Technology in the Kia Soul and Kia Sportage
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.
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Kia Niro the Game-Changer for Eco Warriors
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.
Kia Sorento, the Crossover SUV Contender
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.
Kia Optima Is a Great Mid-Size Sedan
The Kia Optima has been a strong contender in the mid-size sedan market for a number of years, thanks to its competitive pricing and ride quality. Last year, the automaker completely redesigned the exterior and refined the interior with the 2016 Kia Optima, available today at Classic Kia, your Kia dealership serving Gurnee, IL.
The new Kia Optima is styled to appear more angular and sleek, but keeps many of the cues of the previous body style. The front grill is slimmer, and its headlights more pointed as they near the wheels, and other accents which busied the body before have been eliminated, giving the whole car a much cleaner, more sophisticated look. The interior has also undergone a face lift, and the new layout has the low-key, straight-forward design cues you would expect from a German car – straight to the point, but not lacking on features.
On our lots at Classic Kia, we currently have 2016 Kia Optima vehicles outfitted at the LX and LX Turbo trim levels. The Kia Optima LX comes equipped with a 2.4 liter, inline 4 engine that is capable of 185 horsepower with 178 lb.-ft. of torque driven by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Kia Optima LX Turbo, on the other hand, offers a 1.6 liter, turbocharged inline 4 engine that gets a slightly diminished 178 hp, but with up to 195 lb.-ft. of torque for noticeably improved acceleration. In addition, the LX Turbo runs on a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Neither trim level skimps on the tech features, with rear-camera displays offered in both the LX and LX Turbo.
If you’re in the market for a mid-sized sedan, be sure to check out a new Kia Optima at Classic Kia, your Kenosha Kia dealership.
Kia Soul, or So Long, Dancing Hamsters!
You may know the Kia Soul for its long-running ad campaign featuring anthropomorphic hamsters more than for the car itself. From its arrival in 2008, the Kia Soul was marketed as a unique car that breaks from the general design cues of other vehicles on the road, and highlighting that were hamsters, trading in wire wheels, stuck in stationary positions on highways and city streets, for, well, Kia Souls. After years of new iterations of the “hamsters-driving-cars” concept, however, the 2017 Kia Soul has completely done away with the ad campaign, and we at Classic Kia are glad that this practical and fun car is reaching out to a more grown-up audience.
The new Kia Soul is unique. Boxier than most any other car on the road, the body style is reminiscent of ‘80s hatchbacks, but with modern lines and curves in the molding around its wheels and in the shape of its lights and windows. But that boxy style doesn’t just stand out, it adds more headroom to the rear and storage space in the trunk.
For 2017, Kia decided to add a 3rd engine configuration to the Kia Soul. Now, drivers can choose from a standard 1.6 liter four-cylinder, capable of 130-hp, a 2.0 liter four capable of 161-hp, or the all-new 1.6-liter turbo, capable of 201-hp with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. This new engine configuration helped push Car and Driver magazine to award the 2017 Kia Soul in their annual 10Best list. Add in top safety ratings from the IIHS and the NHTSA, and you’ll understand why we at Classic Kia are so ready to recommend this great car to our customers in Gurnee, IL and Kenosha, WI.
But, if you’re not sold, be sure to come check out our selection of pre-owned Kia cars for comparison. You’re always welcome at Classic Kia dealership in Waukegan, IL.
The Crossover Charm of the Kia Sportage
In the last few years, the American car market has been flooded with crossover options – cars that are somewhere between compact hatchbacks and mid-sized SUVs. The problem is, a lot of them are boring. Not so with the Kia Sportage.
The Kia Sportage has styling that doesn’t follow the pack of crossovers currently on the market. Its front grill, separated from its headlights, exude a sort of toothy game-face that stands out from the competition and adds personality. Its fog lights are also more pronounced and uniquely styled, with quad LED lamps optional. From first glance, the Kia Sportage looks more like a vehicle that is down for adventure than its competitors, which all riff on the same, capable-but-respectable theme.
That sense of fun doesn’t just show itself in the exterior styling. Look inside, and you’ll find a tasteful, non-busy interior that Car and Driver compares to some of the biggest luxury brands. Come 2017’s models, the all-new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be available to ensure that you always have the best tunes and tech in your new car.
