Score one for the less heralded SUV of Kia Motors of America, the Kia Sportage as it bagged the AutoPacific Inc.’s 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award. These awards are handed out depending on how a vehicle matches the car owner’s expectations and apparent the Kia Sportage was able to achieve such a feat.

“We take great pride in knowing our owners are satisfied with their vehicles and Sportage’s recognition as an ideal vehicle is a tremendous compliment,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA). “This second AutoPacific award directly reflects the satisfaction of smart, discerning Sportage owners, and this type of consumer feedback validates Kia’s commitment to providing high levels of quality, style, safety and practicality in all of our vehicles.”

Among the features that feted the Kia Sportage this award included the following:

• Passenger and Cargo Space
• Off-Road Capabilities
• Fuel Economy
• Six Airbags with full-length side curtain airbags
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service and USB and auxiliary input jacks
• 2.0-liter engine delivers impressive fuel economy at 20 mpg (city) and 25 mpg (highway)

(Source) Press

Tags: autopacific, auxiliary input, cargo space, complimentary service, consumer feedback, curtain airbags, fuel economy, input jacks, KIA, kia motors america, kia sportage, liter engine, michael sprague, mpg city, practicality, quality style, road capabilities, satellite radio, score one

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An updated and improved Chevrolet Captiva SUV was revealed in Malaysia, aiming to give the Hona CR-V and Nissan X-Trail a run for their money. This 7-seater vehicle happens to be the top of the line Captiva Diesel with an all-wheel drive. It has a 2.0 liter engine and has a 320Nm torque that promises to provide more kick for people cruising along town.

The Diesel version gets beige leather upholstery as standard, an 8-speaker sound system with MP3, USB and Bluetooth Audio support, ESP stability control with Active Rollover Protection, Hill Descent Control, and Traction Control.

Safety features for all Captivas include dual front airbags, ABS, disc brakes on all wheels and ISOFIX child seat points for the second row.

Here is the released pricing structure for the new Captiva:

• Chevrolet Captiva 2.4L AWD Petrol (Beige Interior) RM 150,306.20
• Chevrolet Captiva 2.0L AWD Diesel (Beige Interior) RM 161,442.30
• Chevrolet Captiva 2.4L AWD Petrol (Grey Interior) RM 151,332.20
• Chevrolet Captiva 2.4L FWD Petrol (Grey Interior) RM 143,124.20
• Chevrolet Captiva 2.0L FWD Diesel (Grey Interior) RM 150,982.30

(Source) Paul Tan

Tags: beige leather, chevrolet captiva, child seat, diesel version, liter engine, nissan x trail, safety features, speaker sound system, stability control

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Hyundai launches a new eco-friendly vehicle variant with the new Accent variant running on LPG. The new passenger car has been priced at Rs 533,900 which is Rs 34,900 more than its existing petrol model. It is fitted with an engine immobilizer as a standard fitment for added security.

The new Accent eco is equipped with a LPG kit and powered by a 1.5 liter engine. It has a manual transmission which should all the more balance the proper consumption of fuel important for motorists today.

With separate Petrol (45 Litre) and LPG (27.2 litre) fuel tanks, the customers has an option to choose from both LPG and petrol driving mode. The LPG tank in the Accent eco has a special ‘Toroidal’ design that allows intelligent use of space and makes for a larger luggage room available to the customer.

LPG use is nothing new for most cars today. In fact, the number of motorists who have turned towards converting to these cheaper mode of motoring. With the new Hyundai Accent, you can do away with that conversion intent since you get it packaged with an all-new vehicle expected to deliver what new vehicles normally come in.

(Source) Press

Tags: added security, consumption, conversion, engine immobilizer, fuel tanks, Hyundai Accent, liter engine, litre, lpg kit, lpg tank, manual transmission, motorists, new hyundai, new vehicles, passenger car, toroidal

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Kia is a conservative player in the auto industry and apparently three of their models have made the grade and joined MSN Autos Editors’ Top Pick List. The Kia Spectra (LX) and Rio5 were named to the “Top 10 Cars for Less Than $15,000″ list while the Rondo was the top pick for “Best Family Cars for Downsizing.” The three vehicles were lauded for offering attractive pricing on top of an impressive combination of quality, space, comfort, value and warranty.

Spectra, noted for its front and back passenger space, audio system and comprehensive warranty, meets the needs of consumers looking for the total package at a significant value. While Rio5 is the “hip younger sibling” to the Kia Spectra, according to MSN Autos, it is recognized for SIRIUS Satellite Radio, standard CD/MP3 capabilities, air conditioning and 60/40 split-folding rear seats that give way to its large hatch area. Both vehicles also achieve impressive gas mileage, Spectra with a mpg of 23/30 M/T and 24/32 A/T (city/highway), while Rio5 offers a frugal fuel economy of 27/32 M/T and 25/35 A/T.

Recognized in the “Best Family Cars for Downsizing” category that identifies those vehicles with a starting price lower than $25,000 and offers the best mix of cargo capacity, safety, reliability, features and value, Rondo is noted for its seven-passenger seating capacity along with top safety features, solid reliability, interior space and “impressive fit and finish.” Fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine is 20/27 A/T (city/highway), while the 2.7-liter V6 is 18/26 A/T.

MSN Autos developed the Editors’ Pick lists by collecting feedback from industry analysts and conducting test drives. It is the largest global network of online automotive sites, providing consumers with comprehensive research, buying and ownership services.

(Source) Press

Tags: cargo capacity, cd mp3, comprehensive research, family cars, fuel economy, gas mileage, hatch area, impressive combination, interior space, kia motors america, kia spectra, kia spectra lx, liter engine, liter v6, msn autos, passenger space, quality space, reliability features, sirius satellite radio, space comfort

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