Halloween Party Games for Kids

 

There has been a lot written about kids Halloween party games. Children between the ages of four to ten can be a handful especially when they are excited. So, you need to capture their energy and everyone will have more fun

Pumpkin Bowling – this is a game where you fill ten looking good bottles with stones or gravel, you can draw silly faces on them and then use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. The child who knocks the most over wins.

Musical Headstones – use strong cardboard boxex for this one or nice plastic containers. You can decorate them with spray paint or cover them with sheets – say sevenish chairs – 8 kids, fancy Halloween music and march em around the chairs and when the music stops they all must sit down on a gravestone. The one who cannot find one is out – repeat removing a chair each time.

Ghost Hunt – or pumpkin hunt – This is like the easter egg hunt except use pumpkins or ghosts with treats. It will get the kids up and moving.

Mummy Wrap – draw straws to see who is going to be the mummy or mummies. Then have a group of kids wrap em in toilet paper – messy but what fun. Divide the kids into teams. The first team done with the best wrapped mummy wins.

Cupcake Decorating Contest. – provide the room, the cupcakes, the supplies to decorate em with and let the imaginations run wild. Then the adults get to decide who wins.

Pass the Pumpkin – pumpkins come in all sizes – or use a small gourd, ties the hands behind the back, divide the group into teams and start passing the pumpkin down each line from under the first childs chin. This ought to be fun.

 

Winterize Your Vehicle

 

Winter is the enemy of the car. Cold temperatures make it harder for an engine to work properly. Snow and ice limit traction. Potholes damage wheels and tires. Salt causes rust and gravel pits the paint. But there are things you can do to help your vehicle in this time of duress. Following are some easy steps to properly prepare your car for winter. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

1. Consider using snow tires.
The condition of your car’s tires is critical during the winter. If the tires are worn or if they are high-performance tires, braking, acceleration and handling all suffer on slippery roads. Because of reduced vehicle capabilities, the likelihood of a crash increases. All-season tires will work to a certain point, but their effectiveness depends on their tread depth.

If you have the cash, consider buying a set of winter tires. Winter tires are optimized for snow and ice. They aren’t magic — even with winter tires, your car will still perform worse on slick roads than dry ones. But winter tires provide more traction on slick surfaces than all-season tires.

2. Check your tire pressure.
Tire pressure is especially important during the winter, because traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It’s critical to have properly inflated tires, which guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road. A properly inflated tire will also help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle drives over potholes. Read your owner’s manual to find the correct tire pressure.

In winter’s lower temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire will drop. Since air is a gas, it contracts when it cools. Keep this in mind if you are checking tire pressure. Generally, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in ambient temperature, your tire’s inflation pressure will change by about 1 psi (up with higher temperatures and down with lower temperatures).

3. If you have a four-wheel-drive system, make sure it is working properly.
A big selling point for SUVs is that many offer four-wheel drive, which improves traction in slippery conditions. But most people don’t use their 4WD systems during the summer. And while a 4WD system requires minimal maintenance, it’s still a good idea to check that it works properly before winter arrives.

Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises emanating from the drivetrain when the system is in use. Check to make sure that the transmission and gear oil levels are correct.

If there are multiple drivers for your vehicle, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system. The owner’s manual will state at what speeds and in what environments the 4WD can be activated.

4. Check to see if your engine requires lower-viscosity oil in the winter.
This isn’t nearly as hard as it sounds. Viscosity simply refers to how thick or thin a fluid is. (Tar has a higher viscosity than orange juice, for example.) Engine oils are sold with different viscosity levels. When winter arrives, the outside temperature drops. The colder the oil is, the thicker it will be. A thicker oil doesn’t circulate as well in an engine during start-up as a thinner oil would. If the oil is too thick, the engine doesn’t get the proper lubrication.

To solve this wintertime problem, some engines require a change to a thinner oil. This may be more necessary on older vehicles, since many new cars already come with oil that’s thin enough to withstand the winter. Even when the thinner oil is cold, it is still not too thick for proper engine lubrication. Keep in mind that an oil can also be too thin.

