Explore Your Car - 2018 Updates in Popular KIA Models

KIA is constantly making upgrades and improvements to its range of cars, whether it be added features, additions, design improvements or engine specifications. It’s always interesting to see how these changes develop over time, as they are often made as a response to feedback from the previous year and to ensure various models are appropriate for their target market. While 2018 has seen fewer changes than last year, there has been some addition to some of KIA’s biggest car models. This article will have a look at a few of the changes, updates and improvements that we saw between last year’s and 2018’s KIA cars.

KIA Soul

The 2018 KIA Soul was actually very similar to last year’s model, with only a few minor changes being added. This followed the transition between the 2016 and 2017 models, which included the lower price-tag, a bigger engine and various other refinements. Sales numbers improved significantly and KIA has decided to stick with what works in the case of its funky, small SUV. The 2018 model has been highly reviewed, with critics often remarking that it has incredible value for its price. 

One of the biggest changes in 2018 is the additional colour offered, which is called Wild Orange. Always an option if you’re feeling adventurous! Some of the additional gadgets packed into the 2018 Soul include an upgraded infotainment system, which caters to both Apple and Android devices - automatic climate control is also included in this. Some of the other features include heated back seats and steering wheel, and LED lighting on the outside of the vehicle.

KIA Sportage

Again, the Sportage saw big changes from 2016 to 2017, mainly in terms of its appearance. It was made longer, making the interior more spacious. There were also a bunch of improvements made to handling, suspension and steering, with software and infotainment upgrades included to boot.

This time around, the changes have been less dramatic. The 2018 Sportage resembles the 2017 model with the same long body and styling. However, this model has added safety features and introduced lower trims, as well as improving on various standard features. This has had the effect of bumping up the base prices slightly, although the consumer has more choice in terms of options packages.

KIA Optima

KIA’s award-winning midsize sedan, the Optima, remains one of the most competitive models in the segment. The 2018 version has seen various improvements and has largely been rejuvenated, with technology and safety upgrades coming without a significant bump in the price.

The five trim levels on offer include the stylish, all-new KIA Optima S, which was not present in the 2017 line-up. It comes with a sports bumper, spoiler, LED tail and fog lights, with a panoramic moonroof to top it off. The 2018 Optima improves on its predecessor’s safety and entertainment features. Added to the long list of features are Rear parking assist, Blind Spot Detection and a Cross Traffic Alert system, all included as standard. Add to that Kia UVO eServices technology as standard - with a touchscreen and Apple/Android connectivity for all your infotainment needs.

Come down to Chadstone KIA and check out the all-new Optima, Soul and Sportage today! You can browse through our website or get in touch with us directly for more information. 

Best Ways To Keep Your Kia In Good Condition

Kia Cars - Reliable ride on Road

Kia has a reputation as one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. Because the vehicles are well built and have a relatively simple operating system, it isn’t uncommon for owners to drive their Kia Cars to well over 150,000 miles without significant inconveniences. But in order to do this, proper car care and detailing are required along the way, and that goes deeper than just changing the oil every 3,000 miles.

I drive a 2013 Kia Forte and I love it- I have learned several tricks to keep my Kia always in good condition. Here in this article, we will take a look at the best ways to keep your Kia Car in good condition, even over extended periods of time.

Take Good Care of Your Kia Car With These Tips

Keeping a Kia running smoothly is generally inexpensive compared to American and European cars, and the more complex Japanese brands like Lexus and Subaru. I recommend regularly using an obd2 scanner to make sure there aren’t any critical errors in the way the car is running. These devices scan the engine and electric components of the car and deliver a report of any issues, sometimes offering simple solutions. If you don’t have one, most car parts stores can run the scan for you and turn off the “check engine” light, or you can buy one for around $15 to $20.

Tips:

• Check Your Air Filter.
• I try to check the filter on my Kia every few months, particularly during summer when it’s windy outside. If your engine is being hit by a bunch of dust and debris, it will wear down quicker and not run as smoothly. This leads to lower gas mileage and potentially larger issues down the line, and all it takes to prevent it is to change air filter!
• Keep your Kia prepared for the elements.
• This means winterizing the car in late Autumn, and then reversing the process in late Spring. Because of a Kia’ build, it can be susceptible to extreme weather if not taken proper care of.

Credit: Bridgestone Tire

• Also, have seasonally appropriate tires. This helps gas mileage and also makes it easier on the engine. Running snow tires when it's ninety degrees outside is extremely inefficient, and the same goes for not changing those bald, worn out old tires before it snows.
• Keep the interior and exterior clean.
• Regular details and vacuuming of the car can go a long way in maintaining your Kia’s value and keeping the car feeling like new. When looking to always keep your Kia in good condition, taking care of the interior of the car is just as important as the vehicle maintenance. No one wants to buy (or even ride in!) a car that is trashed and has a foul odour, so do yourself a favour and keep it clean.
• While you’re at it, a car wash is only going to help the cause. Use soap of a decent quality to ensure that it won’t damage the paint and always rinse thoroughly.
•  If an accident happens, make repairs quickly
• We’ve all seen it- the guy driving around with a bashed-in front bumper, clearly trying to delay the expenditure it will take to get the car up to snuff. But he is also hurting his car’s value and potentially risking further damages by not getting it fixed. Leaving problems unsolved can lead to bigger problems down the line, especially if the problem is mechanical and not just external.
• Having comprehensive insurance, a good warranty plan, a good Kia finance deal can really help keep your Kia in good condition always because you likely won’t have as many out-of-pocket costs to get the car fixed. By spending a little more now, you can save a bunch of money later.

• Change the serpentine belt.

• You will notice when the serpentine belt is wearing out because riding in the car will become noticeably less comfortable. There will be vibrations, and sometimes noises coming from under the hood.
• Check to see if the belt is brittle, frayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged. If something sounds wrong, it probably is.
• Serpentine belts can be changed with just a few tools and the purchase of a new belt. Otherwise, a dealership or maintenance garage can do it very quickly.
• Keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance
• The engine and parts on your Kia are relatively simple and minimize the risk of major breakdowns, particularly on the coupe and sedan models like Rio and Forte. When you buy the vehicle from a dealership, have them sign you up for maintenance reminders.
  
  Often, they will send coupons and incentives along with these reminders to help keep the cost down. Again, use the obd2 scanner if you suspect something is awry here, that way you’ll have an idea of what to tell the mechanic when you bring the car into the shop.
• Oil changes, tire rotations, and engine checks will all keep the car running well and maximize gas mileage. If there is uneven wear on the tires, it is time for an alignment!
• Regular alignments and checks on the suspension system can be super helpful in maximizing your Kia’s performance.
• Filling fluids and changing windshield wipers seasonally is a great habit to get into, that way you won’t be stuck needing to pull over on a road trip or drive to work for something simple like wiper fluid.
• Change the brake pads regularly to avoid metal-on-metal grinding that will kill the rotors. As soon as you hear any noise when braking, schedule an appointment with your mechanic.
• Adding to that, your important vehicle should get good care and service from authorised Kia service centres to get the best care outcome

Enjoy Cruising on Open Roads in  A Kia Car

Buying and maintaining a Kia is a worthwhile venture, whether you drive it purely for commuting or like to get out on the open road and enjoy a cruise. Kia Cars have the reputation of Asian vehicles- long lasting and durable, but with a Kia, you have the added benefit of a car that won’t run you into the ground financially. A Kia is a good investment and with proper maintenance and care, can quickly become a great one.