NHTSA Gives 2015 Kia Forte 5-Star Safety Rating

2015 Kia Forte

The Kia Forte may be a compact sedan but it’s a compact sedan you can feel safe it! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this month gave the 2015 Forte a 5-star overall safety rating. That’s 5-stars for side impact tests and 4-stars in frontal and rollover tests. Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning at Kia Motors America, says, “We are extremely proud of the engineering that went into the second-generation Forte, and NHTSA’s testing has validated that effort with this 5-Star rating.” For more details on the NHTSA rating read the entire Kia press release here.

Kia/Hyundai Dominate List of Least Expensive Vehicles to Maintain

2014 Kia Rio, one of the least expensive 2014 models to maintain (MSN Autos)

If you needed another reason to consider a Hyundai this may be the one that gets you to seriously consider buying one of the Korean company’s vehicles. Hyundai, along with its sister brand, Kia (Hyundai Motors owns nearly 38% of Kia Motors) can claim seven of the top twenty spots on MSN Autos’ list of the 2014 models least expensive to maintain! That fact, combined with the manufacturer’s and Butler’s combined powertrain warranty of 20 years/200,000 miles makes it nearly impossible to ignore either brand! See which Hyundai and Kia models made the list below. Then follow this link to see the entire list.

1. Hyundai Accent
7. Kia Rio
8. Kia Forte Koup
9. Kia Forte
16. Kia Soul
19. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
20. Kia Cadenza

Source: http://t.autos.msn.com/

Kia Hotbot Gets Animated

We were first introduced to the Kia “hotbot” during a 2013 SuperBowl commercial when a sexy female robot put an overly touchy-feely Forte fan in his place. Now, the “hotbot” is back, but this time she’s animated. The newest commercials feature a series of brief, humorous scenarios inviting viewers to “Respect the Tech”, a nod to the technologically advanced 2014 Forte. Here’s a look. The original “hotbot” ads are at the bottom.

Play Kia’s ‘Techathlete Games’ and Prove You’re Worthy

The technology-packed 2014 Kia Forte

If you saw the robot-strewn commercial for the 2014 Kia Forte during this year’s Super Bowl you’re already making the connection between the Forte and technology (If you didn’t see it watch the second video below).  But Kia wants you to go one step further, and have fun doing it!  Thus, the “Kia Forte Techathlete Games”, a series on on-line challenges designed to – and we use the term loosely – prove you’re worthy of a Forte.  Watch the first video below for an introduction to the games.  Then click here to play.  Don’t worry, there’s no hot bot keeping track.  But there are cool prizes!

Welcome, Kia Forte 5-Door, to Chicago!

 

The all-new Kia Forte 5-door hatchback

It’s fitting that Kia would choose an event in the Windy City at which to unleash the winds of change in the form of the 2014Forte 5-door hatchback.  The compact being displayed at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show this week is offered in two trim levels, the base EX and the turbocharged SX, a first for the Korean auto maker.  The hatchback’s debut closely follows that of the all-new Kia Forte sedan in L.A. last year.  “We received very positive feedback after the all-new Forte sedan made its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, and we expect the all-new Forte 5-door will build upon that success,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communication at KMA.  “The combination of a useful hatchback for carrying cargo and the sportiness of the turbocharged SX trim make the all-new Forte 5-door a dual threat in the segment.”

The base EX comes standard withUVO eServices with rear camera display, Bluetooth wireless technology, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, FlexSteer, tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows, LED headlights, and 16-inch alloy wheels.  The SX model adds another two inches to the wheels, dual chorme exhaust tips and LED tail lights.  Options on both include navigation with HD Radio, sunroof, heated steering wheel, heated/cooled seats, SmartKey push-button start, and dual zone automatic climate control.  Kia describes the Forte 5-door’s appearance as “distinctly European” with a “chiseled body” and “sophisticated” profile.  And, yes, this is a Kia we’re talking about.  The “winds of change”, indeed!

The Kia Forte 5-door is expected to go on sale in Fall of 2013.  To read the official Kia Motors America press release click here.

Kia Aims to Make a “Flash” at SEMA

A couple weeks ago we told you about the eight superhero-inspired vehicles Kia’s created along with DC Entertainment and Rides Magazine.  Each vehicle embodies the personality of one of the members of “The Justice League” of DC Comics fame.  First came the Batman-inspired Kia Optima SX.  Now, word is a Flash-inspired Kia Forte Coup will debut at SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show, in Las Vegas this week.  All we have in the way of visual aids is the photo above but you can see the colors match Flash’s red and yellow uniform and sport his signature lightning bolt.

The superhero cars are designed to raise publicity for DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” campaign to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa.  Look for vehicles inspired by Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Cyborg to show up at SEMA, as well.  To view the rest of the lineup visit http://wot.motortrend.com/kia-justice-league-concepts-celebrate-halloween-at-2012-sema-show-283273.html. The festivities kick off today, Tuesday, October 30, 2012.