LOS ANGELES, Nov. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kia Telluride has been named to Car and Driver’s 10Best Trucks and SUVs list, which recognizes 2019’s best trucks and SUVs on the market. The renowned automotive publication selected the award-winning three-row sport utility for this prestigious honor based on its design, equipment, performance and road manners.

“The Telluride is rare in how good it is,” says Sharon Silke Carty, Car and Driver editor-in-chief. “It spoils passengers with features, is quiet, responsive and smooth. It stands out in the crowded three-row SUV market.”

10Best winners are selected based on a number of criteria, including value, driving dynamics and mission fulfillment. 10Best Trucks and SUVs awards are organized around segments and recognize one honoree from each category, including subcompact SUV, subcompact luxury SUV, compact SUV, compact luxury SUV, mid-size SUV, mid-size luxury SUV, large SUV, mid-size pickup, full-size pickup, and van. Nominees consist of all-new or significantly updated vehicles.

“This is an absolute honor,” says Michael Cole, president, Kia Motors America. “Car and Driver editors are widely respected for their automotive acumen and ability to bellwether the industry. A 10Best rating is a gold standard.”

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America has been the highest ranked mass market brand in initial quality for five consecutive years according to J.D. Power¹ and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands by Interbrand.  Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

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 Telluride, Sorento and Optima (excluding Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ Kia received the lowest rate of reported problems among mass market brands in the J.D. Power 2015-19 U.S. Initial Quality Studies of new vehicle owners’ experiences with their own vehicle after 90 days of ownership. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

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SOURCE Kia Motors America

MIAMI, Nov. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Renowned automotive journalist Enrique Kogan has named the cars of the year since 1982 when he launched Automundo Magazine, (which he sold in 92, but is still being published).

Over time, he felt the need to not limit this recognition to a single vehicle, therefore additional categories have been included.

Today, there are countless media and organizations that name cars of the year and unfortunately some of these cars turned out to be lemons of the year.

“Due to my vast knowledge in this field, I feel that I can name the best cars for 2020.  Yes my intuition may be wrong, but looking back to previous years, I feel I have hit it on the nail. 

I select the cars of the year so that buyers can be informed on the cars that appeal to them and whether or not that particular model has been awarded, “says Enrique.

He explains that when he selects a model of the year, he tries to analyze details, road tests, history, manufacture and several other references that merit an award.

“I like to study the model’s history, reliability, resale value and behavior on the road,” he says.

To determine which ones make the cut for the cars of the year 2020, he has been studying each category and each model. 

He explains that if we were to nominate “revelations of the year” like they do in entertainment,  we have Kia Telurride, Hyundai Sonata and Palisade, Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota Supra and the Jeep Gladiator.

Here is the list of the Cars of the Year by segment for 2020:

Sub compact:
Winner: Honda Fit for its reliability.
Second: Mini Cooper, for its excellent maneuverability and resale value.

Compact:
Winner: Volkswagen GTI a car that excites driving.
Second: Honda Civic, for reliability and being the best-selling among Hispanics.

Medium sedan:
Winner: Hyundai Sonata for its exciting new design.
Second: BMW M3 for the thrill of driving it. Just looking at it attracts you.

Large sedan:
Winner: Kia K900, the driver knows why it is best in this category. More value for your money.
Second: Toyota Avalon, one of the most reliable in the market with excellent resale value.

Luxury Sedan:
Winner: Lexus LS 500 the best since it went on sale. It has reliability, resale value and zero problems.
Second: Mercedes Benz S-Class What can I tell you about this car that you don’t know. It is the object of the desire of many.

Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) small:
Winner: Hyundai Kona, since its launch its a car that has been a success all around.
Second: Honda CRV for history and reliability, it deserves to be on this list.

Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Medium:
Winner: Toyota RAV4, always faithful, productive, trouble free and with good resale value.
Second: BMW X1 for being a more exciting vehicle to drive than other medium SUVs.

Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Large:
Winner: Kia Telluride, Since it came out it has been a success in sales. I tried it in the worst conditions and I loved it.
Second: Hyundai Palisade, the brother of Telluride, looks fantastic and has an excellent ride.

Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV):
Winner: Lexus LX 570, a world-acclaimed luxury Toyota Land Cruiser, is worth everything they ask for.
Second: Mercedes Benz G-Class, a bit less reliable than the Lexus, but worldwide recognized as one of the best luxury SUVs.

Sports vehicle:
Winner: Chevrolet Corvette, with its Ferrari look and its central engine, is undoubtedly the sport of the year.
Second: Dodge Challenger, inexplicably exceeds sales to the Mustang and Camaro, and its resale value is among the best.

Midsize Pick Up:
Winner: Toyota Tacoma, far and far the most reliable and best resale value.
Second: Jeep Gladiator, for some it is uglier than Quasimodo’s sister, for others it is the prettiest. For me, it is a must on this list.

