climbing grades, as the transmission holds a tall gear and leans on the electric motor for help. But that's a common hybrid trait. As dealership sales reps like to say: They all do that. And as we often say: At least it's not a CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission). Should you desire a lower gear from the Sorento hybrid's conventional automatic, there are paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel. We doubt too many Sorento hybrid drivers will be grabbing downshifts on their way into a max-attack run at their favorite off-ramp, but in that unlikely scenario, the Sorento hybrid can generate a respectable 0.81 g of lateral acceleration.

2021 kia sorento ex hybrid

LOWS: Front-wheel drive only, some torque steer, reduced towing capacity.

The Sorento hybrid offers no dedicated electric-only mode, but nonetheless it relies on electric power surprisingly often and at high speeds. Light on the throttle, downhill, you'll see the green EV indicator light come on at 80 mph. While its relatively tiny battery means you won't ever go far on electricity alone, this Sorento is good at seamlessly juggling its propulsion options without calling attention to the machinations happening beyond the firewall.

2021 kia sorento ex hybrid
Priced at $34,765 to start for the base S trim, the hybrid costs $1700 more than a nonhybrid Sorento S, which employs a 191-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic. That model is only rated at 26 mpg combined, and the EPA figures that over five years, the hybrid will save you $2500 in fuel compared to the average new vehicle. Your mileage may vary, of course, but you'll notice that those estimated savings neatly erase the hybrid's price premium. It looks as if a half-decade is your financial break-even point, if that's a motivating factor. But the hybrid also is the significantly more powerful option, and that's a worthy upgrade on its own. It won't outpace a Sorento with the optional 281-hp 2.5-liter turbo four that we've already tested, but giving up 0.9 second to 60 mph seems like a pretty fair trade to earn an additional 11 mpg on the EPA combined cycle. The hybrid S also costs $1400 less than the least expensive 2.5-liter turbo model, the front-wheel-drive EX.

For 2022. the Sorento hybrid will also be offered with all-wheel drive starting at $36,965. Or consider the $46,165 Sorento plug-in hybrid's EPA-rated 32-mile range of electric driving with a combined 261 horses. The hybrid shouldn't be your pick if you expect to tow much with it, as its 2000-pound tow rating lags behind the nonhybrid models' 3500-pound max. But if hauling a load isn't an issue, you may as well spring for the hybrid over the standard Sorento. Think of it as a five-year investment in free horsepower.

(https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g35084892/2021-kia-sorento-hybrid-drive-gallery/)

Published in KIA
Monday, 22 November 2021 05:17

New Kia EV6 AWD review

The RWD version of the Kia EV6 impressed us, but can the AWD model do the same? 

Verdict

The Kia EV6 is a terrific electric car, but we’re not convinced that it’s worth spending the extra money on this dual-motor version. It’s faster in a straight line but not really any more involving or capable on twistier roads – so you’re left with a model that commands a price premium, while offering reduced range compared with the rear-drive edition. That’s the EV6 we’d go for.

There was a time, not too long ago, when the idea of a Kia costing even £30,000 would have been hard to comprehend. But the Korean brand has matured greatly over the past decade, to the point where there is currently a very healthy order book for its Sorento large SUV – a car that could cost you more than £50k.

There’s a sense of quiet confidence about Kia’s new electric flagship, the EV6, breaking the same price barrier. EVs still cost more than their combustion-engined counterparts anyway, and the market is also very “green”, with brand equity and image playing a lesser role. Perfect fodder, really, for a company like Kia, complete with the hi-tech backing of the Hyundai group.

We were pretty impressed with the EV6 when we tried it in rear-wheel-drive form in the UK earlier this autumn. Now it’s time to decide whether it’s worth spending the extra money (not far off £10,000 more, in fact) for more power and performance with the four-wheel-drive variant.

The EV6, of course, sits on E-GMP, the same bespoke pure-electric platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis’s forthcoming GV60. That means 800V electrics, which equates to ultra-fast charging; there’s some debate about the actual speed, but all you really need to know is that when it’s hooked up to a 350kW charger, the EV6 can replenish 80 per cent of its 77.4kWh usable battery in just 18 minutes. We’d struggle to drink a nuclear Costa latte coffee in that amount of time.

The raw stats, of course, are shared with the rear-drive EV6. But this GT-Line S edition has a second electric motor on the front axle, boosting the total power and torque figures from 226bhp and 350Nm to a meaty 321bhp and 605Nm. The top speed remains at 114mph, but the 0-62mph time is now a punchy 5.2 seconds, a gain of more than two seconds over the rear-wheel-drive edition.

You can feel the difference, too; there’s still not the sledgehammer delivery of force that you get in a Porsche Taycan; that will presumably come with a hilarious-sounding, 577bhp version of the EV6 that’s due in 2022. But there is more urgency about the full-size, five-seat crossover in this format; let’s call it genuine shove to match the instant electric torque delivery.

