Check out this Kia Optima Review from Edmunds!

Road Test Editor Mike Monticello gives you the pros and cons of the Kia Optima along with insight on pricing, safety ratings, and fuel economy.

Video courtesy of Edmunds.

Check out this Kia Optima Review from Edmunds!

Road Test Editor Mike Monticello gives you the pros and cons of the Kia Optima along with insight on pricing, safety ratings, and fuel economy.

Video courtesy of Edmunds.

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Entry-level owners won't be settling with 2012 Kia Rio

Kia's entry-level Rio was, not that long ago, a settle-for car that was an alternative to a new car, but not exactly the ride of anyone's dreams. Plucky but anonymous-looking, the Rio served as an adequate placeholder until its owners could afford something more substantial.

That changed with the 2012 model, when the Rio grew, got pretty and became a car most of us could live with for quite a while. The Rio is five inches longer than it was in 2011, with 28 more horsepower. I spent about 600 miles with the Rio on several hundred-mile trips, and while I never felt I was basking in luxury, the Rio was very good company.

While the Rio starts at under $15,000, this particular Rio was a well-equipped SX model with a level of equipment that the smallest car in the lineup might never have previously enjoyed. There was leather upholstery - OK, not Jaguar-like leather, but leather nonetheless - a sliding glass sunroof, heated front seats and mirrors, cruise control, push-button start, a navigation system, Sirius satellite radio, fog lights, and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel. Safety features included a color rear-view camera, electronic stability control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control and side- and side-curtain airbags.

The inside looked upscale and felt comfortable, though the front bucket seats needed a little more support. Two adults fit in the rear seat if they aren't too long-legged, but three is a stretch. Trunk space is generous, with 13.7 cubic feet of room. The sound system was a good one, and the satellite radio was easy to access and tune.

Outside, the designers really outdid themselves on our "signal red" SX. The car had LED positioning lights and taillights, 205/45R-17-inch tires with very pretty alloy wheels and the general profile of a more expensive car - a Volkswagen Jetta came to mind.

On the road, the little direct-injected four-cylinder worked well with the six-speed automatic transmission - another rarity at this price range - as they tried hard to maximize acceleration when needed, but use as little gas as possible in the process. That caused the transmission to shift up a little quickly to lower revs, but it was only annoying, not a deal breaker. That said, the EPA-rated 40 mpg on the highway was simply not attainable in our test car, even driven very gently, but it did manage a 35.7-mpg average on regular gas. A six-speed manual transmission is also offered, and is EPA-rated at the same 30/40 mpg.

The sport-tuned suspension and fat, low-profile tires made the ride on rough roads a little jittery, but above-average cornering ability more than made up for it. The Rio's ride was never uncomfortable, and on par with anything else in the class. I was not a fan of the feel of the electric-boosted power steering - sure, it saves gas over hydraulic units, but other companies, like Honda, have done a better job in tuning out the video-game feel.

The Rio was new for 2012, and there are no substantial changes for 2013.

Our SX was the top-of-the-line Rio, but if you don't need a color back-up camera or leather seats, you can save quite a bit of money by opting for the LX or EX models. You can also save $1,100 by foregoing the automatic transmission.

Kia has done an amazingly good job of upping the little Rio's game, moving the entry-level model into a class of car that stands on its own. Honest consumers will have to decide if they really need something larger and more expensive, like the Kia Forte or even an Optima - one reason why Kia may be the hottest car company in the business right now.

Article courtesy of The Chicago Tribune.

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Kia and Michelle Wie donate $50,000 to Operation Hero

Donation Honors Michelle Wie's College Graduation and the Kia Classic LPGA Golf Tournament's Return to La Costa Resort and Spa

• Operation Hero provides after school tutoring and mentoring assistance to kindergarten and elementary students of military families stationed at Camp Pendleton
• Wie is Kia Motors' official golf ambassador and drives a Kia Soul

On the eve of the third annual Kia Classic Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) golf tournament at La Costa Resort and Spa, Kia Motors America (KMA) and two-time LPGA winner Michelle Wie paired up today to donate $50,000 to Operation Hero, one of the keystone programs of the nearby Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA). The funds, which are intended to help Operation Hero maintain staff and provide equipment and supplies to more than 375 kindergarten and elementary students at Camp Pendleton, commemorate Michelle Wie's graduation from Stanford University. Operation Hero provides free mentoring and tutoring to at-risk elementary-aged children of military families living at Camp Pendleton, which is home to more than 100,000 men and women of the armed forces and their families.