Full size Pick Up:
Winner: Ram 1500. Today, the Ram is in its best position, is the best and beats the Ford F 150 in Hispanic tastes.
Second: The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra share them. La Silverado is the best-selling among Hispanics.

Hybrid vehicles:
Winner: Toyota Prius, by history, reliability and resale value is the undisputed winner of the hybrids.

Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Hybrid:
Winner: Toyota Highlander Hybrid, I do not have to give the reasons, because by history they already know why it is the best

Minivan:
Winner: Draw between the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Siena. The Kia Sedona comes a tad from behind.

Electric:
Winner in each category, The Tesla. Do not invent with other models as the Tesla outperform everyone. Audi with the e-tron progresses.

About Enrique Kogan:
Enrique Kogan is an Argentine journalist based in Miami since 1981 and one of the most recognized names in the automotive industry.

He has a history of more than 35 years in the industry, was the founder of Automundo magazine, which he sold and is now a contributor to the great newspapers of the Latino community in the United States and Latin America.

Passionate about the world of motorsports since childhood, Enrique Kogan is the owner of Auto News Wire Inc, which includes PurosAutos, PurosViajes and dozens of other sites.

About Syndicate Auto News Wire Inc:
Auto News Wire Inc., is the company that owns more than 100 Hispanic sites including https://www.purosautos.com/ a specialized automotive site with the latest news, advice, expert opinions, collaborators and much more from the automotive world. 

Contact: Enrique Kogan / [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1033285/Kia_Telluride.jpg

SOURCE Enrique Kogan

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Moments after unveiling the all-new 2021 Seltos SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia Motors America (KMA) let two exciting Seltos concepts off their leash. Flanking their production counterpart on-stage, the Seltos X-Line Trail Attack Concept and Seltos X-Line Urban Concept present unique approaches to pump up capability while remaining firmly entrenched in reality. Conceived and penned at Kia Design Center America, and built by Zero to 60 Designs of Corona, CA, the concepts are meant to further convey the active lifestyles Seltos owners will embrace.

“The Seltos is an exciting addition Kia’s tough and rugged lineup of Kia SUVs,” said Michael Cole, president, KMA. “But the Kia brand is always looking toward the future and we are eager to show what may wait just around the corner. These new concepts are meant to get the creative juices flowing and illustrate what the ultimate Seltos could be.”

While the production Seltos is planned to go on-sale in the first quarter of 2020, there are currently no plans to produce either concept. But it is worthy to mention that Kia said the same about the GT Concept and the Telluride Concept, both of which eventually found their way onto driveways across America in the form of the Stinger sport sedan and Telluride SUV.

Seltos X-Line Trail Attack Concept

Small SUVs are perfect for city slickers. But even urbanites like to occasionally take the road less traveled and that’s what the Trail Attack Concept is all about. The custom two-tone paint scheme evokes a stirring desert sunset and the eight ultra-bright Hella auxiliary lights mounted on the front bumper and roof light up the night once the sun dips below the dunes.

Equipped with electronic AWD, the center differential lock equally distributes power between the front and rear axles and the custom 2-inch lift kit raises ground clearance to 9.2-inches. Knobby off-road tires with 17×8–inch custom painted alloy wheels help improve off-road traction and security. A hidden winch behind the front valance can assist in particularly tough off-road situations, while a custom fabricated roof rack means the Trail Attack Concept never runs out of utility.

Powered by an unaltered 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Trail Attack Concept is good for 175-horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque through a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Behind the heavily tinted windows, the Trail Attack Concept retains its purposeful and refined production interior.

Seltos X-Line Urban Concept

The city can often feel as rough and tumble as the most challenging off-road trail and the Urban Concept is the perfect companion for such mean streets. Inspired by the imposing glass and steel skyscrapers of New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Urban Concept’s custom slate gray paint scheme is highlighted by a gloss-black roof panel for a splash of stark modernity.

Fear of potholes become a thing of the past with the custom 2-inch lift, which also helps to raise the seating position and offer a better vantage point around the snarled city traffic all too common these days. Electronically controlled AWD with torque vectoring puts power through the 17×8-inch alloy wheels where it’s needed most: to the tire with optimum traction. Resting below the custom hood complete with integrated intake is the same powerplant found in the Trail Attack Concept, offering authoritative acceleration away from stoplights… instead of scorpions.

