Thursday, 28 March 2024

 

Flagship sedans need to be showstoppers — high-end, luxurious models that will make their owners feel immediately at home and offer power, looks and technology that can create buyer loyalty. 

Only a few vehicles really meet this criteria: S class (Benz), 7 series (BMW), A8 (Audi), LS (Lexus) … and now, the K900 from Kia.

No, that’s not a typo.

In addition to the usual suspects,  there is a strong contender emerging in the class of full-size luxury sedans. And oddly enough, it comes from Kia, a brand not often associated with luxury design.

I recently spent some time driving a 2019 Kia K900, and I’m back with a full report on this surprisingly well-executed contender for the luxury sedan crown.

Published in CAR REVIEWS

 

Electric vehicles will eventually be coming to a mass audience. 

It’s just a matter of how fast they get here. 

And while that timetable is debatable, what’s happening right now is automakers are each making their claim on this territory at the outset. Kia has jumped into the fray with the 2019 Kia Niro EV — a full-electric version of it’s Niro crossover, which is also offered as a hybrid.

How does the Niro EV compare to the growing field of EVs? Quite well actually, punctuated by a 239-mile range, roomy interior and high-tech offerings.

While other EVs may get more press, the Niro EV displays enough positive attributes to be a dark horse in the EV battlefield.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

 

 

It’s no secret that the market for sedans is on the decline, as the public’s demand for SUVs and crossovers has soared, and some automakers are decreasing their sedan offerings.

But the sedans that are available are still duking it out for control of that remaining market share, and within that fight there are many tactics that can be taken. One of those tactics is to offer an upscale design and high-tech offerings to help draw customers.

One sedan offering that takes this path is the 2019 Kia Optima, a midsize sedan that puts in a strong effort and competes well in the segment. I recently spent some time in an Optima, and I’m back with a full report.

Published in CAR REVIEWS

As an endless slew of entries continues to arrive in the subcompact crossover category, there are some mainstays that continue to stand tall, literally and figuratively.
One of those long-term entries is the Kia Soul, which gets a redesign for the 2020 model year. I recently spent some time in a 2020 Soul and I’m back with a full report on how the new version measures up in the category.


LOOKS
Despite the redesign, the heart of the 2020 Kia Soul remains the same. It’s still a five-passenger, four-door hatchback. The unique boxy shape remains, as does its short snub-nose design, and tall seating.

Among the changes are a 1.2-inch increase in the wheelbase and 2.2 extra inches in length.
The rear lighting encircling the back window is a look rarely seen. and is sharply designed. The Soul also offers plenty of great color options, including the Snow White Pearl exterior with black interior on my test vehicle.

Interior space is impressive, and the Soul’s back seat is roomy for the segment. There is adequate head space for the segment, and plenty of storage space with the back seats down (62 cubic feet to be exact).

The Interior has a pretty basic setup with cloth and plastic materials, not surprising given the price range. If you opt for the X Line trim level, you get upgraded exterior body cladding, front fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. All user controls are well-placed for the driver to manipulate, and easy for anyone to figure out.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS
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