KIA MOTORS' NEW 1.6-LITER GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE NAMED TO WARD'S "2012 10 BEST ENGINES" LIST
Four-Cylinder Gamma Engine Recognized for Efficiency and Versatility
IRVINE, Calif., December 13, 2011 - For the 2012 model year, Kia Motors America (KMA) equips the all-new Rio subcompacts and enhanced Soul urban passenger vehicle with a state-of-the-art 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder Gamma powerplant, which was recently honored as one of Ward's "10 Best Engines." The editors of WardsAuto recognized the engine's combination of performance and fuel efficiency with a class-leading 138 horsepower4 while maintaining class-leading fuel economy of 30/40 mpg (city/highway)5 in the Rio 5-door and sedan.
"With direct injection, Kia's new 1.6-liter GDI engine is truly state-of-the-art and strengthens the brand's position as a fuel economy leader in the U.S.," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With a standout combination of world-class design and dramatically cutting-edge engine technology, Kia has become the fastest growing car company in the U.S. and the Ward's 10 Best achievement is further validation of the brand's relevance in the market."
In its 18th year, the "Ward's 10 Best Engines" competition recognizes the latest powertrain technologies that are affordable and available to most consumers. During their evaluations, Ward's editors consider engines that increase horsepower and torque numbers, sound appealing and integrate well with their respective vehicles.
About the 2012 Soul
Refreshed for the 2012 model year, the Kia Soul has been fine-tuned with a significant number of technological, powertrain and style enhancements. The 2012 Soul delivers class-leading horsepower6 and significantly improved fuel efficiency of up to 35 miles per gallon (mpg)7 on the highway. Kia Motors' hatchback remains a class-leading value8 with the lowest starting price of its competitive set at $13,900 MSRP9.
About the 2012 Rio
Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the eco-friendly 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading 138 horsepower10 while maintaining a standard class-leading11 fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway).
Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically-acclaimed Optima midsize sedan12 to its production line in September. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 745 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.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 lineup is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
1 Rio and Soul class-leading horsepower claims based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of December 2011.2 Rio and Soul class-leading fuel economy claims based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of December 2011.
3 EPA fuel economy estimates 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy for 2012 Rio sedan and Rio 5-door. Actual mileage may vary.
4 Class-leading horsepower claims based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of December 2011.
5 Class-leading fuel economy claims for highway based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of December 2011. EPA fuel economy estimates 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy for 2012 Rio sedan and Rio 5-door. Actual mileage may vary.
6 Class-leading horsepower claim based on comparisons to 2011 and 2012 compact wagons as of December 2011.
7 Class-leading claim based on comparison of 2011 and available 2012 compact wagons as of November 2011. 2012 EPA fuel economy estimates for Soul Base 1.6L GDI engine are 27/city and 35/hwy MPG. Actual mileage may vary.
8 Class-leading claim based on comparisons to 2011 and 2012 competitors as of December 2011.
9 Starting prices are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), MSRP excludes $750 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
10 Class-leading horsepower claims based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of December 2011.
11 Class-leading fuel economy claims for highway based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of December 2011. EPA fuel economy estimates
12 Optima Hybrid will not be built at KMMG.