All posts by jzelasko

front view of three Kia Sorento

KIA’s power to surprise.

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Kia uses the phrase “The power to surprise”. This phrase has continued to push the Kia brand to the top over the last 8 years as it continues to evolve, improve, and add to its lineup. Saad Chehab, vice president, marketing communications, Kia Motors America said “We’ve spent the last 10-plus years quietly improving our vehicles by hiring the best designers, engineers and assembly line workers. In other words, ‘Giving It Eveything’. The all new 2020 Kia Telluride is yet another step and the largest vehicle for the brand as they take another step up the ladder. Telluride production beigns

Kia is not slowing down. The 2019 Kia lineup includes an all new design Forte, a refreshed Optima, Sorento, and Sedona.
Also the 2019 models continue to see more safety technology features as standard equipment. The Kia line has importantly impressed the auto industry and thrilled drivers. The list of wins for 2019 Kia vehicles reflects the dedication to quality vehicles that will continue to surprise shoppers.
Follow this link to see all of the news; Kia Media

Kia had eight vehicles included in the 2019 IIHS awards, making it one of the top three brands with the tougher IIHS requirements. The press article reads… “The number of awards is especially impressive in light of the new testing standards implemented by IIHS this year. ” Kia IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus models include:
2019 Forte
2019 Niro and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
2019 Optima
2019 Sorento
2019 Rio sedan
2019 Rio 5-door
2019 Soul
2019 Cadenza
Read about the new IIHS standards…
IIHS AWARD

Once again, Kia Motors is the highest ranked mass market brand in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study for 2019 marking the fourth consecutive year!
J.D. Powers IQS Award

The Rio and Soul have been named 2019 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award Winners.
Consumer Guide Best Buy Award
For an award winning experience we invite you to visit Mark Martin Kia.

front quarter view of the 2019 Kia Sorento in snow

KIA AMONG TOP THREE BRANDS 2019 IIHS AWARDS

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Posted in Kia Motors America, Mark Martin Kia

2019 Optima SX

IRVINE, Calif., December 21, 2018 — Kia Motors America (KMA) is proud to announce that a total of eight Kia models were included in the 2019 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Awards, making it one of the top three brands to rack up the most safety awards following tougher IIHS requirements for 2019. The all-new 2019 Forte, which just went on-sale this past summer, is one of the five models to earn a Top Safety Pick Plus award – the IIHS’s highest designation possible – when equipped with front crash prevention and specific headlights.

Orth Hedrick, Director of Car Planning and Telematics for KMA said “We are honored to receive so many IIHS saftety awards across our lineup, especially considering these designations are much harder to achieve in 2019.”

Vehicles are now required to earn a “Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap test versus an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating for the 2018 award. The test also requires a vehicle earn “Good” ratings in all other crashworthiness tests and a an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention, as well as a “Good” rating in headlight testing.

Kia IIHS Top Safety Pick modles are the 2019 Forte, 2019 Niro, 2019 Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), 2019 Optima, and 2019 Sorento when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlight.
The 2019 Rio, 2019 Soul, and 2019 Cadenza were top safety pick models for the passenger-side test when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.

Andy Freels, President of Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. said that “Safety is a top priority for our vehicles.

Click for more information on the IIHS 2019 report

rear view of the 2019 Kia Sportage parked near a valley

Tailgate Time

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Posted in Mark Martin Kia

One of the things many folks enjoy about fall football is tailgate parties before the game.   Many people admit that they go to tailgate with friends and may not even attend the game.   Several Kia models are great for “tailgating”.    Kia Sorento, Kia Sedona,  Kia Sportage, Kia Soul, all offer great spaces for your tailgate gear and storage.   Since the Kia vehicles all have a liftgate instead of a tailgate, you actually have cover for your items and deeper space to really pack all of your tailgate supplies.

Some folks have gotten creative and are using the styrofoam organizer located in the rear compartment as a serving tray. They use the divided area of the compartment for different foods and some even put ice in a compartment to cool their drinks.

The main ingredient in any tailgate event is time together with friends.   When it comes to tailgate time, you can be as creative or simple as you want to be.   Some enjoy bringing all of the fixins to grille out and prepare a meal while others are good with sandwiches, dips, and chips.

