The 2011 Sorento, which is available today at Classic Kia in several trims, is already a fabulous SUV.  Kia is announcing that the 2012 Sorentos are getting some updates, depending which trim you opt for.

One change for the 2012 Sorento is a more powerful engine.  The inline four-cylinder will get a gasoline direct injection system.  Not only will 2012 Sorento drivers feel more power behind the wheel, but they won’t have to sacrifice fuel economy to do so.  Check in with the staff at the Kia dealer Libertyville residents trust the most for more information!

In-cabin Technology

Several Sorentos for 2012 will be getting Kia’s communication/infotainment system called UVO as part of their standard equipment.  If you choose the LX or EX trims, you’ll get to enjoy this.  It is powered by Microsoft and offers communication with various entertainment features.  A driver will also be able to personalize the information they want to be at the touch of button at all times.

Other New Features on the EX trim

• Eye-catching wheel design that includes five spokes and a “hyper-finish”
• In cabin illumination that is better than in previous models
• Power folding side mirrors are optional
• Other options you can decide on include the following:  Drivers seat memory positioning (no more annoyed significant other after you’ve driven the model for a few days)
• Passenger seating that has four-point power adjustment capacity may also be worth the extra cash if you commonly travel with a companion.
• How about ventilated and cooled seats?  Can you say refreshing on a hot summer day.  Especially when dealing with the midwestern humidity we commonly see here in the Chicagoland area!

The Waukegan Kia Sorento for 2012 also has some outstanding features that you’ll find as part of the range-topping SX trim.  The memory seating, ventilation/cooling of seats, and adjustable passenger seat that were options on the EX are standard on this model.  How about a heated, trimmed in wood steering wheel?  The perfect solution to those subzero winter days when you leave your gloves at home!  The rear sonar backup warning system is another handy safety feature you might be find useful as part of the SX!

The Sorento is already great, but keeps getting better for the upcoming 2012 models!

If you’ve ever been involved in a natural disaster such a tornado, flooding, fire, or other event, you know how stressful it is to lose your home, belongings, and possibly even individuals you know and love.  Many of you probably heard about the wave of tornadoes that ripped apart areas in the Southern United States.  One state that was hit was Georgia. This is one that has become close to the hearts of some individuals employed by Kia Motors.

Kia’s West Point, GA site

One place Kia models are made, such as the Waukegan Kia Sorento, is their plant in West Point, GA.  It is a state of the art facility designed with some of these amenities to make working that much more enjoyable for the staff:

• Wood Flooring- easier to tolerate for some throughout a work shift versus a cement floor they might find in other manufacturing sites
• Work stations are designed with height adjustable capabilities, so those working on the assembly lines can work ina position that is most comfortable for their size and height.  This helps reduce work related fatigue as well.
• Plenty of spaces and stations available for thorough testing of vehicles before their release at your favorite place to buy new and Gurnee used cars: Classic Kia

The Georgia plant celebrated a grand opening event in February, 2010 where many of Kia’s top directors were there to see it live.  The plant can also be visited by area residents to see first hand how the vehicles are manufactured and tested.   Most importantly, the plant being built here gives area residents and chance for employment and growth.

Donations

To help with those near and dear to West Point, GA employees, Kia Motors gave $1.5 million to the American Red Cross.  This large sum of money will be put to great use to help tornado victims find shelter, clothing, a new auto, or other items they own that might have been destroyed in the weather event.  Kia is grateful to the state of Georgia for allowing them to set up “home” in their state and want to give back to those in need.

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.

Clearly all of this means that Kia is doing something very right.  Their vehicles offer a lot of value for the money and in a time when people are watching expenses carefully, this makes buying a new automobile a lot more feasible.  With a Kia you’ll find good performance, many safety features, amenities that are very convenient, and much more.

2011 Models

For the current year, Classic Kia, your leading store for new and used cars Round Lake Beach commuters can test drive now, has a large inventory of new models.  You should stop by today and see what we are all about and check out some of the following models:

Kia Soul:  If you are looking for an auto with a little something different to offer, the 2011 Soul might be the perfect car for you.  One of it’s biggest draws is its unusual boxy shape, as well as cool trim names such as + and !, to name a few.  It’s perfect for all different types of drivers.  Plus, it has really good gas mileage of 24 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway, so you’ll have more money left over to enjoy all the fun things there are to do in the Chicago area.

