One item that caught my attention was a delightful Kia preview. Personally, I’m a huge fan of Kia’s mix of class and style, and I’ve been looking for something new and big from these guys for a few years now. At this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, Kia unveiled its 2010 Venga, an MPV that makes its mark in a young automotive segment.

While Waukegan dealers might not get a look at this vehicle for a few years, the Kia Venga is a step in the right direction for the South Korean manufacturer. The strikingly handsome design elements and detail touches are reminiscent of the buzz-worthy Kia No3 concept car. A long wheelbase and wide track contribute to the vehicle’s unique but attractive and stable sporty design. This isn’t your typical ‘minivan’ concept; in fact, the Kia seems to purposefully neglect the boxy profile associated with other B-segment MPVs.

I’d like to highlight the Kia Venga’s spacious and comfortable interior; a new-style four-spoke steering wheel that can be adjusted for height and reach frames the car’s “three-cylinder” instrument cluster. The unusually long wheelbase, high roofline, and best-in-class width helps facilitate an undeniably roomy driving experience. The information panel leverages a Dot Matrix presentation, offering drivers information about the audio system, outside temperature, time, day and date. The Kia Venga adds an extra touch of class at Waukegan Kia dealers.

While the 2010 Kia Venga won’t be immediately available in the United States, Waukegan new car dealers are stoked about the vehicle’s development because it represents a logical and innovative next step for the manufacturer. If we never see the Venga on U.S. shores, we’re sure to at least see an even more refined vehicle that will benefit from the Venga’s overseas experience.

In the midst of international outcry over reform of the automotive industry, Kia is striving to stay on the cutting-edge in automotive excellence. Fuel-stretching technology is a big win for Waukegan dealers and Kia lovers alike; a Start/Stop (ISG) system helps reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions by automatically switching off and restarting the engine in clogged city driving. The Venga also includes a power-saving alternator management system and a gear-shift up/down indicator to help drivers practice a more economical driving style.

Kia has long been a fan favorite with their ridiculous 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty. Combine that with the new Kia Soul going for as low as under $14k, and you have the definition of value.
Like the time I fit 78 M&Ms in my mouth at once, Kia’s warranty and value is forever impressive but has been a story told to death. The real story here  with the Chicago Kia Soul is safety. The most respected worldwide companies in terms of car safety evaluation all have the Kia Soul at the top of the list. The 2010 Soul is winning seemingly every safety award around. Leading the safety achievement list is the “Top Safety Pick” award from North American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Earning the “Top Safety Pick” is more than a small honor, as the NAIIHS does the serious bulk of crash testing and are the unofficial safety police. The NAIIHS is kind of like me when I was the hall monitor in the 6th grade, but with more respect and better notepads.

It’s tough to argue with the safest car when you are a family man. A 5-star safety rating (out of 5) from EuroNCAP confirms the Soul’s protective qualities. While I’m someone who likes the design of the 2010 Soul, visual appeal is often a matter of preference for different Waukegan new car buyers. Plenty of people like the Soul for its defiant, urban look as well. But perhaps the most impressive and innovative design on this Kia is what you can’t see. I took a Chicago Kia Soul test drive a few months ago, and I was impressed with the vehicle. I found it difficult to believe that so much car came so affordably. Now, with all of the information emerging about the safety of this vehicle, it seems tough for any local car buyer to pass up this Waukegan new car.

Ok, maybe it’s not a Ferrari, but the updates we can expect on the new 2010 Waukegan Kia Rio are enough to write (and dream) about.   I checked in with my favorite Waukegan new car dealer to find out more information and, unfortunately for us guys that eat and sleep Kia, information is slim.  But for fear of giving you a heart attack with anticipation, I’ll give you the skinny on hours of non-stop research coupled with 3 bowls of Lucky Charms and 1 bathroom break:  this car is going to rock for the consumer that wants reliability with super-solid amenities.

The outside of the car will get a slew of design updates including a new, sharper grille, an edgier air intake and a sporty set of fog lights.  It gives the car, dare I say, a rally car feel similar to the likes of a Subaru Impreza.  This, of course, offers new opportunities for the driver to add homemade sponsor stickers and a made-up race number to the outside of the car.  Start making loud engine noises with your mouth at a red light while staring at the driver next to you, and guess what?  You’re in the racing business.

But until then you’ll have to settle on the preview pics of the car and a wild imagination.  And don’t forget to check in with your Waukegan new car dealer to get the latest updates.  Because after all, Kia is the new Ferrari.  And chicks dig Ferraris.

Chicago Kia Soul

So you’ve thrown away your Animal House posters and traded in your favorite hoodie for a collared shirt.  The real world approaches and you’re thinking, “What happened to my college years?”  Reaching the finish line can be both exhilarating and disappointing at the same time.   Trust us, we’ve been there.  But soon enough you’ll find yourself diving into the the real world to do whatever it is that you do and trying to land on your feet.  The first couple of years can be the most exciting, but also the most challenging.  With an entry-level position usually comes an entry-level salary and the last thing you want to worry about is hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars in car repairs for that clunker you’ve had since you were sixteen.  But not to fret, your Waukegan Kia Dealer has recently come up with a solution for the young professional fresh out of college.  Welcome the Kia Soul.

The Kia Soul is one of the most versatile vehicles on the road right now.  And with a price tag starting at just $13,400, it’s definitely one of the most affordable.  That’s good for a recent grad right?  But that’s not the only thing that’ll float your boat.  The Chicago Kia Soul has a rich list of standard features, as well as a slew of add-ons that will make your friends green with envy.  Including a ridiculously powerful sound system with USB and auxiliary inputs for your iPod (or whatever it is the kids are listening to these days), Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (since we know you love to talk and drive) and a customized interior to match the already customized paint job.  It doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

And since you’ve been moving every year since the beginning of college, why not make it easier with 53 cubic feet of cargo space that will more than fit your mini fridge and bean bag chair.  With a sleek exterior that includes a chrome accented grill, alloy wheels and an optional tilt sunroof this car will deliver a large helping of awesome with a side of professional – exactly what a college grad needs.  So visit your nearest Chicago Kia Soul dealer for a test drive and find out why this car fits your lifestyle.   And don’t worry, they’re open in the afternoon in case you’re still adjusting to the whole “waking up early” thing.

The 2010 Kia Rio is sure to be the best Rio model yet.

My family has lived in our house for 16 years now. And I can bet that for only about a year of that time we were not changing something. It is my mom’s favorite thing in the world to re-do the house, no matter how great it already looks. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it? Not in our household. That said, if Kia ever offered her a job, I wouldn’t be completely surprised. See, the Kia Rio has undergone tons of changes in its years, but it remains a totally reliable and solid-selling vehicle. Nevertheless, Kia is going to try to make this top car even better in its 2010 model.

The Kia Rio has gone through quite a few changes in its day. Starting off as the Rio Cinco wagon model then morphing into the Kia Rio5 hatchback model that we have all come to know and love. With the 2010 model, expected in Waukegan  Kia showrooms sometime next fall, Kia is prepared to out-do themselves.

The new model is expected to have a completely new modern exterior. It will have a brand new grille and fog lights along with color matched body cladding. On previous models, the only option was black plastic cladding, but on these new Rios, customers will be able to have painted trim.

The new Waukegan Kia Rio is also expected to have a new steering wheel, Bluetooth and a higher quality sound system.

The current Kia Rio boasts features such as SIRIUS satellite radio, a comfortable and quiet ride, and three months complimentary service. Kia has their sights set high to top this Kia Rio, but if this new model is everything that they say it will be, it is a good thing that Kia has decided to go for it. Kia is showing their ambition with this 2010 model and their customers will be benefiting from it. Stop in to your local Waukegan dealer to find out more about the new Kia Rio and when you can get behind the wheel of one.

Waukegan Kia Sorento will be produced at the new West Point plant in Georgia

Think back to the first time you watched the Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy hit down and landed in Oz, with all of the bright colors and singing and excitement. Now, think about if all of that excitement and merriment were over Kia, and you can kind of realize the situation in West Point Georgia.

West Point wasn’t doing too hot a few months ago. Unemployment rates were high and store owners were afraid of losing their businesses. But that fear wasn’t nearly as high as the fear that most in the community held about losing their whole town. West Point needed help, and they just got it. Kia announced that they will be opening up a plant right in the heart of the little community that’s fallen on hard times.

The plant, which should open sometime by the end of the year, is going to make Waukegan Kia Sorento SUVs. But this plant is going to make much more than just vehicles. It will produce hundreds of job opportunities for West Point community members, and even those outside of West Point, as many who worked in the Detroit auto market are headed down to Georgia to help start up this Kia plant and the town as well.

Now, for many of us in Waukegan, new car news like this is exciting, but in West Point, it is going to revitalize and change their town. More than 500 people have already been hired for the plant, while 2,000 more are expected to be brought on by the time it opens.  In all, about 20,000 jobs are expected to become available in the community thanks to Kia. The new plant has sparked the creation of the first subdivision in the town in 25 years, and is exciting the economy as well as the town’s residents.

Waukegan dealers are especially excited about this new addition because it will mean more of the cars that their customers love, and we can all appreciate the addition of jobs anywhere in the U.S. The Waukegan Kia Sorento has been a big hit at Waukegan dealers.

If you’re looking to find Kia-Ville, just follow the yellow brick road (or something like that…) over to West Point Georgia. But if you’re just looking for a new Kia more locally, stop in at any local Waukegan Kia dealer and they’ll be happy to help you as well.

[Fade to Ray Charles singing Georgia on my Mind]

The new Koup was presented as a concept car at the New York Auto Show last year. Now that Kia has fully thought out this car, it will be available in two trim levels, the EX and the SX and both spunky and sporty to drive.  

The EX will be available with 156 horsepower, while the SX will get 173 horsepower. And both come with great fuel-efficiency ratings. The EX will achieve 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, while the SX will get 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Plus, according to Waukegan new car dealers, the new Koup will come with  tons of perks. It will come standard with heated seats, power heated mirrors, keyless entry, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio, and it will offer optional leather seats, and satellite radio.

The interior has a clean-cut look that anyone will be able to appreciate. The car has an overall modern look, and is available in sporty, fun colors that will boost your mood any day of the week. And, like I said before, this Koup is going to get a spunky and fun ride to it as well. With its tough horsepower it is stronger than many cars in its class and will be able to deliver a different experience. The Koup definitely goes outside the range of what past affordable compact coupes have offered.

And taking many of its cues from the brand new Waukegan Kia Forte, the new Koup has no reason not to be a star in performance. The Forte has proven itself a competent and reliable ride that gets good fuel economy and performs capably, and the Koup is prepared to follow in its foot steps.

So, while many cars out there take themselves a little too seriously nowadays, Kia has realized the importance of letting loose every once in a while, building fun and kool cars. The new Koup will be available at Waukegan dealers soon, so check with them about when this new little Forte.

9:30am- So, I woke up this morning to a b-e-a-utiful summer Chicago morning. Not too common these days, so I figure I have to take advantage. I call up four of  my friends and we pile into my new Chicago Kia Soul and head off into the city.

10:00am- On the road heading to the city! Windows down, sunroof open, and iPod blasting through the stereo.

10:08am- Officially stuck in traffic. But not going to stress about it even a little. Because my wonderful Waukegan Kia dealer gave me the whole rundown on mpgs and how fuel-efficient the Kia Soul is, so my friends and I can worry more about the current music selection, rather than going through gas too quickly.

10:39am- Still sitting in traffic. Bumper to bumper to be more specific. And though I may not be the world’s most focused driver (especially with four of my friends screaming Kelly Clarkson lyrics in the back of my car) the Soul keeps me in check with its solid braking system and even keeps my friends from yelling at me for making the jolted stops I have been known for in the past.

11:00am- Finally made it into the city. After an hour of bad singing in the car, everyone is ready to do some shopping.

2:00pm- After some quality “bonding time” aka power shopping, we’re ready to head back and show off our new purchases. However, with five women times four bags per woman that equals a lot more than we came with. But, have no fear, Kia Soul to the rescue. Everyone and their bags fit perfectly with no squishing, and no one had to leave any purchases behind (and since that wasn’t going to happen anyway, I’m sure my roof cargo box would have come in some handy).

2:15pm- Deciding to take a different route home, my friends and I got to escape the stop-and-go traffic of the city and speed right on home. And though my Waukegan dealer where I purchased my Soul told me, I never expected any of my girlfriends to realize how well the new Kia Soul drives. But he was right. On the drive back all of my friends commented on how smooth it drove and how fun and quick it was downtown.

3:30pm- After finally dropping everybody off at their respective places, I drove my new baby back home. With the windows and sunroof still open, I drove around for a little while soaking in the sun and my new Kia Soul.  I have  never been the friend who likes to drive anywhere. I’m usually the one who will make up any excuse she can find to get out of it. But now, with my bright red new Kia Soul, that my Waukegan dealers got all customized for me, I have no problem driving my friends around. The Kia Soul has  been a pleasure to drive so far, it’s fun and spunky and I adore my new purchase.

Coming standard on the 2010 Kia Forte are steering wheel controls, Sirius satellite radio, mp3 and USB input jacks, four-wheel disc brakes, Bluetooth connectivity, and stability control.  Notice what I said: Standard!  Any of these features on the Forte’s competitors are options that require adding to the sticker price.  The base Forte comes in at two grand less than the entry-level competition cars and fills itself up with options you find on mid-level compact sedans.

Kia, as always, differentiates this model on price.  The Forte starts right around $14,000, about $2K less than the competing Corolla and Civic.  Of course, buyers will also be blessed with the best warranty in the industry.

Kia is becoming a major player in every category in which they offer vehicles.  The Kia Soul is getting big cheers in the urban vehicle arena.  The Sportage is winning customer satisfaction awards.  And the Rondo is fast becoming a popular hatchback.  I guess you could say that offering affordable, stylish contenders that compete well with pricier brands has become Kia’s Forte.

Though I haven’t spoken to a Waukegan new car dealer that has a Forte in stock yet, I hope to get behind the wheel of one soon.  From everything I’ve read about this new compact segment contender, it is an enjoyable ride.  It certainly packs the amenities I look for in a sedan.  The real performance I would care about is its fuel-efficiency, rather than its 0-60 time.  The Forte sounds like a winner on the gas saving front.  The 2.0-liter engine with the five-speed automatic transmission in the Fuel-Economy package returns 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.  With the other transmissions is comes in at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.  The big-boy 2.4-liter four gets 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the six-speed manual and 23/31 with the five-speed automatic.  These are all good numbers that compare evenly with cars across the segment.  And with fuel use equal, the Kia Forte definitely takes the value prize.

Here is a video from Cars.com that gives a lot of nice views of the new Forte, which becomes available at Waukegan Kia dealers soon:

The Kia Forte will be arriving at Waukegan dealers soon.  For more information on the 2010 Kia Forte, visit the Kia dealer Waukegan trusts most for its new car needs, Classic Kia.