Up top, four high-powered Hella auxiliary lights cut through low-hanging city fog and the custom fabricated roof rack will hold all the extra stuff any apartment dweller can amass. Already packed with high-tech features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and backup camera, the interior has been left to already impressive production standards.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America has been the highest ranked mass market brand in initial quality for five consecutive years according to J.D. Power¹ and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands by Interbrand.  Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

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 Telluride, Sorento and Optima (excluding Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ Kia received the lowest rate of reported problems among mass market brands in the J.D. Power 2015-19 U.S. Initial Quality Studies of new vehicle owners’ experiences with their own vehicle after 90 days of ownership. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812837/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda has always adopted a human-centric approach to building cars. With the U.S. debut of the all-new Mazda CX-30, the brand has taken this approach to another level. The CX-30 has a feeling of oneness that extends beyond the drive. It is a five-seat crossover made for a wide range of fans, especially young people who are approaching significant life transitions. Mazda wants the CX-30 to be able to help these fans enjoy those milestones to the fullest and become an essential partner in their daily lives.

CX-30 is the second model to adopt the latest evolution of Kodo design, a more mature interpretation of the striking design ethos. Based on sleek and bold styling, CX-30 is meant to evoke creativity in one’s life. Realizing two contrasting expressions, the compact crossover has the flowing beauty of a coupe and the bold proportions of an SUV. Mazda’s signature wing takes on a sharper and deeper form to achieve a strong, refined front end that is suggestive of forward motion. The diagonal angle of the rear window gives the vehicle a coupe-like silhouette while the narrowed arch shape of the liftgate makes the body look shorter and wider for a powerful stance. This allows for purposeful design of the trunk that maintains its usefulness without giving the CX-30 a box-like appearance. Offered in seven body colors, including Polymetal Gray, which was recently introduced for the 2019 Mazda3. Going beyond beauty, CX-30 is meant to look compact on the outside, but spacious on the inside.

The appealing exterior is matched with a comfortable, premium-feeling interior. By studying the human body, engineers focused on developing seats that can help provide the proper posture for all occupants, not just the driver. The idea is for each ride in the CX-30 to be a pleasant time for all. The human-centric cockpit helps the driver feel connected with the vehicle but is not isolating from the other occupants. The floor console is outfitted with convenient, easy to access features and storage compartments, but intentionally eschews a distinct divide between the driver and front passenger. The openness of the cabin encourages conversation that helps brings people together through the time spent in the CX-30. A focus on interior comfort and everyday user-friendliness makes this all-new compact crossover a car for everyone.

With an inviting cabin, the engineers wanted to preserve the peaceful environment by focusing on the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Nearly every aspect of the CX-30 was measured, from the tires to the headliner, to minimize any road noise. During a comprehensive study on how sounds are transmitted through the vehicle’s cabin, speakers were repositioned depending on their frequency to produce a better sound. One of those changes was to mount the woofers, normally found in the doors of most cars, onto the side cowls. This allows for an audio system with more bass that won’t rattle the doors. As an additional benefit, the lack of a speaker port in the door reduced another area where potential road noise could disrupt the experience in the CX-30. Ingenious solutions such as this reflect the passion and attention to detail by Mazda engineers and designers working together to achieve a common goal of providing the best experience possible for the brand’s fans.

Other design features include the rear footwell being slightly slanted to provide rear passengers optimal space to sit relaxed in the rear seats. The side sills in the door jams are subtly rounded to ensure comfort when entering or exiting the CX-30 in case one’s legs inadvertently make contact with it, while not creating a gap in the door seams. Significant effort goes into the craftsmanship of a Mazda vehicle. While attention to those efforts might not be noticed right away, it will be felt throughout the enriching experience of driving and owning a Mazda.

Another key focus of a human-centric approach is helping the driver drive with peace of mind. Being one with the CX-30 is more than just the driving dynamics, it’s the feeling of confidence and security in the cabin. The ideal seating position is important, especially for the driver. The driver’s seating position is set high to provide a clear field of view and let the driver focus on the road ahead. For clear visibility, the shape and thickness of the a-pillars and c-pillars are minimized to help reduce blind spots, while a rear quarter window offers a way to perceive potential vehicles or objects in the rear. Further, attention was taken when positioning all of the instruments in the CX-30. For example, the positioning of the shifter and commander control on the floor console is optimized for operating stability, ease and comfort. The available Active Driving Display, meters and standard 8.8-inch center display were all redesigned to present information in a simple fashion, while the fonts used were unified to create a pleasing and consistent look.

To deepen the bond of the ownership experience, the brand is introducing Mazda Connected Services as a standard feature on all CX-30 models. This new service, accessed by logging into the MyMazda app, will provide even more convenience, peace of mind and safety for fans. The app will help provide the assurance to know and control the state of CX-30 remotely. This includes being able to lock or unlock the doors, remote starting the engine or even activating the hazard lights. In the app, CX-30’s status can be monitored, such as oil and fuel levels or tire pressure. Mazda Connected Services will also notify the owner of any important vehicle alerts or messages from Mazda, such as recall information. In case of emergencies, Mazda Roadside Assistance or 911 can be called through Mazda Connected Services. Additionally, in-car Wi-Fi hot spot is included with Mazda Connected Services. Being more connected with the car as well as the brand will help heighten the entire premium ownership experience.

