The Hawkinson Kia Blog

Chicago Kia| Orland Park Kia | Evergreen Kia| Tinley Park Kia| Matteson Kia| Oak Lawn Kia| Joliet Kia| South Holland Kia

2010-06-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Chicago Kia customers can find HUGE selection of Kia vehicles at Chicago Kia Dealer Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall.

Chicago Kia Dealer, Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall, is owned by brothers Jim and Bob Hawkinson. Hawkinson Kia services Orland Park, Evergreen Park, Matteson, Oak Lawn, Joliet, South Holland, and South Suburban Chicago Kia customers.

Hawkinson Kia is Chicagoland’s largest Chicago Kia dealership. Chicago Kia customers will find the largest Kia new inventory, the largest Kia Pre-owned inventory and the largest Kia service department.

A year of luxurious upgrades for local carmakers
More models include push-button ignition, Hi-Pass systems

The 2011 Kia Soul includes a fully automatic air conditioning system, which the company claims will maintain the car at a certain temperature better than previous models. Chicago Kia Dealer Hawkinson Kia offers a huge selection of Kia Soul.

For automakers looking to keep the public interested in an aging model, upgrades matter as much as the rare total overhaul. Designers try to be the first to bring the latest innovations to market, to get ahead of their competitors. The upgraded models for this year are as cutthroat as ever. Kia Motors launched its new 2011 Soul on June 1. Unusual for a car its size, it features luxurious options such as push-button ignition, full automatic air conditioning with a fixed temperature function, a room mirror and Hi-Pass system for speedy toll payment on the highway. Sudden stops at speeds of more than 55 kilometers per hour (34 miles per hour) also automatically trigger the emergency lights to warn the vehicle behind. Other newly added features include a parking assistance system.

South Suburban Chicago Kia | Orland Park Kia | Evergreen Park Kia| Tinley Park Kia | Matteson Kia| Oak Lawn Kia | Joliet Kia | South Holland Kia

2010-06-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

South Suburban Kia Customer can find a HUGE selection of Kia Vehicles at Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall

Chicago Nissan Dealer, Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall, is owned by brothers, Jim and Bob Hawkinson. Hawkinson Kia services Orland Park, Evergreen Park, Tinley Park, Matteson, Oak Lawn, Joliet, South Holland and South Suburban Chicago Kia customers.

Hawkinson Kia is Chicagoland’s largest Chicago Kia dealership. Chicago Kia customers will find the largest Kia new inventory, the largest Pre-owned inventory and the largest Kia service department.

Kia UVO In-car Infotainment System Receives Top Honors at 2010 Telematics Update Awards Conference

Kia UVO, short for 'Your Voice,' is a breakthrough user interface providing simple and quick access to vehicle's multimedia and infotainment systems- UVO is the first in-vehicle solution to integrate full Microsoft(R)(1) intelligent speech engine technology

IRVINE, Calif., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its proprietary, intelligent in-car communications and entertainment system, "UVO powered by Microsoft®," was honored with the 2009-2010 Industry Newcomer Award at the annual Telematics Update Awards Conference, the world's biggest forum for telematics industry leaders that recognizes achievement and innovation within the telematics market. Scheduled to roll out in select Kia models during the 2010 calendar year, UVO provides Kia drivers friendly voice- and touch-activated experiences for hands-free mobile phone and SMS text operation as well as simple, intuitive management of music files. The Industry Newcomer Award gives recognition to this year's best new product and/or company in telematics and brings to the fore new ventures that have shown true potential and innovation in the telematics field.

Kia Motors also was named a finalist for the Car Manufacturer Innovation.

"UVO powered by Microsoft® is a breakthrough for in-vehicle infotainment and another solid example of why Kia is a true tier-one automotive brand," says Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. "With UVO, Kia is able to offer drivers a rich telematic experience and a clear competitive advantage, allowing Kia drivers to safely and easily use all of their personal technologies and create personalized in-car communications and entertainment experiences."

Chicago Kia Dealer | Hawkinson Kia | Matteson Auto Mall | Orland Park, IL

2010-06-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

Chicago Nissan Dealer, Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall, is owned by brothers, Jim and Bob Hawkinson. Hawkinson Kia services Orland Park, Evergreen Park, Tinley Park, Matteson, Oak Lawn, Joliet, South Holland and South Suburban Chicago Kia customers.

Hawkinson Kia is Chicagoland’s largest Chicago Kia dealership. Chicago Kia customers will find the largest Kia new inventory, the largest Pre-owned inventory and the largest Kia service department.

Futures Kia Cars, SUVs and crossovers in 2011 and beyond

Written by himi on June 9th, 2010 in General News

There are new Optima sedan, 2011 Sportage and five-doof Kia Forte coming to the dealer showroom floor soon. But there're even more exciting products in the pie-line!
Check out the the article below, which reveals some more information about forth-coming Kia vehicles that will appear at Kia stores in 2011 and beyond.

New Kia Picanto: Next-generation Picanto is scheduled to go on sale in Europe late next year. It will be available as a three door or five-door model. The model will grow in size and will be much safer than existing Picanto (note: the current model only got three stars at EuroNCAP crash tests).

Powertrain updates will include a brand-new three-cylinder turbocharged engine with up to 110 horsepower. An all-electric Kia Picanto is also set to debut within three years, according to latest rumors. Expect the new Picanto to look as stylish as other latest Kia vehicles!

Next-generation Kia Rio: Kia Rio is expected to debut in spring 2011. There are not much of information available at this point except of that Kia will call the model K2 in Korea.

All-new Kia cee’d: The most-popular Kia vehicle in Europe will undergo a major redesign within two years. It will feature new three- and four-cylinder engines, as well as a diesel-hybrid powertrain. Dual-clutch gearbox will also be available according to sources close to Kia.

