Kia Sorento Serenades Contest with Boyz II Men

10 Least Expensive Cars for 2013: Kia Rio LX and Kia Soul

The Kia Rio LX and the Kia Soul were both included on the list of the ten least expensive cars for 2013! Come in and drive one today! Check out offers on these and other Kia models on our website!

Kia Builds Cub Four-Door Coupe Concept For 2013 Seoul Motor Show

Kia has rolled out a handful of striking concepts in the past couple of months (Provo, Cross GT), and it looks like the Korean automaker has no intention of slowing that pace as a new one is scheduled to bow at this week’s 2013 Seoul Motor Show.

While all eyes will be on New York from Wednesday for the city’s annual auto show, a number of exciting vehicles will be making their debut on the other side of the planet, one of which will be Kia’s new Cub four-door concept.

The Kia Cub is described as a compact four-door coupe that’s styled to appeal to “trend-setting urban dwellers.”

In line with the current design trend over at Kia, the Cub will feature smooth surfaces; a blunt, open-mouthed grille; and LED headlights.

Kia is waiting until the car’s debut on March 28 to release full information, though this initial teaser image gives us a taste of what to expect. If built, the Cub would prove a stylish alternative to compact sedans like the Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart and Ford Focus Sedan, and if styled right it may even have the potential to lure buyers of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Class and upcoming Audi A3 Sedan.

Source: Motor Authority

We just received another 5-star review on DealerRater! Thanks to Nick & Hillary for your great feedback!

Nick and Hillary 
Wallingford, Connecticut 
Mar 21, 2013
Overall Score: 5
"Our salesman Larry was very patient and helpful. We walked in hoping to trade in our old car for a new 2013 Sorento. My wife and I loved the Sorento but were just amazed with the new Optima Hybrid. After a very short and striaght forward negotiation with Larry and the GM John we felt that we were given a more than fair offer on our trade in and that they had gone above and beyond to get us a terrific deal. So much so that we turned around and actually traded in both our vehicles and bought a New Sorento and New Optima Hybrid. During the actual financing part and the ungoddly time it takes to sign contracts for 2 vehicles our salesman Larry actually went and bought my wife and I a pizza hoping to help pass the signing time. Mike the Finance guy was a wiz with explainations and helped us understand all of our options both now and in the future with paying for the vehicles. ALL AND ALL THIS WAS BY THE FAR THE BEST BUYING EXPERIENCE WE HAVE EVER HAD."

Read all of our great reviews on DealerRater!

Congratulations to the entire Executive team for this excellent review on Google+ Local!

Scott G. 
Wallingford, Connecticut 
Mar 21, 2013
Quality : Excellent Appeal: Very Good Service: Excellent
"Very happy with executive Kia. I had a very good starting price while on the phone & all my questions about the fees & price were presented as I had asked, the sales rep hid nothing. My wife & I have leased many cars in the past 13 years, so I feel that I know a good or bad sales rep within minutes, I have walked out on many in the past. Executive kept their promises & pulled no bait & switch of any kind. Overall it was a very hassle free experience."

Read more excellent reviews on Google+ Local!

2013 Kia Optima Blake Griffin Time Travels - 2002 Sunblock

March Into Spring Cleaning

It’s that time again. You can’t put it off or go in slowly, you just have to March in headfirst and start spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is not only for your home but is also important for the upkeep of your vehicle. Just like continuing to ride on bad brakes or putting off an oil change after 5,000+ miles, neglecting the interior and exterior of your vehicle can cause more damage to it. Keeping your vehicle clean is not just about the sleek look but over time, a car's paint erodes due to the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, air pollution, acid rain, and salt. The longer foreign materials sit on your car's surface, the more difficult it is to remove and the more likely it will cause damage.

Most think (I know I did before doing some research!) that you don’t need to wash your car after it rains – the rain is cleaning it for me. Actually, that is one of the most critical times to wash your vehicle because of the ill effects of acid rain. The water evaporates but the acid lurks behind and eats into your vehicle's finish.

Cleaning a car is simple right? While it's the most basic procedure in car care, it does deserve a little thought. Follow the tips below for the proper washing techniques.

Clean the tires and wheels before washing the body of your vehicle, and use a separate mitt for each. You want to avoid contaminating the vehicle's paint with the debris from your wheels and tires. A tire cleaner with a firm brush is the best method.