If you choose the + model, for example, you’ll find a modern interior, user friendly trunk with plenty of storage space, and a long list of standard safety features such as these:

• Front, side, and rear airbags
• Anti-lock brake system
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution
• Brake Assist
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Electronic Stability Control w/ Traction Control

If the Soul isn’t for you, we’ve got plenty of other cars, vans and SUVs that will fit your needs perfectly, such as the Kia Sorento Waukegan families may find useful for longer trips.

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!

If you live in the southern Wisconsin/northern Illinois area like I do, you know that all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles are extremely useful.  Furthermore, if you have parents that have driveways that are long and uphill like I do, you know AWD vehicles mean your brother Steve and Uncle Jerry don’t have to come out to push you up the driveway after they’ve had one too many glasses of eggnog at the holiday party.  However, if you’re young like me, your first instinct may be to associate AWD technology with dollar signs.  Well, fear no more.Kia Motors Corp. will soon introduce a new AWD system that they have magnificently named Dynamax (for marketing purposes, clearly).  The system is in conjunction with Kia’s efforts to upgrade its image from its current “budget brand” category, as well as to keep up with the AWD systems offered by more luxurious brands such as BMW and Audi.

The Dynamax will be offered first on the Kia Sorento, available at the Kenosha Kia dealer, Classic Kia.  Kia Motors Corp. has designed this system to anticipate poor traction conditions in order to give the car time to adjust accordingly.  However, Dynamax is not the company’s first go at an AWD system.  Kia models have offered AWD systems for years, but Dynamax is Kia’s response to the industries “branding”, if you will of, of a Kia specific system (think GM’s OnStar).  Kia partnered with Magna Powertrain, which is a division of Magna International Inc., in order to develop the system.

Specifically, Dynamax claims to improve the handling, fuel economy and overall performance of the Sorento in slippery, wet conditions through technology that smoothes out the delivery of power to each wheel while driving in these conditions.  Ultimately, then, the point of Dynamax is to anticipate these conditions and apply the needed power to each wheel before the driver has a chance to reach the hazardous road – all of which is to go all but unnoticed by the driver.  Southern Wisconsin’s Kenosha Kia dealer says the technology is extremely cutting edge.

So, again if you’re like me, you are conveniently located near your Waukegan Kia Sorento dealership and checking out the SUV and its Dynamax AWD system would be a no brainer.  Which therefore means, in essence, brother Steve and Uncle Jerry can instead be mixing me an eggnog this holiday season, while I effortlessly cruise up my parent’s incredibly long and steep driveway in my new Waukegan Kia Sorento.  Thanks for the Happy Holidays Dynamax.

An SUV with style- now that’s what I like to see!  And you’ll see just that on the 2011 Kia Sorento.  It has a lot of nice features that will make it a popular choice at your Waukegan dealer. 

When the Sorento first came out in 2003, it had a your typical SUV montage- it was big, heavy and didn’t perform very well.  Now, 8 years after it’s debut, the 2011 model is more exciting.  It has a unibody design that resembles a crossover more than it does a truck-like SUV.  It performs very well and it’s lighter on its feet to make for enjoyable travel.  The interior design of the Sorento is also updated.  The layout is sportier and there is more passenger and cargo space!  The gauges have a cool red hue and the seats are softer and more comfortable. In addition, the steering wheel has been redesigned to fit the dashboard area better than in previous models.  The design, both inside and out, is sure to please those who check it out at their Waukegan Kia Sorento store.

Powertrain wise, there are a few options.  First off, you can purchase a base Sorento for about $20K.  It comes with a four-cylinder 2.4 liter engine that’ll give you 172 HP and 166 pound-feet of torque.  It that satisfies you, great, but if not there’s the next option.  For about $25-30K, you can get a more powerful 3.5 liter, V6 that pumps out 273 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.  Hey, if you’re gonna spring for a crossover/SUV, get the more powerful engine, you won’t be sorry!

When driving the Waukegan Kia Sorento on the roadways, you’ll feel how great this auto is, especially if you’ve driven a Sorento in the past.  The 2011 model is about 400 pounds lighter, which improves braking, turning corners, and accelerating.  Imagine the stress you can relieve by taking the open roads in your V6 Sorento!  Good-bye worries of today!

Not only is the Sorento priced right for what you get, but Kia also has that unbeatable 10-year/100,000 mile warranty.  The 2011 Sorento is on sale now at your Waukegan dealer.

Uvo is controlled by voice commands through a 4.3-inch touch screen display, and also includes a rear view camera. Kia also claims that the voice recognition will be more advanced, as compared to other competing systems. With more accurate comprehension by Uvo, drivers are guaranteed to hear their favorite songs by specific command. Although Kia has not yet revealed a price on the Uvo system, it will be available with the 2011 Kia Sorento in the summer of 2010 and other Kia models later this year. The Kia Sorento was featured at the Detroit auto show along with the Kia Soul and Kia Forte. Consumers are advised to visit a Waukegan cheap used car dealership, Gurnee used car dealership, and other new and used car dealership locations in their area to find these Kia models, due to fill up lots in early 2010.

Sure to compete with Ford Motor’s Sync system, the new Kia Uvo system will prove to help Kia thrive even more during these difficult times for the U.S. auto industry. In 2009, Kia’s sales were up nearly 10% at a time when the U.S. auto industry’s total U.S. light vehicle sales dropped 21% (more information found at Autodata). Although both Ford’s Sync and Kia’s Uvo systems are very similar, the new Kia Uvo system is sure to boost Kia sales with their new technology.

Kia revealed the price of the new 2011 Sorento, available at dealerships such as Waukegan new car dealerships, Antioch used car dealerships, and other locations nation-wide in early 2010. Consumers can get a five-seat unibody crossover with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a manual transmission standard for an impressive $19,995. With a 175 horsepower engine and 169 pound-feet of force, these features are also standard for the LX and EX models, but the higher-tier models have automatic transmissions. Kia aims to significantly increase their share of the utility vehicle market with the 2011 Kia Sorento.

Waukegan Kia Sorento

The top level model is the EX V6, with a 3.5-liter V6 offering 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of force. All variants of the 2011 Kia Sorento come in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with a seven-seat version available as well. The 2011 Kia Sorento EX V6 is priced at $28,895. Interested consumers can get their very own Waukegan Kia Sorento at their local Waukegan new car dealership. Shoppers can also find versions of the new model at the Antioch used car dealership or any Kia dealership in their area.

Details about the model’s exterior include 17” or 18” alloy wheels (depending on which version the consumer purchases), auto light control, panoramic sunroof, and body-color heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals. Interior features include AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius audio system, Infinity surround sound audio system with ten speakers, and steering-wheel-mounted audio/cruise/Bluetooth wireless technology controls. Other interior luxuries include a navigation system with real-time traffic, push button start with smart key, rear view backup camera, and electric windshield de-icer. Car shoppers concerned about safety can be reassured with the 2011 Kia Sorento’s safety features, such as dual front advanced airbags, side curtain airbags, 4-wheel antilock brakes, electric stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. All safety features are standard in all versions: base, LX, EX, and EX V6. More details about the new Kia model can be found at the Kia Motors website.

With all these fine points and more, including a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, the 2011 Kia Sorento is sure to catch the eye of many consumers for under $20,000. Despite the difficult times for the U.S. auto industry, Kia is sure to thrive in vehicle sales with this affordable addition to their inventory.

The 2011 Waukegan Kia Sorento is coming to dealerships in January.  This car was among many others rated one of the top autos for 2011 by Globe Drive.  Kia has once again launched a vehicle that they hope will win over  new car buyers!

According to the company, the only thing that is the same about the Sorento is it’s name.  This new SUV has totally been revamped with some great features.  Let’s see what some of these are……

First of all, this Waukegan new car is “made in the USA.”  Kia built a manufacturing plant down in Georgia, and the Sorento is the first to come out of it.  Even cooler is that the plant gets all the parts it needs from within a 20 mile radius and the Kia specific 6 speed auto transmission is built right there on site.

Another change that comes with the Sorento, as opposed to some other Round Lake used car models, is that it’s more of a car-like SUV, than a truck feel.  Some experts had the opportunity to drive on open roads and they found it to have very minimal cabin noise, good steering, and an overall smooth drive.

The Waukegan Kia Sorento comes in several different options.  The base model starts just under $20K and offers a 4 cylinder engine.  The V6 models will offer the driver better fuel economy of around 21/29 mpg, but also come with a bit of a higher price tag.

Is this updated Kia Sorento a vehicle you would be willing to test drive?