Kia Forte 5-doo hatchback: Following the Forte four-door sedan and sporty two-door Koup is the five-door Kia Forte. Exhibited for the first time at the New York auto show in April, the Forte hatch brings the long-awaited 6-speed automatic transmission to the Forte range. Hopefully, the 6-speed automatic gearbox will soon appear in other two Kia Fortes.

2011 Kia Optima: Unveiled at New York auto show, the all-new Optima is scheduled to hit the US-market in the second half of the year. The all-new mid-size sedan from Kia Motors is set to take on hot-selling 2011 Hyundai Sonata sedan and other established nameplates, including the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Probably, the hottest-looking Kia sedan ever, the Optima features highly advanced powertrain technology such as brand-new 6-speed automatic gearbox and new 2.4L four-cyl. engines with gasoline-direct-injection technology for improved performance and fuel-efficiency. Turbo engine as well as hybrid powertrain will be available for the first time in a Kia vehicle sold on the US soil.
Possible variants of new Kia Optima include Optima Sporty Wagon and Optima Coupe.

2011 Kia Sportage: Another hot-looking Kia vehicle headed for its US sales debut. Coming to the showroom floor this fall, the new Sportage is another embodiment of Kia’s whole new family-look pioneered by the brand’s design guru Peter Schreyer and Kia’s entire design team.

2011 Kia Soul: The multiple award-wining crossover will not receive any major styling updates for the 2011 model year. However, it is very likely the 2011 Kia Soul will receive vastly improved powertrain technology, including new 2.0L four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic tranny.
Let us not forget about Kia Soul’ster pick-up as we might see it debuting by the end of 2011 or early in 2012.

Kia K9: The Hyundai Genesis sedan based Kia luxury car. Its only a rumor for now, but some people say there’s a market for a luxury Kia vehicle. What do you think?

Kia coupe: It will most probably happen after-all. According to British magazine Autocar, Peter Schreyer’s been pushing Kia to add such vehicle to its vehicle line-up: sources say the coupe would be based on the Kee concept revealed in 2007 and built on the platform used by the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. A perfect combination!! Add a cabrio variant and we have a new dream sports car.

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2010-06-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Nissan has HUGE selection of Kia Forte

Kia Forte Awarded Edmunds.com Consumers' Top Rated(R) Vehicle Award

Posted by mincho2008
Monday, 07 June 2010

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan has been named the top-rated sedan under $15,000 in the Edmunds.com Consumers' Top Rated®(1) vehicle awards for 2010. Forte earned strong marks for its excellent overall value, wealth of standard features, being one of the best-looking small cars on the market and most fun-to-drive vehicles in its class.
"As one of several new vehicles to roll out under Kia's exciting new design direction, accolades such as this Edmunds.com award, which provides feedback directly from owners, are evidence of Kia's commitment to consumers by offering vehicles with the content buyers want without breaking the pocketbook," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "Forte offers buyers a youthful and dynamically styled vehicle with an impressive array of standard safety features, and being honored as a top-rated sedan under $15,000 by consumers furthers its position as a top contender in its segment and a vehicle that offers the entire package."
Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, pricing for the Forte sedan starts at $13,695 for the LX trim, while the EX begins at $15,995 and the SX starts at $17,495(2). In addition to competitive pricing, Forte also showcases a class-leading combination of standard safety features with active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
All Forte models also come well-stocked with a long list of standard amenities, starting with a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(3). Also standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players as well as Bluetooth®(4) wireless technology and connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, which enables hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones.
To determine the winners of the 21 vehicle categories, Edmunds.com invited owners to use the Consumer Ratings and Reviews feature, where they are able to evaluate their new or used vehicles in eight different categories, including performance, comfort, fuel economy, driving impressions, interior design, exterior design, build quality and reliability. Top-rated vehicles are those that received the highest average rating from visitors as of April 28, 2010.

Chicago Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Matteson Auto Mall | Orland Park, IL

2010-06-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto MAll is the Home of THE FREE OIL CHANGE FOR LIFE!

Kia Sorento Wins U.S. Safety Award
Kia Motors' Sorento was named a "Top Safety Pick" in the midsize SUV category by the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on Wednesday. The Sorento earned the top rating of "good" in occupant protection tests in front, side, rear, and rollover crashes. All Sorento models are equipped with a vehicle dynamic control system which improves the safety of a vehicle's stability.Prior to this, Kia's Soul, Forte, and Carnival, and Hyundai Motor's Genesis and Sonata also won the award.

Learn more about Hawkinson Kia and Nissan

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Chicago Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Matteson Auto Mall | Orland Park, IL

2010-06-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall has a HUGE selection of top SUV Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento among Consumer Reports' top SUVs

Kia scores a big win in the July issue of Consumer Reports, which gives the Kia Sorento SUV an "excellent" rating. Sorento, a total re-do for 2011, has no reliability record yet, so doesn't get the coveted "recommended" from CR.
But its showing puts it in third spot among CR's list of small/mid-size SUVs, behind only Subaru Forester 2.5XT and Toyota RAV4. And Sorento outscores the Hyundai Santa Fe on which it is based.
"The Sorento now ranks among the better SUVs Consumer Reports has tested," says David Champion, senior director of the publication's auto testing. "It's a competent vehicle that strikes a good balance of passenger room and size at a good price."
The EX V-6 CR tested starts at $27,990, including shipping, with rear-wheel drive, and $29,690 with four-wheel drive. The least-expensive Sorento is $20,790.
CR notes that Sorento rides hard. You'll find that critique, and a full report, in the Test Drive Column.
Hyundai and Kia are part of the same South Korean auto giant, sharing some design and development functions and some drivetrain components. Still, they hate it when lumped as one. Hyundai's been the rock star, winning awards and attention that Kia hasn't.
So you can bet the Kia-ites are more than delighted over the Sorento's showing.
-- James R. Healey/Drive On

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2010-06-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealer

Hawkinson Kia has a HUGE inventory of Kia Souls

2010 Kia Soul Ad Campaign Brings Back the Hamsters

Just the Facts:
Kia says hamsters will once again be part of an ad campaign for the 2010 Soul.