Now it’s time to move on and wash the body of your car. Almost one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products for washing their vehicles. Using dish detergent and other household cleaners can strip the wax finish on your car. Look for a product sold specifically for automobiles. A formulated automotive wash will gently lift the grime while protecting the finish. Starting at the top, wash one section at a time, thoroughly rinsing away the soap. Work your way down toward the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. Save the back-end of the car for last since it usually has the largest buildup of dirt and grime. To avoid those nasty water spots afterwards, dry your vehicle down with a chamois or similar product.

Almost half of vehicle owner’s never wax their cars. Waxing is recommended at least twice a year for maximum protection. (More frequent waxing may be needed if your car is black, red or white since these colors are more vulnerable to UV rays and acid rain.) Waxing serves three primary purposes: cleans a car's finish, improves the shine, and most importantly, protects the surface against the aggressive effects of foreign materials. Waxing sets up a protective barrier against hostile attacks from the environment, keeping your vehicle's appearance protected for years to come. Before applying the wax check for foreign particles on the paint. Once the surface is clean, apply the wax. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. It is often recommend not using the product in direct sunlight.
 
Keeping the exterior of your vehicle clean is important but so is the interior. Frequent vacuuming of the upholstery and mats will remove much of the dirt that can contribute to wear and tear of the fabric and carpet. Clean interior surfaces like panels, with a suitable interior cleaner and apply a protectant to prevent damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. To further protect your interior, an application of a fabric guard will repel water and stains and make further clean-ups much easier. And lastly, spray some odor-eater to freshen the car's interior.

While spring-cleaning this season, don’t forget your vehicle. To keep it looking it’s best and lasting longer, frequent washing and waxing is important. Keeping a clean vehicle will you give you a sense of accomplishment and gratification. Also keep in mind that a clean, well-maintained car can be worth up to 50 percent more than one in 'fair' condition, according to the Kelley Blue Book. Now that should get everyone out there throwing away the burger wrappers in the backseat and gathering a bucket and rag!

Source: Jiffy Lube

Which Concept Will Kia Build?

Kia is in the process of deciding whether to build two of its latest and most dynamic concepts in recent years.

The Kia GT concept

There’s no question that South Korean automaker Kia has produced some great looking concepts and production cars over the past few years, thanks largely in part to Peter Schreyer leading the new design charge. This talented German designer worked for many years at Volkswagen and was responsible for the first-generation Audi TT. Since joining Kia, his team has produced some eye-catching concepts, including the GT and the Provo which debuted last week at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Kia Provo concept

The question on everyone's lips is whether Kia will turn either of these concepts into production vehicles, and according to Autocar Kia is pondering that same very question. Michael Cole, Kia Europe’s Chief Operating Officer, told the British publication that his company wants to become a main player in the European car industry and that "everyone now knows our five-year plan to replace our volume models...and Schreyer is looking at a halo sports car – he’s keen on the GT." This isn’t the first time we’ve heard GT production talk, but Kia would also like to move into the B-segment SUV via the Provo.

A production version could end up being based off the Rio, and Cole thinks it’d do well in Europe. However, nothing has been said about a potential future for the Cross GT that was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show last month.

The Kia Cross GT concept

Source: Car Buzz

Thanks so much to Frank for this great feedback!

Frank R. 
New Jersey 
Mar 18, 2013
Quality : Excellent Appeal: Excellent Service: Excellent
"I traveled from New Jersey to purchase a new car. From the initial phone call to the final signing was the best and easiest car buying experience by far. The entire experience from my salesman Joe to John the GM and Mike in finance ALL were friendly respectful and made it a very comfortable dealership to buy. I went to several dealerships from NJ to CT and this the place to buy!!!!! Thanks Executive"


Check out Google+ Local for more customer reviews!

2014 Kia Sorento Commercial "Questions and Heated Seats"

We just received another 5-star rating on DealerRater! Thanks so much to all of our customers for your excellent feedback!

ajd5180 
Wallingford, Connecticut 
Mar 11, 2013
Overall Score: 5
"I was very anxious to find the Kia Soul that I wanted. When I looked online, I saw that there were 3 at Executive Kia where other dealers had none. The price was right in the range that I was looking to spend. I called and spoke with Chin Chang who checked the inventory to be sure that he had the vehicle that I was looking for. Within 10 minutes, I had a call back! I went that evening to look at the Soul and Chin took the time to go through everything...bumper to bumper. I put a deposit on the vehicle and came back with my co-signer a few days later. Chin worked extra hard to get the vehicle delivered the evening before we got hit with a blizzard and before my co-signer had to go out of town for a week. We went through all of the financing documents with Mike Porreca who was more than happy to explain things step by step and in great detail. My vehicle went in for EnviroGuard protection about 2 weeks later and I worked with Jeremy Carroll who again, took the time to go through everything and exceeded all of my expectations. This whole dealership provides A+ customer service and I would recommend them to anyone! Thanks Chin...you're the best and I am in love with my 2013 Kia Soul!!!!"

