BRAINTREE, Mass., April 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Flashy Kia concept vehicles have become a staple at car shows around the world, sporting advanced technology and futuristic good looks that actually make it to production. From the popular Soul to the Rio, Kia’s design revolution has been a sales hit for Kia dealers like Quirk Kia of Braintree, Massachusetts. Kia Soul sales in March nearly doubled and the sleek 2011 Sportage flew off the lots faster than ever before.
To maintain that exciting pace, Kia is releasing a host of concept cars and new models at the New York International Auto Show, where improved fuel efficiency and revised looks will reign. The biggest name on the stand is the 2012 Kia Rio, which jumps to the front of the class with Kia’s advanced design language. The Rio’s new look frames outstanding engine technology that will boost both power and fuel economy, giving it an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. Other innovations include direct-injection engines and idle stop-go technology, which turns off the engine after a preset idling time to save fuel, then kicks it back on when the gas pedal is pressed.
The revised Rio will build on the already successful 2011 Kia Rio, which has been earning accolades for its frugal ways. Consumer Guide named the Rio a Recommended Vehicle and Forbes.com placed the Rio on their Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for the Buck list. The latest award came from TrueCar.com, which named the 2011 Rio the Best Overall Value on its Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles list, noting the exceptional fuel economy, spirited performance and generous list of standard features.
“The Kia Rio has always been a terrific value, so it comes as no surprise that all these groups would single it out as an outstanding deal. It’s affordable, reliable and makes other cars look like gas guzzlers,” said Joe Dziedzic, general manager of Quirk Kia. “It’s an even better deal for Greater Boston Kia drivers, who will find the sporty handling and miserly gas usage a benefit in both city and highway driving.”
Also making its debut at the New York International Auto Show is the revised 2012 Soul. The popular crossover will get refreshed styling and some updated hardware as well, including a new six-speed transmission that is expected to boost highway fuel economy to 35 mpg. Current model-year Soul crossovers earn mileage of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Like the Rio, the funky Soul has been on the lips of automotive publications since its debut. Edmunds.com named the Soul a Top Recommended SM Vehicle for 2011, and Consumers Digest chose the 2011 Soul as a Best Buy, recognizing the car as an outstanding value in its class.
The Soul is more than a pretty face, earning a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration five-star side-impact crash rating and a 2011 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.
“The Kia Soul is the perfect antidote for boring cars,” Dziedzic said. “It has funky looks that set it apart on the streets and efficiency that makes it a standout at the fuel pump. So many cars these days look alike, and the Soul busts that mold wide open.”
About Quirk Kia:
Quirk Kia’s goal is to achieve loyal, lifelong customers by providing superior value and service in every aspect of the automobile purchase and ownership experience. Minutes from downtown Boston, Quirk Kia is a premier Greater Boston Kia dealer renowned for its commitment to automotive excellence. Stop by and see for yourself why Quirk Works. Visit Quirk Kia online at www.quirkkia.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkKia, call them at 781-917-1202 or visit their showroom at 443 Quincy Ave in Braintree, MA.
