MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Aug. 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to a national shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Kia Canada has pledged a donation of 60,000 medical-grade face shields to the Public Health Agency of Canada, to equip the country’s heroic frontline healthcare workers as they work tirelessly to heal their communities.
Produced in a re-tooled section of Kia Motors’ manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, the donation of face shields is an extension of Kia Canada’s Power To Give COVID-19 relief efforts. The face shields will be allocated to Canadian healthcare workers and dispersed equitably to provinces and territories by the Public Health Agency.
This follows on the heels of Kia Canada’s donation of a generous contribution to Food Banks Canada within the brand’s Power To Give initiative, which provided a $200,000 donation nationally, as well as loaned vehicles to regional food banks to fight hunger relief efforts amid the pandemic.
“We are committed to giving back to the communities that we’re so proud to call home, and we’re grateful to the Kia family that we’re able to provide support with these protective face shields,” says Elias El-Achhab, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Canada. “We have proudly served Canadians for over 20 years, and we want to do our part to give back to our great nation. From the cobblestone streets of Gastown, BC, to the beautiful coast of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada has our heart, and we will continue to seek ways to meaningfully make a difference,” he says.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is pleased to see so many stepping up to lend support to those who need it most. On behalf of all Canadians, the Public Health Agency of Canada has expressed its sincere appreciation for Kia Canada’s donation to aid Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 60,000 Face Shields Kia Canada donated have been essential for keeping Canada’s frontline healthcare workers safe during a time of global shortages.
Kia Canada invites Canadians to consider giving back by visiting kia.ca/powertogive
Kia is redesigning the Optima for 2021 and, in the process, gives the midsize sedan a new name. Called the 2021 Kia K5, the car features rakish styling, a high-tech interior, the latest in safety equipment, and plenty of performance measured in terms of both acceleration and efficiency.
When the new Kia K5 goes on sale in North America during the summer of 2020, it will come in LX, LXS, GT-Line, and EX trim levels. The racy K5 GT arrives later in the year.
Exterior Features
Longer, wider, and lower than the Optima it replaces, the 2021 Kia K5 boasts new LED “heartbeat” daytime running light signatures front and rear. Expect this look to proliferate throughout the company’s lineup as vehicles are refreshed or redesigned.
In front, the latest evolution of Kia’s “tiger nose” grille leads the way, a look first seen on the redesigned 2021 Sorento. Additionally, the new K5 features a dramatic new fastback design that makes the car appear to have a rear liftgate similar to the Stinger. In reality, the K5 offers a roomy 16 cu.-ft. trunk.
The Kia K5 shares its platform and engineering with the recently redesigned Hyundai Sonata. Where the Sonata’s body sides swell between the wheel arches, Kia adopts a subtle “Coke bottle” tapering of the door skins for a leaner look. Chrome sweeps up from the base of each windshield pillar around the top of the side windows and then down and around the back glass in a continuous loop.
Wheel sizes range from 16 inches to 19 inches in diameter, the biggest aluminum alloy design bolted to the racy 2021 Kia K5 GT, which has a sportier appearance with a bolder front bumper and a rear bumper incorporating racy vents and a diffuser panel with clearly defined strakes. Dual trapezoidal exhaust outlets complete the K5 GT’s sport sedan look.
Interior Features
If the Kia K5’s exterior is wild, the interior is fairly mild. Designed to simple and minimalistic horizontal themes, the goal with the K5’s cabin is to present a sense of roominess and calm. There’s even an available Mood Lighting system and a Sound of Nature audio system playing what Kia characterizes as “natural soundscapes” to help soothe frazzled nerves.
Cloth or simulated leather is available in single- and two-tone cabin colour schemes. Trim and accents are rendered in polished metallic, simulated wood, and gloss black depending on the model, and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display is available.
Optional Features
In addition to nicer wheels and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation, the 2021 Kia K5 optional equipment list offers wireless smartphone charging, heated seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Kia also plans to offer numerous convenience, infotainment, and safety-related technologies, some of which are outlined below.
Under the Hood
With most trim levels, a turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder delivers 180 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter spread across a broad rev range and available from just 1,500 rpm. Translated, that means this engine feels more energetic in the driving situations most people encounter on a daily basis. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that powers the front wheels.