 

In a straight line, then, the GT-Line S AWD will certainly deliver that all-electric one-upmanship at traffic lights. Around the corners, though, the chassis – while still better tied down than the Ioniq 5’s – is rather less happy with the increased potential. The system struggles to cope with the motors’ responses, giving you an inconsistent delivery that makes it hard to drive smoothly.

 

Elsewhere, the cruising experience is similar to that of the two-wheel-drive version, albeit with a teeny bit more electric whine because, well, you’re closer to the front motor than you are to the rear.

And of course, the addition of that extra unit in a car with the same battery capacity means a reduction in range – from 328 miles down to around 300. Our experience suggests you’ll get north of 290 miles without much compromise in your driving style, though, which is solid. Hyundai-Kia’s battery-management algorithms remain among the best in the market.

Inside, there are a few harder plastics but the overall finish is excellent, and the technology fitted is right up there with the best in class. There’s a pair of 12.3-inch curved displays, accommodating digital instruments and then a slick, responsive infotainment system.

The cabin itself has room for five adults, albeit with slightly reduced headroom in the rear compared with the Ioniq 5 – a trade-off, certainly, for the EV6’s more coupe-esque roofline. The boot capacity is 490 litres – more than enough for a family’s everyday needs – and you can alter the floor height. There’s also a “frunk”, a plastic storage box under the bonnet, but the additional motor cuts its capacity on this model to 20 litres, compared with the 50 litres on offer in the rear-drive edition of the Kia EV.

Model: Kia EV6 GT-Line S 77.4kWh AWD
Price: £51,945
Motor/battery: 2 x e-motor, 77.4kWh
Power/torque: 321bhp/605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 
0-62mph: 5.2 seconds
Top speed: 114mph
Range: 300 miles
Max charging: 350kW (0-80% in 18min)
On sale: Now
 
Published in KIA
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The new generation of SUV models of the Korean company was also presented on the European market, for the first time in a plug-in hybrid variant.


The PHEV variant is powered by a 1.6-liter T-GDI engine, a 66.9 kW permanent magnet electric motor and a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The powertrain combination offers a total of 265 hp, with 180 hp from the internal combustion engine.

Also new are Kia's latest highly efficient hybrid starter generator (HSG) and hybrid control unit (HPCU). HSG helps improve efficiency and reduce noise and vibration, thanks in part to a high-tech permanent magnet.

HPCU achieves improved capabilities, better efficiency and lower overall noise reduction, despite the smaller volume compared to the previous system.
The installation of the battery pack in the Sportage PHEV has been carefully done to prevent intrusion into the passenger and luggage compartments. That is why the battery is placed in the middle between the two axles under the body of the SUV, which enables a balanced distribution of weight and brings a cabin that is practical, comfortable and versatile.
The state-of-the-art battery pack has a high-tech battery management unit that constantly monitors the condition of the battery, including factors such as current, voltage, insulation and fault diagnosis. The package also has an advanced cell control unit that measures and monitors cell voltage and temperature.
The Sportage PHEV charges with a power of 7.2 kW, which gives it a high power density of 1.53 kW / ℓ and an efficiency of 95%. As we find out, the start of production in Europe is scheduled for the end of the year, while the first models on our market can be expected during the spring of 2022.

 

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Never forget how important the right tires are.

 

"Power is nothing without control." That's not a quote from a notable historical figure or philosopher; it's part of Pirelli's marketing message, with the slogan plastered across billboards during Formula 1 races. The point is well taken, but Kia apparently didn't get the memo while it worked on the 2021 Kia K5 GT.

 Funny enough, the Korean manufacturer ships the 2021 Kia K5 GT on Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires rather than the outright performance rubber it begs for. And those tires stick out like pimples on a teenager's face—you just want to pop 'em. However, an excellent and darn quick family sedan sits atop those four hunks of rubber.

Did Somebody Say Power?

2021 Kia K5 GT Line AWD 16

Much like the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line we tested earlier this year, the 2021 Kia K5 GT's immense grunt comes courtesy of a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 that kicks out 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Those types of figures tend to be too much for the front wheels of most cars, and the Kia is no different.

Should you manage to avoid undue wheel hop and execute a clean launch, the K5 GT sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, just a tenth shy of the Sonata N Line. The 0.1 second advantage holds true all the way to the quarter-mile mark as the Kia crosses the line in 14.0 seconds at 101.8 mph. Although the all-season tires might not have limited the GT significantly during its acceleration runs, the rubber made a huge difference in braking and around our figure-eight course.

 

Handling And Braking

The 2021 Kia K5 GT needed 127 feet to stop from 60 mph, an unimpressive result for what is supposed to be a somewhat sporty sedan. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a yacht-sized SUV that weighs 2,715 pounds more than the K5 GT, stopped 20 feet shorter. Out of every 2021 model-year sedan we've tested to date, just one stopped in a longer distance: the Honda Accord EX-L, which needed 129 feet.

The Sonata N Line also stopped in a considerably shorter distance, just 110 feet, and the difference between the two sedans is even more apparent around our figure-eight test. The 2021 Kia K5 GT's time of 26.3 seconds at an average of 0.69 g was both slower and less grippy than the Sonata N Line's 25.8-second time at 0.72 g. Of course, the Hyundai we tested wore stickier rubber.

How Does It Feel?

2021 Kia K5 GT Line AWD 29
 Without available options for all-wheel drive or a limited-slip differential, the 2021 Kia K5 GT sells itself a bit short. After a riotous first five minutes behind its wheel, the charm of an absurdly powerful four-banger and an equally absurd lack of grip at the driven wheels tends to bleed into frustration. You'd like to stop screeching your way through every intersection and away from every stoplight, but at anything more than 50 percent throttle, the GT is either abusing its front tires or being suffocated by traction control—all the way into third gear.

But perhaps the most telling number regarding just how quick the K5 GT could be is how it accelerates at speed. It needs just 2.5 seconds to get from 45 to 65 mph; that's 0.2 second quicker than a Mercedes-AMG GLA35 and right on par with the 2022 VW Golf GTI. It's also quicker than the Honda Accord Sport 2.0, the midsize family sedan everyone wants to steal the gold medal from. The instant the K5 GT is no longer traction limited, its persona changes from a knuckle-dragging burnout machine into something resembling a legitimate sport sedan.

What About Comfort?

What's more, the rest of the 2021 Kia K5 GT doesn't lose any of what makes the K5 one of the better sedans in its class. The eight-speed double-clutch transmission is surprisingly snappy, and it rips shifts without hesitation whenever the driver beckons. It's nearly as alert as the DSG in the new Golf GTI, a standard-setter for mass-market twin-clutch transmissions. The car's overly light steering doesn't provide much in the way of feedback, but that hardly matters when there's so little grip to begin with.

However, the all-season tires might provide one advantage over a sportier tire: comfort. Despite sharing a platform with the Sonata N Line, the Kia K5 GT's ride is markedly better than the Hyundai's. Around town, the supple suspension tune and squishy tires deliver a sort of calm that contradicts the beastly character lurking under the hood. The ride quality isn't what you'd call serene all the time, and a fair amount of wind noise can creep into the cabin by way of the driver-side mirror. But the K5 GT's poise and the way it handles bumpy ruts make it easy to believe you're driving something much more expensive.

2021 Kia K5 GT Line AWD 11

Interior

The K5 GT's interior features a lot of plastic, but it doesn't cheapen the car's appeal. Kia uses some nice materials for the cabin's touchpoints, and it breaks up the plastics used everywhere else. The dash is handsome and boasts a nice screen that integrates with the instrument cluster cowl instead of sticking out like a tacked-on tablet. The cabin is spacious for both front and rear passengers, and the trunk offers a handy 16.0 cubic feet and a wide aperture.

With all of Kia's excellent driver aids, a supportive pair of front seats, and easygoing road manners, the 2021 Kia K5 GT is certainly worth considering if you want a sedan with some hot sauce under its hood. Set your budget for some proper summer tires on top of the car's $35,705 base price, and you'll unlock its potential.

(motortrend.com)

Published in KIA
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Monday, 30 August 2021 06:38

Kia Niro for 2022

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro, a second-generation compact crossover, will be produced as a mild and plug-in hybrid and electric, with a range of more than 300 miles (483 km)
One of the foundations of Kia's success is the compact crossover, which has sold more than a million copies since 2016. The second-generation model, expected in early 2022, introduces radically improved design.

The new ‘look’ of the front grille will become a trademark for all new Kia models, and the fluid body introduces, for the crossover, exceptional aerodynamics, with an air resistance coefficient of 0.27. Increasing the share of high-strength (HTS) and ultra-high-strength steels (UHTS) and composite materials in critical places will enable a weight reduction of 70 kg and an increase in strength.

Kia Niro will be produced as a mild, plug-in hybrid and electric e-Niro, which will combine a 4-cylinder turbo gasoline engine 1.6 T-GDi and an electric motor up to 150 kW and in the electric version will have a range of more than 300 miles (marketing important for the English and American markets)

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Kia’s prestigious SUV, the multi-award winning Sorento, won two new globally recognized laurels - the Red Dot and iF model design awards.

