The all new Kia Optima is a serious ride.  We’ve already highlighted some of the outstanding features in some of our other blog posts.  We hope that they have piqued your interest enough to come in to our store, take a test drive, and hopefully make a purchase!

Competition for the class

One of the biggest draws that the Optima has over similarly styled and sized cars in its class is the value for the money.   The various trims of the Optima cater to drivers will all different budgets and desired amenities. For example, Bluetooth and USB connectivity are standard across the Optima lineup.  With nearly everyone reliant on cell phones and many people even foregoing landlines at home for one, this allows for safe hands-free travel to keep a driver’s attention on the roads, where it should be.  That’s good for all of us who drive daily!

The Optima is very impressive when put up against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, two very popular and high quality sedans a driver who’s looking at the Chicago Kia Optima may also be considering.  We are sure that some of these facts will sway a buyer towards the Kia.

• MPG wise, the Optima beats the Camry and ties with the Accord.  The Optima gets a boost over the Accord, though, by offering a more powerful gasoline direct injected engine.  The GDI option is powerful and maximizes fuel economy, two powerful combinations.
• Optima EX feels lighter than the Camry SE, despite the fact that it is wider and longer than its counterpart.  This is due in part to the sloping roofline and more coupe like design.
• ECO mode availability-  On the steering wheel of the Optima is a button you can press to allow it to adjust the engine and transmission, in turn positively affecting fuel economy.  The Accord and Camry do not have a similar button.

One thing is for sure, people who visit Classic Kia, a dealer for Round Lake used cars and more, and take the Optima for a test drive are very impressed by what they find behind the wheel.  Now it’s your turn to come in!

Earlier this month, the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ) media days was held in Monterey, CA.  The event would not have been complete without a strong showing from Kia.

WAJ Media Days

Western Automotive Journalists is a member organization based in the San Francisco Bay area.  It is a collaborative group of automotive journalists, editors, photographers, artists, and more connected directly with the automotive world.  To become a member, your work has to be based in the western United States. 

The Media Days allow automakers to showcase various models and allow some of the journalists the opportunity to drive and offer feedback on their features.  For Kia, being a presence at this big event truly paid off.

Sorento, Optima, and More….

Kia brought several new models to show off at this event:

• 2011 Optima SX and Optima EX models
• Sorento SX
• Forte 5-door EX
• Sportage EX
• White Tiger Soul

If you visit Classic Kia today, the Kia dealership Kenosha residents rely on for a great deal, you can test drive and purchase many of these fabulous options.  They off a variety of styles, features, and prices that should attract buyers of all different preferences.

At the WAJ media days, journalists and other automotive professionals in attendance had the chance to drive models both on everyday streets and the famous Laguna Seca racetrack.  Overall, the media was very impressed by the Kia models and highlighted some of these findings:

• The all new Optima, as we’ve discussed in other posts, is beautifully styled and many professionals commented on that fact
• A long list of standard convenience features, such as those you might see in the Waukegan Kia Sorento, is another highlight of the Kia lineup.
• Unmatched overall value

Kia Motors should be very happy with their success at this year’s WAJ Media Days.  The staff here at Classic Kia could not agree more with the participants’ findings after test driving the models on display.  Hopefully you will be enticed to stop in soon and see all that Kia has to offer, from affordable hatchback models to SUVs capable of handling all your passenger and cargo needs.

If you’ve had a chance to drive the 2011 Kia Optima, then you might agree that this mid-size sedan could possibly be the “perfect” auto.  This is a big claim, but those of us here at Classic Kia are proud to announce that this all-new model has a lot of great things going for it right now. 

Top Safety Accolades

Being chosen as a top safety pick and receiving high crash test scores is a vital part of an auto’s success on the market, as people want to put their money towards something that will keep themselves, along with other passengers, as safe as possible at all times.  With the Kia Optima for 2011, it has achieved both of these feats by bringing home these honors:

• 5-Star Crash Safety Rating by the NHTSA
• 2011 IIHS “Top Safety Pick”

Both the IIHS and NHTSA sponsored safety tests are very rigorous and even more comprehensive than similar tests conducted by other institutions.  If an auto passes their testing with high marks, you know you are getting an extremely safe vehicle.

