Leftlane’s bottom line

Kia is no longer content to be the butt of jokes or the car of last resort for those who may be fiscally challenged.

Although still very much a Hyundai rival, Kia finally has a design language and style of its own. The brand is making all the right moves, unlike a certain Japanese rival that seems to make all the wrong decisions these days.

This particular Korean firm is succeeding in their quest to become a tier-one import that won’t cause anyone to have to explain their purchases. Competing brands should do well to look over their shoulders for there is a new contender gaining on them.

    See also:

    Confident and Contemporary Exterior
    Based on the Kia KND-4 Concept shown during the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia Sorento offers the same swept-back lines and dynamic presence as the concept vehicle. With an angled window line, la ...

    Dimensions
    The typical sedan is tremendously heavier than the Kia Rio. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the typical sedan than the Kia Rio because of its larger tank. The Rio and the typical ...

    And the moves?
    Ride quality over the rough roads in downtown and rural roads was extremely well modulated, resulting in a relatively quiet ride. If anything, the low-profile 17-inch tires were guilty of allowing ...