A Preview of the Elusive Kia GT
Kia GT Concept Car at the 2012 New York International Auto Show
In 2017, Kia will finally enter their submission into the high-end sports car category with the elusive and exclusive Kia GT sports sedan. Modeled to take on everything the BMW 3 Series has to offer and more, the GT is a low-riding powerhouse with lots of great features. As the release date keeps getting pushed back, the anticipation builds on what could be a must-have for sports-car enthusiasts worldwide.
What We Know So Far About the Kia GT
Since 2011, the Kia GT has gone through several incarnations. This sleek road warrior saw its prototype unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. A few crash tests later — checking safety standards — it seems to be in line for production.
Even the once-rumored “Stinger” moniker has been repeatedly dropped and added to no final conclusion. The clock ticks more every day without a definitive answer, shrouding the Kia GT in mystery. Whether this loose timeline is hesitation or a careful marketing and anticipation-building exercise remains to be seen.
Here are the latest confirmed elements we know about the Kia GT:
The V-6 engine has been toyed with constantly between the future 2017 and 2018 production models. Should it have more horsepower or just a ridiculous amount? The final tally sits at around 340 horsepower, but it’s still up in the air.
One estimate placed the 2017 Kia GT with a turbocharged V-8 5.0-liter engine, bumping the horsepower up to 415.
A test-model Kia GT was recently spotted cruising around Orange County, California, near Kia’s U.S. R&D facility. The model uses a 2018 Genesis G70 platform, but with a longer wheelbase. A candid series of camouflaged photos confirm that the prototype’s rearward-opening rear doors are gone. They have been replaced by more conventional doors. The sleek rear backlight remains, and a pair of smaller LED headlamps and lower intakes replace the original bulky units. It also sports a large, bright chrome side vent. It seems as if Kia has toned down their model’s exterior to widen the range of interested consumers.
Other spotted features include:
- Rear-wheel drive
- Four and Six-cylinder variants
- Expected 3.3-liter V-6
- 394-pound feet of torque
- More legroom
Motor Authority most recently confirmed a January 8, 2017, unveiling release date, which is the eve of the 2017 Detroit auto show. If they keep in tradition with the BMW competition, their price-tag could land between $35,000 and $43,000 – making this an affordable sports package from the new kid on the block.
Your Personal Path to the Kia GT | Union County Kia
Kia is always improving – changing the way you drive. If you want to find an affordable new or used Kia to take you anywhere you want to be, look to Union County Kia in Indian Trail, North Carolina.
Browse our website to see our unique offers, then stop by our convenient location and speak to one of our knowledgeable Kia experts. We can quickly and easily help you buy, lease, or finance your Kia.
The Kia Soul and Cadenza Win Active Lifestyle Awards
For those who are always on the move, the Kia Soul and Kia Cadenza are both great options — each has taken home titles in the Active Lifestyle Awards. Both of these models were named Vehicle of the Year Award winners, proving their ability to help you stay comfortable even if you are active. The winners are determined by elite athletes and local media, giving a nice range of perspectives.
Winning Features of the Kia Soul
Not only did the Kia Soul win one of the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year Awards, this is actually the fifth year in a row that it did so. The Soul was rated as the best within the urban category after its rigorous evaluation in real-world and dynamic categories. This just proves that the Soul is perfect for urbanites who are always on the move and need a versatile vehicle.
The Soul was praised for its fun-to-drive feel, extensive features, practicality, and style. This model is also stylish and affordable with a small footprint that is a surprise when you consider the spacious cargo area. The 2016 Soul starts at $15,900 with features like Push-Button Start, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Winning Features of the Kia Cadenza
The Kia Cadenza also took home high honors thanks to its new design for the 2017 model year, complete with its comfortable passenger design and plenty of style. The Cadenza received particular praise for its ample interior, advanced convenience features, and upscale design, all of which help it stand out from other full-size sedans.
