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2018 Kia Rio Quick Spin Review | A grown-up subcompact for grown-ups

The 2018 Kia Rio is doing itself few favors, if any, with its name. Maybe it's the nameplate's terrible early generations or that it sounds a bit like a tropical disease you picked up from a mosquito in Ecuador. In any event, saying "I own a Kia Rio" just seems like something you'd say under your breath and preferably not at all. Which is a damn dirty shame, because the Rio is in fact a terrific little car that anyone should be quite proud to own. There is a grown-up vibe to it that greatly outpaces whatever expectations you might have for a sub-compact car. It is handsome, well-equipped, seemingly well-made, and most surprisingly, extremely competent to drive. Let's start with the exterior styling. Although at first glance it seems a tad conservative for the segment, and perhaps not as expressive as its predecessor, it's handsome and well-proportioned. It is indeed more grown-up in appearance, especially in our test car's Urban Grey paint. It may not be flashy, but it also looks like a real car that just happens to be small, and I think you'd be much happier picking up a date in the Rio than in a Honda Fit or Ford Fiesta. That notion carries over to the interior, which itself is an impressive upgrade over what was already one of the nicest cabins in the segment. Now, not every Rio gets the benefits of our test car's Red Accent package (although it's only a $130 option and includes leather upholstery), but it's nevertheless a visually appealing place to spend time. There's an attractive minimalism to the design (note the cool HVAC controls) and a definite European vibe that, again, looks grown-up. Materials quality is good for the segment, though the test car's leather seats and steering felt a cut above the rest. Then there's the touchscreen that sprouts up from the dash like just about everything these days. Included on the EX trim level, it's 7 inches, easy to see and reach, and comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite radio. Down below, there's a handy shelf for your plugged-in smartphone above another bin for whatever else. In terms of space, the six-way manually adjustable seats provided just enough room for this 6-foot-3 editor's legs, which is far from a sure thing among subcompact cars. I'm one unhappy guy after about 10 minutes in a Honda Fit. Sure, putting the front seat all the way back pretty much cancels out back seat room, but this is a subcompact car, what are you expecting?

2018 Kia Stinger will start at $32,795

The 2018 Stinger proves that Kia can indeed make a credible performance sedan. And now we know exactly how much it will cost to park the rear-wheel-drive hatchback in your garage. The 2018 Kia Stinger starts at $32,795 with its standard 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Opting for all-wheel drive, which is available across the board, bumps the price up by $2,200. A Stinger with the premium package that brings LED lights, a sunroof, power seats, navigation, and a nice sound system will set you back just under $38,000. If you want a Stinger GT and its 3.3-liter twin-turbo 365-hp V6, expect a sticker of at least $39,895. A fully loaded Stinger GT2 will run $50,395. That sounds pricey, but only if you're basing your buying decision on the badge. We tested this performance-bred Kia on the world's best-known race circuit, the Nurburgring, and came away mightily impressed. The Stinger is aimed at premium brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, and with that in mind, it's priced appropriately. Only time will tell if the car-buying public at large agrees. We'll find out soon; the Stinger will hit dealerships within the next few weeks. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Kia Stinger View 37 Photos News Source: Kia Auto News Kia Car Buying Hatchback Performance Sedan kia stinger gt kia stinger

Kia Sorento and Pierce Brosnan make The Perfect Getaway for the Super Bowl

Automakers keep rolling out their Super Bowl ads online days ahead of the actual game, but the extended cut of Kia's commercial for the 2016 Sorento is probably the best of the batch released so far. The spot does a great job of combining action and humor into a tight package, while showing off the CUV in the snow. The ad, titled The Perfect Getaway Vehicle, stars former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan as he is pitched for the Kia commercial. Brosnan tries to imagine it all, but given a career mostly as a suave action star, he misunderstands the slightly more realistic style that the brand is going for.