The Korean automaker is even rolling out a line of "Hamstar" clothing.
An advertising spot for the initial Soul launch won Nielsen's Automotive Ad of the Year.

IRVINE, California — The new advertising campaign for the 2010 Kia Soul will be top-heavy with hamsters. The Korean automaker is even rolling out a line of "Hamstar" clothing for followers of the cuddly creatures.
Kia said the clothing, which is featured in the advertising, will "soon be available for purchase by fans at HamstarClothing.com.

The ad campaign likens the Soul to other "boxy rides — represented by toasters, washing machines and cardboard boxes," said Kia Motors America in a statement. The hamsters also rap the title song's lyrics, "You can get with this, or you can get with that."

"Given the success and popularity of the hamsters in the initial Soul launch with a spot that won Nielsen's Automotive Ad of the Year, it made sense to bring them back for a new campaign," said Michael Sprague, Kia Motors America vice president of marketing. "The newest experience is rich with details in the hamster world."

Inside Line says: Cute ad concept, but we draw the line at wearing hamster clothing. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

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Chicago Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Matteson Auto Mall | Orland Park, IL

2010-05-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealer

Top 10 Cars under $15,000 from MSN Autos

Chicago Kia Dealer Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall has a HUGE inventory of the Kia Forte

It is no surprise that American consumers are looking to save money wherever thy can these days. In terms of automobiles they are buying, that means people are seeking quality and value from the shallow end of the pool, rather than in the luxury or near luxury markets. The Kia Forte falls into that category.

MSRP: $13,695 ▪ Horsepower: 156 ▪ mpg: 25 city/34 highway ▪ Standard transmission: 5-speed manualInitial impression: Looks seriously sporty, and it's aggressive, balanced and composed on the street.

The Forte has made great strides for Kia since it hit showrooms in 2009. No longer a second-class citizen, Kia's compact offering is a profound stylistic and mechanical advancement.

The 2010 Kia Forte is an all-new compact sedan, offered in LX, EX and SX trim levels. The LX and EX are powered by a 156-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder combined with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The sporty SX is powered by a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic with Sportmatic manual-shift mode. The optional Fuel Economy Package, available with the 2.0-liter engine, includes the five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering, low-rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic enhancements to achieve a fuel-economy rating of 36 mpg highway.

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2010-05-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealer

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto has a huge inventory of Kia's top selling models!

Kia Motors posts strong increase in global sales

KIA Motors Corporation recently announced global sales figures for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for March 2010, show a total of 177,351 units sold, representing a year-on-year increase of 41 per cent.
According to reports, in March Kia posted impressive double-digit year-on-year sales increases in all sales regions.

The Korean auto, company now touted as the world's fastest growing, says it recorded 98.0 per cent increase in China (28,792 units sold), 55.7 per cent in general markets (35,114 units sold), 33.4 per cent in Europe (40,471 units sold), 26.5 per cent in Korea (38,015 units sold) and 23.6 per cent in North America (34,959 units sold).
Cumulatively, through the first three months of 2010, Kia's global sales increased by 46.9 per cent year-on-year and reached 471,010 units, the company said. China experienced the highest gain of 147.8 per cent based on sales of 90,131 units to date in 2010.

Kia's best-selling model in overseas markets for the month of March was the C-segment Cerato (known as Forte in some markets) with 32,283 units sold. The B-segment Sportage compact SUV and Rio compete for second with 17,029 and 16,970 units sold, respectively.

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2010-05-25T08:38:00.001-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealer

It's clear that budget-minded Kia is serious about reinventing its lineup. The Korean upstart is now fielding capable players in most every segment. The next hurdle is to create inspiring vehicles that inject some fun into getting from point A to point B. In this regard, the nifty new Kia Soul hatchback wagon is helping to lead the charge.
With funky styling and four-cylinder power, the compact Kia Soul is gunning for mainstream economy-car shoppers who want something different. Indeed, the Kia hatchback is avant garde in its approach, boasting a swept-back exterior design with interesting angles and a neat cabin filled with distinctive shapes and vibrant colors. It gives Kia a long-overdue injection of, well, soul to complement its well-earned reputation for competence and value.
Current Kia Soul
Spread across four trim levels -- base, +, ! and Sport -- the Kia Soul compact hatchback is feature-rich given its affordable price. Standard features include antilock brakes, stability control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, satellite radio and a USB jack. Higher trims are eligible for niceties like alloy wheels, Bluetooth, premium audio, a sunroof and a two-tone interior. The Sport model also features a sport-tuned suspension and unique bodywork.
Under the hood, the base 1.6-liter engine makes do with just 122 horsepower and a mandatory five-speed manual transmission. Souls on a higher plane get a 2.0-liter four with 142 hp and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. In performance testing, a Soul Sport with the manual got from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. Fuel economy is a bit below average for a four-cylinder economy hatchback.
In reviews, we've noted that the 2.0-liter engine is definitely the one to get, though the five-speed manual feels rather rubbery and vague with either engine. The Kia Soul's power steering is a bit numb, but it's precise enough when you need it to be. The Sport model's sporty ride adds some entertainment on twisty roads, but even the base suspension tackles turns with surprising verve. Ride quality is generally satisfactory; however, the bigger wheels you get (and they go up to 18 inches), the more you'll feel every bump in the road.
As expected, the Kia Soul represents impressive value, yet it also shines thanks to its practical yet playful design, which breaks the dull monotone stranglehold of its rivals. The tall cabin is user-friendly, with generous headroom and high-mounted seating that gives passengers a commanding view plus a fair amount of legroom. However, there's not a lot of space for cargo compared to what you'll find in some competitors. Nonetheless, the Soul's boxy design is convenient for hauling large items.
Overall, we think highly of Kia's new Soul, and recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable yet desirable economy car.

