2014 KIA OPTIMA AND SOUL RECEIVE AUTOPACIFIC VEHICLE SATISFACTION AWARDS
U.S.-built* Optima Midsize Sedan Wins Award for Second Consecutive Year while Soul Urban Utility Earns Honor for First Time
- 18th annual AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards identifies most appealing cars in the market and assists consumers in making informed vehicle purchasing decisions
- Survey measured responses from more than 92,000 new-car buyers
IRVINE, Calif., June 19, 2014 – Kia’s two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. market were recently acknowledged by AutoPacific with Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) for 2014. The midsize Optima sedan won the Best-In-Class Mid-Size Car award for the second consecutive year, while the ultra-popular Soul urban passenger vehicle won Best-In-Class Compact Car segment for the first time. Both Optima and Soul set all-time monthly sales records in May with 16,843 and 15,606 units sold, respectively. The 18th annual AutoPacific VSA studied new-car buying results from over 92,000 consumers.
“With today’s tough competition in all segments, these AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are a result of our continued efforts to elevate the Kia brand by delivering a winning combination of European-influenced design, world-class quality and cutting-edge technology – all at a great value,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA. “While the Optima and Soul have very different personalities, their appeal in the marketplace is a shared strength. Customer demand continues to climb for these great vehicles, and we’re glad to see the AutoPacific survey confirm what our sales results have already told us.”
AutoPacific’s VSAs identify the most satisfying vehicles for sale in the U.S. market and assist new-car buyers in making informed vehicle purchase decisions. The survey measures owner satisfaction through 51 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance.
About the 2014 Optima
The 2014 Optima – Kia’s sales leader – features updated front and rear fascias, accentuating the vehicle’s dynamic and sporty proportions. The eye-catching sedan is available with two powerful Theta II powerplants featuring gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. A 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain is also available. The improvements continue within the cabin as drivers are greeted with more upscale and high-tech amenities. The SXL trim brings Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique 18-inch chrome wheels, new LED fog lights, red brake calipers, an electronic parking brake, chrome accented side sills, and premium Nappa leather-trimmed seats.
About the 2014 Soul
Instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh – with more than a passing nod to the hot Track’ster concept that was unveiled in 2012 – the 2014 Soul rides on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider. The Soul’s new dimensions allow for more passenger and cargo room while NVH levels have been reduced dramatically. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments and inside there is a long list of standard comfort and convenience features including Bluetooth® wireless technology1 and steering wheel-mounted controls2.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and surpassed the 500,000 annual sales mark for the second consecutive year in 2013 following the launch of seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K900** flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States. Kia’s U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs.
Information about KMA and its full vehicle line-up is available at www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
*The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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 trade names are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.
2 Driving while distracted is dangerous and should be avoided. Drivers should remain attentive to driving and always exercise caution when using the steering-wheel-mounted controls while driving.
** 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.