About: Autolove

2019 Kia K900

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2019 Kia K900. After a year-long hiatus, thankfully it’s back. But they took time off to upgrade it to the Genesis G90 Platform to be wider, roomier and generally all around more luxurious. The competition is good but the K900 is special for me because I appreciate having a real capable competitor to the old-line leaders in the luxury field.

The last time I reviewed the K900 was 2015 and this revisited model is noticeably enhanced to be a major threat to the entrenched leaders noted here. This addition to the class will surely keep the others on their toes. Ain’t competition great in this capitalist marketplace.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Hwangmyeong, Korea; Parts- US/Canadian 1%, Korea 93%; Engine and transmission- Korea; Classification is- Large Cars; Cars from Kia- Cadenza, Forte, Forte 5, K900, Niro, Optima, Rio, Rio 5-door, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Soul, Sportage and Stinger.

Handling & Performance:

Superb. It is elegantly (smoothly) fast. This is an area where there is a departure from the American car makers traditional ‘Muscle Car Mentality’. I’ve come to appreciate the difference between quiet or subtle performance and loud performance. Loud performance works with Camaro, Mustang, Charger and other ‘hot rod’ performers but it doesn’t work in the luxury class.

Styling:

The styling hasn’t changed much from the 2015 model because it wasn’t needed to be changed. It was a winner then and still is now. Very nice option for the discerning luxury car owner who isn’t impressed with Badge alone.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent look and feel. Really special in my opinion.

Cost:

Cost is essentially the same as the 2015 version, so it is even more competitive with the marketplace.

Conveniences and comfort:

Nearly all the high-tech features for safe and comfortable driving experience.

Consumer Recommendations:

When looking at the competition I find at the top of the heap. Love this car.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Classy option to the old guard, top of the heap quality in a luxury class.

Bad News:

The only bad news is from the competition point of view.

Standard Equipment:

3.3 liter twin turbo V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, AWD, drive mode select, electronically controlled suspension, front and side & side curtain airbags, stability control, dual zone climate control, 7 surround audio system, Nav system with 12.3” touch screen, Android Auto a& Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Sirius XM, Nappa leather seat trim with heated & ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and rear outboard seat cushions, wireless charger, smart key with push button start, surround view monitor and Heads-up display, smart cruise with stop and go, power rear window and manual side sunshades, blind spot collision warning, and view monitor, driver attention warning, forward collision warning and avoidance assist, lane departure warning and lane following assist, parking distance warning both forward and reverse, rear cross traffic collision warning, safe exit assist, LED headlights with high beam assist, power sunroof, auto rain sensing wipers, power trunk.

Gas Stats:

$3.15-Gal avg. December 31, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

18 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $ 59,900.

2018 Kia Cadenza Limited

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Kia Cadenza Limited. This was one of the surprises out of the many reviews I’ve done over the past quarter century. Surprise in the sense a relatively recent newcomer to the auto marketplace. Kia and this Cadenza is up to the challenge of a seeming never end of competitors. The sedan simply fits the needs of most of the market for transportation. And although the SUV is the most popular option of design, gas prices, sure to rise, will put up a barrier to up to the larger ‘sleds’ and sedans will once again look to be a better solution.

Station wagons were popular in the 1950s through the 1970s, but utility is very important, and thus explains the popularity of SUV’s to cover most transportation needs.

My first car was a 1934 Chevrolet coupe two seat car, it was equipped with a rumble seat for two more it put that couple out in the cold…. Literally. We were in California, so the weather wasn’t as much of a problem to this ‘convertible-like’ top down condition where the wind through your hair on the way to the beach was just fine.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Hwasung, Korea; Parts- US/Canadian 1%, Korea 87%; Engine and transmission- Korea; Classification is- Large Cars; Cars from Kia- Cadenza, Forte, Forte 5, K900, Niro, Optima, Rio, Rio 5-door, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Soul, Sportage and Stinger.

Opinion:

Inconsiderate drivers. It is no revelation to anyone that operating a car is a serious responsibility. Too many, however, put all drivers at risk and it should not be tolerated, and too often “Road Rage” is the unwanted response of those other drivers.

I believe it is the Responsibility of the DMV (department of motor vehicles) to be strict in testing one’s knowledge of ‘driving etiquette’.
Good Manners = Safety
Safety always comes first. But in many cases, actions that keep you safe are also courteous. Here are six important safety reminders:
1. Always wear your seat belt and insist that your passengers do.
2. Never drink and drive. These safeguards are the most thoughtful acts of all as they can save lives.
3. Driving a car requires your full attention. Distractions, such as putting on makeup, snacking, using your iPod, texting, or chatting on a cell phone, interfere with your ability to respond physically and mentally.
4. Signal your intentions. Using your turn signals before turning a corner or switching lanes is a must.
5. Drive at the speed limit. Driving too slowly can also cause accidents.
6. Keep some distance between you and the car ahead of you. Tailgating is both aggressive and a sure way to rear-end someone who stops suddenly.

Handling & Performance:

This Cadenza is really a comfortable ride, that is fast, handles the curves nicely, is good looking and doesn’t argue with every direction taken. Kinda like the list of things I look for in my search for a mate.

Styling:

Sleek and elegant design. My test car was painted Snow White Pearl – lovely.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

As expected for a car in this class.

Conveniences and comfort:

You’ll note it comes with an outstanding features list.

UVO eServices infotainment: With the UVO app on your smartphone, a few taps are all it takes to connect to your Kia at any time and from anywhere. From hands-free calling and texting, GPS, music on the road, to roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics and parking minders off the road, UVO puts the convenience of connected driving right at your fingertips. The Parking Minder sends your parking location to your smartphone to help guide you back to your Kia.

Autonomous emergency braking: Radar sensors warn driver of an unexpected vehicle or pedestrian danger. A warning sound is engaged and if no response by the driver, the system will initiate braking.

Consumer Recommendations:

I always recommend consumers to include Kia in their car buying decision options. It is a proven competitor. I have and continue to ask everyone I meet what they think of the product and find there is a universal positive response.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Elegant, full featured luxury car that is well priced.

Bad News:

N/A

Standard Equipment:

3.3 liter gas injected V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, 19” alloy wheels, front, side and full length side curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS braking system, traction, stability and hill start controls, tire pressure monitor, dual zone climate control with rear vents, Nav system with 8” touch screen, rear camera, UVO eServices infotainment system, Android and Apple smartphone integration, Harmon Kardon Audio with Sirius XM, Bluetooth technology, Happa Leather seat trim, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, keyless entry and push button start, smart power trunk, Heads up display, power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory, power rear window and manual side sunshades, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning system, smart blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, land departure warning system, surround view monitor and rear parking assist system, LED headlights and fog lights, panoramic sunroof, auto rain sensing windshield wipers, power folding heated mirrors with turn signals.

Gas Stats:

$3.49-Gal avg. December 1, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

20 City and 28 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $ 44,890.

2018 Kia Rio EX

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Kia Rio EX. I hadn’t reviewed a Kia since 2016 and always trumpet this company as price competitive and a reliable product. I haven’t heard anyone bad mouth the product including readers, consumer or any journalist colleague. On the contrary, at auto journalist gathering the talk is how good the product is.

Consumers have apparently experienced what I have and that is seen in the huge growing number of Kia products on our highways. It’s always nice to be validated in predicting based on my exposure to all manufacturers. In the case of Kia / Hyundai, I’ve had the opportunity of visiting their manufacturing facilities and meeting all levels of labor and management. I was encouraged by meeting those people and learning their policies to be noble.

Kia, in this class, is so well priced I can’t imagine anyone being without transportation in cities like Los Angeles. That is not true is places like New York City where parking is virtually an impossible obstacle to owning a car. Thus, it makes total sense to ride public transportation as they do.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Pesqueria, Mexico; Parts- US/Canadian 2%,Mexico43%, Korea55%; Engine and transmission- Mexico; Classification is- Compact; Cars from Kia- Cadenza, Forte, Forte5, K900, Niro,Optima, Rio, Rio 5-door, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Soul, Sportage and Stinger.

Handling & Performance:

Well, it is light weight at about 2700 pounds and thus is a little light on its feet which you feel in high winds on the open highway. But it is a solid city-friendly and commuter compact sedan that handles well around town and to and from work, etc.

Its small 4-cylinder engine serves it well on city streets but a little light weight on those highway road trips. You will think twice about traveling slow behind a slow truck and then wanting to pass. But if you are moving with traffic it is not a problem passing other traffic.

On-the-whole the Rio is an unexpectedly comfortable ride, even on longer trips. One must keep the pros and cons in perspective when you look at its functionality in light on the cost to buy and operate as well.

Styling:

Simple clean lines. Well-appointed and nice look and feel inside.

Fit and Finish:

Good.

Cost:

Exceptional value.

Conveniences and comfort:

UVO eServices is a subscription-free OEM infotainment and telematics service offered in America on select vehicles. UVO is short for your voice and activates media such as the HD radio, CD player and built-in digital jukebox. It also can interface with your Bluetooth-enabled phone.

Good high-tech features for the money and competitive in class.

Consumer Recommendations:

This is a great young family car and especially when budget is important. This is a great value.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Great value, good fuel economy, great company, good features listing.

Bad News:

N/A

Standard Equipment:

1.6 liter gas injection 4-cylinder 130 hp engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, 15” alloy wheels, 6 airbags, Latch child safety system, ABS braking system, traction and stability control systems, stability management, hill start assist, tire pressure monitor, air conditioning, power windows, heated mirrors and locks, AM/FM/MP3 with 7” touchscreen and rear camera, UVO eServices and Infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Sirius XM, USB and AUX input jacks, Bluetooth, cloth seating, 60/40 split folding rear seats, remote keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, steering wheel controls for audio, cruise and Bluetooth, automatic emergency brake, forward collision warning system and fog lights.

Gas Stats:

$3.79 Gal avg. October 23, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

28 City and 37Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $18,400.