What good news for your Round Lake used cars Kia dealer:  Thanks to increased traffic here and at Kia dealerships all over, sales of various Kia models are up!  Overall, Kia is seeing increases in sales this year compared to the same time period last year.

April 2010 was an awesome month for the South Korean auto maker: 30,036 Kia’s were sold!  This is a 17.3% increase over April 2009′s stats!  This is thanks to new designs on some autos, the new Kia Sorento that is being built in the USA, and much more!

Leading Kia’s sales for April was the 2011 Sorento, which came out earlier this year.  It’s a great crossover and was redesigned with some awesome features.  The outside has a fresh design, very modern looking and it drives a lot better too.   The 2011 Sorento has a solid chassis and improved suspension that helps it move along smoothly when the road might not be!

Another highlight of the Sorento is the more powerful engine.  It is a 3.5 Liter,  V6 with 273-hp.   This will pack a punch when hitting the area’s expressways and side streets!  But, try it on the open roads where there’s less traffic to get the powerful engine’s full effects!

If you don’t feel like the Sorento is the right fit for you, consider the Round Lake Kia Rondo.  A friend of mine needed a new vehicle to schlep her kids around in, and needed something inexpensive since she had experienced a job loss.  The Kia Rondo, she says, has been a great wagon.  It has all the features she needs, such as plenty of legroom, head room and cargo space.  The warranty can’t be beat and the safety features are a plenty.

Kia has been hard at work improving its image by offering affordable vehicles that feature better design, performance, and comfort.  Obviously, the company’s hard work is paying off, as sales are up!  Head to your Round Lake used cars store today to see if the Sorento, Round Lake Kia Rondo, or other model will work for you!

The Kia Optima, a mid-size four-door sedan, has been selling steadily since 2000, all throughout the world. It’s most recent redesigning took place earlier this year and it was unveiled at the 2010 New York Auto Show sporting a brand new look, design and engine.

Most recently Kia has been talking about a wagon coupe combination using the third generation Optima sedan as their blueprint and backbone of the project. Kia head designer Peter Schreyer has openly expressed interests in such a project, but leaned towards his focus in the European markets considering wagons typically are more well received there than in the United States. This idea of poorly received wagons in the U.S could be changing as the Honda Accord Coupe and Nissan Altima Coupe have been selling well and who is to say that this Kia Optima wagon coupe couldn’t sell well just as they have.

The Optima is a relative of the Hyundai Sonata, the two vehicles have slight variations. The new Optima have a new GDI 2.4 4-cylinder engine with the option of a 6-speed automatic transmission with Eco dash display or the Optima is offered with the standard 6-speed manual transmission (which is standard in the LX model). The Kia Optima will not officially be at your Antioch used cars dealerships until the fall of this year; however it was released earlier this year in the South Korean market under the name, Kia K5.

There are three separate trims available, the base LX, upscale EX, and sporty SX models. All models come standard with Anti-lock brake system and electronic stability control and with luxurious features like Sirius Satellite Radio, a cooled glove box, iPod connectivity, and a hands-free Bluetooth phone connectability. The EX model separates itself from the pack with Kia’s new UVO infotainment system designed by Mr. Billy Gates and Microsoft, a backup camera, proximity key and a the ever popular Push-Button Start.

The sporty SX trim has all of the above and some more, including a rear spoiler, metal pedals, black hybrid metal and carbon insert trim, paddle shifters, and illuminated scruff plates. Also becoming a staple of four door sedans is the panoramic moon roof. There will also be heated front rear seats, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel and a navigation system. It’s amazing how these luxury features typically reserved for the Beamers and Bentleys are now becoming standard practice in the regular sedan market.

With a Hybrid model and Turbo model in the works expected for early 2011 the Kia Optima is worth a test drive at your local Round Lake used cars dealer.

