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One of the most exciting things about new cars today is the array of technology features available to make every ride more comfortable and fun. In 2017, two of the biggest new features are Android Auto™ and Apple Carplay™. Both features come standard in the new 2017 Kia Sportage and 2017 Kia Soul available at Classic Kia, your Kia dealer serving Gurnee, IL, and Kenosha, WI. Android Auto™ and Apple Carplay™ offer smartphone users control of their device when it’s plugged into the car over a USB cable. When plugged in, your phone will charge while the center console and voice activation features in the car enable you to send a text, make a call, or even talk to Siri™ using your phone’s native apps. We will note that talking to Siri™ won’t work on Android Auto™ as well as it does in Apple Carplay™, for anyone that may be confused. In all seriousness, one of the best things about both platforms is the ability to use your phone’s navigation app through your car’s large, built-in display. Technology in cars today isn’t only about better navigation or access to music streaming. A lot of the newest features use cutting edge technology to improve your awareness and keep you safer on the road. In this category of tech, the 2017 Kia Sportage has the upper hand. The new 2017 Kia Sportage comes with an available Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system. The AEB system uses sensors to monitor the vehicles ahead of you on the road, and will apply the brakes automatically if you’re suddenly too close to the car in front. As a system like that could be annoying if overly liberal, the AEB system is calibrated to act in instances when you may not have the reaction time or awareness to do so. So, it can’t avoid collisions every time, but it will reduce the impact. In addition to these two cars, there are plenty of pre-owned Kia cars available to check out at Classic Kia, your Kia dealership in northern Illinois.

If you haven’t heard, there’s a new crossover hybrid on the market, and it’s a Kia car. Available in Waukegan, IL, at Classic Kia, the 2017 Kia Niro is an all-new, exclusively hybrid crossover that’s already got people talking, thanks to a hilarious Superbowl ad campaign featuring Melissa McCarthy. In the ads, which you can watch here, Melissa McCarthy is simply trying to enjoy the comforts and charms of the new Kia Niro, but is called over hands-free Bluetooth to help a series of environmental causes, from saving the whales to hugging trees, with over-the-top, slapstick results. As you’d expect from McCarthy, the whole spot is chuckle-inducing, and a great welcome to a wonderful new car. Smaller than the 2017 Kia Sportage, the roomy 2017 Kia Niro is a refreshing entry into the hybrid market thanks to its straight-forward, SUV styling. The signature tiger-nose grill graces the front-end of the crossover, as with the other members of the Kia line-up. Thankfully, that straight-forward design carries over into the engineering department as well, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Sport mode that helps the Kia Niro feel more akin to a non-hybrid crossover than to cars with similar mileage ratings. Speaking of mileage, the Kia Niro achieves an impressive 52 mpg in the city. And though the engineers did what they could to shave off extra pounds to improve fuel economy, there is no lack of features available in the Kia Niro, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As the 2017 Kia Niro is a brand new member to the Kia family, we are in short supply here at Classic Kia, your Kia dealer serving Gurnee and Kenosha, WI. Be sure to give us a visit and check out our supply of pre-owned Kia cars while you’re at it.

Don’t count out the 2017 Kia Sorento when you’re considering a new Kia car. This mid-size SUV, which can be equipped with seating for five or seven-passengers, is a car that can do it all in understated, rugged style. Best of all, the new Kia Sorento has the power to keep up with the competition and keep a smile on your face. The 2017 Kia Sorento can be equipped with one of three different engines, depending on which trim level you choose.  The stock engine is a 2.4-liter inline-four, that achieves 185-hp and up to 178 lb.-ft. of torque. The largest of the three is a 3.3-liter V6. That engine, available in every trim level, produces 290 hp with up to 252 lb.-ft. of torque. Finally, there’s the turbocharged option, a 2.0-liter inline-four, that pushes 240-hp and actually beats the V6 in raw “oompf,” with a top output of 260 lb.-ft. of torque. All that car is wrapped in an understated, attractive exterior. Sporty, but not flashy, the design cues mask the size of the car, and no one element is clamoring to be noticed. Put together, the headlights, signature Kia “Tiger Nose” grill, foglamps, and curves offer one of the most harmonious designs in the mid-size SUV segment. Looking inside, the central control panel, steering wheel, and instrument panel follow suit, and offer an intuitive, appealing layout. There are plenty of options to make the new Kia Sorento a perfect fit for you, including enhanced safety features like a Surround View Monitor and Autonomous Emergency Braking, which add to its title of “Top Safety Pick” by IIHS. You can check out models with a range of options today at Classic Kia, your Kia dealer serving Gurnee, IL.

