2013 Optima SX Limited

2013 Optima SX Limited

The new 2013 Optima SX Limited has made its way to our dealership, and they sure are gorgeous! The SXL is a fully loaded version of the already luxurious Optima SX. The SXL features stylish embellishments such as LED running lights located on top of its fog lamps, chrome accents on the lower door trims and rear spoiler, and red front brake calipers. The door panels, center console and seats are embellished by Napa leather, and the door trim, shift knob, and steering wheel are adorned by genuine wood trim. The SXL is only offered in three colors; Snow White Pearl, Titanium Silver and Ebony Black.

When viewing the inside of the SXL, you will see that it looks more upscale compared to other Optima models. The cabin provides a welcoming and prestigious feel. The SXL is offered with the standard equipment’s such as the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and heated and cooled front seats. Aside from those, the SX Limited is also equipped with metal pedals, an Infinity audio system with speakers, as well as a navigation system. New to the 2013 is electronic parking brake technology.

The Optima SX Limited has more equipped features than you would find on any other Optima. If the outside and inside of the Limited put you in awe, check out what’s under the hood! The Limited is powered by a 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Kia Optima SX. This engine is capable of producing 274 horses and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission as well as the sport-tuned suspension used on the Limited was also sourced from the SX. Due to this, the Optima's class-leading fuel economy ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway are also present in the SXL.

The KIA Optima SX Limited has become one of the most admired vehicles out there due to its abundance of features and gorgeous look. Come in today, take it for a test drive, and see what all the talk is about!

Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!

Six tips for better fuel economy

Last week, we posted about the Kia Optima Hybrid being the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the lowest fuel consumption. One of the driver's of the winning Optima Hybrid, Wayne Gerdes, has shared his six driving tips for better fuel economy. No matter what kind of car you have you can use these tips to get better fuel economy.

1. Be Smooth
Accelerating quickly and breaking heavily can reduce fuel economy by as much as 33% on the highway, and 10% around town- so think ahead and anticipate the most appropriate speed and drive smoothly.

2. Don't idle
Consider shutting down your vehicle's engine if stopped in traffic for a lengthy period. A modern, fuel-injected engine consumes less than seven seconds worth of fuel on restart.

3. Cut down on gadgets
Running mechanical and electrical accessories decreases fuel economy. Roof racks and trailers spoil the aerodynamics. Operating the air-conditioner on its maximum setting can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%.

4. Maintain your vehicle
A poorly tuned engine burns more fuel, so fuel economy will suffer. Improperly aligned steering, under-inflated tires and poorly adjusted (binding) brakes can all contribute to lowering fuel economy.

5. Plan your trip
Frequent short trips and cold weather can really affect fuel economy. Don't leave your engine running to warm up before setting off. Drive to your furthest destination first and then stop at the closer destinations on your way back. This will ensure the car is warmed up for longer portions of your drive.

6. Don't speed
The faster you drive, the harder your vehicle has to work. Aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) increases significantly with speed and drag increases fuel consumption.

Introducing the 2012 Kia Rio Hatchback

Consumer Reports just wrote a great article to introduce the new 2012 Kia Rio Hatchback! The Rio will start at $13,600. The Rio's fuel economy is estimated at 29 city/39 highway, which is aided by the new stop/start technology; if the car is stoped for more than a few seconds the engine is shut off. Take a look at the article and let us know what you think of the new Rio!!

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/09/pricing-2012-kia-rio-hatchback-starts-under-14000.html

The 2011 Kia Optima is here!!!!

Talk about a change...the 2011 Kia Optima has quickly become one of our favorite vehicles around the dealership. For those who have driven it, no one can deny the amount of horse power this model pocesses. I found a review in the LA Times, and I do not know if I agree with their assessment of the seat cushions, but I wanted to share a review.

Stay tuned for next week, there will be a guest blogger who shares their experience with the 2011 Kia Optima.

2011 Kia Optima drives toward top of its class

Green Maintenance Tips

You can save money and energy-and wear and tear on your vehicle-with proper care and maintenance. Here are the items that most affect fuel economy.

Motor oil. Top off and change oil as necessary with KIA Motors recommended grade, "energy conserving" motor oils. Doing so can improve fuel economy by up to 2 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Replacing conventional oils with synthetics may offer even greater fuel economy benefits. Check with your Service Advisor for more details on the difference in your oil.

Air filters. Make sure you change your air filter at the end of its recommended lifespan. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve a vehicle's gas mileage by up to 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Engine performance. Enhance fuel economy performance by having engines tuned and spark plugs replaced according to KIA Motors recommended schedule. A single misfiring spark plug can cut fuel economy by up to 4 percent, according to the EPA.

Brakes. Improperly maintained brakes can result in unwanted drag. This unnecessary resistance can have the same effect as driving with a foot on the brake pedal: a dramatic drop in fuel economy.

Warning lights for Service Engine Soon or Check Engine. Ignoring these indicators may result in poor fuel economy performance and require expensive repairs. For example, a warning light may indicate a faulty oxygen sensor is sending more fuel to the engine than necessary, which can result in a 40 percent fuel economy decline. A warning light could also indicate a faulty thermostat, which can prevent a cold engine from reaching its normal operating temperature resulting in the unnecessary injection of fuel.

Tire wear. Replacing worn tires with a KIA Motors recommended size and style can save hundreds of dollars a year. To improve fuel economy performance, consider low rolling-resistance replacement tires.

Tire inflation pressure. Keeping tires inflated to at least the KIA Motors recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 3 percent, according to the EPA. Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll, meaning more fill-ups.

Unnecessary items that add weight to the vehicle. Unnecessary weight lowers fuel economy; remove heavy items from your trunk and back seat.

Evaporative emission controls. Poorly operating evaporative emission controls can fail to capture gasoline vapors and recycle them to the fuel tank. Faulty controls waste gas and degrade air quality.

Transmission. Properly operating modern transmissions and drive components are critical to vehicle fuel economy performance. Routinely check proper fluid levels and system operation.

Call 850-576-2116 to schedule your green maintenace check-up with us today and start saving money on fuel cost.

6 Green Driving Tips

At KIA AutoSport we care about you and your vehicle.

With the price of gas on the rise we wanted to provide you with a few Green Driving Tips that if used will increase your gas mileage.

1) Avoid quick starts and aggressive driving. A smooth, steady speed saves gasoline and reduces wear and tear on the engine, tires, transmission and brakes.

2) Slow down! Fuel economy decreases about 1% for each mph over 55. Driving 65 mph vs. 75 miles mph, for example, increases fuel economy by about 10%.

3) Use overdrive and cruise control. Overdrive gears slow engine speeds, saving gasoline and reducing wear. By helping to maintain a constant speed, cruise control reduces gasoline consumption. Use both features only when safe and appropriate.

4) Combine trips when possible. Your engine runs more efficiently once it's warmed up, so avoid making multiple short trips. Stop-and-go driving also burns more gasoline. Avoid driving during rush hour whenever you can.

5) Reduce drag. Remove roof racks and other items from your vehicle when you're not using them.

6) Avoid unnecessary idling. In addition to contributing to engine wear and tear and air pollution, consider that when your vehicle is idling, you are getting 0 miles per gallon of gasoline you use.

Those tips should get you a little further on a tank of gas. Check our blog regularly and we'll have our Green Maintenance Tips posted later on this week and remember at KIA AutoSport we're always having a great day!