Whatever you do, we encourage you to get out there and enjoy all of the fall outings in your community.  Football is a great way to get together with friends and support your team.  It offers many different types of activities for kids and teaches them lessons in competition, sportsmanship, and brings out new talents in some.   Supporting our children in their endeavors will encourage them and help them grow.   Marching bands, cheer squads, and drill teams all offer ways for our kids to step out of their comfort zones and participate.   There is nothing wrong with being a spectator.

Remember, being involved is great and getting there is half of the fun.  We invite you to get there in a Kia.

a car driving away in fall

Fall begins at Mark Martin Kia

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Posted in Mark Martin Kia

Back to school signals the unofficial beginning of fall.  The Fall season brings beautiful colors, crisp air, and lots of outings and time for families.   There is nothing more important than family and family time.   Mark Martin Kia id proud to bring have vehicles for all of your transportation needs.  If you have not driven a Kia, then this is a great time to have a look.  We think you will “fall” in love with the new Kia.  The 2019 model Kia vehicles are arriving and Kia is offering the best incentive plans of the model year on the remaining 2018 models.  There are more reasons than incentives.   Kia was named the #1 non-premium brand for initial quality for 2018 by J.D Powers.   Initial quality is measured by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.  This is the the 3rd year in a row that Kia has been rated the #1 non-premium brand by J.D. Powers initial quality study.  In 2017 Kia was named the #1 quality brand over all brands.   Also Kia vehicles have one the best new vehicle warranty of any brand.

You will often hear us say…”Getting there is have of the fun”.   We spend a lot of time commuting to places and events.  The Kia models are equipped with all of the latest technology features to make your drive enjoyable, safe, and entertaining.   If your vehicle is 3 or 4 years old, then you should see and experience all of the technology changes that are available on to today’s new automobiles.   They have become extensions of our living room.   Matching our customers with the right vehicle is something we take seriously at Mark Martin Kia.   We will take the time to listen to your wants and needs.  Then we will spend the time making sure you find the right vehicle.   After you have decided on the right vehicle, we will use your time wisely and teach you how to operate all of the features.   We will also invite you to drop by at your convenience or contact us any time to answer questions or for additional training.  We invite you to join the Mark Martin Kia family.

cheerful young people with their head out the window of a car

It’s Summer, Let the Good Times Roll !

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Posted in Mark Martin Kia

Summer is officially here, “Let the good times roll”!   It’s time for vacations, fun on the water, ball games, and cook outs.   Summer is definitely a time for recreation and family fun.  Mark Martin Kia has a vehicle for all types of summer activities.  Before you begin your summer travels, give us a look!

The 2018 Kia lineup offers “green”, sporty, and family models including several types of seating and cargo configurations.

Recognizing environmental achievement in the auto industry, the Kia Niro has been named Green Car Journal’s 2018 Green SUV of the Year™.
The Kia Niro will take you on your journey with amazing efficiency.   Niro also features plenty of rear seat head room and leg room.
The 2018 Kia Sportage is built for life’s adventures. Sportage is bold with a striking design and engineered to excite.   Inside, you will be impressed with the list of available safety and technology features.   The optional EX Technology Package includes: Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Front and Rear Park Assis Autonomous  Emergency Braking,  UVO eServices,  Ventilated Front Seats, Smart-Power Liftgate,  and Harman Kardon Premium Audio System.

The 2018 Kia Rio is a total re-design and engineered for fun.  The exterior is more sophisticated and sporty. top view of the 2018 Kia Niro

Rio features Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille, newly designed headlights that give it a more aggressive look.

The interior is more spacious, and cleverly equipped, featuring a new range of technologies.

front view of the 2022 Kia Carnival

2018 Kia Sedona

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Posted in Kia Sedona, Mark Martin Kia

Take a closer look at the Kia Sedona.  The travel season is upon us and we invite you to experience the Kia Sedona.  Today’s families are active and distance is not an issue.  However, most families have “stuff”  they need and there is always a friend that would like to tag along.  The Sedona will  handle your transporting people and cargo with state-of-the-art technology and style.   “Minivan?”  The Sedona is just a few inches longer than the Sorento, but offers more cargo room, passenger room, seating for 8, with all of the comfort and technology features of  a luxury vehicle.   We call the Sedona our “MPV” (multi person vehicle).   You have to get in and drive the it to appreciate it.  From its comfortable seating to the attention to detail that has been designed into its cabin.   The list of technology features is long, and some folks are concerned about feature operation.  Let us assure you that Kia technology is user friendly and most of it operates on its own.    If you can speak, you can enjoy a lot of the technology.