It’s easy to determine what type of oil your car should have in winter. Simply read the owner’s manual. It will list the manufacturer’s oil recommendations for different climates. If a dealership or local garage performs the oil change, you can ask the manager what type and viscosity of oil he’ll put in your vehicle.

5. Inspect the belts and hoses.
Belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn’t mean they don’t die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose, so have them inspected before winter starts.

6. Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid.
Visibility is particularly key in winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt build-up on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car’s blades are older, replace them. There are a number of aftermarket wiper blades that are made for winter use.

Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. You might consider adding wiper fluid that has been mixed with a de-icer. A harsh winter storm is the worst possible time for untreated wiper fluid to create ice on your windows or for you to discover your blades aren’t performing properly.

7. Check the battery.
Batteries give little notice before they die, and they absolutely love to expire at the worst possible moment. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion. If the posts are corroded, you can clean them with baking soda, water and a small wire brush.

8. Check antifreeze mixture.
The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. If the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot- and cold-weather performance can suffer.

If you were to put pure water in your vehicle’s radiator, it would freeze at 32 degrees F. But if you combine the water with an equal amount of antifreeze, the new mixture won’t freeze until -34 degrees F. Most antifreeze you’ll find in stores already comes pre-mixed, which makes this process much easier.

You can check the composition of a radiator’s mixture by using an antifreeze tester, which is available at auto parts stores and is inexpensive and easy to use. If the mixture is off, adjust it by adding more antifreeze.

9. Carry an emergency kit in your car.
A roadside kit doesn’t take up much space and can prove invaluable in an emergency. Many companies sell pre-assembled kits, but if you want to save a few bucks, you may already have the key items around the house. Things you might want to consider carrying include:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
• Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.
• A blanket, warm clothes, hat and gloves.
• Paper towels.
• A bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck.
• A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel.
• Extra washer fluid.
• Extra food and water.

10. Check the heater and windshield defroster.
Winter will put your vehicle’s windshield defrosters to the test. It’s a good idea to check that they are in working order. While you’re at it, check the air-conditioner, too. An easy way to speed up the defrost process is to turn on the A/C. (You can leave the temperature dial on warm so you don’t have to suffer.) And now is also a good time to make sure your heating system works.

Our service department will be happy to assist you in getting your car ready for winter.

Hours:   Monday-Friday: 7:00am to 5:30pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Call Us: (888) 294-9979

Production of 2012 Kia Optima kicks off in the United States

The first U.S.-built 2012 Kia Optima rolled off the production line last month at the company’sGeorgiaplant as it completed a series of expansion projects to raise annual capacity.

The 2012 Kia Optima now joins the Sorento as the second Kia vehicle to be produced at theWest Pointfacility. Kia recently added a third shift that raised the total number of jobs created at the plant to more than 3,000.

“Kia has become one of the fastest growing car companies in theU.S.thanks in large part to the success of KMMG, and the addition of new team members, and the critically-acclaimed Optima to the production line is further evidence of our commitment to theU.S.and local economy,” said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America.

In addition to the jobs created at the plant, nearby suppliers have added another 7,500 new positions in the region to support Kia’s annual capacity of 360,000 vehicles  in 2012.

2012 Kia Optima:

Class Leading Fuel Economy

Sleek Bold Styling

Innovative Technology

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating

IIHS Top Safety Pick

Class-defying Features

Unprecedented Design

See what truly makes the Kia Optima a midsize sedan unlike any other.

Fuel for Thought

 

Another summer, another spike in the price of gas. Some things never change, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. This year, squeeze the most out of every gallon by changing the way you drive and the way you care for your car and see how it impacts your bottom line.

 

There’s more to fuel efficiency than EPA ratings. In fact, the fuel economy of your Kia vehicle stretches far beyond its model and engine. The way you drive and maintain it has serious impacts on your real-world miles per gallon. In essence, while it’s great to drive your Forte rated at up to 36 mpg or more, chances are you may never approach those figures unless you think smart, drive smart and stay smart over the life of your car.