The 2021 Kia K5 GT gets a turbocharged 2.5-litre 4-cylinder with new dual fuel-injection technology and a next-generation thermal management system for maximum engine cooling. Kia says it makes 290 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, which scoots the car to 60 mph in a claimed 5.8 seconds. A new 8-speed wet double-clutch transmission is exclusive to the GT, helping to ensure maximum performance and driving enjoyment.
Drive Mode Select offers five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Custom. With the K5 GT, a Sport+ mode is also available. All-wheel drive is a new option for the 2021 K5, making the car more appealing to cold-weather dwellers. You’ll need LXS or GT-Line trim and the standard engine in order to get it, though.
Kia confirms that hybrids will return to the global K5 lineup but has not announced anything official for the North American market.
Safety
Kia equips the new K5 with all of its latest advanced driving assist systems (ADAS). Highlights from the standard and optional equipment list include:
adaptive cruise control that can incorporate information about the route ahead from the navigation system
front and rear collision warning
automatic front and rear emergency braking
blind-spot warning with active intervention
lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance
rear cross-traffic warning
safe vehicle exit assistance
rear seat reminder system to prevent parents from leaving children inside the car
Additional safety technology includes a driver attention monitor with a new Leading Vehicle Departure Alert. This new function tells the driver when traffic ahead is moving again, just in case he or she is paying attention to something other than the road.
The Kia K5 also offers a new Junction Turning technology. It acts when the driver is making a left turn across traffic, preventing the K5 from advancing if oncoming vehicles are too close.
Technology
The more you spend on the new Kia K5, the more technology you’ll receive. Most noticeably, this includes
With a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment system with navigation, which replaces a standard 8-inch display, includes a new voice recognition technology that allows the driver to control the stereo, climate system, power windows, and even the heated/ventilated seats and heated steering wheel using voice commands. Audiophiles will want the available 12-speaker Bose premium surround sound system.
The next-generation Kia Sedona has been previewed sporting a radical redesign and the Korean automaker has dubbed it a “Grand Utility Vehicle.”
As minivans continue to lose market share to SUVs, Kia has restyled its family hauler to look more like a crossover with more aggressive lines and wheel arches, a boxier silhouette, shorter overhangs, and a floating roof design. We see shades of the Ford Explorer from the rear angles and the new Sedona will have unique LED lighting elements that help make it look more high end.
No powertrain information, photos of the interior, or details on features have been unveiled yet, but stay tuned for more information when the minivan debuts fully.
The minivan segment is shrinking but the ones left have stepped up their game and made the practical and family-friendly body style much more compelling. With the Chrysler Pacifica and the plug-in hybrid version getting rave reviews, the new Toyota Sienna coming as an all-wheel-drive hybrid with a mini-fridge, and the Honda Odyssey still a strong contender, we wonder if all this advancement will be enough to sway larger families away from SUVs.
Canadian information for the fourth-generation Kia Sedona has not yet been revealed, as only the Korean-market Carnival has been previewed. Expect more information at a later date.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted society, putting millions out of work, into financial stress, and provoked a spike in national food insecurity, in some cases not seen since the 2008 recession.
Determined to help alleviate hunger in Canada and give back to its community, Kia Canada is deploying vehicles and much-needed funds through the #PowerToGive, a national partnership with Food Banks Canada.
“We’ve moved Canadians with safety and confidence for more than 20 years,” says Elias El-Achhab, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Canada Inc. “And our #PowerToGive partnership with Food Banks Canada and its 3,000 food banks and community agencies across the country will help put our team, our resources, and our vehicles to important work — feeding Canadians in this time of need.”
Kia Canada is lending its press fleet of top-of-the-line new vehicles including the Sportage, Soul and Telluride to Food Banks in Toronto and Vancouver to support their daily work in providing food packs to vulnerable Canadians. Along with a $200,000 kick start donation, Kia Canada is also working with its national network of dealers, helping connect them with their local food banks and agencies to lend additional assistance and support.
The National Leader in Hunger Relief Food banks across Canada are facing immense demand, with operational capacity strained to the max. “To put things into context, one of our BC food banks typically records visits from 50 households in one week. That number rose to 300 household visits per week since the pandemic began,” says Food Banks Canada CEO, Chris Hatch. “That, coupled with a reduction in volunteers and a significant drop in food donations in some markets, means that we need support to ensure our neighbours are fed,” he says.