But let’s not forget what’s under the hood. The Kia Sportage comes equipped with either a FWD or an AWD drivetrain in two engine configurations, a 2.4-liter or a turbocharged 2.0-liter capable of putting out 240 hp. In any of these configurations, the Kia Sportage can do what other crossovers often fail to – it can feel like a car rather than an SUV.
It’s the end of the year, and the weather isn’t getting better anytime soon. Now is the perfect time to head to Classic Kia, whether you’re from Gurnee, Kenosha, or in our backyard in Waukegan, and check out the Kia Sportage.
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.
The Importance of Oil Changes in Cold Weather
For Waukegan drivers who experience single digit temperatures during the winter, their vehicle’s oil and filter take on an even greater importance than they might think. Oil that’s too thin will not provide sufficient protection to your engine. At Classic Kia, we want you to be knowledgeable about your car’s maintenance in order to keep it running for longer. Here is everything you need to know about cold weather and your car’s oil.
Why is an Oil Change Important?
Engine oil lubricates your engine and protects it from corrosion, rust, and debris that can accumulate. It also drastically decreases the heat generated by the moving components by forming a protective coating over the moving metal parts, which decreases the coefficient of friction. Additionally, your vehicle’s oil contains critical additives that work as detergents to clean the engine by keeping the dirt and debris from settling into the moving parts.
Proper Lubrication
Many experts recommend switching over to thinner oil if you live in temperatures that drop below freezing. This is because the cold months can make your oil thicker, not allowing it to properly lubricate the engine and all components properly.
Remember the Oil Filter
It is also critical to change your oil and air filters. These filters keep minute debris out between oil changes and will keep your engine cleaner for a longer period of time.
If you need to schedule an oil and filter change before the temperatures hit, contact the Classic Kia car service and parts department by calling 844-921-2839 today. Or, you can stop by our dealership conveniently located at 425 North Green Bay Road.
How to Protect Your Car from Hail from Classic Kia
Waukegan, IL drivers are no strangers to hazardous wintery conditions. But that doesn’t mean they know how to properly shield their car from hail. The impact of these fast-moving ice balls can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Classic Kia is here to help, providing some innovative ideas on how to protect your vehicle from hail this winter.
Raid Your Linen Closet
If you don’t have access to a garage or carport, cover your new Kia vehicle with thick blankets, comforters, or large towels to protect it from the onslaught of hail. The more layers you add, the better.
Find Nearby Parking Garages
If you’re on the road frequently or travel for work, use your GPS to find the nearest parking garage to ride out the storm safely.
Grab Your Floor Mats
If you’re caught in a violent hail storm and cannot find cover immediately, put your floor mats on the roof and hood of your car. While the mats won’t cover the vehicle entirely, they will protect it from some nasty paint or glass damage.
Take Cover
Investing in an anti-hail cover to keep in your car is a great idea. There are a number of sizes to choose from that cater to every vehicle.
If your vehicle does suffer from exterior damage, Classic Kia is here to help. Our parts and service department can fix your ride in a jiffy. Contact us by calling 844-921-2839 today or visiting our dealership located at 425 North Green Bay Road. We look forward to helping you this winter season!
The Benefits of Winter Tires from Classic Kia
If you live in an area that suffers from winter weather hazards, such as Waukegan, IL, you may want to consider investing in a set of winter tires. Also referred to as snow tires, winter tires can provide you with a plethora of benefits during the cold season. Classic Kia is your number one source for snow tires at our Kia service department and wants to provide you with some additional information on these winter must-haves for your car.
Advantages of Winter Tires
Driving on icy roads can be dangerous. You need to arm yourself with tires that can tackle ice, sleet, and snow. Here are some advantages of winter tires:
- The tread design and tread compounds are manufactured to perform specifically for cold weather conditions, providing you with better traction.
- The biting edges also provide better grip on winter roads.
- Installing winter tires will extend the life of your summer or all season tires.
- They provide better braking capabilities on cold snow, ice, or slush covered roads.
Why You Should Purchase Snow Tires
To maintain optimum safety in your vehicle, it’s best to purchase winter tires in a set of four as oppose to only replacing one or two at a time. This is true for all vehicle drive types, including front wheel, all wheel, and rear wheel.
Classic Kia can equip your car with the proper type of winter tires before the ice and snow hit. Call our parts and service department today at 844-921-2839 or visit our dealership located at 425 North Green Bay Road today to get an upgrade.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.