 

What does that mean? It’s simple. Start by thinking smart, or in other words, using common sense. Before your vehicle even leaves the driveway, consider how much fuel (and money) you could be wasting by overlooking a few common mistakes.

 

Is your vehicle carrying any excess weight? Every 100 pounds can impact fuel economy by one to two percent, so be sure to clean out your trunk and cabin of all unnecessary weight before driving. Do you tend to leave your car running for long periods of time without driving it? Though it may seem simple, an idling car has an EPA efficiency rating of 0 mpg. Are you using the right grade of fuel? Don’t pay for a more expensive grade of gasoline if your vehicle doesn’t require it (check your owner’s manual or ask your dealer if you’re unsure of what grade to use). When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? Underinflated tires could be decreasing your fuel economy by up to 10 percent, so keep a close eye on the tires. Even if they don’t appear low, check them and consult your owner’s manual or the driver’s side doorjamb for proper inflation levels.

 

Next, when you do hit the road, it’s more important than ever to be conscious of the way you drive. Even the most fuel-efficient cars in the world will burn through gasoline when driven too fast and too aggressively. Quick acceleration, hard braking and high-speed driving are not-so-secret fuel economy killers and could be costing you big. In fact, the fuel efficiency of most vehicles steadily declines at about 60 mph and higher.

 

Combat this by driving smarter. Ease off the gas when it’s not an emergency. Don’t drop the accelerator to the floor at every green light or brake hard and heavy at every red light. You’ll be surprised how simple, conservative driving can have a serious impact on your fuel gauge and your vehicle’s longevity. After all, obeying the speed limit is good for everyone anyway, right?

 

To maintain that longevity, it’s important to stay smart over the life of your Kia vehicle. That means routine service of some often overlooked and underappreciated systems and components. As a complex array of thousands of moving, integrated parts, it’s only natural for fluids, belts, hoses and various bits and pieces to wear out or require replacement every now and again. The stifling heat of summer is the perfect (or not-so-perfect) time for some of these components to give way, not only impacting your fuel economy, but possibly even damaging your car.

 

That said, while cooling and electrical systems tend to attract the most attention, fresh air filters, spark plugs and motor oil can not only keep your car running strong, but also help you stretch every gallon of gas. Be sure to bring your vehicle in for periodic, routine service to ensure that everything works precisely as it should.

 

You can’t control the price of gas, but you can certainly control how you use it. A little common sense, restraint and routine service can pay serious dividends at the pump. Change the way you drive, change the way you service and you can change your monthly gas bills.

 

2011 Kia Forte Koup Named One of the ‘Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000′ by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

The 2011 Kia Forte Koup has been named to the “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” list by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, a leading provider of new and used car information. Kia Motors America’s (KMA) performance-inspired Koup was selected for offering consumers a stylish and affordable vehicle filled with modern technologies at a tremendous value.

“Our design-led transformation has dramatically increased consumer perception of the Kia brand, and the Forte Koup’s recognition by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com as a ‘cool’ vehicle is further validation of our strategy to provide consumers with a compelling combination of aggressive styling and performance, a long list of standard safety features and strong overall value,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “The Koup, like the rest of the Kia lineup, continues to raise the bar in its segment by offering fun-to-drive performance and modern technologies that contribute to an outstanding ownership experience.”

The annual “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” list published by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com features vehicles that are fun to drive, fun to own and, most critically, possess the decidedly subjective “cool factor.” Editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book’s exclusive Fair Purchase Price, which reflects vehicle transaction prices paid by consumers and is updated weekly to reflect changing market conditions.

“Having an attractive car that others haven’t seen – that’s cool. The 2011 Kia Forte Koup isn’t just the sportiest-looking car on our list, its standard equipment list includes a satellite-ready audio system, Bluetooth®(1) wireless technology and USB/iPod®(2) integration,” say editors from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “For buyers who think cool and obvious are mutually exclusive concepts, the uncommon Forte Koup is about as cool as it gets for less than $18,000.”