The proportions of the CX-30 give the compact crossover the freedom to go just about anywhere. It’s strong presence, class-leading standard horsepower[3] and available i-Activ all-wheel drive all results in it being able to be driven effortlessly. At the same time, it’s as compact as possible to easily maneuver in tight situations, such as narrow roads or parking spaces. When driving anywhere, the trunk must be just as capable to fit all the items one might need. Aligned with studying human habits, Mazda engineers and designers conducted research together to better understand the needs of the space. By creating a life-size test model, they were able to test real-life situations and have a variety of people adjust the height of the trunk with a pedal. Through careful examination, the ideal height and size were determined to allow ease of loading cargo, a spacious cabin for both luggage and rear passengers while maintaining a compact and sporty design. It’s a challenge that Mazda was able to overcome in order to provide the best possible premium experience for its fans.

The various design concepts, minute refinements and many other details may seem trivial on their own, but together help create a more natural experience in the CX-30. These design concepts along with premium packaging options help create an all-new vehicle that Mazda is very excited about.

Mazda Connected Services with three-year trial on all features and in-car Wi-Fi hot spot with six-months or 2GB trial is a new feature standard on all CX-30 models. CX-30 comes standard with more premium features such as an 8.8-inch large center display with Mazda Connect^TM, an AM/FM eight-speaker sound system with HD Radio^TM, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, automatic on/off LED headlights, electronic parking brake, floor console armrest with storage compartments and cloth seats. Features such as two front USB inputs, power windows with one-touch up/down feature, rain-sensing windshield wiper, push button start, rearview camera and remote keyless illuminated entry system add convenience for all. The stunning design features 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED taillights, LED daytime running lights and a matte finish front grille. For peace of mind, standard i-Activsense safety includes Driver Attention Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, Smart Brake Support and High Beam Control.

With the CX-30 Select trim level, Apple CarPlay^TM and Android Auto^TM capabilities, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry are included. The driver can appreciate leather steering wheel and shift knob, while all occupants will notice the leatherette seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning vents and rear armrest with cupholders. This trim also upgrades to 18-inch alloy wheels and includes a rear privacy glass.

Upgrading to the CX-30 Preferred will allow occupants to benefit from the Bose® 12-speaker premium audio, gloss finish speaker grille, shark fin antenna, heated front seats, eight-way power and memory driver’s seat with lumbar support, memory position door mirrors, black gloss finish front grille and SiriusXM® with three-month trial subscription.

For the most refined experience, the top-trim CX-30 Premium includes a windshield-projected Active Driving Display, leather seats, power liftgate, power moonroof, Adaptive Front Lighting system, roof rails, paddle shifters, cylinder deactivation and LED Signature illumination headlights and taillights.

All CX-30’s are equipped with a four-cylinder Skyactiv-G 2.5 paired with a quick-shifting Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides  class-leading standard horsepower of 186 hp[4] and is rated to deliver up to 186 lb-ft of torque. The compact crossover is equipped with Mazda’s new off-road traction assist feature, which can potentially help the driver when adventuring on uneven terrain. When the diagonal wheels lose traction, off-road traction assist will stop reducing the engine torque and increase the brake force on the wheels without traction. This transfers power to the wheels still on the ground to help allow the vehicle to regain traction and continue the drive. G-Vectoring Control Plus and front-wheel drive are standard, while Mazda’s predictive i-Activ all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels.

A lot of dedication and effort goes into the development of an all-new vehicle, and Mazda spared no expense for the CX-30. The compact crossover is the ideal size to take on an uplifting journey, big or small. It will create an atmosphere where both the driver and passengers can enjoy everyone’s company while carrying whatever luggage might be needed for the day’s adventure. It is capable of celebrating all of life’s milestones with you and before you know it, you’ll feel completely at ease in the CX-30’s embrace.

MSRP[5] FOR THE 2020 MAZDA CX-30 IS AS FOLLOWS:

PREMIUM PAINT COLORS:

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

¹ Based on standard engine horsepower of Subcompact CUV/SUV non-luxury/non-premium segment (Mazda Segmentation) as of November 2019.

² MSRP does not include $1,045 for destination and handling ($1,090 in Alaska), taxes, title or additional fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.

³ Based on standard engine horsepower of Subcompact CUV/SUV non-luxury/non-premium segment (Mazda Segmentation) as of November 2019.

⁴ Based on standard engine horsepower of Subcompact CUV/SUV non-luxury/non-premium segment (Mazda Segmentation) as of November 2019.

⁵ MSRP does not include $1,045 for destination and handling ($1,090 in Alaska), taxes, title or additional fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations