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It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each.
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The 2011 Kia Sorento follows its competitors into the car-based crossover market, leaving behind its rear-drive heritage that made it entertaining in the dirt. The new Sorento is longer and wider than the model it replaces , opening space to accommodate three rows of passengers, while offering more head and legroom. The larger vehicle steps it up with packaging, with an AM/FM/Sirius/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary and USB audio input jacks and Bluetooth connectivity. Available push button-start ignition, voice-activated navigation, rear sonar and back-up camera, and air ionization purification technology will help position the Sorento above the Sportage. Two engines will be offered: a 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter, 273-horsepower V-6. Both mills will be matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, and available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. These powerplants and size should give the Sorento an edge over the sales-leading Honda CR-V and position it well against the popular Toyota RAV4 . The Sorento will be the first vehicle built at the new West Point, Georgia, factory. The 2011 Sorento goes on sale in January 2010. Read our review of...
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By all the reports we've seen from the Department of Transportation and other automotive blogs, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program was " wildly successful " at driving consumers towards dealerships. With nearly 700,000 vehicle transactions utilizing "Cash for Clunkers" trade-ins, not to mention standard purchases that didn't include the government-subsidized rebates, it's clear that manufacturers benefited from a giant sales infusion during the month of August. When comparing sales figures for August 2009 against August 2008, Ford was the most successful American manufacturer with an increase of 16.99 percent (182,149 units sold) for all of Ford Motor Company and a 21.25-percent jump for just the Ford brand itself. Toyota Motor Company and American Honda were up 6.41 (225,088) and 9.93 (161,439) percent respectively. Unfortunately, even with the incentives, some manufacturers still sold fewer cars than they did a year ago, notably Nissan North America was down 2.93 percent (105,312 units sold), Chrysler was down 15.43 percent (93,222), and General Motors was down 20.19 percent (246,479) from a year ago. (Many thanks to John Neff at AutoBlog...
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It's the week ending July 31, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news was the implementation and nearly immediate suspension of Obama's Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program. It took less than a week, but reports indicate CARS may have already burned through its billion dollar funding. Passed at the beginning of the month and officially set into motion on Monday, a brief story published last night at AutoBlog indicates that nearly 23,000 cars have already been sold. According to AutoSpies , when shoppers heard that the program could be stalled so the feds could reconcile the backlog of sales and trade-ins, last-minute buyers crawled out of the woodwork to take advantage of last-minute sales opportunities. As explained at Edmunds Auto Observer , however, a great concern to dealers is the that they must destroy the clunkers and provide proof they have been destroyed before they can even apply for the government voucher. If the money runs out, the dealers must honor the deal without receiving the reimbursement. AutoblogGreen says compressed natural gas-powered vehicles...
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Kia injected some much-needed personality into its lineup with the funky, Scion-fighting Soul . (Read the full Kia Soul preview .) Without skipping a beat, the Korean automaker is bringing out its first special edition model, dubbed Denim Soul. The name reminds of a certain Levi jeans partnership that resulted in a memorable AMC Gremlin with denim upholstery . Not to worry, Kia has just played off the name for a blue with white cosmetic treatment. A blue-jean body color is offset by white side-view mirrors with matching white 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and a single white racing stripe. The Denim Soul is based on the Soul+ model, which includes cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and dual 12-volt power outlets. In addition, the Denim features a hamster-pleasing Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier, and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod connection cable and steering wheel controls, moonroof, and fog lights. Denim Soul pricing starts at $17,300 with a five-speed manual transmission and $18,250 with an automatic. See how the Kia Soul compares against the Nissan Cube and Scion xB .
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) reveals that small cars may save on purchase price and fuel, but there is a real reason why their insurance premiums aren’t also tiny—accidents cause significant damage and consequently injury risk. In its latest test-based report, the IIHS found that none of seven small cars rated “good” under a new system to evaluate repair costs necessitated by low-speed impacts, putting a dollar value on common accident scenarios. (Learn how the IIHS conducts crash tests on new cars.) These are the first bumper test results released under a new Institute ratings protocol that's based on repair costs averaged and weighted to reflect real-world damage patterns. The new ratings protocol represents the common damage that insurance claims centers process daily, and it is based on four bumper tests representing full-width and corner crashes at low speeds. Weighted average repairs must be less than $500 for a good rating, less than $1,000 for acceptable, and less than $1,500 for marginal. Repairs of $1,500 or more earn bumpers a poor rating. With the rules established, the tests identified the Kia Rio as the worst performer with $9,380 total damage...