Available in two trims, EX and SX, Forte Koup offers consumers an aggressively styled and performance-inspired two-door coupe with an abundance of amenities as well as impressive power. All Forte Koup models feature Bluetooth® wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SiriusXM(TM) Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service(3). For added listening convenience, steering wheel-mounted audio controls also come standard on all models, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or steering wheel-mounted controls while maintaining a starting price of under $17,000 (MSRP).(4)

Designed and engineered as a driver’s car, Forte Koup is powered by either a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine (EX models), producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque(5) that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, or an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine (SX models), also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque(6).

Adding to the Forte Koup’s “cool factor” is the fact that its outstanding driving dynamics and performance-inspired styling provided the basis for Kia’sU.S.motorsports program, which competes in GRAND-AM’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in the Street Tuner class. The No. 10 and No. 12 Infinity Audio Forte Koups have proven to be a road racing force to be reckoned with in their sophomore season, capturing five-consecutive top-ten finishes and two podium appearances, including a victory atBarberMotorsportsParkinBirmingham,Ala.

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

Kia’s model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based inSeoul,South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout theUnited Statesand serves as the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” In 2010, KMA recorded its best-everU.S.sales and 16th consecutive year of increasedU.S.market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1) The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners.

(2) iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. iPod mobile digital device sold separately, and connectivity requires the Kia accessory cable, also sold separately.

(3) Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com. If you decide to continue your Sirius service at the end of your complimentary trial, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call Sirius at 888-539-7474 to cancel. Sirius U.S. Satellite service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguousUnited States, D.C. and PR. Go to http://www.siriusxm.com/traffic for available coverage. © 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.

(4) Starting price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

(5) 2.0-liter SULEV-rated engine offers 154 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque.

(6) 2.4-liter SULEV-rated engine offers 165 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque.

SOURCE Kia MotorsAmerica

 

Car Care: Tire Maintenance

Tires are hugely important to nearly every aspect of your vehicle’s performance. As the only portion of any car, truck, crossover and SUV that actually touches the road, they impact acceleration, cornering, handling and braking while also playing a huge role in fuel economy and road noise as well. Tires may not be as thrilling as sleek sheet metal or a high-horsepower engine, but there’s nothing more important to your vehicle’s safety than their care and maintenance. That means making sure your tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated and balanced. 

According to the experts at Goodyear, making sure your tires are correctly inflated is the most important aspect of vigilant tire care. Every tire comes with inflation recommendations – listed as “PSI,” or pounds per square inch – on the sidewall, but it’s worth noting that those are the maximum allowable pressures. While the tire can handle those inflation levels, they may not be what are actually recommended for your vehicle. Those figures can be found in your owner’s manual, on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door or on a door pillar. Lower than recommended inflation can lead to premature tire wear, uneven braking and early tire failure. It can also cause a serious drain on fuel economy, up to a 0.4 percent reduction for every single PSI below optimum levels, according to some studies.

On the other hand, overinflation can be just as dangerous. Extreme tire pressures can warp the tire’s tread, thereby reducing the physical area where the tire touches the road. Not surprisingly, this reduces your vehicle’s traction on dry pavement, which can lead to longer braking distances and unstable handling at speed. Like underinflation, overinflation can also lead to premature tire failure.

Tire manufacturers recommend having a rotation performed* to promote even wear and to extend the life of the tire. A qualified factory service technician will know the best rotation pattern for your tires and your vehicle, but the procedure typically entails moving the tires that were on the drive axle to a non-drive axle and vice-versa. The process is different for all-wheel drive vehicles and those equipped with directional tires, but the aim remains the same. This prevents one area of the tire from wearing down before the rest of the tread, and can save you serious money on a premature replacement.

While making sure that your tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated can save you hundreds of dollars a year in replacement costs and fuel economy, making sure that your tires are accurately balanced is also important. Your vehicle’s tires and wheels spin at a rate of thousands of revolutions per minute when at highway speed, and, as a result, any small imbalance can cause a significant vibration. While tire and wheel manufacturers strive to produce the most perfectly balanced products possible, some variance will always exist. Service technicians overcome those variances by securing small, incremental lead weights to the vehicle’s wheel to achieve proper balance.