“What Kia is doing is another example of Canadians coming together,” says Neil Hetherington, Chief Executive Officer at Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank. “Through these very difficult times, we at the Daily Bread have seen time and time again how individuals and corporations have stepped up to the plate to say: we are all in this together! We are grateful to Kia Canada for providing an uplifting moment, as we navigate these unchartered, anxious times and helping alleviate pressures for our team who are working frontline in service of their communities,” he says.
The Power to Give Kia Canada is giving back at all levels of its organization. Having already taken important steps to help alleviate financial difficulties for its customers, the company has worked closely with its lending partners to develop financial assistance options as well as launching the Kia Promise program, which provides an extension for warranties expiring between February 1st – April 30, 2020, giving customers additional time to address any warrantable concerns.
About Kia Canada Kia Canada Inc. (KCI), founded in 1999 and celebrating 20 years in Canada, is a subsidiary of the Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) based in Seoul, South Korea. The full line of award-winning Kia vehicles offers world-class quality and customer satisfaction through a network of 195 dealers across the country. The company employs 170 people at its headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, as well as in locations across Canada and at its regional office in Montréal, Québec. Kia’s slogan “The Power to Surprise,” symbolizes the company’s worldwide commitment to exceed customer expectations through sustained automotive innovation.
Whether it is a compact, crossover, or electric model which is among the best in the industry, each Kia vehicle offers a superior combination of precision engineering, exceptional performance, innovative features and advanced safety systems. Kia has sold a million vehicles, including popular models in Canada like the Soul, Forte, Sportage, Sorento, Stinger and has recently added the Seltos to its lineup. To learn more, visit kia.ca or Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
About Food Banks Canada Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 3,000 food banks and community agencies come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who last year – made 1.1 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Over the past 10 years, as a system, we have sourced and shared over 1.4 billion pounds of food and Food Banks Canada shared over $90 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while advocating for reducing the need for food banks. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry.
In case you haven’t noticed, Kia Motors isn’t what it used to be and it’s a good thing. Back in the old days of the late 1990s, Kia Motors was a cheap and cheerful upstart in Canada. It once even sported a tagline approximating, ‘why settle for a used car when you can have a Kia?’ Really.
To say circumstances have changed for Kia is the understatement of this new decade. From the first-ever high-performance Stinger gran turismo sedan and three-row Telluride SUV, to all-new versions of the Soul and Soul EV crossovers, the South Korean automaker now churns out new models that don’t need support from cheeky ad campaigns. These cars are good.
And Kia isn’t standing still either. An all-new Optima mid-size sedan will arrive later this year, the first-ever compact Seltos crossover is in dealers now, and the subject of this review, the new Forte5 compact hatch, arrived late last year as a 2020 model.
The Forte family
The Forte family has been around for a sneaky long time. Also known as the K3 in China and the Cerato in South America, the Forte debuted in 2009 and went on sale in North America in 2010. Back then, the family also included a two-door Koup variant, which lasted through the first two generations before being retired at the end of the 2016 model year.
All three generations of the Forte have been built on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the Hyundai Elantra, with which the Forte also shares four-cylinder engines and transmissions.
All-new for 2020
The Forte sedan was all-new for the 2019 model year, while the Forte5 is new for 2020. Being part of the same generation, both cars share similar styling and feature the same powertrains and technology.
The base Forte5 EX is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb-ft. at 4,500 rpm. The only transmission on offer is a CVT which Kia calls an intelligent variable transmission (IVT).
GT and GT Limited models receive a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft. of torque at 1,500 – 4,500 rpm. Paired with this engine is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
IMPRESSIONS
Sharp looks, lots of stuff
The previous generation Forte5 aged well to the point that when it was retired last year the transition to the new car was seamless.
The third-gen car’s styling is an evolution of the previous car rather than a complete departure. In fact, from a distance, it’d be hard to tell which model is new if the two were parked side by side.
The corporate Tiger Nose grille is smaller, and the LED headlights look fresher on the new car, but the lines and general shape of the two don’t differ much. The bigger difference to these eyes is at the rear, where the new fascia, LED taillight graphics and dual exhaust finishers have a more upmarket feel than those on the outgoing model.
Inside, Kia has done a great job of shedding much of the econobox feel some small cars still suffer from. Granted, my GT Limited tester has the best of everything but, as mentioned, a lot of this stuff is standard on all models. The confines in the Forte5 are a bit tight for passengers (although cargo room is quite generous), but I am impressed with its appearance and materials used. Sure, there are some hard, plastic bits in the dash and on the door panels, but the primary touchpoints mostly look and feel great.