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Chicago Kia | Matteson Auto Mall Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Orland Park, IL

2010-05-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealer

2010 Kia Sportage Review

The 2010 Kia Sportage is a good little crossover SUV.

The Sportage's long-standing midpack status dates all the way back to the model's U.S. introduction in 1995, when it broke new ground as one of the first truly compact sport-utility vehicles. Unfortunately, that original version was also rather crude, and it was quickly eclipsed by more refined entries from Honda and Toyota.
Kia went back to the drawing board and rolled out an all-new Sportage in 2004.

Built on a more carlike unibody platform, this second-generation Sportage was a dramatic improvement over the previous version.

There is one area where the Kia Sportage does manage to one-up its competitors, however, and that's the value proposition it offers.

Compare its list of standard features with the Honda and Toyota, then take a look at their respective MSRPs and you'll discover that buying the Sportage can save you thousands of dollars. Figure in Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and this Korean crossover begins to look even better. As such, the Sportage is best suited for buyers whose first concern is finding a relative bargain.

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Chicago Kia | Matteson Auto Mall | Hawkinson Kia | Orland Park, IL

2010-05-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealer

2010 Kia Rio

Best Bang for your Buck!!

Review

This little car is amazing. It has have plenty of room! MPG are 30.4 after 2k miles of mixed driving with AC on. Not too shabby at all! Amenities are bar none for this class.

Favorite Features are leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls. USB jack and auxiliary jack for my music listening convenience! Nice red stitched sport cloth. Great little peppy/sprightly engine, nice stereo, great 16 inch rims! FUN TO DRIVE!

Chicago Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Orland, IL | Matteson, IL

2010-05-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealership

Kia Optima Coupe: Early Look at Future Two-Door

Kia's Optima sedan is all-new for 2011.
Optima sedan was unveiled at the New York auto show.
SANTA MONICA, California — Kia introduced its redesigned 2011 Optima just last month at the 2010 New York Auto Show, and now Inside Line has photo illustrations of the new Optima sedan less two doors, a shape that could become the Optima coupe.
Built on a new platform, the 2011 Kia Optima sedan is longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model, and its newly stretched dimensions look even more appealing in coupe form.
An Optima coupe (or Optima Koup, as Kia might choose to follow the same marketing direction established by its Forte Koup would likely offer the same powertrain choices available for the Optima sedan. The midsize sedan presently comes equipped with either a 200-horsepower direct-injection, 2.4-liter inline-4 or a 274-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. The sedan comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The 2011 Optima sedan arrives in dealers later this fall. A coupe version would likely follow a year later.

Inside Line says: Kia has finally taken a sharp turn down style avenue, so what better way to spotlight its fresh Optima than by adding a good-looking coupe — Kelly Toepke, News Editor

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Chicago Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Orland Park, IL | Matteson, IL

2010-05-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealership

Edmunds.com Top Ten Lowest Priced SUV's

The Kia Sportage has come a long way. When it was first introduced in the U.S. in the mid-1990s, it was a cute but relatively unimpressive mini-SUV. It was underpowered, its interior was cheap and it was plagued with quality issues. Although Kia revised and updated the Sportage through the years, the modest changes weren't enough to keep it competitive. In 2002, Kia dropped the model from its lineup and went back to the drawing board. The company finally introduced a new and much-improved Sportage a few years ago.
Current Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV available in two trim levels: LX and EX. The Sportage offers the kind of performance and refinement usually associated with the small SUVs from Japanese automakers. Both trims are equipped with a healthy list of standard amenities, such as alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo with auxiliary and USB audio jacks, full power accessories and tinted glass.
The Kia Sportage may not look too big from the outside, but the interior has plenty of headroom and legroom, both in the front and the back. The rear seats split and fold flat for a level cargo floor and a maximum of 67 cubic feet of storage. Fit and finish is impressive, and the Sportage provides a surprising number of safety features for its class. There are a total of six standard airbags, including front- and side-impact airbags for driver and passenger, and side curtain airbags for front- and rear-seat occupants. Traction control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all trims.
The LX is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 140 horsepower. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic is available as an option. Most Sportages with this engine are front-wheel drive, though Kia does offer 4WD on manual transmission-equipped models. As an upgrade for the Sportage LX, Kia offers a 173-hp 2.7-liter V6. It comes standard with the automatic transmission and can be had with FWD or 4WD. The EX trim is available only with the V6.
In road tests and reviews, our editors have found the Kia Sportage to be a competent SUV overall. It has earned high marks for its long list of standard safety gear, impressive warranty, comfortable interior, sporty handling and strong value. The main drawback to the Sportage is its powertrain. Even with the V6, acceleration is no more than adequate.

We think Kia has a winner!

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Chicago Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Orland Park, IL | Matteson, IL

2010-05-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson, IL Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealer

Edmunds.com reviews the Kia Forte

In recent years, some of the most improved players on the automotive playing field have been entry-level compact sedans. Many of these so-called economy cars now offer levels of style and equipment that rival larger and more expensive four-doors. A good example is the Kia Forte sedan, a sharp-looking replacement for the outdated Spectra. While it's hardly the MVP in this segment, the Forte is a strong candidate for most-improved honors.
Underneath its crisp if somewhat derivative sheet metal, the Kia Forte is related to the Hyundai Elantra. The engine lineup consists of a base 2.0-liter inline-4 on LX and EX models, and a larger 2.4-liter four on the top-level SX. Notably, the EX model can be had with a Fuel Economy package that includes a five-speed automatic and other economy-minded features. All Fortes come standard with Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Kia's 100,000-mile warranty -- nice touches at this price point.
Amid the growing crowd of compacts, this affordable Kia holds its own. We consider the Forte a legitimate alternative to traditional segment leaders due to its eye-catching style, competitive feature content and good value.
Current Kia Forte
The Kia Forte debuted for the 2010 model year. A compact sedan that's surprisingly well equipped, the Forte comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, stability control, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a CD stereo with auxiliary and USB jacks and steering-wheel controls. Upgrading from the base LX trim level to the EX model adds alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories and cruise control, plus the availability of leather trim and heated seats. The EX is eligible for a Fuel Economy package that adds a five-speed automatic transmission, low-rolling-resistance tires and electric power steering. The sportier SX trim features the larger engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, a telescoping steering wheel and various interior upgrades. A sunroof is available on the EX and SX.
The LX and EX come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes a healthy 156 horsepower. A five-speed manual is the standard transmission, and a four-speed automatic (five-speed with the EX Fuel Economy package) is optional. The SX comes with a 2.4-liter four good for 173 hp, and its standard manual transmission has six forward speeds, with a five-speed automatic being optional.
In reviews, our editors have praised the Kia Forte's tidy styling, noting that its Civic-like face and Lexus IS-style taillights are derivative but nonetheless sure to grab their share of attention. We've also praised this Kia's clean and pleasant cabin layout. On the road, however, the Forte is a mixed bag. The Forte SX supposedly has a sport-tuned suspension, but ample body roll and vague steering conspire to take some of the fun away as speeds increase, and LX and EX models are even less athletic.
Ride compliance is adequate, but large bumps and ruts can deliver jolts, and tire roar is sometimes intrusive. The four-speed automatic's gearing is too tall, so we'd advise going with the manual or the Fuel Economy package's five-speed automatic. On the bright side, the Kia Forte delivers competitive fuel economy, and its value equation is a strong selling point.

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Chicago Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Orland Park, IL | Matteson

2010-05-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia Matteson Auto Mall

Kia Forte

Recent Consumer Reviews from Edmunds.com

Vehicle
2010 Kia Forte Koup SX 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 6M)

Review
Picked this car up just over two weeks ago and I love it. I almost got a VW and decided for the money and other factors the KIA was the best value. So far so good. It's handling is awesome, accelaration is pretty good, a turbo would do this car wonders.
Favorite Features
HANDLING!!!! Styling, acceleration, comfort, features up the ying-yang

Review
I chose to buy SX sedan 6spd. It took me a while to get used to the soft clutch and sensitive gas pedal, but it's a well worth effort. Car handles well for a non-sports car and it really accelerates! The ride is a bit bouncy. I get about 30 - 32 mpg on 75% highway/25% city driving. If you push it a little, the mpg suffers a lot. The instrument panel is not fancy, but very simple/easy to view. I love the voice recognition-enabled bluetooth. The rear trunk sits very high compared to other compacts, but the space is huge. Maybe due to visibility, but this car feels larger than other compacts. The front buffer is a magnet for bug splashes and multiple rock dents into the plastic bumper.
Favorite Features
Decent power/handling. Bluetooth. Acceptable space in the rear. Audio control on the steering wheel. Center console's height is just right to rest my right elbow to take brief rests. SAT radio (free 3 month trial). Trip computer w/ instant mpg indicator (helps control my lead foot)

Review
With 4000k miles in 2 months since driving it off the lot, I have only great things to say about this car! Everything. Absolutely everything is awesome! It looks sharp, like a Lexus and drives like a sporty Cadillac with room to spare! The bluetooth and Sirius rocks especially now that msnbc is on channel 90. I spend more time in my car than my house and feel like I'm not missing out on anything! The fully reclining front seats let me catch some needed z's in sweet comfort, and when I need some zip, it's there big-time without hesitation! For the price, it doesn't get any better than this! The fun is free!
Favorite Features
Bluetooth, Sirius radio, 6-way adjustable drivers seat, gas mileage, 4 doors! 10yr/100k mile warranty, manual shift option that comes with automatics.

Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson, IL Auto Mall has the best selection of Kia Forte's in the Chicago, Orland Park area

Web: http://www.hawkinsonkia.com/
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Chicago Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Orland Park, Il | Matteson

2010-05-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hawkinson Kia Matteson Il, Auto Mall

Kia's meteoric rise to genuine respectability over the past few years has been something to behold. While GM and Chrysler were going bankrupt, this Korean upstart was busy transforming its value-centric reputation by churning out a series of all-around impressive cars. First came the likable Rondo family vehicle, and then the funky Soul hatchback, and more recently the jaw-droppingly competitive Forte economy sedan. Now Kia has turned its attention to its venerable family SUV, and at this point no one should be surprised to hear that the 2011 Kia Sorento is one of the best affordable crossovers on the planet.
Ostensibly a follow-up to Kia's outgoing body-on-frame SUV of the same name, the new Sorento is really an entirely different product, from its carlike unibody construction to its on-road-biased available all-wheel drive (the old Sorento had off-road-ready 4WD with low-range gearing). It competes in the affordable crossover segment, which has been dominated for years by two models: the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Kia has clearly studied these icons closely, because the Sorento shares some of their most notable virtues. To wit, the Sorento's elegantly simple dashboard layout is a nod to the CR-V, and the Sorento's strong V6, third-row seat (standard on EX V6) and ample dimensions are all pages out of the RAV4's playbook.
Indeed, our initial impressions of the Sorento leave us struggling to come up with things that need improvement. There are no obvious foibles here, none of the beginner's mistakes that we'd expect from a company that only started selling cars in the U.S. in 1994. The base four-cylinder engine isn't as impressive as the rest of the vehicle, but even so, its underwhelming performance likely won't be a deal-breaker for those on a tighter budget. Kia is really making moves these days; the 2011 Kia Sorento is just the latest example

Chicago Kia | Hawkinson Kia | Matteson Auto Mall

2010-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Chicago Kia Dealer Hawkinson Kia Matteson Auto Mall near Orland Park

Kia U.S. Coverage 2010 Kia Soul Recognized on 'Coolest New Cars Under $18,000' List by Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com [Trading Markets (CA) (Online), 6/23/2009] Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the all-new 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle was named to the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information. The Soul joined Kia Motors' ever-expanding lineup in March and was lauded for being cool, affordable ride with a growing emphasis on personality, versatility and technology. "Soul's personality really has made an impact with consumers and the media, who are realizing you don't have to spend a lot of money to make a statement," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "We are pleased that Soul is being recognized for its playfulness and versatility but also that it is appreciated for its economical attributes that affect real world purchase decisions."…Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with "glowing" Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents. Hawkinson Kia has Chicago's best selection of Kia Souls

Congratulations Sean Knapp at Hawkinson Kia

2010-02-24T07:26:00.001-08:00

Sean Knapp at Hawkinson Kia gets rave review from customer.

