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2019 Kia K900 First Drive Review | The Stinger GT grows up

The Kia K900 has been an afterthought in the luxury market almost since it was launched about 4 years ago. Or maybe a never-thought. Through September of this year, Kia sold just 260 examples, which was about 90 fewer than the same time last year. And with sales like that, most of us figured Kia would just let the model quietly disappear into the ether, especially with the launch of the new Genesis luxury brand, and Kia's new halo, the Stinger. Considering the car's yacht-like demeanor and forgettable looks, we wouldn't have missed it. Yet Kia is determined to keep the K900 alive in America, and has introduced a completely redesigned model. Perhaps even more surprising than the fact that the model is back, is that it's actually quite good. Think of it as a bigger, more plush Kia Stinger. That may be hard to believe by just looking at it. While it's certainly better proportioned than its predecessor, with a body that highlights its rear-drive bones, it's boring. It hides its roots well, not getting the onlooker excited or leaving a major impression. There's hardly a sharp crease or bold character line to be seen – a stark contrast to the fierce, outre Stinger. It doesn't even look much like other Kias, which all share a family resemblance in their grilles and athletic stance. The K900 is a lot larger than the Stinger, too. The wheelbase is about 8 inches longer, and overall length is up by nearly a foot. Width and height are greater by roughly 2 and 3 inches respectively. This all puts the K900 in the size territory of full-size luxury flagships, but Kia says it's targeting buyers of midsize luxury sedans such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series with a price of around $60,895 for the base model, and $64,895 for the VIP model. These are close estimates. It's a "more for your money" sort of argument, but there are more direct competitors to the K900 that muddy the water, like the Volvo S90, Lincoln Continental, and Cadillac CT6. On paper, all three seem to be compelling options to the K900 with lower base prices, similar size, and more distinctive styling. But the K900 has a major power advantage with its standard 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6. The S90's standard engine makes just 250 horsepower, and the optional non-hybrid engine just makes 316 horses. To beat the Kia, you have to get the hybrid S90 with 400 horsepower, and a base price of over $64,000.

Hyundai finally settles inflated fuel economy claims lawsuit for $41.2 million

Remember when Hyundai and Kia changed their claimed fuel economy numbers for a bunch of models? That happened back in 2012, and Hyundai has finally settled a lawsuit concerning the economy adjustment with a payment of $41.2 million. The lawsuit was filed by 33 state attorneys general, as well as one from Washington D.C. Each state will decide how to use its money from the settlement. According to Hyundai, this settlement was an "amicable agreement," and the company also denies any wrongdoing in changing claimed fuel economy numbers. Hyundai also reports that the agreement was reached, in part, due to the reimbursement program instituted after the economy adjustment. This program allows owners to be reimbursed the extra fuel cost, with payments determined by miles driven. The payments are sent after an owner has an affected car's odometer checked by a dealer. In addition, Hyundai also offered lump-sum payments as an option after the results of a class-action lawsuit. So far, the company reports about 75 percent of eligible owners have participated in the program. This isn't the only major payment Hyundai has made concerning the fuel economy issue. In 2014, Hyundai paid roughly $300 million in fines to the EPA. The company was also sued for inflated fuel economy claims in South Korea. In the US, models affected by the adjustment include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Accent, Veloster, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Genesis and Azera, along with the Kia Soul, Rio, Sorento, Sportage and Optima. Related Video: Image Credit: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images Government/Legal Green Hyundai Kia

2020 Kia Niro electric car gets a $590 price hike

Kia Niro EV shoppers will need to budget a little more for the purchase, the South Korean automaker raising the price on its only U.S.-market electric car by $590. Cars Direct spied an order guide saying that after a $1,120 destination charge, the base Niro EX electric will climb from $39,620 to $40,210. The only other trim, the EX Premium, goes for $45,120 for the 2019 model to $45,710. The prices don't include the potential $7,500 federal tax credit or other incentives the hatchback still qualifies for. Adjustments to the EV MSRPs compare to price increases of $990 and $1,190 for the two trims of the 2020 Niro PHEV, and a mix of price drops and increases of several hundred dollars for the standard Niro's rearranged trim line.     Around this time last year, the Niro EV cost $1,500 more than the Hyundai Kona EV, now the Kia and Hyundai are separated by $1,900. The Niro EV's 64-kWh battery can power its 201-horsepower motor up to 239 miles of EPA-rated range, the Kona EV, with the same mechanical specs, is EPA-rated for up to 258 miles. Kia didn't make any changes to the 2020 Niro EV other than price. The whole Niro lineup, however, debuted its new refresh at last year's L.A. Auto Show. That brought tweaks to the front fascia such as new headlights and fog lights and a grille with diamond-shaped inserts, the electric Niro distinguished from the other two powertrains by getting a single chevron fog light instead of dual chevron lights, omitting the chrome underlining on the grille, and picking up blue accents around the lower intake. In back, there's a redesigned housing for reflector units in the bumper, and more blue highlights. Inside, a redesigned, seven-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel, and new optional driving aids include lane following and lane-keeping assist. Meanwhile, the wait continues for the Kia EV we really want, the fun and less expensive battery-electric Soul and its 243-mile EPA-rated range.  Related Video: