Import Insights: Kia (November 2014)

Import Insights: Kia (November 2014)

2015 Kia SoulKia Motors America Announces Best-Ever Third Quarter Sales

After posting the best first-half performance in company history, Kia Motors America’s momentum continued with record third quarter sales, including 40,628 units in September, up 6.9% over the same period last year. As Kia celebrates its 20th anniversary in the U.S., the fast-moving brand continues to grow and mature with year-to-date sales up 6.9%, and its aggressive new product cadence continues with two important new products – the all-new 2015 Sedona and the company’s first all-electric, zero-emissions vehicle in the U.S., the Soul EV – now beginning to arrive in dealerships.

2015 Kia Soul interiorKia Soul Redesigned in 2014

The Soul enters the 2015 model year with select enhancements focused on increasing the vehicle’s “fun factor.” Enhancements to packaging for the Soul’s base model include a new UVO1 eServices Package. UVO eServices is a free subscription telematics service available for 10 years/100,000 miles. For 2015, UVO eServices offers four new features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score2.

The Base Soul is equipped with a GDI 130-hp, 1.6L all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine. The GAMMA engine produces 118 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The Plus and Exclaim models enjoy the more powerful 2.0L NU powerplant with GDI technology. Power is rated at 164 hp at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 1.6L engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic.

Kia Lebron James adLeBron James Becomes First-Ever Brand Ambassador for Kia’s Flagship Sedan

In a multi-year partnership with Kia Motors America, LeBron James assumes the newly created role of K900 Luxury Ambassador after the avid car collector reached out to Kia – the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA – for a firsthand experience with the flagship sedan aimed at confident, independent thinkers who actively seek out new products and unique ideas from up-and-coming brands.

You May Also Like

Toyota Direct Injection? Port Injection? Why Not Both?

Port fuel injection and direct fuel injection systems each have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you’ve serviced import vehicles for at least the past decade, you may have seen a Toyota vehicle that has both direct fuel injection and port fuel injection. You will see port fuel injectors in the intake manifold and a direct injection fuel pump. Toyota calls this system the D-4S or Dynamic Force Engine (the “S” stands for superior) and the earliest application was on the Lexus GS SUV with the V8. The D-4S system is not a “cold start” or “dousing” injector system, like that on V6 engines from the early to late 2000s.

Toyota Squeaking Noise From Rear Suspension 

Follow the repair procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.

Toyota Milliwave Calibration Tips

Calibration is necessary due to several factors affecting the radar’s functionality.

Different Nameplates, Different Expectations

Honda is one of the least concerned manufacturers about system voltages when it comes to reflashing.

Nissan Electro Hydraulic Steering

Nissan’s steering system is susceptible to driver-error.

Other Posts

Kia America Delivers 2024 New Year’s Numerals to Times Square

The ‘2024’ numerals were towed into Times Square by an all-new 2024 Kia EV9.

Subaru HVAC Diagnostics

On some more modern Subaru vehicles, you might be better off grabbing your scan tool.

New Motor Mount Technology

Engine speed is the primary input that determines the stiffness of the mount.

Subaru Tech Tip: Spiderwebs Blocking The Camera

If the webs can be removed without touching the camera lens, carefully remove them and reassemble the camera.