Congratualtions Sean Knapp of Hawkinson Kia the home of the FREE OIL CHANGES FOR LIFE!

Hey Bob Hawkinson,

I want to take a minute to thank you and your staff at Hawkinson Kia for showing my wife Lisa and I a first class purchase/lease experience. You will always be our Chicago Kia Dealer. Sean Knapp of Hawkinson Kia went out of his way to make us feel like our business was truly valued. Your guys at Hawkinson Kia worked together as a team in terms of getting the vehicle and the paper work ready in a timely fashion. Sean explained the terms very clearly, and went over all the features of the vehicle with us.

If I owned a dealer ship like Hawkinson Kia I would want my sales personal to be polite, honest, soft spoken and direct. I can assure you that Sean possesses all of these qualities. I hope you realize what an asset he is to your business at Hawkinson Kia.
Thanks again for everything and good luck....Sean

Sean - "A Satisfied Customer"

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The Hawks Basketball team Donates $1800 to Matteson Elementary School District 159

2010-02-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

The Matteson Hawks, a 5th grade traveling basketball team, coached by Mike Angel, Rich High School Administrator and sponsored by Hawkinson Nissan, recently hosted the Battle of the Border, a 5th grade boys basketball tournament. 13 teams from Suburban Chicago and North West Indiana competed for the championship.
The Hawks donated $1800, the proceeds from the tournament, to the Matteson School District 159, which is composed of four Matteson Elementary Schools, Sieden Prairie, Colin Powell, Woodgate, Marya Yates, and Neil Armstrong in Richton Park.
The Hawks roster includes boys from Frankfort, Mokena, Olympia Fields, and of course, students from SD 159, who reside in Richton Park or Matteson. Players and coaches pictured: Front row: Luke Angel, RaShawn Robinson, Reis Calvin. Back Row : Coach Mike Angel and Bob Hawkinson, Warren Allen, Kenny Anderson, Marco Pettinato, Bobby Hawkinson and CJ Stallings. Parent inquiries may call Bob Hawkinson at 708-720-8900.

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“February is “FOOD” DRIVE month”

2010-02-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

As a way to support needy families in the Rich Township and Park Forest area, Hawkinson Nissan & Hawkinson Kia are DONATING a gift certificate for Walts Food Center to be used to buy food for the Rich Township Food Pantry which provides food at no cost to low-income residents.

Please show your support and bring in a non-perishable food item into either dealership from Feb. 4-28th.

Thank you for your support!!

http://www.richtownship.org/pantry.asp

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Knox College Scholarship

2010-01-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

Do you know any college bound High School Seniors who could use a $4000 per year scholarship?

The Hawkinson Family Foundation is offering the Robert R. & Marion Lindsten Hawkinson Scholarship to any South Suburban High School Senior who attends Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. Please call Bob Hawkinson 708-720-8901 for all the details. Knox College has been named as a top 50 “Best Value Private College for 2010”, according to the Princeton review and USA TODAY

http://www.knox.edu/

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No Kidding: This Kia Is Really Good - 2010 Kia Forte Tested by Reilly Brennan Editor and Chief of AOL Autos

2010-01-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

Kia Forte - It's a GOOD car

For car brands on the rise, a measure of a vehicle's real value usually comes down to one simple question:

"So, is that just a good car for a Kia or is it just a good car in general?"
That was the question my colleague Patrick posed to me when he saw the orange Kia Forte lurking in the AOL Autos garage. Without question, I answered.

"No, it's just a good car. No qualifiers required."

And with that I think Kia might have just built the first vehicle that I can honestly recommend to friends and family. Sure, they've built some interesting products over the last few years (I enjoyed the full-size Borrego SUV, even if it was out of tune with where the market was headed), but they were always good for a Kia. Regardless of how far they'd come, their progress versus their old products wasn't much more than a measuring stick against themselves.
The real challenge was against the rest of the industry -- one that's so competitive and so quick to evolve and includes stalwart champions like Toyota,Ford, Honda and Chevy.

It appears that day has finally arrived.

Note that Kia's only been in the U.S. since the early 1990s, so their pace is unbelievably fast.

Kia unveils voice-driven auto infotainment system-"UVO"

2010-01-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

Kia unveils voice-driven auto infotainment system - "UVO"

This is cool!

Certain Kia car owners will soon be able to play music and make phone calls, all by just the sound of their voice.

Kia Motors' new infotainment system "Uvo powered by Microsoft" will let car owners access its key features by voice as well as by touch.
With an assist from Microsoft speech technology and an embedded version of Windows,
Uvo will help drivers and passengers make and answer phone calls, respond to text messages, and play music from different sources.

Using Microsoft's voice recognition, car owners will be able to direct the system by issuing short voice commands rather searching through complex menus.

Drivers and passengers can scroll through their music lists and phone books by voice or via the touch screen.

Uvo powered by Microsoft is a breakthrough for in-vehicle infotainment that helps allow drivers and passengers to safely and easily use all of their personal technologies to create personalized in-vehicle communications and entertainment experiences.

