- Soul combines out-of-the-box design, quality, safety and technology features with a low cost of ownership
- Reader’s Digest accolade adds to Soul’s long list of awards
Kia Motors America (KMA) has been one of the fastest-growing car companies in the United States over the last five years
1,
and its top-selling urban passenger vehicle, the Soul, adds another
award to the collection after being named one of the “Best Car Deals
Under $15,000” by
Reader’s Digest. Announced in the March issue of
Reader’s Digest, five cars were awarded this distinction with the Soul standing out for its innovative design and technological advancements.
“The Soul is the vehicle that sparked Kia’s design led transformation
back in 2009, and it has been a runaway hit ever since,” said Michael
Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.
“Inclusion in the
Reader’s Digest list is another great honor
for Kia, recognizing our funky urban passenger vehicle’s winning
combination of technology and value. It’s gratifying that the vehicle
that jumpstarted our unprecedented growth continues to resonate so
well.”
The Soul was named the best car for high-tech drivers, with
Reader’s Digest editors noting that the base model offers customers
Bluetooth®2 hands free connectivity and USB connections for audio and recognizing the Eco package for its focus on efficiency.
“
Reader’s Digest aims to enrich our readers’ lives by
helping them navigate and discover high-quality products in the
marketplace,” said Liz Vaccariello, editor-in-chief and chief content
officer,
Readers Digest. “We chose the Kia Soul for tech-savvy
drivers, based on its value, amenities, design and that it’s packed
with new technology that will help simplify their lives.”
About the 2013 SoulRefreshed
for the 2013 model year the Soul features technology and styling
upgrades, bringing a new level of cool with enhanced power and
efficiency. New for 2013 are power-folding side mirrors, darkened chrome
around the signature grille, upgraded leather on the leather-wrapped
steering wheel, standard
Bluetooth® wireless
technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, standard steering
wheel-mounted audio controls, and cruise control. The Soul now offers
Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology as part of the Eco Package which
senses when the vehicle is stopped and shuts off the engine to maximize
efficiency and results in reduced engine load and less fuel consumption.
Kia’s Unprecedented GrowthKia
Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales
in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the
500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive
cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by
combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief
design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium
amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the
industry. Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top
100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with
seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive
in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more
than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S.
assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia
– which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and
supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two
of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is
complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Soul urban
passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte
sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the
Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America Kia
Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors
Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of
vehicles through more than 765 dealers throughout the United States and
serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA. In 2012, KMA
recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share
for the 18th consecutive year. Kia is poised to continue its momentum
and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality,
value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Article and image courtesy of Kia News.