Read all of our great customer reviews on DealerRater!

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10 Things You Should Have in Your Car, and Probably Don’t

Everyone knows you should have a flashlight and extra batteries in your car. Ditto for jumper cables, a first-aid kit, cell phone charger and tire gauge. And it’s always a good idea to have an umbrella and blanket, just in case. But there are several not-so-obvious car essentials that you should have on hand, too.

10 items you should keep in your car:

1. Disinfectant wipes: A must-have for so many uses, from picking up spills to cleaning dirty hands to dusting your dashboard.

2. Pen and paper: For leaving reminder notes, or jotting down brilliant ideas that hit you out of the blue, or just needing somewhere to deposit your used gum.

3. Energy bars: To tide you over if you have no time to stop for lunch before your next appointment.

4. Bottled water: Keep hydrated during hot weather and unexpected long rides. Replace periodically to keep your supply fresh.

5. Maps: Keep a U.S. map, a state map and an updated county map handy. It’s nice to be able to see the big picture — where you are and where you’re going.

6. WD-40: Not only can you loosen a lug nut with it, you can lubricate door latches, license plate bolts and screws; protect rubber trunk molding; get rid of dead bugs and dirt; remove dog slobber from seats and dashboard and many other uses.

7. Duct tape: Great for temporary fixes — whether holding your muffler in place, reattaching a side-view mirror or cleaning the dog hair off your clothes.

8. Kitty litter: Absorbs and eliminates odors quickly if someone gets sick in your car. Plus, it can help give you traction if you get stuck in snow.

9. Utility knife: With a knife, screwdriver, file and can opener, this multi-purpose tool can handle a thousand problems. Splurge and get one with scissors, pliers and even a magnifying glass — you won’t be sorry.

10. Matches: Keep a couple matchbooks or a box of safety matches in a freezer bag so they’ll stay dry. You never know when you might need a fire or, for that matter, to light a bunch of birthday candles.

What’s the one item you always make sure you have in your car?

Source: OnStar

Sunday is Daylight Savings Time!

If you need help setting your car's clock, come on in and see us. Or, if your car doesn't have a clock, it might be TIME for an upgrade! (See what we did there?)

 

 

Visit our website to schedule an appointment or check out our inventory!

Spring is coming, which unfortunately means allergies are too

Make sure to get your car's air filter cleaned to keep the sniffles at bay! Don't forget to bring in our coupon until 3/31 for discounted service!

 

Kia looks to set the streets alight with radical provo concept at Geneva

Frankfurt, 4 March 2013 – Looking every centimetre a road-legal racer, Kia's new provo concept, unveiled at the 83rd Salon International De l'Auto in Geneva, mixes ultra-modern technology with a self-confident and agile look to deliver an exciting new B-segment car for enthusiasts.

The sleek, low, yet muscular coupe-style hatchback mixes a petrol-fuelled turbo-charged engine with clever regenerative-electric motors to bring a smart-hybrid solution to this fun-focused concept that points to Kia Motors' future B-segment expansion plans.

This is a car designed for fun – pure and simple. Every curve, crease and line combines to bring provo to life with a single purpose – to delight and entrance its owner and to bring a smile to the driver's face. The car is meant to be cheeky and cheerful in its compactness and to hint at the fun awaiting on the open road.

Created to deliver a new interpretation of the DNA from sporting coupes of the past with all the advantages of up-to-the-minute technology and materials, provo blends a clean, simple yet muscular exterior with a stunning interior treatment mixing high-tech and luxury materials that will set pulses racing whether on busy city streets or at the race-track.

From its steep leading edge featuring an aero-style splitter, carbon-fibre panels and tiny LED cluster front lights, over the long bonnet and sculpted flanks, visor-look windscreen to the sharply cut-off rear treatment (also featuring an aerodynamic splitter with an adjustable vent system to direct airflow), the provo looks every inch a purposeful performer.

