U.S.-built* Optima Midsize Sedan Wins Award for Second Consecutive Year while Soul Urban Utility Earns Honor for First Time
IRVINE, Calif., June 19, 2014 – Kia's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. market were recently acknowledged by AutoPacific with Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) for 2014. The midsize Optima sedan won the Best-In-Class Mid-Size Car award for the second consecutive year, while the ultra-popular Soul urban passenger vehicle won Best-In-Class Compact Car segment for the first time. Both Optima and Soul set all-time monthly sales records in May with 16,843 and 15,606 units sold, respectively. The 18th annual AutoPacific VSA studied new-car buying results from over 92,000 consumers.
"With today's tough competition in all segments, these AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are a result of our continued efforts to elevate the Kia brand by delivering a winning combination of European-influenced design, world-class quality and cutting-edge technology – all at a great value," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA. "While the Optima and Soul have very different personalities, their appeal in the marketplace is a shared strength. Customer demand continues to climb for these great vehicles, and we're glad to see the AutoPacific survey confirm what our sales results have already told us."
AutoPacific's VSAs identify the most satisfying vehicles for sale in the U.S. market and assist new-car buyers in making informed vehicle purchase decisions. The survey measures owner satisfaction through 51 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance.
About the 2014 Optima
The 2014 Optima – Kia's sales leader – features updated front and rear fascias, accentuating the vehicle's dynamic and sporty proportions. The eye-catching sedan is available with two powerful Theta II powerplants featuring gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. A 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain is also available. The improvements continue within the cabin as drivers are greeted with more upscale and high-tech amenities. The SXL trim brings Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique 18-inch chrome wheels, new LED fog lights, red brake calipers, an electronic parking brake, chrome accented side sills, and premium Nappa leather-trimmed seats.
About the 2014 Soul
Instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh – with more than a passing nod to the hot Track'ster concept that was unveiled in 2012 – the 2014 Soul rides on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider. The Soul's new dimensions allow for more passenger and cargo room while NVH levels have been reduced dramatically. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments and inside there is a long list of standard comfort and convenience features including Bluetooth® wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted controls .
- 18th annual AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards identifies most appealing cars in the market and assists consumers in making informed vehicle purchasing decisions
- Survey measured responses from more than 92,000 new-car buyers
IRVINE, Calif., June 19, 2014 – Kia's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. market were recently acknowledged by AutoPacific with Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) for 2014. The midsize Optima sedan won the Best-In-Class Mid-Size Car award for the second consecutive year, while the ultra-popular Soul urban passenger vehicle won Best-In-Class Compact Car segment for the first time. Both Optima and Soul set all-time monthly sales records in May with 16,843 and 15,606 units sold, respectively. The 18th annual AutoPacific VSA studied new-car buying results from over 92,000 consumers.
"With today's tough competition in all segments, these AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are a result of our continued efforts to elevate the Kia brand by delivering a winning combination of European-influenced design, world-class quality and cutting-edge technology – all at a great value," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA. "While the Optima and Soul have very different personalities, their appeal in the marketplace is a shared strength. Customer demand continues to climb for these great vehicles, and we're glad to see the AutoPacific survey confirm what our sales results have already told us."
AutoPacific's VSAs identify the most satisfying vehicles for sale in the U.S. market and assist new-car buyers in making informed vehicle purchase decisions. The survey measures owner satisfaction through 51 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance.
About the 2014 Optima
The 2014 Optima – Kia's sales leader – features updated front and rear fascias, accentuating the vehicle's dynamic and sporty proportions. The eye-catching sedan is available with two powerful Theta II powerplants featuring gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. A 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain is also available. The improvements continue within the cabin as drivers are greeted with more upscale and high-tech amenities. The SXL trim brings Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique 18-inch chrome wheels, new LED fog lights, red brake calipers, an electronic parking brake, chrome accented side sills, and premium Nappa leather-trimmed seats.
About the 2014 Soul
Instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh – with more than a passing nod to the hot Track'ster concept that was unveiled in 2012 – the 2014 Soul rides on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider. The Soul's new dimensions allow for more passenger and cargo room while NVH levels have been reduced dramatically. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments and inside there is a long list of standard comfort and convenience features including Bluetooth® wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted controls .