The pictures tell the story here, but I must mention how Kia continues to nail interior design. Everything is well laid out, buttons and switches are where you expect them to be and, unlike some other OEMs, they aren’t being moved around for no good reason. The UVO entertainment system works fine, but Kia has wisely chosen not to abandon hard keys in the centre stack and elsewhere, and all I can say is thank you.
On the road
Generally, the Forte5 GT Limited is an able performer in everyday driving conditions. Acceleration from the 1.6-litre turbo is spritely and hustles this compact hatch along just fine, both off the line and at speed. The 201 peak horsepower number is impressive for a compact car, but it doesn’t arrive until 6,000 rpm which makes accessing it in daily driving situations challenging unless you want to launch yourself by pinning the throttle at every stop sign or traffic light (not recommended).
The good news is the torque curve is much flatter with peak twist starting at just 1,500 rpm, so some fun can be had by dialling the drive mode selector to sport (smart and comfort are also available) and toggling the gear shifter to manual mode to make use of the paddle shifters. Doing so doesn’t turn the Forte5 GT Limited into a sports car, but it gives this hatchback a more sporting character.
Bear in mind, these impressions are drawn from driving on winter tires on public roads. It’s difficult to fully evaluate a car’s performance without access to a closed course and better rubber (and nicer weather), but I can report that the Forte5 GT Limited’s handling feels responsive, with good steering feedback and minimal understeer in normal driving conditions. Road and wind noise are also well suppressed for a small car.
Final thoughts
There’s a lot to like here. The Forte5 GT Limited is an impressive car that delivers what matters to buyers in this compact segment. It’s handsomely styled, comes packed with loads of standard comfort and safety features while offering good performance at a competitive price.
Kia makes a lot of great cars consumers should want for all the right reasons. The Forte5 GT Limited is just one example.
The health and safety of our customers and employees are the utmost importance to us.
A message to our customers about Coronavirus
Where Family Makes a Difference
With our customers, associates, and their families at the center of everything we do as a dealership, we would like to take the time to address concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the steps we’re taking to continue our focus on keeping people safe and healthy.
We’re closely monitoring the situation and following guidance from public health officials and government agencies so we can make ongoing precautions to keep information and guidance as developments unfold.
The cleanliness of our dealership is always a top priority for us, and now more than ever. In addition to our regular cleaning procedures, increased sanitization measures are being added to all areas with extra attention to entrance and exit doors, waiting areas, sales desks, service and reception desks, waiting areas and high traffic areas. We have made available at all entrances and waiting areas antibacterial gel for added protections for our guests.
In the service bays, all technicians wear gloves, we have antibacterial disinfectant wipes to clean all surfaces inside and outside the vehicles being serviced.
We encourage our customers and staff to use the highest precautions in your own daily routines. Included is the Government of Canada’s information site:
We understand this situation is top of mind for all of us right now. As circumstances continue to change, our goal is, and will continue to be, to provide a safe and welcoming location for all your vehicle needs.
From all the team at Bessada Kia, we wish you health and safety at this time. We look forward to continuing to serve you. We will get through this together!
New headlights, grille and wheels highlight exterior changes
More Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and added tech upgrades
TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today Kia Canada Inc. (KCI) unveiled the enhanced Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. The popular and award-winning compact crossover receives several exterior enhancements for its mid-cycle refresh, including available LED headlights and fog lamps, a new diamond-pattern grille and dual chevron-shaped LED daytime running lights. The rear faux skid plate is wider and more pronounced, the available rear LED combination lights have more technological appeal than previous, and there are new 16-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
“We’ve incorporated modern design elements to elevate Niro’s uniqueness, most noticeably the chevron-shaped LED lights that make for a ‘surprising’ feature not typically seen on most vehicles,” said Michael Kopke, Director of Marketing at KCI.”
Inside, the new Niro display is more streamlined, incorporating an available re-styled 7-inch instrument cluster with improved drive mode graphics and standard 8-inch touchscreen display, or optional navigation with a 10.25-inch screen and Harman/Kardon premium audio system, all with the easy to use interface Kia is famous for. Optional electronic parking brake and available mood lighting with six different colours wrap up the interior mods.
Enhancing the Niro’s full suite of available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are newly added Lane Following & Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist all of which were introduced earlier on other Kia models and now make their way to the 2020 Niro line up.
