2012 Kia Soul Tops "10 Best Back-To-School Cars" List By Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com
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Kia's Popular Urban Cruiser is Number One Among Cars Less Than $16,000
- Soul's versatile package and affordable price makes it an ideal ride for students
- Hip hatchback embodies a youthful exuberance and a fun attitude
IRVINE, CA--Aug. 8, 2012: The award-winning Kia Soul has been spotlighted once again, this time being named as this year's No. 1 vehicle on the coveted "10 Best Back-to-School Cars in 2012" list by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, a leading provider of new and used car information. Lauded for its exceptional value, reliability and style, the Soul is a uniquely eye-catching and affordable way for students to get to class this fall. The funky urban passenger vehicle also was praised for its roomy interior, responsive powertrain and frugal fuel economy. The KBB.com accolade comes on the heels of the Soul being honored as class best by two major back-to-back J.D. Power and Associates Studies: IQS and APEAL.
"The Soul being named to the top spot on the '10 Best Back-To-School Cars of 2012' list by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com shows just how relevant the Kia brand has become with the younger consumer," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America. "This honor recognizes the Soul for a host of attributes ranging from innovative styling to smart personalization options to outstanding safety, all of which make it a favorite among students and their parents, alike."
Editors from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com evaluated the most affordable vehicles of 2012 and then selected the 10 offerings which best met the needs and wants of students. All vehicles on this list are available for under $16,000.
"With a low price tag, roomy interior and singular looks, the Kia Soul charms with a practical but youthful exuberance," asserted the editors of Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "And it gets even better for 2012, gaining direct injection technology and six-speed transmissions that yield bumps in power, responsiveness and fuel economy. Stir in tastefully refreshed exterior and interior bits, and the Soul convincingly grabs the top spot on our list of Best Back-to-School Cars for 2012."
For more information about KBB.com's "10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012," visit KBB Car Reviews.
Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive
brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any
other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry
leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of
fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim
and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration
for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market
share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in
perceived quality[1] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[2].
Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West
Point, Georgia -- KMMG -- is responsible
for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two
of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. -- the
Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden
lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger
vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact
hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and
Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors
Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.
KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers
throughout the United States and serves as
the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA
recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest
growing car companies in the U.S[3]. Kia is poised to continue its momentum
and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality,
value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
*The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
[1] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality
Study.
[2]Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.
[3]
Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods
ending June 2007 and June 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.