Contact us at Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall for details

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Kia Soul Named 'Small Car of the Year' by FAMA Magazine

2010-01-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

We've got "SOUL" at Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall

Award-Winning Kia Urban Passenger Vehicle Honored by Top Hispanic Women's Publication- Kia five-door selected for numerous consumer-friendly attributes- Soul's value, safety features and styling enhance overall appeal

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Adding even more recognition to its growing list of accolades, the 2010 Kia Soul was named "Small Car of the Year" by FAMA Magazine during an award presentation at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Also named one of "10 Great and Safe Rides for Teens" by AutoWeek magazine, one of the "Most Exciting Cars of 2010" by TIME.com, given two "Top Safety Picks" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and named to the "Top 10 Back-to-School Cars" list by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, Soul was selected by FAMA for its extensive list of safety features, dynamic styling, impressive interior room and value.

"Soul offers today's consumer a practical and attractive option with a more than impressive package of vibrant styling, extensive safety features and standard amenities," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). "In today's economy we feel it's important that buyer's don't have to sacrifice these necessities for overall value, and Soul delivers."

Web: www.HawkinsonKia.com

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Take advantage of the new car tax reduction

2010-01-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

Sales tax deduction for new vehicles:
If you bought a new car, truck, motorcycle or motor home after Feb. 16, 2009, and before the end of the year, you can deduct the sales tax paid -- up to a maximum purchase price of $49,500 per vehicle -- as an itemized deduction or, if you claim the standard deduction, as a supercharged standard deduction.

The benefit begins phasing out for married couples with adjusted gross income above $250,000 and singles with AGI above $125,000. It is completely gone for single filers with AGI of $135,000 or more and joint filers with AGI of at least $260,000. Nonitemizers need to file a Schedule L with to get the benefit. Itemizers who elect to deduct state income taxes will claim the car sales tax as a separate itemized deduction.

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Rev. John & Deaconess Estella thank Bob Hawkinson for the generous donation.

2010-01-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

Greetings Mr. Bob Hawkinson:
Another opportunity to let you know how grateful we are each year you help us to help families at Christmas time.
The generous donation and the toys from your wonderful staff, certainly, helped us to reach many children. People like you will always find blessings, because you are always blessing others. Our prayer is that our heavenly father will bless your business ten-fold.
Again, we thank you for your generosity and love.
Yours in Christ,
St. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. John & Deaconess Estella

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Kia Motors Named Most Improved Automaker in North America for 2010

2010-01-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

KIA Motors has been offering smaller, cheaper and fuel efficient cars ever since its launch, and it continued its upward momentum even during the time of recession with successful launches of the 2010 Kia Soul, 2010 Kia Forte sedan and the Kia Forte KOUP in 2009. Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall is happy to announce that the automaker's continued focus on reliability and value of its models and the gains it made through its new car launches helped KIA Motors earn the recognition as the most improved automaker in North America for 2010 from Autotropolis.

KIA motors came into North American soil in 1995 and since then it has been growing in an amazing speed. The automaker which is now focusing on vehicle designs and interior quality on new models was seemingly immune to the recent economic downturn that bogged many an automakers.

In 2009, Kia Motors succeeded in rapidly evolving and introducing many head turners. Kia launched attractive models showcasing its design potential. The new entrants blend impressive new style with Kia Motors quality and value.

All the models under Kiaâ€™s flagship are a stylish blend of comfort and practicality â€“ and come with a host of standard features. The stylish new designs, industry-best warranty coverage of five-year/60,000 base warranty and a 10-year/100,000 powertrain warranty and value for money helped KIA models to record a 45.3 per cent surge in sales compared to 2008.

Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise." Hawkinson Kia is proud to offer the best-selling new KIA models in its wide inventory. The dealer also stocks and sells a wide range of used and certified pre-owned vehicles. Hawkinson Kia stocks and services all models of Kia, which include Borrego, Sedona, Sorento, Sportage, Forte, Forte Koup, Optima, Rio, Rio5, Rondo, Soul.

Web: www.HawkinsonKia.com
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New Car Tax deduction - 2 days left

2009-12-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

Only 2 More Days to get your New Car Tax Reduction
HURRY IN TO HAWKINSON KIA IN THE MATTESON AUTO MALL - ONLY 2 MORE DAYS!!!! TO GET YOUR NEW CAR TAX DEDUCTIONNew-car tax deductionHawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall hasBIG NEWS!!!!!!New-car tax deduction at Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto MAllFor those who bought or are buying a new car this year but missed out on the cash-for-clunkers program, take heart: There is a special tax deduction this year.Taxpayers who buy a new car, light truck, motorcycle or motor home before Dec. 31 can deduct sales and excise taxes on purchases of up to $49,500. The deduction, part of the economic stimulus bill enacted this year, phases out for single taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of more than $125,000 and joint filers with MAGI of more than $250,000.Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall says:You don't have to itemize to claim this deduction: Add the sales tax to the standard 2009 deduction.The amount you save will depend on your state sales tax rate and the price of your vehicle. For example, if your state imposes a 4 percent sales tax and your car costs $40,000, the deduction will reduce your adjusted gross income by $1,600, says tax publisher CCH.Come see us at Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall!!!!

2009-12-29T10:10:00.000-08:00

Kia is still moving full speed ahead on developing fuel cell technology for their vehicles. For its part, Kia has released new footage of their latest fuel cell prototype, the Borrego/Mohave FCEV. (The Borrego is badged as Mohave in the Korean market). The video explains some details of this latest-generation hydrogen test vehicle that we weren't aware of before. While the base Borrego is a rear/all-wheel drive body-on-frame SUV, the FCEV drives the front wheels through a 110 kW AC electric motor. The fuel cell stack is located under the passenger compartment and puts out 115 kW. Interestingly, Kia claims its stack is designed to work with air at ambient pressure, eliminating one of the issues of other fuel cells – the need for a compressor. Kia also claims its fuel cell can utilize 98 percent of all the hydrogen to produce power. Electrical energy from regenerative braking is stored in a super-capacitor module and then released for extra power boost when needed. Kia does not say what the capacity of the 700 BAR hydrogen storage system is, but the range of the vehicle is claimed to be 425 miles. Kia is still planning low volume series production in 2012 and mass production three years after that. Watch the video http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/video-kia-remains-committed-to-fuel-cells-check-out-borrego-fc/