Balancing is typically performed anytime that a new tire is mounted to a wheel, but as the tire ages, balancing may need to be rechecked. Those lead weights routinely fall off over time as well, which can lead to a harsh vibration in one wheel. That vibration is translated directly to the vehicle’s suspension components, which can cause premature wear to expensive components like bushings and shocks, and into the vehicle’s cabin. As the vibration increases, so can driver fatigue. If you notice a regular vibration while driving your vehicle, it may be time for a rotation.

As the only link between your vehicle and the road, your tires are monumentally important to your safety. Simple maintenance like keeping up with inflation, regular rotations and prompt balancing can extend tire life, save you money and improve nearly every aspect of your vehicle’s performance.

Hours:   Monday-Friday: 7:30am to 5:30pm

Closed Saturday & Sunday

Call Us: (888) 294-9979

2012 Kia Sorento

Newly arrived with more power and even higher fuel economy.

With most car companies, an all-new model gets just minor enhancements in its “sophomore” model year. Kia, however, rolls to its own beat and gave the 2012 Sorento some major upgrades in its second model year. More power with even higher fuel economy set the foundation for an even stronger value in the 2012 Kia Sorento.

 

Most car brands would be fortunate to have as big a success as the all-new Kia Sorento. This all-new crossover utility vehicle (CUV) rolled into showrooms for 2011 delivering room for up to seven, choice of four-cylinder or V6 power, elegant design, great Kia value and quality and high fuel economy. Likewise, most brands might have left well enough alone for the vehicle’s second model year. Kia, however, decided to give the U.S.-built 2012 Sorento even better performance, economy and value.

 

Simply stated, the vehicle named as one of the “Best Family Cars of 2011” by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com for 2011 gets even better for 2012. For the family vehicle buyer, no discussion about value can come without a look at safety credentials. The Kia Sorento received a “Top Safety Pick” rating for 2011 and should continue to tout this important accolade for 2012.

 

As another, more recent value endorsement for the 2012 Kia Sorento, the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) acknowledged the emphasis on value by significantly raising projections for resale value after three years. What made ALG’s analysts rate the 2012 Kia Sorento so highly in resale value? For one, they were impressed that Kia installed a new Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine in the Sorento EX models for 2012. It’s the same size as last year’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but the GDI helps boost horsepower from 175 to 191.

 

Bigger news, however, await at the gas pump, where the 2012 Kia Sorento is projected to deliver up to 32 mpg in highway driving. Think about that: a mid-size CUV with seating for up to seven and an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating that can also deliver up to 32 mpg in highway driving. Anybody who thinks you have to give up room, comfort, safety and versatility to cope with $4-per-gallon gasoline will learn a valuable lesson from the 2012 Kia Sorento.

 

The 191 hp 2012 Sorento EX has a starting MSRP of $25,950 for the front-wheel drive model. The 2012 Sorento LX continues with the 175 hp version of the engine and starts at an MSRP of $23,150. Outstanding Kia value shows up in such standard LX features as a tilt and telescopic steering column, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth® wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

 

Both the LX and EX models continue to offer an available 276 hp 3.5 liter V6 engine, which powers the SX as standard. All Sorento models offer the choice between front-wheel drive or full-time automatic all-wheel drive. The AWD system offers a “Lock” feature that evenly distributes power front-to-rear in slippery low-speed situations.

 

Kia didn’t stop at with improving performance and fuel economy in the 2012 Sorento. You’ll also find newly available luxuries including power-folding mirrors, memory seat and power passenger seat, ventilated driver’s seat and heated and a wood-trim steering wheel. The new UVO powered-by-Microsoft® hands-free infotainment and communications system, which is based on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform, comes standard on EX models and is available with an Infinity audio system as well. Other trim lines offer premium audio upgrades, and even a rear seat entertainment system.

