Say Hello to the Eco-Dynamic Kia Car Line
Last week I was in San Diego for the first time being treated like a rock star. It was my very first press event with a car company and Kia Motors of America welcomed me along with 50 plus influencers into their family for a fun filled event. I arrived pretty early in San Diego for the event so I had the chance to see the fleet of cars awaiting our arrival.
Photo Credit: Cielo Roth Photography
Let me tell you that Kia has done a lot over the year to improve their brand image with the consumer. They have worked hard to achieve all their awards and ratings. I got a small taste of #TheNewKia by previewing their Eco-Dynamic Line of cars.
Photo Credit: Cielo Roth Photography
Photo Credit: Cielo Roth Photography
The line includes the Kia Optima Hybrid & Optima Plug-In Hybrid, the Kia Soul EV, and the Kia Niro. My family and I had the Kia Optima out for a spin before but none of the cars in the eco line. I was excited about getting out and try these cars with my teammate Jay of Jay’s Sweet and Sour Life.
We started our second day in the city learning about the Kia Brand and all the cars that we were going to be driving and exploring with. Each one offered unique features that make them worth considering. Driver living in California receive an extra tax credit of $1500 along with the $4545 credit drivers receive from the federal government. Additional perks include HOV lane access, saving on travel, and more.
The Niro is classified as an Urban Crossover Hybrid Vehicle, that employs an evolved hybrid system which contributes to a dynamic driving experience, while also providing superior utility and eye-catching looks. The Niro offers bold, crossover style and utility while providing exceptional fuel economy –up to 50 mpg combined. The Niro has all the perks of being a hybrid without the look. It’s smaller battery design means there’s more space in the cargo area to hold groceries, luggage, golf clubs, or whatever you’re planning to carry. Additional features include Standard UVO3 with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and a 7-inch touchscreen and available Smart Cruise Control, Navigation and a Harman Kardon® premium audio system. This car also hold the Guinness Record for doing 76.6 MPG, the lowest fuel-consumption by a hybrid vehicle driving coast-to-coast. While you may not got those results you can expect about 50 MPG with this car. The Niro is priced starting at $22,890 standard and varies in ranges up to $29,650 depending on model and additional features.
Jay and I spent the most time in the Kia Optima Hybrid. It was the first car we took out that day and we choose it for our scenic tour of San Diego. I really liked this car, although it wouldn’t fit my large family of six, I think it would be a great car for hubby to use for work.
The Kia Optima Hybrid was completely redesigned for the 2017 model year. The battery was also repackaged allowing more cargo room in the trunk and has a 60/40 rear seat split. If you’re using this for a family car the Optima Hybrid brings convenience offerings such as the Hands-free Trunk Open feature with Smart Key, a Wireless Phone Charger and Surround View Monitoring (SVM) to aid parking maneuvers. The Optima Hybrid ranges in price from $25,995 – $30,990 and it averages 39 MPG city/46 MPG highway (42 MPG combined).
Photo Credit: Cielo Roth Photography
The last car available for the Ride and Drive event was the Kia Soul EV. We didn’t spend much time in this car but from the short time we did spend in the car, I could tell it was another great car. The Soul EV is Kia’s first mass-market zero emissions, battery electric vehicle and, for 2017, it’s better than ever. Offered in three trims – Soul EV-e, Soul EV, Soul EV+ (plus), it includes a long list of standard equipment at affordable price points. The Soul EV has a fast charge feature that allows you to charge up to 94 percent of the battery in under one hour. That’s perfect for people that are on the go with limited time. UVO eco is the new connectivity and control app system (only on Soul EV and EV+) that offers more features than ever before, including: immediate HVAC control; on-demand vehicle diagnosis, Speed Alert; Curfew Alert; Geo-Fence Alert; Location POI; Google local search; and Trip Info for app and MyUVO.com. The Soul EV ranges in price from $32,950 – $35,950.
Photo Credit: Cielo Roth Photography
To learn more about the new Kia and all their cars visit their website. If you were ever thinking about getting a hybrid check out these cars and learn why they are definately a smart buy.
Nickida
Nickida is a first-generation Trinidadian American wife and mother of four. She enjoys sharing recipes from her childhood growing up in Trinidad with her readers. Nickida has a son with Autism and shares posts around traveling with a child with special needs to help other families like her own. She loves television, movies and is a true 80's baby.
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