The Cadenza essentially gives drivers a luxury vehicle without the hefty price tag. After all, the 2017 Cadenza starts at just $31,990 but it comes with amazing features, like a panoramic sunroof, Harmon/Kardon® Quantum Logic audio, and Nappa leather.
Where to Get the Award-Winning Models
When you are ready to get behind the wheel of the Kia Cadenza or the Kia Soul, head to Union County Kia. While there, you can take either of these Active Lifestyle Award winners on a test drive to see why drivers and professionals alike love them.
Finding the Right Color for Your Kia Soul
When you’re buying a Kia Soul, you want to make sure that it matches your personality. Every Soul is versatile and stylish, but you can customize it by choosing the right trim level and exterior color. Maybe you want an exterior color that blends in with the crowd, or perhaps you want to turn heads.
No matter your goal, there is a Kia Soul color for you.
Available Kia Soul Colors
Neutral Colors
Many drivers want to stay neutral when buying their Kia Soul. Going with a neutral color is a good idea if you ever plan to sell your vehicle in the future, as models with more popular colors tend to retain their resale value better.
A crisp Clear White exterior is a great choice, as is the similar shade of Soulful Clear White. If you like light neutrals but want a bit more personality, consider the Bright Silver or Titanium Gray exterior.
On the other hand, if you are concerned about your Soul getting dirty when driving around town, Shadow Black is an excellent choice. Neutral shades of blue include Caribbean Blue and Fathom Blue.
Bold Shades
For those who prefer to stand out from the crowd, the Kia Soul is also available in Alien 2, a unique shade that is a cross between green and yellow, and you are unlikely to find anything else like it. This quirky color complements the unique styling of the Soul very well, creating a perfect combination.
Solar Yellow is perhaps even bolder, and Inferno Red is sure to stand out, as well. If you don’t want to stand out quite as much, you can opt for a White and Red exterior, and there is a combination of Inferno Red and Black for those who can’t pick but want to be bold.
Interior Colors
Most interior colors for the Soul are nice and dark to make it harder to notice dirt. Depending on the trim and exterior color, you’re looking at these options:
- Black tricoat cloth
- Soulful black cloth
- Black leather
- Black woven cloth
- Gray two-tone woven
- Gray two-tone leather
- Umber Nappa leather
Where to Buy Your Kia Soul
Once you have figured out which of the numerous color options you want for your Kia Soul, it is time to figure out where to buy it. Keffer’s Union County Kia is the perfect option with its convenient location for residents of Matthews, Concord, Charlotte, Indian Trail, and other local areas.
Visit our dealership to see how some of these Kia Soul colors look in real life and learn about the other ways to customize your vehicle. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have, whether it is in person, over the phone, or online.
Kia Earns Top Quality Recognition from J.D. Power
Kia has a lot to be proud of as 2016 draws to a close. The Korean automaker has worked hard to ensure that the safety systems on their vehicles help drivers avoid trouble whenever and wherever possible.
Representatives from the automotive industry has recently taken notice of Kia’s innovation and recognized the company accordingly.
Kia Soul and Sportage Receive Individual Quality Awards
For 27 years, the leading brand in J.D. Power’s U.S. Initial Quality Study had been a luxury brand. Kia has broken with that tradition for the 2016 model year.
The study measures a number of categories including driving experience, interior comfort, and features to determine vehicle quality. A lower score means higher quality, and Kia scored an 83, edging out German supercar manufacturer Porsche, who scored an 84.
Leading their segments were the Soul and the Sportage. The 2016 Kia Soul was found to have the fewest design related malfunctions of any other vehicle in the compact MPV class, while the Sportage earned the same accolades for the small SUV class.
Both models owe a portion of their success to the suite of active safety systems standard in every Kia:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
All of these systems help keep you in control of your Kia and on the road. Beyond that, standard Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and an Antilock Braking System (ABS) make sure your vehicle always stops when you need it to.