Chance for the Optima to shine

In light of all these safety awards and the overall great quality and affordability of the 2011 Kia Optima, Chicago area residents can currently test drive at Classic Kia, the auto was recently in the spotlight in a major publication.  A full page ad ran in the March 11th edition of the USA Today. What a great way for the model to get exposure all over, as this carries information to readers all over the United States, and other parts of the world as well. 

If you read the USA Today, you might have seen this ad?  If not, it also highlighted some other features that make driving the Optima a smart choice.  Here are some other features a lucky buyer will be able to enjoy:

• Plenty of trim options, ranging in price from $19K-$31K, depending on your budget and features you want
• New exterior design
• Fuel efficiency:  34-35 mpg for highway driving
• Powerful engines, including turbo-charging options

Along with our inventory of Round Lake used cars, the Optima is simply a sedan you cannot pass up checking out when you make a trip today to Classic Kia!

Many of you have probably consulted Consumer Reports a time or two do some research for a product you want to buy, or are considering checking out.  Their rating system is trusted by millions of people and they offer information on a wide variety of goods, including automobiles of all different classes and manufacturers.

Recently the Kia Sportage, Waukegan drivers of crossovers can test drive now at Classic Kia, went up against two other vehicles in its class.  All three were tested by experts for Consumer Reports and the Kia Sportage topped the list, thanks to some very impressive features.

Highlights of the Sportage

When auto testers for CR drove this crossover, they found it to have very good handling.  It didn’t feel heavy or hard to drive, but navigated through area streets very well.  This is a big reason that car shoppers might consider a crossover, such as the Sportage.  It has a similar driveability as a sedan, but it offers a bit more cargo and passenger space, so you feel like you get the best of both worlds. 

Other perks to owning a Sportage include a very efficient six-speed automatic transmission, nice braking ability, and a good powertrain.  The braking is enhanced by a panic system that senses if the auto needs the brakes applied quickly and will do so.  You never know when a close call might happen while driving, so it’s important to feel safe! 

Especially during the winter, another feature that is available with the Sportage is an all-wheel drive option.  It does not come standard, but if that is a must, please talk to the staff here at your Round Lake used cars and more dealership, Classic Kia.  The Sportage also has good gas mileage, which is nice to hear. 

The Sportage is further enhanced by a fresh design.  The front of the crossover, with a redesigned grille and headlights, is sure to get heads turning.  It also sits closer to the ground, is a bit wider, and longer than those Sportage models you might find in the inventory of Round Lake used cars here at our store.

We are happy Consumer Reports found the Sportage to be such a great vehicle!

Updates for 2011 models

The newest Sedona models have a few updates we’re sure you’d like to hear about.  The powertrain is all new and it offers better fuel economy.  Not only can you get a minivan for a good price, but you’ll also be able to stretch your gas budget that much further.  The engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that is paired up with a new six-speed automatic transmission.  This should make your drive to and from the grocery store, practices, and work very exciting and enjoyable.

There are also many more features that are standard options that were not in Sedona models found in our inventory of Round Lake Beach used cars.  Let’s see which ones apply to the trim choices.

• Bluetooth, Reverse parking sensors, second row bucket seats, Satellite radio, steering-wheel controls- LX and EX models
• Power-adjusted front seats, power rear-quarter windows, and a rearview camera- found on the EX models

Additional Options for this van include:

• Rearview camera on the LX; a navigation system on the Sedona EX.
• EX Luxury Package offers features such as leather seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a sunroof
• If you have children or other passegers you’ll be bringing along on longer trips, you might want to consider the Entertainment Package.  This offers time-passing amenities such as a CD changer, a DVD entertainment system and wireless headphones.

Pricing

The 2011 Sedona models found at your Waukegan dealer for Kia models, Classic Kia, range in price from just over $25K for the LX and around $29K for the EX option.  As you can see, this van certainly does offer a lot for the money.  For plenty of passenger and cargo space as well, check the Sedona out today.