Waukegan, Gurnee, and Kenosha drivers in the market for hybrids that won’t break the bank should start getting excited about the all-new Kia Niro. To be released in early 2017, the Kia Niro will be a crossover sized between the currently available 2017 Kia Soul and 2017 Kia Sportage, and equipped with a hybrid drivetrain system built from the ground-up to compete against the top players in the market. The 2017 Kia Niro represents a major step in the brand’s plan to triple its green car lineup by 2020, as the company’s first hybrid-only vehicle. Rather than adding hybrid or electric drivetrains to existing vehicle builds, the Kia Niro was designed from the ground-up to achieve maximum fuel efficiency while minimizing some of the quirks of green vehicles. Rather than the typical CVT usually found in hybrids, the Kia Niro will rock a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that should feel more familiar and responsive to drivers of non-hybrid vehicles. To keep weight to a minimum, the engineers used a high-strength steel in various parts of the car’s frame, as well as aluminum where possible. The result is a vehicle that feels and looks more like a typical crossover than an eco-conscious statement. Kia Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System) will be included to help future Kia Niro owners squeeze the most out of their gas tanks. Two main features of the Driver Assistance System are the Coasting Guide and Predictive Energy Control, which coach drivers about when to coast or brake, and will anticipate the elevation changes of the road ahead to manage energy flow more efficiently, respectively. Though we’re still awaiting official pricing and release dates, be sure to keep an eye out for more on the 2017 Kia Niro from Classic Kia, your Kia dealer in Waukegan, IL.

For over 25 years, the Classic Auto Group family has been offering superb new and certified pre-owned vehicles to the drivers of Waukegan, IL and the surrounding areas. Classic Kia is proud to stock innovative cars boasting the latest safety features, such as the all-new 2017 Kia Sedona, which was just awarded the lauded 2016 Top Safety Pick by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Already a show stopper due to its elegant design, the 2017 Kia Sedona now features available autonomous emergency braking, a system that helps to avoid forward crashes by warning you of an impending forward collision and then automatically applying the brakes if no action is taken. On top of that, the 2017 Kia Sedona also offers an advanced driver assisted system, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, dynamic bending lights, smart cruise control, a UVO3 e-System with added smart phone connectivity, available front and rear park assist, a rear camera, leather trim, and smart key entry. This amazing award is even more impressive due to the rigorous new testing standards put in place by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety this year. In order to achieve this rating, vehicles must earn “good” ratings in five crash-worthiness tests, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints. They must also achieve an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention. The addition of AEB lifts the minivan's front crash prevention rating from “basic” to “superior.” If you want to take this award-winning vehicle on a test-drive for yourself, simply call Classic Kia today at 844-921-2809. We look forward to hearing from you!

The new 2016 Kia Soul Buying your first car can be a great source of panic for many. But the dealers at Classic Kia, the most trusted Waukegan, IL Kia dealer in the area, are here to lend a little friendly advice, as well as a helping hand. Our First Time Buyers Program is designed for those with little or no credit who are ready to embark on the purchase of their very first vehicle. Our loan features manageable terms and low rates, and it's a great way to help you start establishing a superb credit history. more We Make it Simple to Get Up to Speed Our Kia finance center experts are ready and willing to help you drive your first new Kia Soul or any other model off of our lot. We understand that planning is important when it comes to buying your first vehicle, and that knowledge is power. Our friendly loan professionals are seasoned lending experts and can easily guide you through many of your auto buying selections. First Time Car Buying Tips Here are some tips for buying your first car. Establish a realistic budget – This figure is based on what you can afford every month. The last thing you want is to be broke from auto loan payments, so establish a budget before you buy. Know what you’re looking for – We make it easy to find the car of your dreams! Our vast online inventory of new and used vehicles is the perfect place to start your search. Take a test-drive – It’s important to know you feel confident behind the wheel. Contact our sales department by calling us to set up a test-drive today! If you’re considering buying your first car, check out our First Time Buyer Program for great rates! We look forward to working with you soon!