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Replacing the budget-friendly Spectra , Kia has launched the all-new Forte sedan . Measuring about two inches longer and wider, the Forte provides more interior space and it boasts the largest trunk in the class. With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 178.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, the five-passenger Forte incrementally larger than the Honda Civic sedan —and it is priced more than a $1,000 less. Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, pricing for the all-new compact sedan will start at $13,695. The Forte EX begins at $15,795 and top SX begins at $17,195. For each trim, choosing an automatic transmission adds $1,000. The LX and EX feature a 2.0-liter/156-horsepower four-cylinder engine rated for 25 city, 34 highway mpg with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. A special $600 “fuel economy” package on the EX teams the 2.0L engine with a five-speed automatic, motor-drive power steering, “smart” alternator, low-rolling resistance tires, and aero enhancements. Combined, these tweaks yield 27 city, 36 highway mpg. The SX has a spunky 2.4-liter/173-horsepower four-cylinder engine, with a choice of...
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Do you prefer to start fresh? Would you feel better knowing that your new car doesn’t have a used-car history? If you’re in the market for a brand new car with a new-car warranty, but want or need to keep your spending to a minimum, here are the 16 new models available in trim levels for less than $15,000 (price ranges for some models include trim levels over $15k). Click on each vehicle to learn more about its features and options. Happy hunting! 2009 Chevrolet Aveo ($11,965-$15,365) 2009 Honda Fit ($14,750-$18,960) 2009 Hyundai Accent ($11,070-$15,070) 2009 Hyundai Elantra ($14,120-$17,020) 2009 Kia Rio ($11,495-$14,280) 2010 Kia Soul ($13,300-$16,950) 2009 Kia Spectra ($13,550-$16,450) 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 ($14,690-$20,895) 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ($14,340-$26,490) 2009 Nissan cube ($13,990-$19,370) 2009 Nissan Versa ($10,990-$16,330) 2009 Pontiac G3 ($14,335) 2009 Scion xD ($14,650) 2009 smart fortwo ($11,990-$13,990) 2009 Suzuki SX4 ($13,299-$15,139) 2009 Toyota Yaris ($12,205-$15,880) See the rest of our New Car Buyer's Guide for pricing, specs, mileage figures, and photo galleries of all vehicle makes, models, by pricing and category. -Deborah Neal, Editorial Director
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At the 2009 New York International Auto Show , Kia introduced a sleek two-door coupe that will join the Forte sedan this year in replacing the out-going Spectra line. Kia’s first true coupe conveys the sporty attitude the company hopes will define the brand, along with the establish virtue of value. Measuring 176.4 inches, about an inch longer than a Honda Civic coupe, the Koup is slightly shorter in length and height than the Forte sedan. The front-drive car uses an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. The SX trim also comes with a sport-tuned suspension providing for a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling. The Koup is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 lbs.-ft. of torque, notably more than several key competitors. The engine is offered with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Both combinations promise 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway. For greater performance, the uplevel SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 173 horsepower and 168 lbs.-ft. of torque. The 2.4L comes...
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The tragic trend continues, car sales continue to slide from bad to worse as the nation reels amidst the troubled economy. As automakers, suppliers, and dealers struggle to survive and restructure to face the changing challenges, the plummeting sales figures do mean that tremendous deals can be found for those in the market for a new or even a used car . Few companies were spared deep double-digit declines in Februrary when comparing the month year to year. In the 40-50 percent range, Acura , Ford , Lincoln , Mercury , Pontiac , and even Toyota saw such steep declines. The 50-60 percent range includes Buick , Cadillac , Chevrolet , GMC , Mitsubishi , Saturn , and Volvo . The scariest thing, there are brands in the 60-70 percent range, such as Chrysler , Hummer , Saab , and Suzuki . At the corporate level, the numbers still look dreadful. BMW is down 32.7 percent, proving that even the well-heeled are sheepish about new car buying. Chrysler is down 44 percent—notably less than Ford Motor Company at 48.4 percent and General Motors at 52.9 percent. Even Honda saw a 38 percent decrease, made higher by the 41.5 percent drop in Acura sales. Nissan is off by 37 percent, and Toyota Motor Company...