For starters, the Sorento is made here in the United States, you can feel good driving an auto that is helping a local economy by employing people to do quality work.  The 2011 Waukegan Kia Sorento, which is for sale now here at our store, comes available in several trims including the EX, LX, and SX.  All trims feature comfortable seating for five passengers, with a third row seating option.  This is key if you have several children or their friends as passengers.  The rear seats can also be folded down, which allows for an extra 72 cubic feet of cargo space.  Perfect for all those things we mentioned earlier that families often need for traveling. 

Affordability

When you are supporting a family, you want to get all you can for your money and the 2011 Sorento allows you to do this.  It starts out at an affordable price of around $23K.  For this price you get plenty of safety features, unbeatable gas mileage for a crossover, and plenty of technology features such as Bluetooth, MP3 player, Satellite Radio, and much more.  Moreover, Kia offers a really good warranty program and this is good news, since expenses often pop up unexpectedly!  The 2011 Sorento warranty plan includes the following components:

1. Basic 5 year/60K mile service
2. 10 year/100K mile powertrain coverage
3. Rust and Roadside Assistance covered for 5 years or up to 60,000 miles

Each Sorento trim features interior, safety, and exterior amenities that are worth checking out today at Classic Kia, a Kia dealership Kenosha area residents can quickly reach here in Lake County.  Our staff will help you find the best deal possible for your family!

With many people out to own a vehicle with plenty of cargo and passenger space, but also one that isn’t high in cost to purchase or to fill up the tank, smaller SUVs are very popular. One option on the lot here at Classic Kia, your top Lake County dealership for Antioch used cars and beyond, fits into this category.  The 2011 Kia Sportage is available in three trims: Base, LX, and EX.

The newest models are very stylish with some standout features. The design is kind of a combination of what you might see on a crossover or a hatchback. The front bumper has the updated Kia grille design also seen on other models, such as the 2011 Optima.  All of these features work together to make this SUV very attractive.  We suggest that you come into our dealership soon and see the Sportage for yourself.

The three trims we have in stock each come with a price tag that is affordable, yet come with many safety and convenience features that drivers and passengers find essential for traveling everyday. The base starts around $19K, the LX around $22K, and the EX is the top model priced around $24K. All of these come standard with many safety features such as Brake Assist, a four-wheel ABS, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, and plenty of front and side impact airbags.

How does it drive, you are probably wondering?  The 2011 Sportage may be one of the best yet. There will soon be a turbocharged version, but the Round Lake Kia Sportage models at Classic Kia come with a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine that gives it a punch whether you’re hitting the local expressways, or cutting through some of the county’s back roads. The transmission choices are also better than in previous models.  The six speed automatic, for example, is very smooth.

Please check out the newest Sportage models today. See why this line-up is a top standout in its category.

A fantastic auto is available at Classic Kia, especially for those of you who live north of Chicago. Kia Optima is, for the 2011 car year, a part of our inventory and you should check it out.  While there are many reasons to buy the auto of your choice, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why you, an informed driver on today’s roads, should highly consider the 2011 Optima. See our reasons after the jump!

1. Style. The 2011 has updated styling both inside and out.  You’ll see coupe-like designs, a front grille with a “mischievous” expression, and higher quality materials in the cabin.
2. Something new. The mid-size sedan market has long been dominated by certain Honda and Toyota models.  Those of us here at Classic Kia are anxious to have the 2011 Optima raise the bar!
3. Options galore. The all-new Optima comes in many trims including the LX, EX and SX.  They range in price from just under $20K to $27K, allowing drivers the chance to own a vehicle that has everything from standard airbags to turbo engines.  The fully loaded EX option at the top of the price range includes features not seen in other mid-size sedans priced the same.  Kudos to Kia for making these features available to their customers at a nice price!
4. Safety Features and More. In all Optima trims, these safety features come standard:  traction control, stability control, six airbags, anti-lock braking system, and a tire pressure monitoring system.  To make the Optima further stand out, the warranty is second to none.  A 10 year/100K powertrain and a 5 year/60K mile basic warranty with roadside assistance comes with the price.
5. MPG. Purchase a 2011 from Classic Kia, your favorite dealership for new and used cars. Round Lake Beach area residents, for example, will enjoy 24 mpg for the city and 24 for highway while driving an Optima fitted with a four-cylinder engine.