Kia has released the stunning brand new Kia Optima and has been receiving rave reviews. The new Optima debuted at this year’s New York Auto Show with an exceptional new look. The Round Lake Kia Rondo dealership is impressed by the 2010 Optima’s sleek and smooth new look. Both the interior, exterior and functionality of this automobile have been updated to create an incredibly attractive and safe new Optima.

The exterior was certainly the first most noticeable change to the 2010 Optima. Kia chose to stick with a sleek simple design for the new Optima. The Optima used a fluid look with no complicated shapes, yet still retains a futuristic sharp edge. Designer Peter Schreyer chose to incorporate the Kia corporate grille known as the Tiger Nose to add a final memorable touch to the car.

The interior of the Optima is loaded with standard gadgets ranging from satellite radio to Bluetooth and MP3 ready capability. The 2010 Optima also has an optional “infotainment” system designed by Microsoft. This system includes a backup camera, push button start, navigation, and of course a heated steering wheel. Round Lake used cars customers are excited by these new advancements from Kia. The new forward technology is a great way to entice both new and current Kia drivers to stay with the automaker.

Kia has an incredible standard for safety and the 2010 Optima will certainly fall well within the automaker’s expected demands for this category. This automobile offers a range of power train options from a 2.4L 200 horsepower model, to a 2.0L turbocharged with 274 horsepower. The Optima is estimated to reach approximately 34 miles per gallon fuel efficiency. There is no pricing for the 2010 Kia Optima as of now but it is estimated to begin pricing around $20,000.

Kia is on the cutting edge of the automobile industry and the 2010 Kia Optima is another sterling stat to add to the automaker’s creations. Round Lake used car dealers also report there will most likely be a Kia Optima hybrid version due out in 2011. This Optima model will be a gas and electric model, the first model of this kind of Kia. To find out more about the Kia Optima visit your local Kia dealer.

I saw a picture of the 2011 Sportage that Kia is launching at Geneva’s Auto Show in early March…And I gotta say, I like what I see!  The SUV shown was a rich orange/rust color that was really eye catching.  Kia lovers, you will have to check this 2011 model out when it comes to your Kia dealer Gurnee.

The new Sportage takes after a few other Kia autos, such as the Soul, Cadenza, and Sorento.  It does have some design specifics seen in other European vehicles.  Also, the Sorento shares it’s shape with the new Hyundai Tucson.

Engine wise several engines may be available.  Keep in mind that nothing has been set in stone yet, as they’re still developing the models that will be sold at your Round Lake used cars dealer.  The gasoline engines will use the gasoline direct injected concept that Kia-Hyundai has developed.  One option is a 1.6 L that offers 140 HP and another that gives 2.0 L and 166 HP.

The design of the crossover is very nice.  It is longer and lower than other Round Lake used cars Sorento models.   The 2011 model will also have a wider shape, offering driver and passengers alike more cargo and body space.   Makes for a happier traveling crew for sure!

Another feature on the Sportage that’s really cool is the hexagonal shape that is part of the body on both the front and rear left and right side doors.   Check out the picture and see what you think?  I also like the rear bumper.  It’s got a clean and “higher than the front” look.  Overall, this crossover is one beauty!

The 2011 Sportage will be at your Kia dealer Gurnee later this year!  It will hopefully be a great money maker for Kia.  If you’ll be in the market for a new vehicle, keep this one in mind!

The 2010 Kia Forte has been named Car of the Year at the NADAguides.com Awards (the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Citing the car’s “best in class” features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said the Kia compact was a standout vehicle in a pretty impressive field. And what’s more, the Kia Forte is also…get this…affordable. See for yourself at Round Lake used car and new car dealer, Classic Kia.

“Our editorial team realized the moment we got behind the wheel of the Forte that it would be a top contender for our NADAguides.com Car of the Year, but it wasn’t until we extensively drove the sporty four-door sedan and the two-door coupe that it solidified our decision,” said Michael Caudill, NADAguides.com auto expert and spokesperson. He said the decision was difficult, “But when you add up the low price point, Best in Class features, and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, it made our decision to award the Forte much easier.”

The 2010 Kia Forte has two engine options: a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 156 hp or a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 173 hp.  The 2.0 models come with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions, while the 2.4L models each receive an additional gear.  The Fuel Economy Package (available with the EX trim only) adds even more unique elements: electronic power steering, a smart alternator, low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic improvements to achieve 27 city/36 hwy mpg.  And you know what that means – Fewer trips to the pump, and more money in your pocket. Car of the year, indeed.

The interior features techie treats like Bluetooth hands-free calling, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS satellite radio and IPOD connectivity coming standard in every trim. The EX and SX trims also come with power steering wheel mounted controls, cruise control and optional sunroof and heated leather seating.

Rounding off the long list of winning attributes to the 2010 Kia Forte is a low base price of $13,695 and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. With all those performance and design features at an affordable price, there’s a lot to love. Stop by your Round Lake used cars dealer and in Waukegan, buy used cars at Classic Kia and save time and money with a huge inventory of affordable pre-owned models!

Not everybody is expecting the Chicago Auto Show to be a huge zinger of an event, but at least one showstopper is anticipated to make an appearance, and that’s the new plug-in concept vehicle from Kia, codename “Ray.”

In Chicago, Kia Soul buzz is relatively old news, but the new Ray is the wave of the future for Kia, who in the last year has pulled out all the stops to show that they absolutely can compete with the longer-tenured, bigger-named automakers in the world. In late January, a teaser picture was leaked to the press that showed the Ray in all its glory, cruising through some sort of futuristic, poorly-lit tunnel.

While the setting looks like something from the movie “iRobot,” the car itself is like a gorgeous little silver bullet. It appears to be some sort of sporty four-door sedan with dark-tinted panels on the roof that also slope down the back of the car. This could just be tinted windows, but it’s also possible that they include solar photovoltaic technology designed to use the sun’s rays to charge the car’s battery or keep the interior of the vehicle cool in summer months. Considering the car is named the Ray, it would make sense to utilize some sort of technology benefitting from sunlight.

The drivetrain is expected to be similar to that of Hyundai’s Blue-Will concept because the configuration for this vehicle is based on the configuration for the upcoming hybrid Hyundai Sonata. Whatever this car ends up being, we’ll get a chance to see it for ourselves on February 12th at McCormick Place in the Windy City. The media gets a preview of all the goodies a few days earlier, so less ambiguous pictures should be available even sooner than that, with more details to go along with them.

In Round Lake, used cars are probably going to take a hit when this new wave of hybrid vehicles hits dealerships in the next couples of years, and in Antioch, used cars are likely to experience the same issues. But those are good problems to have. After all, as much as dealers love to find homes for pre-owned vehicles and make some money off of the work their auto plants have already done, new vehicles always will be the big money-makers, and when those money-makers also just so happen to be good for the environment, everybody wins.

Leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, NADAguides.com, has awarded the 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup the Car of the Year title for 2009. The group points out the duo’s “best in class” features, stylish interior and exterior design, claiming the Kia models were standout vehicles when compared to other top contenders. Car dealers ranging from Waukegan used car and new car dealers to Gurnee used car dealers anticipate the process of the prize-winning pair to fill their lots.

The NADAguides.com editorial team recommends buyers pay attention to the low price point, Best in Class features, and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty when local buyers make a decision concerning the Waukegan Kia Forte. According to this informational website, the 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup carry the full package regarding design, features, price, performance, and fuel economy when compared to its competitors. NADAguides.com claims the pair leaves a lasting impression in all these categories and more. Car shoppers near Waukegan used car dealers and Round Lake used car dealers can find the award-winning duo at those locations, as well as at other Kia dealerships nation-wide.

Details about these models include two unique engine options: a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 156 hp or a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder making 173 hp. Both engines deliver on performance, and with an EPA estimated 25 city/34 hwy mpg for the 2.0L and 23 city/31 hwy mpg for the 2.4L, the fuel economy package is another asset of the Kia Forte in Waukegan, Gurnee, and many other surrounding areas. Interior features include the Bluetooth hands-free calling, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with Sirius satellite radio and iPod connectivity are standard, allowing the music-loving driver to truly appreciate the models.

For those concerned about safety, the 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup carries 4 dual front, side, and full-curtain airbags, and a 4 wheel anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control. At a low base price of $13,695, these models are well-deserving of their 2009 Car of the Year title, while maintaining a valuable status amongst competitors. For a full range of details about the 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup, buyers can visit NADAguides.com, or visit their local Waukegan or Round Lake used car dealer.

The new Waukegan Kia Sportage has been spied, and it’s promising to be a great crossover SUV.  While it is currently being test driven in South Korea, Kia’s headquarters, expect it to arrive on U.S. lots sometime in the second half of 2010 (most likely to be sold as a 2011 model).

The technology behind the Sportage’s powertrain was developed through Kia’s partnership with Hyundai.  The engine is referred to as an “R-engine” that will give Kia Sportage Chicago models 184 horsepower.  There is also talk that the current V6 engine will be replaced with a 4-cylinder unit that will use gas more efficiently.

The Korean automaker is really keeping the exterior details hidden from the general public.  It is said that the design will be very similar to the Kia Sorento Crossover.   The front design that has been seen on the roads is a fascia style that is very appealing to the eye.  Overall, the Waukegan Kia Sportage will have a sportier, sleeker look to it when the new wave of models hits local lots.

Kia’s current 2010 Sportage has received high marks for safety and Kia will continue to offer those options on the 2011 model.  Some of these features include advanced air bags, traction control system, and Electronic Stability Control.  It has also received high marks in seating positions and a high rollover score.

While the new model will not be here for another 9-12 months, you can visit your Round Lake used cars dealership for great deals on Kia Sorento,  Optima, and many other certified vehicles.

It’s the end of the Kia Amanti as we know it. Production of Kia’s largest sedan has officially ended, but that doesn’t mean there’s no future in large Kia sedans. Up next is the new Kia Cadenza, much prettier than the car it’s replacing, due to be released in the States sometime in the next twelve months or so.

The large sedan is generally intended to appeal to folks with a desire for luxury, but Kia has always prided itself on offering quality vehicles for more reasonable prices. That was the plan for the Amanti, but due to some criticism about the look and feel of the vehicle, the Korean car company felt inclined to innovate a little, with what appears to be very solid results.

Named after an Italian musical term that describes a lovely yet elaborate flourish of notes, the Cadenza is an attractive automobile. The crease running along the sides of the vehicle are a nice touch, as are the redesigned grill and depressed hood edges. This car looks like luxury all over, and Kia fans are already buzzing about the company’s new line.

It is a slightly shorter vehicle than the Amanti, however, but it boasts a wider wheel base that translates to more interior space. The Korean version of the car, to be released in 2010, features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but it’s also possible it could pack a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder under the hood instead. No matter what engine option a buyer chooses, the vehicle will include a six-speed automatic transmission and power outputs somewhere in the 162 to 286 horsepower range.

If you’re in Waukegan, Kia Amanti options will still be available. In Round Lake, used cars always are in hot demand, so if you’re a fan of the old large Kia sedan, fret not. They’re still out there if you’re willing to look for them.

Waukegan new car enthusiasts will have to wait a little over a year to get their hands on the new Cadenza, which means that in the meantime the largest new sedan Kia can offer is the mid-sized Optima. That only happens when the current stock of Amantis runs dry, and as the Cadenza just recently made its auto show debut in Saudi Arabia, there will plenty for us to chew on in the meantime.

Change is coming, and while that might not always be a good thing, it certainly is in this case.