Explore Your Car - 2018 Updates in Popular KIA Models

KIA is constantly making upgrades and improvements to its range of cars, whether it be added features, additions, design improvements or engine specifications. It’s always interesting to see how these changes develop over time, as they are often made as a response to feedback from the previous year and to ensure various models are appropriate for their target market. While 2018 has seen fewer changes than last year, there has been some addition to some of KIA’s biggest car models. This article will have a look at a few of the changes, updates and improvements that we saw between last year’s and 2018’s KIA cars.

KIA Soul

The 2018 KIA Soul was actually very similar to last year’s model, with only a few minor changes being added. This followed the transition between the 2016 and 2017 models, which included the lower price-tag, a bigger engine and various other refinements. Sales numbers improved significantly and KIA has decided to stick with what works in the case of its funky, small SUV. The 2018 model has been highly reviewed, with critics often remarking that it has incredible value for its price. 

One of the biggest changes in 2018 is the additional colour offered, which is called Wild Orange. Always an option if you’re feeling adventurous! Some of the additional gadgets packed into the 2018 Soul include an upgraded infotainment system, which caters to both Apple and Android devices - automatic climate control is also included in this. Some of the other features include heated back seats and steering wheel, and LED lighting on the outside of the vehicle.

KIA Sportage

Again, the Sportage saw big changes from 2016 to 2017, mainly in terms of its appearance. It was made longer, making the interior more spacious. There were also a bunch of improvements made to handling, suspension and steering, with software and infotainment upgrades included to boot.

This time around, the changes have been less dramatic. The 2018 Sportage resembles the 2017 model with the same long body and styling. However, this model has added safety features and introduced lower trims, as well as improving on various standard features. This has had the effect of bumping up the base prices slightly, although the consumer has more choice in terms of options packages.

KIA Optima

KIA’s award-winning midsize sedan, the Optima, remains one of the most competitive models in the segment. The 2018 version has seen various improvements and has largely been rejuvenated, with technology and safety upgrades coming without a significant bump in the price.

The five trim levels on offer include the stylish, all-new KIA Optima S, which was not present in the 2017 line-up. It comes with a sports bumper, spoiler, LED tail and fog lights, with a panoramic moonroof to top it off. The 2018 Optima improves on its predecessor’s safety and entertainment features. Added to the long list of features are Rear parking assist, Blind Spot Detection and a Cross Traffic Alert system, all included as standard. Add to that Kia UVO eServices technology as standard - with a touchscreen and Apple/Android connectivity for all your infotainment needs.

Come down to Chadstone KIA and check out the all-new Optima, Soul and Sportage today! You can browse through our website or get in touch with us directly for more information. 

3 Accessories That Can Secure Car To The Next Level

Auto security systems and technology have come a long way over the past decade, making it more difficult for car thieves to steal vehicles and get away with it. Most modern cars come complete with a range of innovative security features. Older cars, however, may be more vulnerable and it can be a good idea to install separate safety KIA accessories to ensure your vehicle is protected. Let’s take a look at three basic but very important safety accessories that should set up on your car.

Glass Break Sensor

An add-on to a standard car alarm, a glass break sensor is a safety accessory that gives your vehicle that little extra security in the unlikely case that someone tries to break the window of your vehicle. Picking up sound waves that are created when the glass is broken, this device triggers the car alarm. This is a handy security feature that is standard in a lot of new cars.

There have been complaints from car owners in the past pointing out that these devices are too sensitive and will set off the alarm at the drop of a hat, so to speak. Technology has improved to make glass break sensors more sophisticated and can be combined with shock impact sensors, so they only go off when it is necessary.

GPS device

As well as a means of finding your way around, having a GPS tracking device installed can help you locate a stolen vehicle. Obviously, you’d be better off if your car wasn’t jacked in the first place, but on more than one occasion, car thieves have been tracked down as a result of a GPS tracker. Modern systems will speak to your phone and transmit their location and in which direction it is moving. So if your car does get stolen, you can notify the police and provide its exact whereabouts, making it more likely they retrieve it for you.

Starter Disable

A starter disable works by breaking the electrical circuit or connection that is necessary to start up the car when someone turns the ignition. This makes it impossible to start up the car without breaking the starter disable or in some cases flipping over the switch, which can often be hidden anywhere around the car. Other devices are activated when the car alarm goes off.

While it’s true that some car thieves will be able to disable such a device, it is decidedly more complicated and takes more time. This can be a source of frustration and pressure for a would-be car thief, especially when the alarm has been set off. Most auto electricians will be able to install a starter disable on your car for a relatively low cost.

You can check out the full range of KIA accessories available online or at any KIA dealer. Speak to the team at Chadstone KIA for more information.