We all know that in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Kia Optima models purchased from Classic Kia won’t go unnoticed.  This new mid-sized sedan offers a modern design, affordable price, and a long list of safety and convenience features.  Check it out now!

The Soul comes available in several trims including the Basic, +, and !.  While all are great choices for the younger drivers, the + has many outstanding features that make it a top teen choice.  The Soul+ is available at Classic Kia as a 2010 model and there are 2011 + models in stock too.  It’s funky, modern design would make any teen want to drive it, since it stands out from the design of other autos in our new and Antioch used cars inventory.  It’s stylish, boxy design comes available in many cool colors such as Molten (red hue), Titanium (silver metallic shade), and Denim (blue); all set to wow your closest friends.

The Kia Soul is also very affordable.  The 2011 + model is priced just under $18K and comes with many standard features such as front wheel drive, remote keyless entry, power door locks, and a nice metal trim finish throughout the cabin.  The Soul+ also has outstanding gas mileage.  If you are driving in the city, you’ll get about 24 mpg and on the highway 30 mpg.  Fantastic numbers, since most teens would rather spend their money on movies, gadgets, and hanging out with friends instead of filling up at the pump!

Mom and dad also want their teenage driver to be safe, along with any passengers.  All Kia Soul trims come standard with plenty of front and side impact airbags, a ABS system, Electronic Stability Control, and so much more.  Kia shares in a parent’s sentiment and will work hard to make sure their precious cargo is safe at all times while in their vehicles.  Those of us here at Classic Kia also stand behind the Soul’s plethora of safety features and know how important each one is!

Your teen would be perfect behind the wheel of a Kia Soul- check one out today!

Kia’s head designer of the 2011 Kia Optima, Peter Schreyer, said it best.  When speaking about the 2011 version of the Optima in respect to the 2010 model, he said, “Kia Optima is more than one step ahead of the car it replaces, it’s a clean sheet design that owes nothing to its predecessor.”

Chicago Kia Optima dealers and beyond are in complete agreement.  The Kia’s design is fresh and edgy.  If the 2010 Optima was the vehicle that got picked on on the playground, the 2011 Optima is the queen bee.  Most notably, the front bumper, grille and headlights have been redesigned on the 2011 version of the Optima.  The 2010 model was soft with compliant headlights.  Parked next to the newest version, the 2010 model looks very dated (which makes you think it looked dated even on its first day out of the factory, but that’s another story).

Instead, the 2011 Optima has sharp, almost harsh lines that offer an intense feeling.  The headlights sit slyly above the bottom bumper that is split by an indentation that makes the Optima seem like it is smiling in a mischievous way.  These features, in conjunction with the grille, are part of Kia’s new design language that is also featured on the newest Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento.

Of the Optima, Schreyer also said, “With our new sedan, we have created a product that people previously would not have expected from Kia and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.  Through the balance of its muscular proportions and the elegant simplicity of its raked roofline, our design results in a car that radiates self-assurance and confidence from every angle.”

For residents around Chicago, the 2011 Kia Optima hits dealer lots this month with an accompanying base price tag of just under $19k.  From here, the Optima can be upgraded with just about every bell and whistle currently on the market.  Some such creature comforts include heated front and rear seating and a heated steering wheel – an upgrade our Kia dealer – Libertyville foresees routinely selling this winter.

Other perks found with the sedan include push button ignition, dual front/rear moon roofs, iPod and USB jacks, and a navigation system with rear-view camera.  One thing is for certain, this new sedan is stunning to the eye and soft to the touch and it won’t last long at any Kia dealer.  Libertyville to Waukegan and all of the surrounding communities, head to Classic Kia today to check out this incredible sedan.