Since 2009, Kia has won 47 Red Dot and iF design awards

With the latest Red Dot and IF awards, the design-driven Kia brand continues its remarkable string of successes in these two competitions. Since 2009, when the Kia Soul became the first Korean model to win Red Dot, 26 Kia models have won this award. As for the iF award, which Kia won for the first time in 2010, the number of awarded Kia models, including the new Sorrento, climbed to as much as 21.

Shortly after last year’s premiere, the Sorento received recognition for outstanding off-road vehicle design in 2020 from Auto Bild Allrad magazine. After that, he won the most significant German car award, the Golden Steering Wheel 2020, in the segment of large sports SUVs. In March this year, it became the Women's World Car of 2021 in the category of large sports SUVs.

The new generation of sports SUV was created in cooperation with Kia's world design network. Karim Habib, head of Kia's global design center, said: "In designing the new Sorrento, we wanted to first develop the robust aesthetics of previous generations of models, while using a greater dose of sophistication and elegance. is a mature and balanced but confident design. We are delighted that prestigious institutions, which share design awards, such as Red Dot and iF, have recognized our work. "

Red Dot and iF: two globally most important design awards

The Red Dot and iF design awards are among the largest and most significant design competitions in the world. The Red Dot Award is awarded each year at the North Rhine-Westphalia design center and is divided into three disciplines: product design, brand and communication design, and concept design. The Red Dot Awards for product design have been awarded since 1955, and this year's competition was attended by manufacturers and designers from 60 countries, who submitted 7,800 products. The submitted products were evaluated by an international jury, which consisted of about 50 independent designers, design professors and journalists from various sectors. In addition to aesthetics, products are evaluated on the basis of criteria such as the degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, quality and environmental friendliness.

The iF Design Award, organized by the International Forum Design GmbH of Hanover, has existed since 1954 and is one of the leading independent design institutions in the world. This year, competitors from 52 countries registered more than 9,500 products, and the competition itself experienced several novelties. These are e.g. digital preliminary phase ('Online Preselection') in which half of the submitted works entered the finals ('Final Jury'), transparent evaluation was performed in all categories, including the new categories 'user experience' (UX) and 'user interface' ( UU). Other categories are products, communications, packaging and service design, architecture, interior design and professional concepts. This year, the iF jury was composed of 98 independent international design experts. All award-winning products are published in the "iF World Design Guide" catalog (ifworlddesignguide.com) and in the "iF Design App".

Published in Blog/News

No Ferris wheels or fried dough, but the Carnival is good fun.

Drop the fantasy for a moment. As much as we'd all love to project the rough-and-tumble, outdoorsy ruggedness associated with the deep-voiced sales pitches in SUV ads, how often are you really tackling anything more challenging than a gravel parking lot or a dusty fire road?

Buyers in need of three-row seating but who won't capitalize on the off-road Sporting aspect of a sport utility vehicle can get loads more utility out of a less ostentatious, less understood class of vehicle. The clever buyer shops for a minivan—or as Kia is calling it, a multipurpose vehicle (MPV). As much as we love the SUV of the year-winning Kia Telluride, the new 2022 Kia Carnival MPV could be a smarter fit for most families.

 

If you haven't heard of the Carnival, you're not alone. Kia introduced it as a new nameplate for 2022 to replace its Sedona minivan, which Kia has sold in the U.S. since the 2002 model year.

The Carnival rides on a lighter, stronger platform than the outgoing Sedona and features boxy, SUV-inspired sheetmetal reminiscent of newer Kia designs, including the Telluride, Seltos, and Sorento. (A neighbor even asked if it was an SUV or a minivan, which surely would thrill Kia's designers.) This is also the first model to don the newly redesigned Kia badge.

Cavernous Cargo Carrying

The Carnival is more spacious than the van it replaces, too. With 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row bench, it has 6.3 cubic feet more cargo volume than the old Sedona and at least 6.7 cubes more than any other current minivan. Stowing the third-row seats is easily doable with one hand via a chunky handle on the back of the seat, and with the seats folded, the load floor is completely flat.

Space behind the second row is class-competitive but a few cubes behind a comparable Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica. The Carnival's second-row seats are removable (in all models save the range-topping SX Prestige), a feature the Sedona didn't offer. To do so, lift a lever under the back side of the seat and fold the seat forward; removal requires no more than average adult strength, but the awkward shape means it may be wise to enlist the help of a partner.

Those planning to frequently swap between using the maximum space behind the first row and using the second-row seats may be better off with Chrysler Pacifica's Stow 'n Go solution rather than wrangling the second-row seats into and out of the Carnival. Once they're removed, however, not only does the Kia have more space behind the first row than any other minivan, but its cargo volume also measures larger than that of the colossal Chevrolet Suburban (145.1 versus 144.7 cubic feet).