At Classic Kia, we believe in forward-thinking and keeping up with the newest trends. That's part of what keeps us passionate about our Kia cars, which embody the latest technological developments. We love sharing what's new with our inventory, and our Waukegan, IL Kia car dealership is seeing the Kia Soul make headlines once again. more The 2016 Kia Soul stands out in our inventory as a more affordable option. With an attractive design that turns heads, impressive standard features, and cargo versatility, it's both a practical and stylish choice. At the base, it comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 130 horsepower and 118 lb-ft. of torque. However, there's a useful option to upgrade that with the Soul+ and Soul!, which offer a stronger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for a more impressive 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque. Engine choice aside, the car offers a surprising amount of legroom, especially for companions in the back. Additionally, the Soul+ includes upgraded cloth upholstery, a 12-volt power outlet, keyless entry, and foglights. Furthermore, there's an opportunity to into the Audio package, which opens up the availability of automatic climate control, leather accents on certain elements, a useful 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with an HD radio, and a premium eight-speaker Infinity audio system. The Kia Soul, as well as the Kia Rio, Kia Forte, and Kia Sorento, starred at VidCon 2016, which celebrates the online video community and producers. The Kia Lounge provided con attendees with tools to improve their content creation, opportunities to take a quiz, and to lend their voice to a collaborative music video. We're very excited to see the Kia brand at the forefront of cool and hip. For the latest from our Waukegan, IL Kia car dealership, visit our convenient location to learn more from our friendly experts.

Sometimes, even after a car's been initially released, it gets second wind thanks to new branding. Although the 2016 Kia Optima is far from needing a helpful overhaul, Kia company's talented marketers expanded its campaign, highlighting what it has to offer. We've previously looked at the Kia Optima release showing at SEMA, an auto trade show in Las Vegas last year, but the new campaign revitalizes the great features the car has to offer at our Waukegan Kia car dealership. more Kia Motors America unleashed the next phase of its marketing campaign for the all-new 2016 Kia Optima, which changes up the formula not only in comparison to its predecessor, but in the sedan look. The car's European sports-sedan look stands out among vehicles in its class. The new campaign entails Academy Award-winning actor Christopher Walken narrating two half-minute commercials, presenting the 2016 Kia Optima as a "defiant midsize masterpiece" among other epithets. This campaign expands on the previous advertising, which started with a "next level" series, which starred the NBA player Blake Griffin. The upcoming Super Bowl 50 will also feature a 60-second spot that showcases the car's value. The 2016 Kia Optima offers lots of choices to get customers exactly what they want. There are three engine choices, one of which being a powerful 1.6-l turbocharged four-cylinder, coming with a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Its refined, premium interior has European styling and offers plenty of room, standard across all of its five trims. Keep an eye out on the new adverts featuring the new 2016 Kia Optima, especially during Super Bowl 50, which is coming up. We hope you're as excited as we are for this edition to our new Kia car inventory. Make sure to check out the Classic Kia directions page to plan your visit to see the new Kia Optima in person!

For years, residents of the Waukegan area have turned to Classic Kia for their automotive researching, purchasing, maintenance and repair needs. We’ve been there for every purchase, every question, and every repair, and we do it all to keep our customers happy and on the road. At Classic Kia, our top priority is making sure our customers drive away from our dealership feeling satisfied with the attentive, detail-oriented service that we pride ourselves on providing for our Gurnee, Libertyville and Kenosha drivers. We listen to you, we care about what you want, and we strive to make sure your customer service experience feels tailored to you. We’re so grateful that our hard work has paid off, and our customers continue to be happy with the repair and maintenance services we deliver. Because of your satisfaction, 2015 was an incredible year for us. For the year, Classic Kia service was ranked within the top 100 stores, #40 nationally, and #1 in the district. On behalf of our entire Classic Kia staff, we want to say thank you for helping us achieve these incredible accomplishments, highlighting the highest customer service rating in our service department with Kia in the entire district. We could not have done this without you – you gave us the chance to show you how much we appreciate your business, and we hope to continue serve you and your vehicle in any way we can. We’re eager to continue to make incredible strides in our service department this year to exceed your expectations. We’re constantly working to improve and excel, and it’s all for our customers who keep coming back and for those who have yet to experience our incredible service. We hope to see you soon so we can provide you with the Classic Kia service you deserve!