"As a Southern California-based company and one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., Kia Motors is deeply committed to supporting the local communities in which we do business," said Tom Loveless, vice president, sales, KMA. "Operation Hope delivers much needed services and assistance to the children of our military service men and women and it is our privilege to make a contribution in partnership with Michelle Wie and celebrate her college graduation in a special and meaningful way."

"Our after school program, Operation Hero, is our most critical program for the young military children attending the five elementary schools on Camp Pendleton," said George Brown, Executive Director, Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA. "While reducing their stress levels, the program provides the children skills to be successful socially and academically at both home and school."

The donation comes prior to Michelle Wie's participation in the third annual Kia Classic, from March 19-25 at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., in which a strong field of the LPGA players from around the world will compete for a $1.7 million purse with the winner taking home a first-place check for $255,000 and one of the first range-topping Optima Limited sedans¹ to roll off the production line at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

Article courtesy of Kia Media.

Reminder: $1,000 Cash Back Incentive on all 2012 Forte Trims!

This incentive is for a limited time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Cash back offer from Kia Motors America, INC (KMA) when you purchase a new car only and may not be combined with Special Low APR offer.

Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 3/1/2012 to 4/2/2012. Not all incentive programs are compatible.

Call our team at 703.934.8877 for details.

Chalk up two more red dot design awards for Kia

Kia has been awarded two top honors for our Picanto and Rio models in the 2012 red dot design competition.

In case you’re wondering –The red dot product design award is one of the world’s major design contests and has been held by the Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia since 1955.

The five-door versions of Kia’s Picanto and Rio were both winners in the internationally-acclaimed ‘Product Design’ category, in a competition that saw more than 4,500 products entered by 1,800 manufacturers from 58 countries across a variety of product sectors.

Judging was carried out by an international jury of highly respected design experts, who scrutinized and tested the products in detail, with winners selected on the basis of their level of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility and intuitive handling.

Only products featuring the highest standards of design are eligible for the coveted red dot.

6 total red dot wins for Kia over the past 4 years

These two latest wins bring Kia’s red dot total to six:

• 2012 Picanto five door
• 2012 Rio five door
• 2011 Sportage compact SUV
• 2011 Optima sedan
• 2009 Soul crossover
• 2010 Venga compact MPV

Thoughts from Kia Chief Officers: Thomas Oh & Peter Schreyer

“These coveted red dot awards are another endorsement of Kia’s commitment to high quality and striking design combined with minimal environmental impact and excellent value.” Thomas Oh Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

“We are very proud of the red dot awards for the Picanto and the Rio. They are a great tribute to our entire global design team, because all three Kia design centers were involved in the development of both vehicles – and the results are absolutely harmonious models with a strong presence.” Peter Schreyer Chief Design Officer

When’s the big awards night?

 

 The 2012 awards will be presented to winners at a gala event at the Alvar Aalto-designed opera house in Essen, Germany, on July 2 2012.

Which other 2012 Kia models do you feel deserved a red dot?

Article and images courtesy of Kia Buzz.

Get a Quick Quote from Fairfax Kia!

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Start by telling us what vehicle you are interested in and be sure to tell us how to contact you (the required fields are marked with a *). It is also helpful for us to know how you plan to purchase your new car and any trade-in information. We will get back to you shortly.

Click here to access our Quick Quote form and one of our sales specialists will follow up with you by your preferred contact method.  If you feel more comfortable speaking to our team over the phone give us a call at 703.934.8877.

Kia Motors posts largest gains in fuel economy and CO2 reduction among all automakers in the U.S.

Fleetwide Miles Per Gallon Increased 11.6 Percent from 2009 to 2010

• Kia's most recent overall fuel economy ties for top spot among all OEMs
• Fast-growing brand cuts CO2 emissions by an industry-leading 10.1 percent from 2009 to 2010

In its commitment to produce sustainable and fuel-efficient vehicles, Kia Motors America (KMA) has "had the biggest improvement in adjusted CO2 and fuel economy performance from MY 2009 to MY 2010" of any automaker, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest fuel economy trends report titled, "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2011." Kia's fuel economy gain from 2009 to 2010 was 11.6 percent, while its reduction in CO2 emissions was 10.1 percent, beating all other major manufacturers by considerable margins based on the EPA's most recent data. In addition, the report shows Kia as tied for the highest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) at 27.0 miles-per-gallon for MY 2010. Kia is ranked number two for MY 2010 CO2 values, ahead of traditional leaders such as Honda and Toyota.