Powertrain and exterior and interior dimensions and capacities are unchanged from the previous model. This means that the Niro Hybrid’s leading fuel economy of 4.7 L/100kms combined continues and that the liberating 42 kilometres of all-electric range on the Niro PHEV will keep your time between fill-ups at the gas station to a minimum.
Both the 2020 Niro Hybrid (HEV) and 2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) are arriving at Kia dealerships now and are on sale and ready to be experienced.
Pricing of the 2020 Niro Hybrid (HEV) is set at:
L HEV
$26,595
EX HEV
$28,995
EX Premium HEV
$31,495
SX Touring HEV
$34,995
Pricing of the 2020 Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is set at:
EX Premium PHEV
$35,695
SX Touring PHEV
$37,995
About Kia Canada Inc
Kia Canada Inc. (KCI), established in 1999 and celebrating 20 years in Canada, is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) based in Seoul, South Korea. Kia’s full line of award-winning vehicles offers world-class quality and customer satisfaction through a network of 195 dealers nationwide. The company employs 170 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters, various locations across Canada and at its regional office in Montreal, Quebec. Kia’s brand slogan “The Power to Surprise” represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. From compact to crossover to industry-leading EV’s, every Kia delivers an extraordinary combination of precision engineering, outstanding performance, innovative features, and advanced safety systems. Having sold over one million vehicles, popular Canadian models include the Soul, Forte, Sportage, Sorento, Stinger and the new Seltos To learn more about the Kia advantage, visit kia.ca or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Sharing is caring!
The new Kia Seltos 2021, an urban and stylish SUV perfect for the outdoors or for the ones that love to drive. Available this spring 2020. Kia Canada Inc.
Combines modern styling and sophistication with safety and smart technology that enables your urban life
Right-sized; slots between iconic Soul and sleek Sportage
Powered by efficient 2.0-litre or spirited 1.6-litre Turbo four-cylinder engine
Available all-wheel drive
Well-appointed interior laden with smart technology to enhance the on-road experience approaches Telluride levels of refinement
Well-equipped, starting at just $22,995
For the Real Life
Complementing Kia’s robust SUV lineup, the Seltos slots between the popular Soul and Sportage models, providing a premium and tech-savvy cabin, a choice of two well-tested engines and an available all-wheel drive system. Get a warm start to your commute, thanks to the available UVO Intelligence telematics system that allows you to pre-condition the interior temperature of your car when you start it using the UVO app. When you see all it has to offer, it’s no wonder the 2021 Kia Seltos is poised and ready to become a true contender in the fastest-growing segment in Canada when it goes on sale in the spring of 2020. The All-new Seltos. Real you-enabled.
Safety Features
Safety is always a priority. With that in mind, the all-new Kia Seltos comes equipped with an abundance of passive and active tech, to help you stay safe and connected on the road. The standard Blind Spot Detection Warning system keeps you safe from the things you can’t see while driving and paired with the Rear-Cross Traffic Alert and rearview Camera it helps alleviate rear blind spots to make parking much safer.
Going on a road trip or simply commuting to work? The available Smart Cruise Control system adapts to the speed of traffic by sensing the distance and speed of the vehicle in front of you. This feature helps to maintain safety in unpredictable highway driving conditions.
Smart Technology
Stay connected with a long list of standard features, including Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity. Leading amenities make driving more comfortable and connected on any adventure. Available technologies, such as the 10.25-inch multimedia interface with UVO Intelligence telematics, the 8-speaker Bose premium sound system, and the available Heads-Up Display, standard Heated Front and available heated Rear Seats, and Air-Cooled Front Seats, put the All-new Kia Seltos in a league of its own.
Distinctive Design
Similar to the Telluride’s design theme, the Seltos is a marriage of bold design and delicate details and stands apart from rivals with its strong, upright stance. The tall front end and up to 7.2-inch ground clearance translate to a tough attitude and an adventurous spirit. Its assertive presence is spearheaded by Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille that includes unexpected diamond-like detail. Chiselled surfaces and well-drawn lines lead back to a distinctive profile.
In terms of comfort and space, the Seltos is actually one of the larger vehicles in the Entry SUV segment. The overall length of 4,370 mm, height of 1,615 mm, and a 2,630 mm wheelbase help to generate one of the best interior packages in its niche. First-row headroom of 1,017 mm, second-row legroom of 965 mm, and 752 L of cargo space behind the second row, are all very impressive and sure to come in handy on weekend getaways.
