Two of Kia Motors America’s (KMA) most popular models were recently named to AutoPacific’s annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). The 2013 Optima sedan was named most satisfying Mid-Size Car and the sporty 2013 Sportage was heralded as the most satisfying Compact Crossover SUV by the trusted automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. The 17th annual survey based the results on responses from more than 52,000 new-vehicle owners.
“There is no doubt that competition is stronger than ever and winning the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards is further proof that Kia is offering a strong product lineup for today’s car buyers,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “The Optima’s combination of stunning design and tremendous value continue to resonate with customers while the Sportage continues to set the bar very high for the compact crossover segment in terms of packaging, performance and style.”
AutoPacific’s VSA identify the most satisfying vehicles for sale in the U.S. market and assist new-car buyers in making informed vehicle purchase decisions. The survey measures owner satisfaction with 51 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance. “Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes,” noted president of AutoPacific, George Peterson. With 294 models and 33 brands from which to choose a new vehicle, AutoPacific’s VSA helps buyers sort through the increasingly complicated selection of products on the market. “The VSA clearly shows buyers which vehicles are at the top of the class they are considering,” continued Peterson.
2013 Kia Optima
Every 2013 Optima, available in LX, EX, SX and the Limited trim, comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, with the LX trim offering dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, exterior mirror turn-signal indicators, front fog lights, exterior heated mirrors, chrome accented exterior door handles and 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires and a six-speed automatic transmission. The volume-leading EX trim offers larger 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55R17 tires. Moving to the SX trim, consumers will find stylish 18-inch polished alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires, unique front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, a rear lip spoiler, aero wiper blades and HID headlights with auto leveling. Elevating to the top-of-the-line Limited trim brings Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique and luxurious 18-inch chrome wheels, daytime running lights, red brake calipers, chrome accented side sills, chromed side mirrors and rear spoiler. Pricing for the 2013 Optima begins at $21,3502, excluding destination charges of $800.
2013 Kia Sportage
Starting with the base trim, Sportage offers numerous standard exterior features, including 16-inch alloy wheels matched with 215/70R16 low-rolling-resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, body-color and electronically adjustable side mirrors and a six-speed manual transmission. Moving to the LX adds standard 17-inch alloy wheels, LED turn signals on the outside mirrors, keyless entry with folding key, six-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic™ automatic transmission, solar glass, privacy glass, and LED accent lighting along the headlamps for a sportier, more upscale appearance. The popularly-equipped EX trim offers stylish 18-inch alloy wheels mated with 235/55R18 tires, high-performance dampers, LED daytime running lights, roof rails, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome body trim and door handles. The top-of-the-line Sportage SX adds a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine producing 260-horsepower, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, sculpted side sill moldings and unique SX grille. The starting price of the 2013 Sportage is $19,0003 excluding destination charges of $850.
Courtesy of Kia