 

Feel free to compare 2012 Kia Sorento SX to SUV’s costing many thousands of dollars more. After all, it’s in luxury-brand CUV’s that you’ll generally find such standard features as leather seat trim for the first and second rows, three-stage heated front seats, automatic dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®, stainless steel pedals and a stainless steel sill plates with illuminated scuff trim.

 

Jump back to the news about increased power and 32-mpg highway fuel economy, and then mull those figures over in the context of a the 72.5 cubic feet of carrying space the 2012 Kia Sorento offers with all seats folded. The Sorento also provides more middle- and third-row headroom and more third-row legroom than the Acura MDX.

 

When you come in to test drive a 2012 Kia Sorento, remember, too, that all new Kia models are covered by a standard five-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper new car warranty with Roadside Assistance, plus the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That, too, is a luxury that you pay extra for in many luxury models.

 

2012 Kia Sportage SX

 

Kia, with its recent flurry of new-model introductions, sent a clear message to competitors: “Just try to keep up with us.” That message comes through emphatically from the 2012 Kia Sportage SX, in more ways than one.

 

With the all-new Sportage, introduced for the 2011 model year, Kia designers melded the sharpest lines from a high-performance sport sedan with the utility of a compact SUV. Then, this past spring, the engineers stepped up their game and added some extra zing with the new turbocharged Sportage SX. Now, for the 2012 model, Kia continues to enhance the Sportage SX, adding the standard UVO in-car, hands-free entertainment and communication system, which is based on the Microsoft® Windows Embedded Automotive technology.

 

Turbo-boosted performance has been gaining popularity in the compact crossover segment, with the Acura RDX (240 hp), Mazda CX-7 (244 hp) and Volkswagen Tiguan (200 hp) each offering a combination of turbo performance, sporty handling and versatility. And then along comes the 2012 Kia Sportage SX, blowing them away on power and fuel economy, at a better value and with a longer warranty, the 2012 Kia Sportage SX throws down the gauntlet for those other turbo CUV’s.

 

Do 260 hp and 269 lb/ft of torque sound compelling to you? The 2012 Kia Sportage SX puts those hefty performance figures to excellent use. Motor Trend Magazine tested the Sportage SX for its July issue and recorded zero-to-60 in just 7.3 seconds. Yet, the 2012 Sportage SX also posts EPA fuel economy ratings that beat even less-powerful, non-turbo crossovers: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway for the FWD model, and 21/26 for the AWD version.

 

Compare those impressive economy figures to the Acura RDX at 19/24 for FWD and 17/22 with AWD. That value gap gets even wider when you consider that the Kia Sportage SX makes maximum power using regular-grade gasoline, not the more expensive premium that many turbocharged models specify, including the Acura RDX and VW Tiguan.

 

The remarkable balance of performance and fuel economy in the 2012 Sportage SX comes courtesy of the Kia 2.0-liter gas direct injection (GDI) engine and standard six-speed automatic transmission. The twin-scroll turbocharger ensures ample low-end power and super-quick responsiveness. You’ll feel that power in everyday driving situations, not just when you’re charging up a highway entrance ramp.

 

When the word “sport” takes up most of your model name, you’d better deliver on that promise. The all-new Kia Sportage models do, with crisp handling and a cockpit that feels more like a sports coupe than a CUV. The 2011 Sportage SX amps up the handling factor with sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels. If the unique wheel design makes you think of a concept vehicle’s wheels, that’s a reflection of how Kia designers obsess over such details. The grille, duel exhaust outlets and special side sill moldings contribute to the hunkered-down sporty attitude in the Sportage SX.

 

The special SX treatment carries over inside, where you’ll find an exclusive Supervision gauge cluster, aluminum doorsills, “Welding cloth” seat trim and the availability of exclusive options. In other regards, the Sportage SX follows the high-content equipment level of the Sportage EX model.

 

Within the Sportage line, the SX exclusively offers the available interior color packages that you might expect from a luxury-brand vehicle. The Orange Color Package adds orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats, along with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. The Blue Color Package brings a unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents.

 

The 2012 Kia Sportage SX offers those color packages in conjunction with the Premium Package. This comprehensive smorgasbord of comfort and convenience equips the Sportage with heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, Navigation with SIRIUS Traffic and rear camera display, pushbutton start, a premium audio system with subwoofer, Back Up Warning System and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink®. 

 

That’s a lot of performance, comfort and value in what you could rightly call a “designer vehicle.” The Kia Sportage also gets the “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it comes with the brand’s renowned five-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper new car warranty with Roadside Assistance, plus the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

 

If you’re looking for truly sporty performance in a compact crossover, along with a strong helping of technology and comfort, then come in to test-drive the 2012 Kia Sportage SX.

Kia Genuine Service

Kia Genuine Service offers Kia owners comprehensive maintenance and service support.
When it’s time to take care of your Kia’s maintenance or seek out advice regarding a potential repair job, there is no substitute for Kia Genuine Service. In fact, Kia Genuine Service offers you the best possible care for your Kia at any stage of its life – whether it is still under warranty or it has faithfully turned more than 100,000 miles on its odometer.

Only Kia Genuine Service gives you access to factory-trained Kia Certified technicians who are skilled beyond any independent mechanic or repair facility. These individuals are focused solely on maintaining and repairing Kia automobiles, and the depth of their knowledge far surpasses that of a general technician. The end result is fast, accurate troubleshooting every time you visit a Kia dealership, and expert repairs that solve each problem without the need for a return visit.

Kia Genuine Service also provides you with specialized diagnostic and repair equipment that is not often available outside of the dealership setting. High-tech, computerized gear specifically designed to work with Kia automobiles gives Kia technicians an edge when hunting down hard-to-trace issues or when tuning your automobile for maximum fuel mileage and performance.

Taking advantage of Kia Genuine Service also means that your car will never have anything other than Kia Genuine Parts installed. All Kia Genuine Parts come with factory warranty and are guaranteed to mesh perfectly with your automobile’s systems – something that most aftermarket components can’t match.

Kia technicians are on hand not only if you need a repair, but also to help you devise a maintenance strategy to keep your Kia going strong. This might include helping you stay familiar with Kia’s factory maintenance schedule, or giving you advice about special situations like frequent towing when increased maintenance might be called for.

Kia Genuine Service is one of the many perks of owning a Kia automobile, and it is only available at your Kia dealership. To find out more about the benefits of Kia Genuine Service, visit your Kia dealer’s service center and meet one of the many Kia representatives who will be happy to answer all your questions.

Hours:   Monday-Friday: 7:00am to 5:30pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Call Us: (888) 294-9979

The Kia of Cheyenne Certified Team is both Kia Certified and ASE Certified to handle everything from scheduled maintenance to repairs, and will be on hand to ensure your vehicle stays in pristine condition.

Kia UVO Offers Voice-Activated Control of Multimedia

Imagine if you could talk to your car like Michael Knight talked to KITT in the 1980’s television show Knight Rider. Well, now you can, thanks to cutting-edge technology known as Kia UVO, which allows for voice-activated control of your in-vehicle multimedia systems.

Kia UVO is an in car infotainment system with advanced voice- and touch-activated features. Kia UVO, short for ‘Your Voice,’ provides simple and quick access to vehicle’s multimedia and infotainment systems.

• Advanced Speech Technology: Integrate speech recognition and synthesis technology from Microsoft.
• Natural Interface Advancements : A full-color, in-dash monitor allows occupants to quickly scroll through media and mobile device content through intuitive voice and touch-screen commands.
• Custom Media Experiences with MyMusic : UVO’s “Jukebox” function features a hard drive for media storage, allowing users to rip music from CDs or an MP3 player into personal MyMusic folders and store songs sorted by title and/or artist – all through voice commands. The system can shuffle through an MP3 player or AM/FM and SIRIUS radio stations and instantly identify what’s playing all through simple voice commands.
• Rear Backup Camera : When the vehicle is put in reverse, a built-in rear backup camera uses UVO’s in-dash display to provide images of the environment behind the car assisting the driver to identify certain objects that otherwise may be difficult to see.
• Ability to Continuously Update Features and Services