Search Results for: KIA

2016 Kia Sedona SX-L

Source: Kiausa.com The 2016 Kia Sedona SX-L seats seven passengers, offers a dashboard designed with the driver in mind and is a slightly better version than its 2015 redesigned model. How did it perform for a woman who has always been loathe to drive this family friendly mode of transportation? Let's find out! Source: Victoria Mason I have a theory about minivans. It's a new one because despite having three kids and tons of activities we have stuck to our SUV. Not only do I love it, but H and I made a pact back in our early days of dating that we would never buy a minivan. Never. Yet, I really wanted someone to give me on to test drive. My friends adore them. Would I? No one dared to send one, it seemed. Until earlier this month when Kia stepped up to the plate with the … [Read more...]

2016 KIA Optima SX LTD

Source: Kia.com Newly redesigned the 2016 Kia Optima SX LTD offers turbocharged performance without the hefty price tag that power can sometimes command. Source: Victoria Mason I was pleasantly surprised by the 'Horizon Blue' Kia Optima SX LTD that arrived in my driveway earlier this month. It sparkled in the sun and showed off its quilted black interior nicely. I've been a fan of the Optima for a few years. It showcases the best that Kia has to offer not just in the sedan category, but also the brand as a whole providing a product that offers items as standard that normally would be considered extras while improving the actual driving experience as well. So how did the redesign fare? Outside There's nothing I like more than letting in a little light. The Kia Optima boasts a … [Read more...]

2015 Kia Soul EV

Source: Kia.com I have to admit that the 2015 Kia Soul EV took me by surprise, big time. I drove a Soul last year and it was cute and fun. The girls liked it more than I did. Then the EV in 'Clear White' arrived and I got a bit of a crush. First, it has a Star Wars Storm Trooper quality to it inside and out. That got me excited to drive it right away. Then, I spent a week with it and didn't want to give it back. This car is electric. It contains a DC Fast Charge port (480V) and a 27kWh Lithium Ion polymer battery. I used ChargePoint.com to find charging stations that did quick charges (2-3 hours for a full charge) and DC Fast Charge (30-40 minutes for 80% charge). There were more stations near me than I even knew. Charging it up was easy, but daily, my one issue. The … [Read more...]

2014 Kia Soul

Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Cars provided by Drive STI. Opinions are TMC's only. All new 2014 Kia Soul When I was told that the Kia Soul would be staying with us for a week during spring break, I became a little giddy. How much fun would this little car be to drive around with my girls while we did all our special activities during the week? Then, I panicked. Would I be able to fit three kids into the back of a Kia Soul? … [Read more...]

2014 KIA Forte LX Review

Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are TMC's only. Cars provided by STI Drive. The newly redesigned 2014 KIA Forte LX arrived at my door in sedan form (it comes in coupe and hatchback too) and I was anxious to check out a sedan that is typically too small for my needs. In the past this model was known for having good gas mileage but lacking in interior design and extras. Did the redesign succeed in bringing out a better Forte? … [Read more...]

2014 KIA Sorento SX AWD

Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are TMC's only The 2014 KIA Sorento SX arrived at my door and no one noticed. From the outside the Sorento looked so similar in size, color and shape to the previously reviewed SUV from the week before that no one could tell the difference. After two days of driving the Sorento the differences could not be ignored. Redesigned for 2014 the Kia Sorento SX with AWD is drastically different in look and feel. Not much of the old model was left behind, which was I think is a step in the right direction. The old ways of Kia still plague its reputation despite the fact that each year with some model or other the company continues to win over the car industry. Trust me, I still … [Read more...]

How to Find the Right and Affordable EV for You

Photo courtesy: @andreasdress (Unsplash) Last week I attended Fully Charged Live in Austin, TX with a lot of folks who already know, love and enjoy Electric Vehicles (EVs). Now, I know that I write about cars and the auto industry but when I polled readers, friends, and showgoers at the event who didn't own an EV the same three questions, fears, and myths came up over and over again. TOP 3 EV FEARS & MYTHS EVs are too expensive. How can I afford one? Charging takes too long and I don't want to run out of power. Where are charging stations in my area? What are the costs and time restraints? An EV is too expensive to fix. I'm going to answer these questions and quell your fears as well as bust some EV myths here. Question one came up often. When people think of … [Read more...]

Fully Charged Live: The Can’t Miss EV Event

This weekend I had the pleasure to attend the two-day event, Fully Charged Live in Austin, TX. Based on the popular YouTube show and podcast created by Robert Llewellyn, Fully Charged Live aims to educate electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, EV owners, and those curious who want to learn more about the EV industry, the latest in transport technology and clean energy. This is the first time Fully Charged Live was held in the U.S. as it is a UK-based show. The first live event was in 2019 in the UK and was a great success. What to Expect I didn’t know what to expect from Fully Charged Live. I don't consider myself an expert on clean energy or EVs. I really love cars, trucks, and SUVs as well as the automotive industry. Surprisingly, I only reviewed one EV, a Kia Soul a few years … [Read more...]

2017 Hyundai Ioniq-One Car, Three Choices

Last week I headed down to Durham, NC to check out the latest that Hyundai has to offer, the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq. I love getting the chance to head out on the road with a new vehicle. To study it, hear its story from the manufacturer and really get to know it in an environment that isn't my own backyard. The Ioniq while focused on attracting eco-focused buyers (it comes in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models) is a real deal five passenger sedan. I may need to say that again to get my point across. There is no bulky battery to get in the way of anyone's leg room or hog the trunk space with the Ioniq. Why? It's because the battery pack is located under the passenger seats. Simply put it is the first dedicated green vehicle that comes with a lifetime warranty for … [Read more...]

Summer Vacation Floral with Style in Harmony

Hi, my name is Tamara from the fashion and beauty blog, Style in Harmony. Today I'm taking over Victoria's blog to share a summer vacation look with you all! This past week I spent a few days in New Hampshire with some family and friends. We stayed at a lake house and had a great time boating, swimming, jet skiing and playing games! It was very relaxing. My favorite trend this summer is off the shoulder tops and dresses. This beautiful floral dress is perfect for a dressed up look while vacationing! It's feminine and flirty and easy to pack, throw on and go. I bought this dress recently at a boutique shop in New York City. It's not available online, but I linked a few others I really like below! For accessories, I went with neutrals to keep the focus on the dress. I love cognac … [Read more...]