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!

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!

The IIHS recently named 66 autos across the board for 2011 top safety picks, the most they have ever awarded for a single year.  This should be a good demonstration of how much safer autos are getting each year, thanks to advances in engineering and a plethora of new safety advances that come our way. 

Kia should be very happy with the recent picks as several models were included in the list of 66.  You can find these at Classic Kia, your leading Round Lake used carsdealership for Kia models and beyond.  The list includes the following:

• Optima
• Forte
• Soul
• Sportage
• Sorento

As you can see, this list is a nice variety of smaller and larger autos that are able to withstand front, side and roof crash tests with a top rating of “good” in each category.  The tests done each year by IIHS are extremely comprehensive, even more so than some tests ordered by the government.  Those of us at Classic Kia are proud to offer autos that are some of the safest you can drive today.

What are some of the safety features you might find in one of these top picks, such as the Kia Sportage Waukegan residents can easily come in and test drive now?

The 2011 Sportage is offered at our store in the following trims:  Base, EX, and LX.  Let’s check out the LX model and some of the safety features offered in this SUV:

• Four-wheel anti lock braking system
• Plenty of front and side airbags designed to protect driver and passengers in the case of an accident
• Brake Assist:  Works in conjuction with anti-lock brakes to apply the brakes quickly, even if the driver is only pressing lightly, and aid the car to a quick stop.  It basically senses a situation in which a quick and safe stop is necessary.
• Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control

Many of these safety features can be found on other Kia models, with standard features varying depending which model and trim you prefer.  Our staff will help you find new or Round Lake used cars that come equipped with all the safety features that are important to you and your passengers.  Stop by today and check out our inventory!

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.

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!

“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!

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.