Kia has updated its all-electric e-Niro small SUV for 2020 with the introduction of a new high-end trim level.
Despite its designation, the new ‘4’ model replaces the original First Edition variant as the sole option for e-Niro ownership. However, the number reflects the high level of standard equipment, in line with the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro.
LED headlights also make the list, along with ambient lighting and a battery heating system that helps the car maximise the capacity of its 64 kWh battery pack. The front seats are heated, too, as is the steering wheel, and you get automatic air conditioning thrown in. That’s in addition to the keyless entry and start, wireless phone charging and a JBL sound system.
On the safety front, there’s cruise control that automatically maintains a safe distance to the vehicle in front, as well as a system that helps to prevent the car wandering out of its lane if the driver’s attention lapses. Similarly, there’s collision avoidance technology that applies the brakes if it detects an impending accident in a bid to prevent or mitigate the crash.
As with the old First Edition car, the e-Niro 4 will feature a 201 bhp electric motor, which allows a relatively unremarkable top speed.
The arrival of the new ‘4’ model comes a year after the car was first launched to noticeable critical acclaim. In its first year on sale, the e-Niro won Car of the Year at the 2019 What Car? Awards and has been named a ‘Game Changer’ at the 2019 Autocar Awards. It was also named the Best Electric Car at the Business Car Awards 2019 and grabbed the Eco Award at the 2019 CarWow Car of the Year Awards. Auto Express named it the Best Affordable Electric Car at the 2019 New Car Awards and Driving Electric announced the e-Niro as Electric Car of the Year 2019.
Telluride’s sophisticated styling, unmatched levels of standard equipment and smooth ride and handling contributed to Kia’s well deserved win
Award recognizes vehicles that best represent safety, efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance of intended function
Kia Canada Inc. (KCI) – Kia Canada’s latest SUV – the Telluride – has been awarded 2020 SUV of the Year by MotorTrend. With its comfortable and functional interior for up to 8 people, the Telluride stood out as a well-rounded product that meets the needs of today’s modern family, while its terrific value solidified it as a winner in the SUV segment.
“The Telluride has been exciting the showroom since day one,” said Michael Kopke, Director of Marketing, Kia Canada Inc. “It’s suite of family & safety enabling technology as well as the attention to detail is really second to none making it a fierce competitor in the SUV segment.”
The 2020 Telluride’s bold design and sophisticated exterior accents convey a spirit of adventure and possibility. That sentiment is strengthened by its engineering, delivering an enjoyable and confidence-inspiring driving experience. The 3 row mid-size SUV offers impressive interior luxury and an upscale cabin, complemented by an array of advanced technology and safety systems1 featuring standard Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, , Driver Talk, multi-Bluetooth Connectivity, 10.25” Multimedia Interface with UVO Intelligence Telematics and more.
“This year’s MotorTrend SUV of the Year competition was one of the most competitive we’ve ever had, which makes Kia Telluride’s win all the more significant,” said MotorTrend Editor-in-Chief Edward Loh. “Telluride absolutely nails our awards criteria – it’s gorgeous, spacious, technology-laden, and offers a great ride for an astonishingly fair price. Congratulations to Kia and the Telluride team.”
With a more than a 20-year history, the MotorTrend SUV of the Year award is one of the most sought-after honours by global automotive manufacturers. SUV of the Year judges are comprised of MotorTrend staff as well as two guest judges, Johan de Nysschen, former head of Audi of America, Infiniti Motor Co., and Cadillac division and Tom Gale, former head of Chrysler design. Vehicles are evaluated against six key criteria: safety, efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance of intended function to determine the finalists and ultimately, the winners.
Kia Canada Inc. (KCI), established in 1999 and celebrating 20 years in Canada, is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) based in Seoul, South Korea. Kia’s full line of award-winning vehicles offers world-class quality and customer satisfaction through a network of 198 dealers nationwide. The company employs 170 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters, various locations across Canada and at its regional office in Montreal, Quebec. Kia’s brand slogan “The Power to Surprise” represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. From compact to crossover to industry leading EV’s, every Kia delivers an extraordinary combination of precision engineering, outstanding performance, innovative features, and advanced safety systems. Having sold close to one million vehicles, popular Canadian models include Soul, Forte, Sportage, Sorento and Stinger. To learn more about the Kia advantage, visit kia.ca
