2011 Kia Optima and Sportage Named 'Best New Model' by Kiplinger's Personal Finance

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Already the recipients of several awards and accolades, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima and 2011 Sportage were both honored recently as "Best New Model" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.  The Optima was named "Best New Car" in the $25,000-$30,000 category, while the Sportage was designated the "Best New Crossover" in the Small Crossovers category.  In addition, Kia Motors' funky urban passenger vehicle, the 2011 Soul, received a "Worth a Look" mention in the cars under $20,000 category.

"Earning 'Best New Model' awards from Kiplinger's Personal Finance for both the 2011 Optima and Sportage, as well as the 'Worth a Look' honor for Soul, reinforces the tremendous impact Kia Motors' design led transformation has had on our brand and product lineup," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "With each new product launch Kia is adding world-class styling and emotion to our award-winning vehicles while remaining true to our core principles of design, quality, safety, technology, fuel efficiency and value."

Kiplinger's Personal Finance's annual Car Buying Guide recognizes vehicles in 11 categories, ranked by price, performance, safety, roominess and driving impressions.  Kia Motors' stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan, the 2011 Optima, was selected as "Best New Car" in the $25,000 - $30,000 category for its stunning design, standard safety features, upscale amenities as well as its comfy, classy interior.  The Optima was also selected for providing consumers with a choice of three powerful and efficient powertrains, including the brand's first hybrid (available later this year).  Meanwhile, the 2011 Sportage compact CUV was selected "Best New Crossover" in the Small Crossover category for its sporty design and long list of standard convenience and safety features.  The Sportage was also selected for its combination of fun-to-drive performance and easy-on-the-wallet fuel economy.  In addition, the Soul's standout styling, interior space and overall value led to "Worth a Look" status in the cars under $20,000 category.

About the 2011 Kia Optima

Kia Motors' stylish midsize sedan advances the brand's design-led transformation with completely new and stunning design characteristics, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle.  The all-new Optima's three new powertrains – including the brand's first-ever turbo and hybrid engines (available later this year) in the U.S. – deliver a class leading combination of power(1) and fuel economy(2) while the sedan's spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities.  A recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick," the 2011 Optima is available in three trims, LX, EX and SX(3), with a starting MSRP of $18,995.(4)

The 2011 Optima has earned numerous awards and accolades including a Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" designation and Edmunds' InsideLine.com "Editors' Most Wanted(SM)" Award.  The 2011 Optima also had the highest increase in car shopper consideration following the Los Angeles Auto Show according to Edmunds.com.

About the 2011 Kia Sportage

The 2011 Sportage CUV offers image-, safety- and value-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features.  Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look.  A "2010 Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, the all-new CUV received top ratings from IIHS for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection.  Later this year, a new Sportage SX will arrive at retail showrooms featuring a powerful, efficient 2.0-liter, 256 horsepower Turbo GDI engine, unique exterior and interior features.  Available in Base, LX, EX and SX trims, the 2011 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $18,295.(5)

Kia Motors' compact CUV has earned numbers awards and accolades, including "International Truck of the Year" by ICOTY jurors, Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" designation and "Best Crossover" by Ruedas ESPN.

About the 2011 Soul

Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the dynamic compact CUV begins at $13,300 for the base trim, offering standard convenience features, including air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(6) and MP3 connectivity.

Soul has earned a trophy case full of prestigious awards and accolades since its launch, including earning a "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS, being a recipient of the "Best Family Cars for 2010" designation by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, recognized as "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, and "Best New Car for Your Teen" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com.  For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1) Class claim based on comparison of 2010 and available 2011 midsize sedans with standard 4-cylinder engine as of December 2010.  Max HP for non-turbo 2.4L GDI engine is 200 hp @ 6,300 rpm; max HP for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) 2.4L GDI engine -- the only non-turbo engine available in CA, CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NM, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT and WA -- is 192 hp @ 6,300 rpm. Max HP for 2.0L Turbo GDI engine is 274 hp @ 6,000 rpm. Turbo engine available only on EX Turbo and SX.

(2) With LX manual transmission. MPG class claim based on comparison as of December 2010 of 2010 and available 2011 EPA city/hwy mpg estimates for midsize sedans with I4, nonhybrid engines. EPA estimates for 2011 Kia Optima LX 2.4L GDI engine w/MT are 24 mpg/city and 35 mpg/hwy; for LX 2.4L GDI engine with A/T, 24 mpg/city and 34 mpg/hwy; for 2.0L Turbo GDI engine 22 mpg/city and 34 mpg/hwy. Actual mileage may vary.

(3) SX model will be available later this year.

(4) Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

(5) Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

(6) SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SIRIUS Radio requires a subscription, sold separately after 3-month trial subscription included with vehicle purchase. Prices and programming are provided by SIRIUS and are subject to change. Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms & Conditions available at sirius.com. SIRIUS Radio U.S. service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C. and Puerto Rico (with coverage limitations).

SOURCE Kia Motors America