2009 Kia Rio's inexpensive, but it certainly doesn't feel cheap

By James R. Healey, USA TODAY

The 2009 Kia Rio test car, a small sedan, made a terrific first impression because of its eye-popping red paint. Pretty shallow, huh?

But in this case, the paint was symbolic. It had a rich, premium sheen, and that theme held up, more or less, throughout the car.

Rio, it can be reported with delight, is an example of how to make an inexpensive car that doesn't look or feel cheap. It was a pleasant surprise among rides that are right for the Great Recession, especially after a disappointing bare-bones version of Nissan Versa (Test Drive, Feb. 27) and the uninspiring Toyota Yaris five-door (Test Drive, March 13).

The current version of Rio was introduced as a 2006 model. The '09 tested is almost identical to the '08 model, except '09s get a new audio system that includes built-in satellite radio hardware, a different gauge design and different climate controls. Rio is available as a four door sedan and a "five-door" (four-door hatchback), which is identical except for the body configuration.

The Rio sedan is worth a look because the bare-bones base model starts at an alluring $12,145 and comes with hard-to-ignore warranties: 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, five years/60,000 miles on most everything else, which matches most luxury cars. Three years/36,000 miles is typical for non-luxury brands. The Rio5 hatchback, not tested, has no bare-bones version.

The really, really, really red Rio sedan test car was an LX (starting at $13,875), one step up from the base. For the higher price, LX gives you air-conditioning, adjustable steering column, split-folding rear seat and input jacks for both an iPod-like device and a USB drive.
Kia says Rio's been its highest-quality model. It scored first among subcompacts in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Survey in 2006 and 2007, and second in 2008. The '09 ranking is not yet available.

The brand as a whole also has moved up in Power's '09 Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures problems in 3-year-old models. The '09 results, out Thursday, showed Kia 27th of 37 brands, up from 35th of 37 in '08.

Read the entire article: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2009-03-19-test-drive-kia-rio-review_N.htm

Tiguan #1 in IIHS Roof Strength Test

The best performer was the Volkswagen Tiguan at almost 6 SWR. After the test, the Tiguan looked as if it had only been scratched by a toll-booth barrier even after withstanding a force of 15,000 pounds.

At http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/03/rollover-risks-iihs-announces-new-roof-crush-test.html, Consumer Reports has the following on recent IIHS roof strength tests.

First Test: 2010 Kia Soul

Rather than reinvent the box, Kia has decided to try and beat Scion at its own game with the 2010 Kia Soul. The formula is similar: Offer an offbeat-styled vehicle loaded with features for a bargain price, encourage customization with a slew of optional accessories, and target it straight at the college crowd. So how is the Soul anything but an xB clone, then? Kia answered this question by taking every piece of the formula a step further.
First, Kia set out to make the Soul appear to be something more than just another box, so the Korean automaker's designers created a greenhouse with an eye-catching reverse-wedge shape, pushed the wheels out to the corners, and wrapped them in wide rubber. Out front, the Soul's big, round nose and tiny grille has become known as Kia's new "bulldog styling" cue.

Continue with the Motor Trend article at: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0903_2010_kia_soul_test/index.html

Sneak Peak: 2010 Kia Sorento

It seems like we have been waiting for ages to see the 2010 Kia Sorento breaking the cover. After seeing a countless number of spy photos and prototypes in various testing stages, the wait is finally over and we can exclusively show you the new face of the next generation Sorento crossover!

For more information visit: www.KIA-WORLD.net

2009 Volkswagen CC 3.6 4MOTION - Short Take Road Test

Eyebrows are being raised everywhere.

Read the article on Car and Driver. Here is the link : http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/vw_audi_central/2009_volkswagen_cc_3_6_4motion_short_take_road_test

Stop in to our showroom today and see for yourself what everyone is talking about!

BMW X5 xDrive 35d

Introducing the X5 xDrive 35d New generation of diesel technology: Maximum dynamism, minimum emissions.With 3.0-liter. sequential dual-turbocharged, in line 6-cylinder engine, this fuel -efficeint vehicle doesn't make any sacrafices in performance. In fact, it has the strength of a V-8 while still delivering the efficientcy of a 4-cylinder.Featuring:*265 horsepower*425 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm*0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds*26 mpg on the highway*585 miles per tank
Maximum power, supreme efficiency: The first BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance is particularly well-suited to combine the driving dynamics and motoring refinement of a premium automobile with the most current and demanding standards for preserving resources and reducing emissions.Featuring exceptional power and torque, the 3.0 liter inline-six diesel is one of the most fuel-efficient and economical engines in its class. Applying Variable Twin Turbo Technology, a small turbocharger first cuts in at low engine speeds. Thanks to its low inertia, this turbocharger develops boost (and extra power) in response to even the smallest movement to the gas pedal and without the slightest delay. As engine speed increases, the second, larger turbocharger cuts in, developing maximum torque of 425 lb-ft at just 1,750 rpm. Interaction of the two turbochargers is controlled by the particularly efficient, high-performance electronic engine control unit. In addition to the above Variable Twin Turbo Technology, new technical highlights of BMW Advanced Diesel – presented for the first time in 2007 – include an aluminum crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct fuel injection. Featuring precision-quality precise piezo-injectors to deliver the precise dosage of fuel into the combustion chambers with the smallest volume of pre-injection, the third generation system ensures a particularly clean injection process with optimized fuel consumption, emissions figures and running smoothness. Bluetooth TechnologyBluetooth wireless technology puts hands-free calling in motion. Now you can answer calls, browse phonebook contacts and place calls in your BMW by using the multifunction steering wheel, radio or iDrive controls. It’s wireless - all you need is a BMW-approved Bluetooth mobile phone to be connected!For instructions on pairing your phone with supported vehicles, please visit Auto Wireless Solutions, a BMW authorized retailer.

Get more information at: http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/vehicles/2009/x5/xDrive35d/default.aspx

Diesel Loses Premium to Gas as Jetta Autos Appreciate

Volkswagen Jetta TDI (Diesel)

Feb. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Diesel, which has traded consistently above gasoline in the U.S. since July 2007, will sell at a discount by April as a global recession saps demand for the world’s most-consumed transport fuel and inventories rise. “By April, gasoline is going to cost more,” said Andrew Reed, an Energy Security Analysis Inc. oil expert in Boston. “Once we get past heating oil season, it’s all up to diesel demand” to set distillate prices, he said. “The real weakness is going to be exposed.” - Bloomberg.com