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Only 4 More Days to get your New Car Tax Reduction

2009-12-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

HURRY IN TO HAWKINSON KIA IN THE MATTESON AUTO MALL - ONLY 4 MORE DAYS!!!! TO GET YOUR NEW CAR TAX DEDUCTION

New-car tax deduction
Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall hasBIG NEWS!!!!!!New-car tax deduction at Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto MAllFor those who bought or are buying a new car this year but missed out on the cash-for-clunkers program, take heart: There is a special tax deduction this year.Taxpayers who buy a new car, light truck, motorcycle or motor home before Dec. 31 can deduct sales and excise taxes on purchases of up to $49,500. The deduction, part of the economic stimulus bill enacted this year, phases out for single taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of more than $125,000 and joint filers with MAGI of more than $250,000.Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall says:You don't have to itemize to claim this deduction: Add the sales tax to the standard 2009 deduction.The amount you save will depend on your state sales tax rate and the price of your vehicle. For example, if your state imposes a 4 percent sales tax and your car costs $40,000, the deduction will reduce your adjusted gross income by $1,600, says tax publisher CCH.Come see us at Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall!!!!

Web: www.HawkinsonNissan.com
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2011 crossover a bigger, better, more fuel-efficient version of its former self

2009-12-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

The Sorento from South Korea is assembled at a plant in West Point, Ga., the first Kia produced in the U.S. And depending on with whom the crossover might travel, the navigation system offers English, French and Spanish settings.

It's so new it skips 2010 and goes directly to a 2011 model year designation when it goes on sale in January. Sorento not only has been redesigned, it also has grown, with length expanding 3.2 inches. So Sorento, for the first time, now sports a third-row seat to handle a couple munchkins.

It's also 1 inch wider, perhaps necessitated by Mom, Dad and the kids munching a bit more than usual.

Sorento is offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and in base, LX or EX trim. Other than new body and new features, the big change for 2011 is a new focus on fuel economy.

Sorento's thirsty 3.3-liter, 242-horsepower and 3.8-liter, 262-hp V-6 engines teamed with 5-speed automatics have been replaced by a 2.4-liter, 172-hp 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter, 273-hp V-6 with a new 6-speed automatic. The base two-wheel-drive model also offers a 5-speed manual.

Thanks to the upgrade, the 2.4-liter 4 offers 21 mpg city/29 highway in 2WD and 21/27 AWD, while the V-6 moves to 20/26 2WD and 19/25 AWD. That's a significant gain from 15 to 16 mpg city and 20 to 22 highway in the previous V6s. The V-6 has plenty of energy to run with the pack on the interstate and does so without lots of racket, so you can talk, rather than yell, in the cabin. For motoring security, stability control is standard. And full-time AWD is a plus for the Snow Belters. Push a button on the instrument panel and you can lock AWD into "low" mode for deep snow, sandy beaches or going farther off-road than the shoulder to reach the mailbox. With off-roading in mind, hill-start control is standard so the vehicle doesn't slip when getting going on an incline. To allow for AWD and snow of all accumulations, the vehicle stands high. All four doors have built-in bottle holders (signs warn not to attempt cans). The center console has two cupholders. There is small stowage space under the center armrest, where you'll find a key fob recharger to keep the push-button keyless ignition working. At the front of the console, Kia pays tribute to techies by housing iPod, auxiliary and USB plugs between a pair of power plugs. Other nice touches are a fuel-filler door-release button in the driver's door, a handy storage tray at the front of the center console and pull-out shades in driver/passenger sun visors. No pricing yet, because it doesn't go on sale until next month, but the base model probably will start at about $20,000 and the top-of-the-line EX with V-6 about $25,000. Add about $2,000 for AWD.

Tribune Media Services

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2010 Kia Forte Koup Side-by-Side Comparison

2009-12-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

Kia introduced its new Forte sedan in 2009, re-establishing the company as a player in the compact-car segment with an affordable alternative to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

The Koup aims to do the same versus other two-doors. The Koup has a lot going for it, especially its attractive styling and gutsy engine in higher trim levels, but it doesn't beat the competition on price.

The Exterior

The best thing Kia has done with the Koup is embrace a design philosophy that isn't boring. The car's design looks familiar, yet daring. The back really makes a statement, with dynamic taillights and a black lower air diffuser that create what could easily be the most aggressive look in the class.
The Interior

The SX trim level comes with an all-black interior, which makes it seem more like a sports car. The EX comes with a tan interior, called Stone. Piano-black plastic runs down the center of the dash and over the stereo and climate controls, which definitely adds some flair. Most of the controls and buttons show the strides Kia has made in refinement.

Performance

Generally, when you get an economy car you don't expect much in the driving-thrills department, but the upgraded 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the SX is quite capable. A 156-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard in the base EX. The six-speed manual transmission is terrific when accelerating quickly through the gears. The steering is one of the car's better attributes, and the car is a joy to drive.

Mileage

is rated at 25/34 mpg city/highway for the EX with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, 22/32 mpg for the SX with a six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg for the SX with a five-speed automatic.

Features

The Forte Koup starts at $16,595.

Kia offers a lot of standard features at that price, including 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker stereo, a USB interface and iPod connectivity, cruise control and, surprisingly, Bluetooth for hands-free calling. Moving up to the higher-powered SX costs an additional $1,100, starting at $17,695 and adding the more powerful engine, 17-inch wheels, a trip computer, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, fog lights and a sport-tuned suspension. Leather seats are optional on either trim for $1,000, as is a power moonroof for $700.

Safety

The Forte Koup does not come up short in the safety department. It features all the standard airbags, along with seat-mounted side airbags and active head restraints for front passengers. Stability control is also standard.