The 2013 Kia Optima is loaded with standard convenience features and functionality that fit busy consumers' lifestyles. Take a peek!

Kia Optima SXL – Good Looks & Quick Moves

To follow up our review of the Kia Optima Hybrid, we decided to go in a week with a the SXL model to see how a little extra pep in that step might do it. From our review of the Hybrid I talked about not really being a fan of Kia and how the Optima was the first car in the lineup that caught my attention. By the end of that review, I was quite surprise and it was a great ride in terms of looks and experience. Will the SXL fare the same?

Style

I can't dive too into this one as the SXL looks just about the same as the Hybrid we took for a test drive. The one we had for this week was an all white model. Not really a fan of white, it looks great when it is fresh and clean, but the first hint of dirt and that off white isn't as attractive.

Just like the Hybrid, the Optima is hands down the most attractive car in the Kia lineup! The Optima has a very modern feel and the accents on the car wraps it all up in a nice little package that is just sexy. Again if you want a fashionable vehicle from Kia, the Optima should be your first pick.

Tech

Now that this will be second time kind of using the Optima line, I can say that I'm not really a fan of the Optima's center console UI. When you have a car that looks sleek, smooth, and sexy from the outside to have this UI on the inside is eh. The UI in the Optima makes me feel like I'm looking at some huge hotel which looks great on the outside, but once I get in the room it looks old and non-updated. The UI needs to be spiced up. It is functional yes, gets the job done yes, but need some visual flare to make the outside!

Other than that the SXL share many of the same features as the Hybrid we reviewed. There was the usual FM/AM, Bluetooth In/Other AUX In/ Satellite Radio, and CD. Outside of entertainment, dual climate control, and heated seats where present.

Experience

Driving the Optima SXL was quite enjoyable. Sharing many of the comfortable as the Hybrid mode, and also a snappy acceleration for this mode. The handle and ride was smooth, and though it wasn't as gas saving as the Hybrid, I still found the fuel economy pretty decent. And again this is one ride you'd be happy to show off as you travel around.

The Kia Optima SXL starts out around $26,800 but this will vary depending on your destination. It is no doubt a good looking car, average at best when it comes to it entertainment console, but overall a very nice ride.

Courtesy of Google News

NAIAS 2013: 2014 Kia Cadenza

Kia unveiled the latest version of its Cadenza premium sedan at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. It may not look it, but Kia says it is the most technologically-advanced vehicle Kia has ever introduced in North America.

The reason they think that is because it comes with stuff like Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Lane-Departure Warning System (LDWS). Deign-wise, while there is nothing wrong with the Cadenza, it is not exactly cool or pretty. In comparison, the current Hyundai Azera has a much more interesting design.

In America the car launches with one trim level and one engine, a 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine developing 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 255 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm, connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

As for the chassis and suspension, it features a sport-tuned fully independent suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a multilink rear design. The Kia Cadenza rides on standard 245/45R-18 tires while 245/40R-19 tires are included with the Technology Package.

Standard kit includes leather seat trim, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ventilation, Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and Bluetooth wireless technology. There are also two optional packages available.

There is the Premium Package, which adds a full-length panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting system (AFLS), 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, premium Nappa leather seats, a memory enabled 12-way ventilated driver’s seat with seat cushion extension for unsurpassed comfort, heated front and rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping steering column, as well as a power rear sunshade for enhanced comfort and privacy.

If you get the Technology Package, it adds 19-inch alloy wheels, electric parking brake and Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), which maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead and can bring the car to a full stop if necessary. The package also includes water repellant hydrophobic windshield, a radar-based Blind Spot Detection system (BSD) and a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) that provides audible and visual alerts to the driver should they inadvertently veer into another lane without using the turn signal.

Courtesy of  Motorward.com

Nothing is quite as calming as a ride around the block in the 2013 Kia Sorento. Take a look.