Described by Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer at Kia's European styling base in Frankfurt, as "an emotional and muscular car aimed at delivering pure fun and performance for today's city-based enthusiast driver who longs for the curves of the open road," the Kia provo isn't just a styling exercise. It combines a 1.6-litre Turbo GDI engine producing 204 ps with smart-4WD-hybrid technology from an electric motor delivering an additional power surge to the rear wheels when required and also allowing low-speed electric-only motion. A seven-speed DCT transmission – Kia's first – completes the impressive technical package.

Guillaume went on: "This is entirely a car for European tastes and conditions. Designed purely at our Frankfurt studios the provo was conceived as a confident and single-minded statement of dynamism and energy to deliver a new sense of fun into the B-segment. The potent shaping displays a balanced and refined outline within a compact overall shape and the tiny front and rear overhangs enhance the balance within its proportions."

Clearly a car from Kia, the compact provo which is 3.88-metres long, 1.77-metres wide and 1.35-metres tall, introduces itself with a steep front nose and carbon fibre lower valance that immediately convey a sense of purpose.

Hidden behind a single piece of glass is the latest take on the Kia's 'tiger nose' grille treatment linking straight into the Schreyer-inspired headlamp units that are made up of more than 850 tiny LEDs. The programmable LEDs can be used to provide daytime running lights, full beam or even race-style configurations – as well as more humorous and decorative displays to add to provo's sense of fun!

This thin, sharp glass panel is echoed at the rear of provo's body and separates a purposeful splitter-style lower valance from the long, flat bonnet panel sculpted with twin creases to hint at but not slavishly copy the muscle cars of old.

A wrap-around front screen hides the A pillars and frameless doors, giving a visor-style appearance to the cabin glass with the clamshell-like roof floating above. This is divided at the rear by different colour sections rising up from the C-Pillars in an almost roll-over bar appearance.

Colour is used on the provo to enhance the almost-masculine stance with sharp points echoed throughout the design. High-intensity blood-orange accents contrast with the grey-green 'Storm Metal' body colour to draw the eye to particular aspects of the structure and equipment, while carbon fibre surfaces interplay with traditional materials and high-gloss or anodised aluminium to strengthen the connection to the track cars that inspired provo.

Planting provo firmly in touch with the road are distinctive 225/40 19-inch milled-alloy wheels with a traditional 'cast' look fixed by single centre nuts finished in anodised blood-orange. And with just a 2.53-metre wheelbase, exciting handling and road-holding is guaranteed.

Backing up those performance credentials, provo utilises an ingenious Smart 4WD Hybrid power train. The four cylinder turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine is tuned to deliver is 204 ps rapidly and progressively allowing provo to deliver an injection of speed and performance often absent from the more functional B-segment mainstream.

But, this potent internal combustion engine also benefits from a regenerative-powered electric motor driving the rear wheels either automatically when required during cornering and in strong acceleration – giving a power boost of as much as 45 ps – or in a button-activated creep-mode at low speeds to avoid emissions in city traffic or when 'stealth' is required. The regenerative system captures its power during braking when in normal use.

Moving inside, the Kia Europe Design team was able to let imaginations run free although in typical Kia fashion it delivers clear functionality with exuberant style – essential if provo is to go into production at some point in the future.

Guillaume commented: "The interior is very, very black – as we believe it should be to allow drivers to focus on the experience. But we have also looked to make the functional aspects of the car fit the modern demands of today's motorists."

Opening the two side doors – via flush-fitting push-up electronic handles that operate with a satisfying electric click – reveals that the polished aluminium panels featured in the external sculpted flanks extend to create a relatively high-level two-step sill into the car – cut-away at the leading edge to allow easier ingress and exit.

The next surprise is the door construction itself – the doors are made from three individual panels – the outer panel, a carbon-fibre inner panel and a neoprene-covered inner section that also features the Storm Metal body colour. The inner door releases are reassuringly solid polished aluminium.

The dashboard is made from a single expanse of carbon fibre, but does not extend down to the floor – deliberately – in order to keep the footwells clear and uncluttered except for polished aluminium footrests and pedals.

Echoing the sculpted flanks of the provo, the dashboard has a business-like main binnacle containing large analogue dials on a digital display and a smaller central display of other minor gauges, but because the display is digital it can be programmed to offer a selection of functions. Set on the centre tunnel are two control hubs – the engine stop-start button and drive selector for the seven-speed DCT transmission and a Multi-Media Interface control.