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It’s cold outside Cobo Center, home of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, but Kia’s Soul’r Yellow open-air concept vehicle—Soul’ster—radiated a lot of excitement at its debut. Based on the upcoming, unconventionally designed Kia Soul crossover, the Soul’ster is a two-door, four-seat convertible with a funky, hip attitude and LED headlamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, 19-inch wheels, non-floor-mounted “cantilevered” seats that when viewed from the side look like they’re suspended in air, tons of storage and a choice of possibly up to four engines, including a turbodiesel. “Soul’ster delivers something new, intriguing and relevant to today’s buyers—a fun, affordable convertible for active people who like to share good times with friends,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, KMA.
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Looking to solidify its value reputation, Kia has priced its adorable Soul just under $14,000, with destination charges. Looking like a cross between a compact hatchback and small SUV, the Soul combines personality, versatility, and affordability in one appealing package. The 2010 Soul will be available in four trims: Soul, Soul+, Soul!, and Soul sport. Soul+, which includes standard keyless entry remote, solar glass and 16-inch alloy wheels, will start at $14,950 and top out at $17,100 when options including the audio package and power moonroof are included. Stepping up to the excitable Soul! adds the power moonroof, fog lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels and will be priced beginning at $16,950 and peak at $17,900 with all available options included. The Soul sport includes side sills, a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, and unique front and rear fascias. The range-topping sport starts at $16,950 and ends at $18,600 with all available options included. See our preview for the full scoop on the Kia Soul , or catch our Soul coverage from the LA Auto Show where it made its official debut. Research Kia in the new car buyer’s guide .
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With all the muckraking surround federal aid to the Detroit 3, the media hasn’t dug deep into how foreign transplant factories have been subsidized with state funds. Good Jobs First reports that $3.6 billion in aid has been provided since 1980 through property and sales tax exemptions, income tax credits, infrastructure aid, land discounts, and training grants. A national policy resource center for grassroots groups and public officials, promoting corporate and government accountability in economic development, Good Jobs First says this estimate does not include joint ventures with U.S. companies, nor funds granted to hundreds of foreign-owned auto supply companies that have located in the same areas. Government-supplied subsidies include: Honda, Marysville OH, 1980, $27 million Nissan, Smyrna, TN, 1980, $233 million Toyota, Georgetown, KY, 1985, $147 million Honda, Anna, OH, 1985, $27 million* Subaru, Lafayette, IN, 1986, $94 million Honda, East Liberty, OH, 1987, $27 million BMW, Spartanburg, SC, 1992, $150 million Mercedes-Benz, Vance, AL, 1993, $258 million Toyota, Princeton, IN, 1995, $30 million Nissan, Decherd, TN, 1995, $200 million Toyota, Buffalo, WV, 1996, more than $15 million...
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The Kia Soul has made the show circuit since 2006, and it was last seen in modified form at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. (Read " SEMA – Kia Soul Burner Concept .") The production Soul made its North American debut at the LA Auto Show . Kia had about 10 examples on display, showcasing a variety of colors and a few demonstrating the aftermarket potential. The Soul looks to be case of right vehicle at the right time. A more-SUV-like alternative to the Scion xB, the charismatic Soul has instant appeal. At 162 inches, the Soul is slightly smaller than the xB, but it does have a commanding presence. It will be offered with a choice of two four-cylinder powerplants, 1.6-liter/120-horsepower and 2.0-liter/140-horsepower engines. The small engine is offered on just the base trim level. The three higher trims get the bigger, more appealing engine. Transmission offerings are a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. There is a clear progression through the trim levels, with each adding cosmetic and functional features. The base Soul includes black door handles and side mirrors, body-colored bumpers, rear wiper/washer and 15-inch steel wheels...
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Among the high-horsepower American muscle cars at the Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) show, there are a breakthrough import models that command attention. One is the Subaru Forester XTI , another is this living Hot Wheels car, the Kia Soul Burner concept. This matte-finished Soul speaks to the youth appeal Kia hopes to cultivate with its latest car, as the budget brand reaches out to youthful Scion enthusiasts. Notably, this gives a preview of the production model to be shown later this month at the LA Auto Show. The Soul Burner is really a cosmetic showpiece, with scarlet used to give the mean machine eye-catching highlights. The designs in the paint are meant to resemble dragons, though you would have to use the same child-like creativity used to see animals in cloud formations to make the connection. True modifications are minor, and mostly focused on dressing up the front end. There the bumper is equipped with L-shaped day-light LED driving lamps around the outer edges. The hood has an extra air outlet while at the rear, twin vertical exhaust pipes are placed at the extremes of the bumper and the tailgate features an asymmetrical license-plate and release handle...
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