2012 Kia Soul and Forte Koup Named to MSN Autos "10 Great Cars for Less Than $20,000" List

Kia Vehicles Praised for Exceptional Value and Stand-Out Designs

- Funky Soul recognized for low starting price and roomy interior space

- Kia's two-door Koup praised for performance features and outstanding value

IRVINE, CA--Dec. 7, 2011: The 2012 Soul and Forte Koup recently were named to MSN Autos "10 Great Cars for Less Than $20,000" list, with Kia being the only brand to have two vehicles selected. Soul, Kia's iconic hatchback refreshed for the 2012 model year, delivers a series of refinements, including more power, improved fuel economy and new technologies along with an updated look. Meanwhile, the performance-inspired Forte Koup offers world-class design, fuel efficiency, and outstanding driving dynamics.

"MSN Autos selection of Soul and Forte Koup for the '10 Great Cars for Less Than $20,000' list reflects the value Kia vehicles provide consumers with a host of standard technology, safety, and convenience features," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Kia's technology-laden, fun-to-drive, uniquely-styled vehicles continue to attract new customers to the Kia brand, as evidenced by 15 consecutive months of sales records."

MSN Autos compared a number of new vehicles available in the market today to provide consumers with a list of products that provide the best-value for their money. Vehicles were evaluated on standard amenities, design and functionality.

About the 2012 Soul

Refreshed for the 2012 model year, the Kia Soul has been fine-tuned with a significant number of technological, powertrain and style enhancements. The 2012 Soul delivers class-leading horsepower[1] and significantly improved fuel efficiency of up to 35 miles per gallon (mpg)[2] on the highway. Kia Motors' hatchback remains a class-leading value[3] with the lowest starting price of its competitive set at $13,900 MSRP[4]. Later this model year, Soul also will be the first among its competitors to offer the fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology, which turns off the engine when the vehicle is not in motion, such as at a stop light or in traffic.

About the 2012 Forte Koup

Available in two trims -- EX and SX -- Forte Koup offers consumers an aggressively styled and performance-inspired two-door coupe with an abundance of amenities as well as impressive power. Designed and engineered as a driver's car, Forte Koup is powered by either a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine (EX models), producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque[5] that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, or an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine (SX models), also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque[6].

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia -- KMMG -- which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan[7] to its production line in September. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.