"As an industry leader in fuel economy, Kia is committed to providing safe, high-quality vehicles that are socially relevant to consumers," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Our goal is to stay ahead of the industry by applying innovative technologies such as direct-injection and turbo charged engines to advance our efforts and continue improving on the benchmarks Kia has set in the sustainability realm."

Kia Motors' EcoDynamics philosophy has created a global alternative fuel and powertrain research program to develop advanced fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. In 2011, Kia introduced the brand's first-ever hybrid vehicle in the U.S., and the 2013 Rio and Rio 5-door will be the first vehicles in the subcompact segment to offer fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go technology.

The EPA report summarizes key trends in CO2 emissions and fuel economy for gasoline- and diesel-fueled personal vehicles sold in the United States, beginning MY 1975. Overall, the automotive industry's fleetwide average real world MY 2010 CO2 emissions and fuel economy have marked slight improvements over MY 2009 and the most favorable levels since this analysis began in 1975.

To review the EPA's full 2011 fuel economy trends report, please visit the EPA's Trends webpage.

Article courtesy of Kia Media.

$1,000 Cash Back Incentive on all 2012 Forte Trims!

This incentive is for a limited time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Cash back offer from Kia Motors America, INC (KMA) when you purchase a new car only and may not be combined with Special Low APR offer.

Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 3/1/2012 to 4/2/2012. Not all incentive programs are compatible.

Call our team at 703.934.8877 for details.

Kia Motors' "Kia Rio Windows Down" playlist on Spotify gains momentum!

Music Enthusiasts Propose Top Songs for the Ultimate "Sing at the Top of Your Lungs" Online Playlist

• Kia is the first U.S. auto manufacturer to create a one-of-a-kind playlist on Spotify music streaming service
• Songs can be nominated through April 15 on the Kia Rio Facebook page and shared across social networks

In an automotive first, Kia Motors America (KMA) and music-loving Facebook users are creating a one-of-a-kind online playlist, titled "Kia Rio Windows Down," through Spotify, the award-winning digital music service that embraces sharing music and hearing tracks instantly by hitting play on any music post or posting tracks on Facebook and Twitter. Since the submission period began on the Kia Rio Facebook page in February, more than 1,100 songs have been submitted for inclusion on the playlist on Spotify, with song selections totaling 15 hours of music and an average of 24 minutes of time spent per user listening to the playlist, which provides an environment for users to listen, discover, and share the unique playlist with their friends. To create the perfect playlist for a joyride in the all-new Kia Rio subcompact, songs from Spotify's library of more than 15 million tracks can be submitted for the playlist until April 15, and will remain on the Spotify platform indefinitely.

"From our 'Share Some Soul' ad featuring LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem' to Mötley Crüe belting out 'Kickstart My Heart' in last month's Super Bowl commercial, music plays an important role in Kia's marketing efforts and being the first in the auto industry to partner with Spotify continues that trend," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Spotify is an innovative music service, and aligning with a new platform that embraces the sharing of music was a natural fit for Kia to extend our Rio launch. Being the first to create a car-centric playlist on Spotify in the U.S. increases Kia's interaction with our target audiences that are passionate about music and social media."

About the Kia Rio 5-Door and Rio Sedan

Available in a sedan or hatchback configuration, the eco-friendly Rio and Rio 5-door offer three trims – LX, EX and SX – and are equipped with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading 138 horsepower1 while maintaining a standard class-leading fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway)2.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality3 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking4. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan5. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

1 Class-leading horsepower claim for 1.6L GDI engine based on comparison of 2012 subcompacts as of February 2012
2 Class-leading fuel economy claim for 1.6L GDI engine based on comparison of 2012 subcompacts as of February 2012. 2012 EPA fuel economy estimates are 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy with 1.6L GDI engine. Actual mileage will vary.
3 Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.
4 Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.
5 The Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built at KMMG

Article courtesy of Kia Media.

Get a great deal on a 2012 Kia Forte EX!

Recognize a bargain when you see it? Then lock this 2012 Kia Forte EX today at just $15,541, that's $3,234 in savings off the MSRP!

Call our sales team at 703.934.8877 to schedule a test drive today! Or, click here for more information.

First Look at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show!

This past Tuesday was a big day for Kia at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show. For those who missed the live stream, we're posting the Kia press conference footage here, as Hall 6 was buzzing with anticipation for the first public unveiling and premiere of the all-new cee’d.

Thomas Oh, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Corporation along with Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, kicked off the press conference with opening remarks and aspirations for the all-new cee’d.

Article, image and videos courtesy of Kia Buzz.

Free Oil Change or 10% Off Parts and Service Accessories eCoupon!

Appointment required. Only one coupon in a 30 day period.Coupon must be presented at time of service. Not for use with any other coupons. Additional restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 03-31-2012.

Click here to print the coupon!

Kia Motors America announces Kia Classic winner to receive new range-topping Optima Limited

All-New Kia Performance Awards to Honor Outstanding Achievements of Ladies of Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Players

• Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA
• Four recipients of end-of-the-year Kia Performance Awards to receive Optima Limited

The third annual Kia Classic, from March 19-25, is attracting a strong field of LPGA players who will compete for a $1.7 million purse with the winner taking home a first-place check for $255,000 and one of the first range-topping 2012 Optima Limited midsize sedans to roll off the production line at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

"Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., and sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA have significantly raised awareness and consideration for the brand and our vehicles," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "We are pleased to offer an enhanced prize package for the winner of this year's Kia Classic. The Optima Limited is Kia's most refined and premium product offering to date, and we are excited to showcase the vehicle to golf fans at the Kia Classic and reward some of the tour's best players for their outstanding performances."

In addition to the Kia Classic winner, Kia will honor the outstanding achievements of LPGA players this season by presenting the winners of the Kia Performance Award with an Optima Limited. The awards, which will be presented at the CME Group Titleholders event in November, include:

• Kia Power Drive – Awarded to the player with the longest average driving distance
• Kia Drive to the Top – Awarded to the player with the most Top 10 finishes
• Kia Most Compelling Performance – Recognizing a player with exceptional performances throughout the year; this award is chosen by fans through an online vote
• Kia Community Assist – Recognizing a player who makes exceptional contributions to charity organizations or community programs

Following strong event-attendance and TV-ratings growth in the tournament's second year, Kia signed on as the "Official Automaker of the LPGA." Kia also serves as the "Official Tournament Vehicle" of eight LPGA events.

New 2012 Optima Limited
Produced at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia¹, the new 2012 Optima Limited is motivated by a 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivering a class-leading 274 horsepower² and achieving 22/34 mpg³ (city/hwy). Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima Limited is equipped with sporty red front brake calipers and uniquely designed 18-inch chrome wheels. Other premium-level features include LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler and lower door sills. Interior appointments and amenities include rich wood trim, high-grade Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and an Infinity^®4 audio system.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality⁵ and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking⁶. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan⁷. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The LPGA Futures Tour serves as the official developmental tour of the LPGA, consistently producing a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage.

Article and image courtesy of Kia Media.

Browse our extensive selection online!

At Fairfax Kia, we make it easy to find the right car, truck or SUV by keeping one of the largest inventories of cars in the region. Follow the link below to browse our extensive selection online!

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Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Produces 500,000th Vehicle!

This morning, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) celebrated production of the 500,000th vehicle at the West Point, Ga. automobile manufacturing facility.

 

KMMG began mass production of the Kia Sorento CUV on Nov. 16, 2009, a vehicle that quickly became the brand's best-selling product in the U.S. Then, on Sept. 2, 2011, KMMG began production of the Kia Optima mid-size sedan, a vehicle that led the brand's U.S. sales in December 2011 and January.

Since opening, KMMG has added two additional shifts of production with more than 3,000 team members hired by the plant to date. In 2011, KMMG completed a $100 million expansion that pushed the plant's total capacity to 360,000 units per year.

"Building 500,000 vehicles in just over two years is quite a milestone for our first U.S. manufacturing plant to accomplish," said Byung Mo Ahn, Group President and CEO for Kia Motors America and KMMG. "The commitment from each one of our team members is a big reason we've been able to achieve 17 consecutive months of record sales. Their dedication to building world class, high quality vehicles is apparent in each vehicle we produce."

Vehicle number 500,000 was a snow white pearl Optima SX and will now be allocated to one of KMA's more than 755 dealerships nationwide.

Article and image courtesy of Kia Media.