This latter control allows the driver to select a variety of screen displays – as well as controlling infotainment functions. In 'normal' mode the driver sees a speedometer, rev counter and sat-nav route instructions. In 'cruise' the display is centred on a large scale map, route instructions and a speedometer, while in 'track' mode the display features just a large rev counter, a track-map and a lap-timer. There is also a full 'entertainment' mode allowing visuals of music, radio and other information.

The centre-mounted display provides appropriate gauges to the mode with a series of aluminium toggle switches set underneath – including an anodised blood-orange toggle for the hazard warning lights.

Modern materials allow the front seat construction to be made from a single wave-like panel running from one door sill to the other – covered in quilted leather. The seat backrests are cleverly mounted on a rotating aluminium track so that instead of folding forward, they spin into the centre of the vehicle allowing easy access to the admittedly occasional-use rear seats.

Guillaume commented: "The whole interior concept was designed around not having a big centre console, but instead using latest technology to provide excellent functionality in a clean, clear and attractive manner.

"By using a DCT gearbox we were able to get rid of the floor-mounted gear-shift and use paddles behind the steering wheel, which has blood-orange stitching and a race style straight-ahead indicator, allowing us to use the floor space for other controls resulting in a much tidier environment. And because the seats are fixed we have full electric adjustment for the pedal box and steering column – further simplifying the interior and giving a perfect-fit for any driver."

Completing the moody cockpit feel are tiny red LEDs set in the multi-layered doors, in the air vents and also in roof to give a low-glow ambient illumination. The roof panel also incorporates aluminium window toggle controls.

Whilst no specific production schedule for provo is on the calendar, the arrival later this summer of the new Kia pro_cee'd GT makes it clear that the company remains committed to delivering desirable, dynamic and stunningly attractive vehicles that will deliver affordable enjoyment to real, everyday motorists. The provo could be just such a car.

Source: Autoblog

We just received five new 5-star reviews on DealerRater!

jdinkle 

Wallingford, Connecticut 

Mar 04, 2013
Overall Score: 5
"Since I purchased my Kia in 2009, I have been pleased with my experience at this particular Kia Dealership's service department staff. Jeremy and Rick are friendly and provide me with the necessary information to take good care of my Kia Rio5"

heyitsjanine 

Wallingford, Connecticut 

Mar 03, 2013
Overall Score: 5
"we have used executive kia for service in the past and had a great experience. So we drove over a half hour to purchase our car there and the salesman joe ortiz did an excellent job getting us the car we wanted in a timley manor!"


eschaffer205 

Wallingford, Connecticut 

Mar 02, 2013
Overall Score: 5
"Our car buying experience at Executive KIA was beyond our expectations. The staff was very helpful and courteous. We never felt pressured and were very comfortable with our purchase. I would recommend anyone, especially my friends and family, to purchase a vehicle from Executive KIA!"

Ryandavis87 

Wallingford, Connecticut 

Mar 01, 2013
Overall Score: 5
"Larry Dorfman was the most helpful and knowledgable salesman we have ever dealt with, we have been to several dealerships and have been given the runaround plenty of times. Executive Kia and Larry Dorfman have showed us what we thought was impossible and got us into a nice used car that can easily be mistaken for brand new with the way they took care if it. My wife and I would recommend executive Kia to anybody!!!"



CrystalPetig85 

Wallingford, Connecticut 

Feb 28, 2013
Overall Score: 5
"My car buying experience at Executive Kia was phenomenal! The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable about the cars that they sell. My first encounter was with Jermaine and he was awesome. He was the one that sold the car to my fiance and I. He knew everything there was to know about the car I was buying. Any question i had he had an answer for it. Jermaine also went as far as calling me after i received the car to ask me how i liked it and to make sure i didn't have any other questions. When i had my car delivered Joe O. helped me. Lucky for me he has the same car as the one i purchased, so he was able to explain to me what every little knob and switch did in the car. Plus he gave me a few pointers about the driving experience and what to do and not do in the snow. He stayed with me until the very end even after his shift had ended. You guys have a very dedicated staff :) Everyone was so friendly and genuinely cared about any concerns i might have. My first car buying experience was absolutely wonderful. I couldn't be happier! I will definitely purchase another car from the guys at Executive Kia when the time comes again. I've already started referring them to my friends and family. Thank you guys again, you were both fantastic!"

 

Thanks so much to all of our customers for your feedback, and a round of applause to the entire staff for always providing exceptional customer service! Read more of our reviews on DealerRater!