Three Roomy Rows Of Seating

But don't go thinking the Carnival is just a cargo van stand-in. The new MPV can be ordered in seven- and eight-passenger configurations, both with ample legroom in all three rows. Third-row access is near effortless with a one-hand pull of a handle beneath the second-row armrest that folds and slides the seat forward; older kids will have no problem operating it themselves. Third-row legroom matches the Pacifica and is a couple inches behind the Sienna and the Odyssey. A 6-foot-1 passenger has just enough legroom in the way back, but their head likely will be brushing the ceiling. Also, the rearmost windows border on claustrophobia-inducingly small.

The second row is really where it's at. Beyond the 40.5 inches of legroom, its neat aspect comes with the SX Prestige and its "VIP" second-row seat. The Prestige swaps out the standard second-row bench for two leather-lined, heated, and cooled lounges that are more comfortable than the furniture in most living rooms. You can slide them way back, to make room for the Prestige's party trick: full recline with power-extendable legrests. Friends compared them to the plush recliners in upscale movie theaters. At $47,275, the Carnival SX Prestige is pricey, but it's less than other top-spec minivans. And it easily represents the most luxurious rear seating experience in any car under $50,000.

Up front, there's an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, but that's only on the base model. All other trims showcase a huge 12.3-inch display that's set high on the dash to keep your eyes near the road. Through the infotainment screen, the driver or front passenger can access the cabin camera and the intercom (standard on EX and above), which allow parents up front to talk to and keep an eye on kids in the back without turning around.

Living With The Kia Carnival

For the most part, it all comes together as a well-executed people mover.

There are six USB charging ports in the car (eight with the rear seat entertainment displays) plus two three-prong household outlets and two 12-volt power outlets. Including the wireless charging pad that's standard on EX trims and higher, it's possible to charge as many as 13 devices at once. The Carnival has 11 cupholders, too—no matter how many people you pack into this thing, no phone need go uncharged and no cup or juicebox unheld.

The interior design is just as handsome as the bodywork. Kia integrates metal-look trim throughout the cabin, and leatherette upholstery is standard on the EX and SX. Especially with the Prestige trim's dual 12.3-inch front displays, the cabin gives off real Mercedes-Benz vibes. That said, the metallic trim can cause dangerous glare for the driver in the wrong light. What's more, Kia's overreliance on capacitive-touch buttons for HVAC and infotainment controls can be frustrating, as they lack tactile feedback and can be tough to find without taking your eyes off the road.

SX trims and above include dual 10.1-inch displays as part of a rear entertainment system. The displays feature preinstalled apps for streaming Netflix, Youtube, and Twitch, and there's a kids mode with graphics by Pinkfong, the South Korean children's educational empire behind last year's Baby Shark phenomenon. Factor in the HDMI, USB, and wireless device-mirroring capabilities, and the entertainment prospects are vast.

The rear entertainment displays are not perfect, however. Streaming content through any of the preinstalled apps requires connecting the system to a paired smartphone's Wi-Fi hot spot because unlike its competitors, the Carnival does not include one. In an effort to treat the Carnival as a mobile office for an afternoon, we were also frustrated to find the HDMI input produced a fuzzy, low-res image and too much lag to accurately use a cursor, though Kia insists the examples we drove were pre-production units and this could change.

Kia Carnival Driving Impressions

The biggest surprise from our time with the Carnival? How well it drives.

Kia has developed a new 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 for the Carnival. With 290 hp and 262 lb-ft, it's the most powerful engine in the segment and is tied for the most torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic that is rarely caught in the wrong gear, the engine provides ample acceleration. The Carnival is also rated to tow 3,500 pounds, which is typical for this class.

Vans like this need to ride well, too, and this Kia achieves that. The combination of relatively soft springs and tires with plenty of sidewall delivers a plushness that won't wake the baby in the back seat if you hit a pothole. More impressive, though, the Carnival exhibits next to no body roll and minimal secondary ride motions. It's genuinely fun to drive. And when you're just on a highway slog, Kia's lane centering and adaptive cruise control systems are among the best in the business.

That Highway Driving Assist is part of a generous collection of driver assist active safety tech. Automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert are all standard, even on the base model. The EX trim adds front parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist adaptive cruise control; the SX gains auto rear braking and an (invaluable) high-res 360-degree camera system; and the SX Prestige boasts a blind-spot camera feed in its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Our only complaint about the mechanicals is the lack of choice. With the new Sienna debuting with a hybrid-only powertrain and Chrysler offering a plug-in hybrid Pacifica, some buyers will be dismayed by the Carnival's 22 mpg combined fuel economy rating. (Queried about the lack of a hybrid offering for the Carnival, a Kia representative said, "Be on the lookout for what's in store. ") Drivers in colder climates may also be lured away by Chrysler and Toyota's available AWD—the Carnival is FWD only.

The Verdict

We mentioned earlier that Kia is marketing the Carnival as an MPV, a multipurpose vehicle. Nothing wrong with that; it can manage stand-in duty as a comfortable road tripper, an executive luxury limo, or even a full-blown cargo hauler.

But consider the Carnival's strengths: smooth ride; thoughtful, family-friendly features; intuitive tech; and a vast, high-quality cabin. Lean in to the stereotype, Kia. The Carnival is an excellent modern minivan.

motortrend.com

Published in KIA
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Monday, 22 February 2021 06:33

Kia Rio hatchback review

"The Kia Rio is a competent supermini, but because it doesn't excel in any one area, it's difficult to recommend over the competition"

The Kia Rio has matured rather impressively since the first, rather mundane and budget-focused version arrived over a decade ago. While still good value, the updated Rio is now more sensible than penny-pinching, and a worthy competitor in the hard-fought supermini class.

Best reliable small cars
While it may not be as stylish as some, its strengths are practicality, fuel efficiency and generous standard equipment, not to mention the seven-year warranty that makes any Kia a trouble-free ownership proposition. It's a competent all-rounder and deserves to be weighed up against European rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa, SEAT Ibiza, Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia, as well as the Nissan Micra and Toyota Yaris.

Compared to the Ford and SEAT, the Kia feels pretty average from behind the wheel. Its steering responses are dull and it doesn't feel as poised or agile as the Ford Fiesta, yet it doesn't have the comfortable ride of the Renault Clio, either.

There are three engines to choose from, our favourite of which is a 1.0-litre petrol with either 99 or 118bhp. This is a relatively modern three-cylinder and it's quite peppy – which suits its position near the top of the price list. The range-topper also gets 48-volt mild-hybrid tech and a clever manual gearbox, helping to make its running costs more competitive. The two versions can reach 62mph from rest in 10 and 9.8 seconds respectively, but aren't quite as quiet or smooth as the equivalent rival engines.

There's also the less expensive 83bhp 1.25-litre engine, capable of returning up to 49.6mpg. Meanwhile, for those who still want fuel-efficiency but whose driving is mainly urban, the 99bhp petrol engine still returns up to 52.3mpg.

Further adding to the Rio's common-sense credentials is its spacious interior. It's now available as a five-door only, so access to the front and rear seats is easy and nobody on board is likely to feel claustrophobic. Nor is your luggage likely to complain of being cooped up – there's 325 litres of boot capacity, which is about 10% more than a Fiesta.

Even the Rio's trim levels are sensibly named, dubbed simply 1, 2, and 3, although the range-topping model is known as GT-Line S. Even the entry-level 1 trim includes air-conditioning, which hasn’t always been standard on the most basic cars in this class, and 2 versions onwards get a new eight-inch touchscreen. It should be noted that you can only choose the most powerful petrol engine in the 3 trim and above. We recommend the mid-range 2 in 99bhp 1.0-litre form as a good all-rounder.

It's clear, then, that while the Rio has plenty going for it, it's no class leader in this tough segment. While many will appreciate its no-nonsense character, it doesn’t really excel in any one area and its rather sedate looks and driving experience mean it won’t be a car you buy with your heart. However, if you're more interested in hassle-free and affordable transportation, there's no ignoring that long warranty, nor the fact that the Kia Rio finished in 23rd place out of the top 75 cars in our 2020 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey.

The Kia Rio engine range has been overhauled for the latest model and all of the engines offer decent efficiency. There's no full-hybrid version to rival the Renault Clio E-Tense, Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris, but the top 1.0-litre petrol engine now gets an innovative gearbox and mild-hybrid setup to help boost efficiency.

Kia Rio MPG & CO2

The most efficient engine is the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol. With a manual, it can return up to 52.3mpg on the WLTP cycle, and it's both more economical and more powerful than the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre engine. It's the engine we recommend due to its reasonable mix of performance and economy, and it's a good choice for company car drivers too, as it falls into a low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band.

The more powerful version of the same 1.0-litre engine is the strongest performer in the line-up, but owing to its small size and mild-hybrid technology, it still manages 52.3mpg and emits 122-126g/km of CO2. A small battery and generator can add torque to help the engine pull away, while an innovative manual gearbox can automatically disconnect drive while coasting to allow the engine to switch off briefly.

The 83bhp 1.25-litre petrol is the cheapest engine in the Rio range, returning up to 49.6mpg and emitting 130g/km of CO2. In late 2018, Kia ended production of the diesel version of the Rio hatchback. All Rios are liable for road tax of £150 a year.

Insurance group
The Kia Rio occupies insurance groups four to nine (out of 50), with the 83bhp 1.25-litre petrol costing least to insure and the range-topping 118bhp 1.0-litre 3 and GT-Line S trims sitting in group nine.

Warranty
One area in which the Rio excels, like all Kias, is warranty cover. Lasting for seven years or 100,000 miles, the brand’s warranty offers fantastic peace of mind and should give owners confidence in the reliability of their cars. It's fully transferable to subsequent owners of the car, too.

Servicing
Kia servicing costs are generally competitive. Petrol models need a service every 10,000 miles or once a year, with diesels needing attention every 20,000 miles or once a year. Kia offers a ‘Care-3’ service pack that costs £299 and covers you for the first three services. For an extra £30, you can get the car’s first MOT included, and for £599 you can cover the cost of the car’s first five services.

carbayer.com

Published in KIA
Saturday, 02 January 2021 06:48

2021 Kia Sorento Is Compelling in Hybrid Form

The front-wheel-drive hybrid version of Kia's redesigned Sorento mid-size three-row crossover packs a solid 227 horsepower and a 37-mpg EPA combined estimate.

The new 2021 Kia Sorento hybrid doesn't make a big deal of itself, despite being the first electrically assisted version of Kia's mid-size crossover. It's got a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and it drives like you'd expect—except that the little four feels like it has about 25 percent more displacement than it actually does. In fact, the Sorento hybrid's combined output—227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque—nearly matches that of the 2020 Volkswagen GTI. Like a GTI, the front-wheel-drive-only Sorento torments its front tires with torque. Unlike the compact GTI, though, it has three rows of seats and an EPA combined estimate of 37 mpg. Thus concludes our references to the Volkswagen GTI, but we hope the comparisons helped you subliminally internalize the idea that the Sorento hybrid is actually kind of fun.

To get the Sorento hybrid's 227 horses out of a 1.6-liter turbo-four, you'd generally have to boost the bejesus out of it. Kia didn't do that. But it did pair the engine with a sizable electric motor and a 1.5-kWh lithium battery that enables some neat tricks. Such as producing an abundance of torque off the line and sailing along at highway speeds with the engine off. And yes, achieving solid fuel-economy ratings of 39 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway.

Kia's highly specific spec sheet lists the 1.6-liter as making 177.2 horsepower and 195.4 pound-feet of torque from 1500 to 4500 rpm. The electric motor generates a claimed 60.1 horses and 194.7 pound-feet from zero up to 1600 revs. Notice that those two torque figures are both almost the same and happen at low revs, which helps explain why the hybrid's low-end grunt feels diesel-like in strength. It's simply a smooth, prodigious shove that's out of proportion to the gas engine's displacement.

The 1.6 does sometimes lug at low rpm, particularly when climbing grades, as the transmission holds a tall gear and leans on the electric motor for help. But that's a common hybrid trait. As dealership sales reps like to say: They all do that. And, as we tend we say: At least it's not a CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission). Should you desire a lower gear from the Sorento hybrid's conventional automatic, there are paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel.

The Sorento hybrid offers no dedicated electric-only mode, but nonetheless it relies on electric power surprisingly often and at high speeds. Light on the throttle, downhill, you'll see the green EV indicator light come on at 80 mph. While its relatively tiny battery means you won't ever go far on electricity alone, this Sorento is good at seamlessly juggling its propulsion options without calling attention to the machinations happening beyond the firewall.

Priced at $34,760 to start for the base S trim, the hybrid costs $1700 more than a non-hybrid Sorento S, which employs a 191-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic. That model is only rated for 26 mpg combined, and the EPA figures that over five years, the hybrid will save you $1750 in fuel. Your mileage may vary, of course, but you'll notice that those estimated savings neatly erase the hybrid's price premium. It looks as if a half-decade is your financial break-even point, if that's a motivating factor. But the hybrid also is the significantly more powerful option, and that's a worthy upgrade on its own. Just don't expect it to outpace the nonhybrid Sorento's optional 281-hp 2.5-liter turbo-four that we've already driven.

In terms of drawbacks, the Sorento hybrid has a couple. It's only available as a front-driver, so if all-wheel drive is nonnegotiable you'll need to look elsewhere—or wait for the upcoming plug-in hybrid variant that drives all four of its wheels with a combined 261 horses and a significantly larger battery. The hybrid also shouldn't be your pick if you expect to tow much with it, as its 2000-pound tow rating lags behind the nonhybrid models' 3500-pound max. But if neither of those factors is an issue, you may as well spring for the hybrid over the standard Sorento. Think of it as a five-year investment in free horsepower.

SOurce: caranddriver.com

Published in KIA
Tagged under
Thursday, 03 December 2020 05:36

2020 Kia Forte GT Review: Basically Fun

The verdict: Compact cars are often purchased as basic transit, and the 2020 Kia Forte answers that call, but if you splurge for a GT trim you’ll get a bit of inexpensive fun without sacrificing everyday drivability.

Versus the competition: Some compact sedans offer versions with sporty appearance packages that fail to deliver on the fun mechanics, but the Forte GT is not guilty of that. Its performance and cabin upgrades deliver enough action to help the car stand out yet keep costs reasonable.

The Forte competes in the compact sedan class against the likes of the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla; see them compared. Each of those cars offers an enthusiast version: the Civic Si, Elantra N Line and Corolla Apex.

Kia’s compact sedan was redesigned for 2019 and has seen few changes since. The biggest was 2020’s addition of a sport-oriented GT trim level with a new turbocharged engine and sport suspension.

Peppy and Playful

The Forte GT is pleasantly peppy. Its upgraded engine — a 201-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder — hustles fairly quickly off the line, and you’ll hear it; the throaty exhaust note comes on strong and is a nice complement to the engine’s added oomph. The four-cylinder is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that behaves nicely, with well-timed, smooth shifts; a six-speed manual is also available. Other Forte trim levels make do with the standard 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable automatic transmission.

Regardless of whether you choose the manual or automatic transmission, the GT’s added fun will cost you 3 mpg combined versus the standard engine: The regular Forte 2.0-liter is EPA-rated 31 or 33 mpg combined with the manual and CVT, respectively, while the GT is rated 28 or 30 mpg, respectively. The Forte GT and Elantra N Line are a bit thirstier with a manual than is the Civic Si, which is rated 30 mpg combined, but they offer more efficient automatics, which the Honda lacks. The Corolla Apex tops them all at 32 mpg with a stick shift and 34 mpg with an automatic, but it comes with trade-offs I’ll address below.

The Forte’s selectable driving modes alter its character quite a bit — for better and for worse. For extra responsiveness, pop it into Sport mode for more aggressive acceleration response and shift timing. Smart mode is designed to save gas, and it dulls acceleration and overall responsiveness.

Besides its unique drivetrain, the GT also gets a sport-tuned suspension. It handles nicely; the firm suspension deftly navigates curves with little lean, and there’s adequate shock absorption over bumps. Its steering has a quickness that further helps deliver a playful, connected-to-the-road feel.

The Forte GT is fairly well matched in terms of power against the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Elantra N Line, which shares its engine with the Forte GT. (This comparison is most relevant because their weights are relatively similar.) Toyota’s sport-oriented version of the Corolla disappoints; like the others, the Corolla Apex has the added visual flair of a sport model and some suspension upgrades, but not enough performance goodies to make it much more entertaining to drive than a regular Corolla — which is to say, about as fun as attending a condo board meeting.

Clean, Sporty Cabin

The Forte’s clean, horizontal dashboard design appeals for its simplicity; elsewhere, the cabin strikes a jazzy tone with sport seats with red contrast stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and pops of glossy black trim on the dash and doors. There’s some hard plastic on the door panels and at knee level, but most surfaces feel decently padded.

The sedan’s multimedia system is also well-done. The standard tabletlike 8-inch touchscreen sits high on the dash for good visibility. It’s responsive, and the system’s clear graphics and straightforward menu structure simplify operation.

Under the screen are several physical climate controls, which are also located within easy reach. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration are standard, and a wireless charging tray for compatible phones is optional. Other available features include heated and ventilated front seats and a 320-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The Forte is mid-pack in both backseat headroom and legroom, but it loses points for child-safety seat accommodations. Front legroom is tight when rear-facing car seats are in place, and installation isn’t easy; the lower Latch anchors are buried in stiff upholstery and require some muscle to access. Other compact sedans have similar legroom issues but easier-to-access Latch anchors.

According to manufacturer specifications, the Forte’s trunk space is slightly larger than its competitors’ at 15.3 cubic feet. In practice, though, it’s disappointing. The trunk is deep, but the opening isn’t very tall, so fitting anything other than small items inside is tough. Its hinges also intrude into the space, potentially crushing cargo. Its cargo net, however, is a nice way to keep smaller items from rolling around (and getting crushed).

Safety and Value

The 2020 Kia Forte is well-equipped with a lot of standard safety features. All models get a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and a driver attention warning system.

Upper trim levels get even more standard safety equipment: a blind spot warning system with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert is standard on EX, GT-Line and GT trims. On the GT, adaptive cruise control and a reverse parking distance warning system are optional; they’re unavailable on other trims.

Competitors offer similar levels of standard and available safety features, but the Forte GT costs a lot less. With the automatic, it starts at $23,655 — lower than automatic versions of the Elantra N Line ($26,195) and Corolla Apex ($26,065). The Civic Si — which comes only with a manual transmission — starts at $26,155 in sedan trim. All prices include destination charges.

Budget is usually top-of-mind for compact sedan shoppers, but those willing to spend a little extra for fun will get just that with the Kia Forte GT.

Source: cars.com

Published in KIA
Tagged under
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