We love how the Kia brand continues to innovate and redefine the car market. With each new invention, we get closer to a safer, driver-and-passerby friendlier environment. For instance, we've recently looked at how Kia is redefined the CUV, ushering in the stylish, new 2017 Kia Sportage. Our Waukegan, IL Kia car dealership continues to stay on top with the latest happenings, this time, technology news. more "DRIVE WISE" is a new sub-brand under Kia Motors. Announced at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, this new technology is bridging today's cars to smarter, more automated vehicles of the future. Currently developing, DRIVE WISE aims to increase safety on the road with intelligent technologies. Kia's goal is to have partially autonomous cars by 2020 and introduce fully autonomous vehicles by 2030. Show attendees had an opportunity to experience some of this firsthand thanks to Kia's exhibit and interactive displays. DRIVE WISE will primarily help on the road by reacting and anticipating road conditions and hazards, in effect helping the driver enjoy the drive with less worry. There are several aspects that DRIVE WISE encompasses: Highway Autonomous Driving, which uses radar and car camera to detect highway lanes; Urban Autonomous Driving uses GPS to better navigate in accordance to traffic; Preceding Vehicle Following detects how close the car is to the vehicle in front of it and adjusts; Emergency Stop System looks out to see if the driver is too distracted and may pull the vehicle to an off-lane if needed. In addition, the system will facilitate interaction with the car with new functions like gestures, fingerprint sensors and better smartphone connectivity. Classic Kia is extremely excited to learn about these new technologies coming in the future to our favorite new Kia cars. We hope that you'll give our team a chance to share in on this passion with you in person; you can start planning your visit by checking out the Hours & Directions page to our Kia dealership serving near Gurnee.

Happy 2016! We hope our readers have spent an excellent holiday season and a safe, enjoyable New Year's Eve. We here at Classic Kia, Waukegan, IL, are looking forward to sharing more new Kia car news with you over this year. We've left off 2015 with a closer look at the 2016 Kia Soul, a spacious, stylish Kia selection. This time, we're looking onward to a promising new model: the 2017 Kia Sportage. more Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new 2017 Kia Sportage offers a new look at the traditional CUV. A fourth generation CUV, it switches up the design to take the car to the next level. Sporting a more sturdy structure, Kia Sportage has a new suspension and advanced driver assistance systems. It's also the first Kia car to offer several multimedia features free of charge. Premium materials and Kia's highest craftsmanship reflect in a higher stature of the vehicle. This is very visible on the car's exterior, which received fairly significant refinements over its predecessor. On the inside, Kia Sportage's new interior drives a fashionable impression with clear lines and modern design. It strikes a balance between its higher and lower parts. The top is about informing the driver via an instrument panel and a new touchscreen which is slightly angled to the driver. The lower part operates the dual-zone climate system and audio controls, among others. By increasing exterior dimensions, the 2017 Kia Sportage offers increased passenger and cargo spaces in comparison to the 2016 model. The 2017 Kia Sportage will be available at the same trim levels as its predecessor: LX, EX, and SX Turbo. We hope you're as excited about the new 2017 Kia Sportage as we are! For some other models from our Kia dealership serving near Gurnee, check out the 2016 Kia Sorento or the 2016 Kia Optima.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has issued its first list of recommended used vehicles for teens, and the Kia Optima car is on it. IIHS is known for its ratings of new vehicles, but we all know that a new car isn’t cheap. Used cars may be the way to go, especially for your new driver. Classic Kia in Waukegan has the right used car for you and your teen. more The aim of the new report is to get teen drivers behind safe, affordable used vehicles. According to a phone survey conducted on behalf of IIHS, 83 percent of parents who said they bought a vehicle for their children said they bought a used car. With that in mind, the IIHS compiled a list of affordable used vehicles that meet important safety criteria for teen drivers.   IIHS made its choices based on for main criteria: Lower horsepower. Powerful engines can tempt teens. Bigger, heavier vehicles. Larger vehicles provide better protection in a crash. Electronic stability control. ESC helps drivers maintain control of the vehicle on curves and slippery roads and reduces risk on a level comparable to seat belts. Best safety ratings. The vehicle should have the best ratings possible from the IIHS and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests. In IIHS’ survey of parents, the mean purchase price for a teen’s vehicle was about $9,800. The recommend list is broken up into two categories of used cars: those starting at less than $20,000 and those starting at less than $10,000.   “Our advice to parents would be to remember the risks teens take and consider paying a little more,” stated Ann McCartt, IIHS vice president for research, in the news release.   The IIHS recommends a 2011 Kia Optima or newer. The Optima brand was completely redesigned in 2011 and is considered by many critics to be one of the best looking, best driving, and most value packed midsize care on the market. Our car experts at Classic Kia near Gurnee are ready to show you the great pre-owned Kia Optima cars on our lot, so come on in with your teen for a test drive today!