Kia Safety Standards Exceed Expectations
The International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) takes their standards very seriously. As the leading non-government funded automotive safety group, the IIHS has become the de facto standard for automakers. They are constantly evolving their tests, meaning a vehicle that passed one year may not necessarily pass the next.
Despite the bar being set very high, the 2017 Kia Sorento has been awarded the coveted Top Safety Pick Plus award, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to safety.
Any member of the sales staff at Union County Kia will be happy to take the time to show you all of the safety features of any Kia on our lot. Visit us in Indian Trail, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Kia?
Start looking for your next Kia to drive around Charlotte, and you will likely find yourself wondering if you should buy or lease. This is a tough decision for many people, and there is no easy answer. After all, some people will do to buy while others will prefer to lease a vehicle.
Benefits of Leasing
More Affordable
Those on a budget tend to strongly consider leasing a Kia since it is much more affordable. You will pay less initially on the down payment and then pay lower monthly fees.
Get a Better Vehicle
Because leasing is more affordable, you can frequently lease a more expensive Kia than you would be able to buy.
Change Your Vehicle
It is also much easier to get a new vehicle in a few years if you choose to lease your Kia instead of buying it. A lease only lasts for several years, at which point you can simply sign a new lease for a new vehicle.
Benefits of Buying
Can Customize
If you want to customize your Kia and make any changes to it, then you need to buy. Leases don’t allow for changes to the interior, exterior, or mechanics, but you can do whatever you want to the car you own.
No Mileage Limits
Leases tend to include mileage limits and fees if you go over. When you own a car, however, you can drive as much as you want without any extra fees, including long commutes and road trips.
No Worry of Wear and Tear
The same is true for wear and tear. If you have an excessive amount on your vehicle during a lease, you will be charged. If you accidentally rip the seats and own your vehicle, however, you only have to fix it if you want to.
Eventually Stop Paying
While buying your Kia costs more, eventually you won’t have to make any more payments. Once you have paid for the entire thing, you only have to worry about gas and maintenance costs.
Should You Lease or Buy?
Families with Kids and Pets
To help you choose between lease vs. buy options for your Kia, consider a few examples. Let’s say you have several young kids who tend to spill food in the car or maybe you have a dog that may rip up the seats by accident. Buying a Kia will save you wear-and-tear charges.
Always Want the Latest
Now imagine you are someone who always wants to have the latest styling and technology. When a new phone comes out, you are first in line. In this case, you will want to lease since you can drive a new car for a year or two, then get the latest model without having to pay extra.
Get More Options with Financing
Whether you buy or lease your Kia, you can get some help from the financing department at Union County Kia. If you think that you have to lease because you can’t afford to buy, talk to the team about an auto loan, and you may be surprised to discover how many options you have. Contact our finance department to get the best deals on your Kia, whether you are leasing or buying.
Kia Soul and Optima Awarded Best Family Cars of 2016
When it’s time to purchase a new car, family friendly features tend to head the list of what’s most important. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose which vehicle is right for your family. This year, Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com paired up once again to select the ten most family friendly cars for sale, focusing on all the aspects of what makes the best family car. After tallying the votes, the Kia Soul and Optima were named among the best family cars on the market.
Parents Love Kia’s Family Focused Capabilities
With their yearly test, Parents and Edmunds.com look to answer the question many families ask every year: What are the best family cars?
They tested hundreds of vehicles across a spectrum of categories, including:
- Safety
- Reliability
- Comfort
- Value
- Technology
- Fuel Efficiency
- Features
- Craftsmanship
Then they narrowed the group down to ten vehicles. Kia was one of two manufacturers to place multiple cars on the list, winning over the judges with the Kia Soul and Kia Optima.
The safe, sporty Kia Soul won the Best Budget Vehicle category, noted for its ‘smart design and great value [that] make it an ideal starter model.’ The Soul features an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, forward collision warning, and lane departure alert wrapped in an affordable package. Judges particularly loved the 60/40 folding rear seats which ‘creates cavernous cargo space, while the soaring roof swallows tall, bulky gear with ease.’
Best Sedan was awarded to the athletic, enjoyable Kia Optima. With a base price of $21,990, judges were impressed with the sedan’s ‘sleek lines, pleasing ergonomics, smart controls, a smooth ride, and enhanced fuel efficiency.’ The Optima also earned praise for its smartly designed EX trim, especially the ‘dual zone automatic climate control, heated front seats to combat the cold, woodgrain interior accents, and push-button start.’ With an NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating, the reliable Kia Optima is among the safest family cars, winning over the hearts and minds of the judges at Parents.
See the New Kia Soul and Kia Optima in Person
The Parents and Edmunds.com test put many vehicles through the wringer and Kia stood out with two excellent models in the Soul and Optima. Both cars have proven their abilities to handle all families can throw at them.
To find out which one is right for your family, come down to Union County Kia, where our expert staff is always ready to help find the car you’re looking for. Our dealership is conveniently located on Gray Fox Road in Indian Trail, North Carolina. We’re a quick drive from Charlotte and neighboring Monroe, and we welcome you to our showroom to test drive anything in our inventory.
The Paris Motor Show is one of the world’s biggest auto shows, with over one million visitors viewing the latest in automobile technology. The first show was held in 1898 and was originally a home for local manufacturers such as Renault, Peugeot, and Citroen. Now it has displays from every major carmaker in the world.
At this year’s show a few days ago, Kia Motors was proud to unveil exciting updates to two of their existing models.
New Kia Rio and Kia Soul Star in 2016 Paris Motor Show
The 4th generation of the Kia Rio made its world premiere at the Paris Auto Show. Redesigned inside and out, the new Rio is in rare form. From the bold front grille to the angular rear, the new exterior is sleeker and more aerodynamic, adding functional performance to the refreshed styling.
Inside, the Rio offers class leading space and an array of the latest technology, including heated seats and rain sensing windshield wipers. It also has an impressive 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. The new Rio is the first car in its class to feature Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition and a Lane Departure Warning system.
Also making its debut in Paris was the all new Kia Soul. The popular compact crossover gains a new 200 hp 1.6L T-GDI engine, making this the most powerful Kia Soul in the vehicle’s 9 year history. The new motor is paired with a fast shifting 7-speed dual clutch transmission, taking its performance to a new level.
The Soul’s redesigned exterior and enhanced interior compliment the mechanical refinements. These class-leading safety and comfort features are sure to keep our favorite crossover at the top of its class.
At Union County Kia, we always have the latest news and updates about new Kia models. We welcome you to visit our showroom and talk to any member of our friendly and knowledgeable staff about any current of future addition to Kia’s lineup. We are here to help you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle, and we hope to hear from you soon.
Which Kia Models Have AWD?
Kia is again on the leading edge of automotive technology with their advanced, newly developed Dynamax™ All Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The Kia AWD system is a major help if you live in areas prone to inclement weather or enjoy taking your Kia on unpaved roads for your outdoor adventures.
Even the best drivers are thrown off by harsh weather conditions, which is why the Dynamax™ Kia AWD system is a great feature for anyone. This AWD system offers superior safety thanks to its ability to intelligently distribute traction. If a driver accidentally over-steers or under-steers due to adverse conditions, the system will take account of unwanted forces and optimize control of the vehicle.
The Dynamax™ AWD system is an option on two of the models sold at Union County Kia. Which one will you choose?
Choose an AWD Kia SUV for Clutch Traction When You Need It
Elegant may not be the first word that comes to your mind when you think of an SUV, but it certainly describes the Kia Sorento. While using Dynamax™ AWD, drivers are able to enjoy the luxuries the interior provides such as a panoramic sunroof, leather interior, and advanced sound system. You might be driving through a storm, but you’ll have peace of mind behind the wheel of an AWD Sorento.
The updated Kia Sportage is built for life’s adventures. It’s easier to take those adventures with Dynamax™ AWD. Whether your escapade involves driving on snowy city roads, or zooming around hairpin mountain turns, the Kia Sportage can handle whatever you throw at it. You can see a video of the system in action below.
test drive for the Kia Sorento or Kia Sportage today. We can accommodate you any time at Union County Kia near Charlotte, NC.
Whether New Or Used, Kia Is Fit For A King
Kias are known to be surprisingly spacious, but some striking new evidence shows just how roomy they really are.
NBA superstar Lebron James was recently seen sliding his 6’ 8”, 250-lb. frame into a Kia. And no, this wasn’t one of James’ Kia commercials like the one above, an endorsement deal the reigning NBA champion has held since 2014. The footage was captured by James’ Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Richard Jefferson, who eagerly posted the evidence to Snapchat.
That’s right. James, who is estimated to have a net worth somewhere north of $220 million, really does roll around in a Kia. The video lays to rest plenty of doubt about whether the mega-rich and mega-famous James actually drives the car he endorses, something Kia lightheartedly addressed in one of its commercials. Granted the Kia model James was spotted in was the new K900 and not a five-year old used Kia.
It makes you wonder how many other celebrities drive a Kia. The manufacturer has been endorsed by NBA star Blake Griffin, professional golfer Michelle Wie, tennis player Rafael Nadal and actor Pierce Brosnan. We already know actress Angela Lansbury gets around in a Kia Soul, and she’s not even on the Kia payroll.
Let’s stop kidding ourselves: If a Kia is cool enough for King James, even a used Kia is the perfect car for anyone. What could be cooler than a reliable car at a great value?
Come to Union County Kia to see our inventory of new and used Kia models and take one for a test drive today. You might just find one fit for a king.
How You Can Get New Car Value in a Used Kia
Purchasing a new car can give the buyer a sense of peace. Warranties, quality, and reliability are associated with new vehicles and are their main attraction. However, don’t be fooled into thinking a brand-new car is your only option to ensure these benefits. Kia’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) inventory is able to give you the perks of a new car at a better value.
Ensure Quality With a Certified Pre-Owned Kia
On average, a new car loses 11% of its value once it leaves the lot, and after five years it has lost 60%. While there are no hard and fast statistics surrounding used car depreciation, it has generally held to be true that the rate of used car depreciation is not as drastic.
Even though these statistics make it clear that a used car holds its value better over the long run, this still isn’t enough to convince many buyers to make the leap from purchasing new vehicles to used Kia cars. Knowing this, Kia created their CPO program in order to give their customers more confidence in their used automobiles.
The Kia CPO program follows specific standards, and each car must meet these qualifications in order to pass certification. These rigid standards for pre-owned Kia models are as follows:
- No more than 5 years old
- Has fewer than 60,000 miles
- Passed a thorough 150-Point Quality Assurance inspection
Once used Kia cars are deemed CPO, they gain a number of other benefits. These include:
- 10 year / 100,000 mile Certified Pre-Owned Limited Powertrain Warranty
- Includes the major parts of the vehicle and offers protection against any major mechanical breakdown
- Covers the engine, transmission, and drive axle
- 12 month / 12,000 mile Platinum coverage
- Covers almost all assemblies of the vehicle
- Includes steering, air conditioning, front suspension, electrical, and rear suspension
- 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
- Towing/Rental/Travel Breakdown coverage
- Free CARFAXⓇ report on vehicle history
- 10-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan
- Eligible For Additional Failure Coverage
Get on the Road with a CPO Kia
With CPO Kias, any risks associated with buying used cars have been alleviated. Not only are you guaranteed a quality, dependable car, but you also get the same kinds of benefits that new car owners enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a sedan, SUV, or minivan, you’re certain to find a used Kia for sale that has met all CPO requirements. Find a dealer near you and search their inventory today!
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.