“I don’t want a minivan” is a something we often hear.   While we won’t try to sell you something you don’t want, we will try to get you to inform you as to why we think Sedona is for you.   The Sedona offers many trim levels and  configurations based on your needs with standard V6 power that moves effortlessly down the road.

We have a slogan at Mark Martin Kia, “Getting there is half of the fun.”  Most of us will spend several hours travelling this summer.   The best thing about the Kia Sedona is that your passengers will be impressed and comfortable as you travel.  Sedona offers something for every age and comfort for every passenger with storage capabilities for their cargo.   Before you buy another mid size utility vehicle that will seat 7, take a look at the Sedona and experience the difference in “seating 7” and “comfortable room for everyone”.

front view of two 2019 Kia Stinger

Mark Martin Fan Appreciation Days

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Posted in Mark Martin Kia

NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Mark Martin will host his 14th Annual Fan Appreciation Days on April 27-28 in his hometown of Batesville, Ark. Special guests Jack Roush and Jimmy Fennig will attend the event on Saturday, with 2018 marking the final time Martin will hold the event. Admission to the event is free and Martin invites his friends, fans and family to share in the weekend.

“We’ve enjoyed celebrating with our fans during this event in my hometown now for 14 years,” said Martin. “We really look forward to this every year. It’s a chance for me to acknowledge how much I’ve appreciated all of their support throughout my career.

“We invite everyone to come join us the last weekend in April for our final spring Fan Days,” added Martin. “After this I will focus my energy on our one big event in the fall – The Race For Hope 74 – during the week of Sept. 25-29. Stay tuned as this event grows and we look forward to seeing all of you there.” 

For more information on Martin’s career, the Mark Martin Museum adjoins Mark Martin Ford, and is open at 8 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on Saturdays. Several of Mark’s racecars are on display including a ’55 Chevy that started the driver’s dream come true in the ’70s when he was just a teenager.

Read early news reports of “The Kid” from Arkansas and see a phenomenal display of memorabilia, awards and trophies from throughout his 40-year career.Be sure to commemorate your visit with a personal keepsake from the gift shop.   Admission to Fan Appreciation Days is free.

For more information, stay tuned to social media channels.

front quarter view of the 2018 Kia Sorento

Mark Martin Kia has some offer you are sure to love!

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Posted in Kia Motors America, Mark Martin Kia

 

February is here and Kia has some incentive offers that you are sure to love. Kia Motors Finance has 0% financing for 75 months on Forte, Optima, Sportage, and Sorento. You can choose to defer your first payment for 90 days! If you are already a KIA Finance customer,  you could qualify the owner loyalty upgrade.

Secondly, Kia has some outstanding rebate offers available. $3000 rebate on the 2018 Kia Sorento, $2000 rebate on the 2018 Kia Sportage and 2018 Kia Forte, and $2500 rebate on the 2018 Kia Optima.   Kia Motors Finance also has a tremendous offer for those of you who like to keep a new vehicle.  The KMF Retail Balloon Program puts you in the driver’s seat for your entire ownership,  giving you an upfront guaranteed trade value at loan term,  and allowing you to trade every 36 months.  To top this off,  payments are normally less than a regular retail purchase. Ask one of our consultants for all of the details.

Now is the best time ever to purchase a new Kia and J.D. Power for the second year in a row named Kia has the #1 brand in the 2017 Initial Quality Survey.

The Ozarks scenic roadways offer great driving experiences any time of the year. Whether you live in Mountain Home, Cherokee Village, Pocahontas, Heber Springs, Mountain Home or Mammoth Spring, Mark Martin Kia is just a short drive.   Kia vehicles offer a variety of models that will make your journey enjoyable no matter what your transportation needs and the entire line offers head turning style and performance, all designed to offer you great fuel economy and safety.

Remember, getting there is half the fun!    Make the drive to Mark Martin Kia before you begin your journey.  Ask your friends and neighbors why they drive a Mark Martin Kia.  Many of our customers say it was their best experience buying a vehicle.

What’s new on the 2018 Kia Cadenza?

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Posted in Kia Motors America, Mark Martin Kia

2018 Kia Cadenza Vs. 2017 Kia Cadenza
You can’t fake elegance. It’s a feeling, a sense of something composed and timeless happening in front of you.
Sophistication and elegance are tough qualities to nail. Getting it right requires narrowly placing a design on the microscopic border between under-designed and bland, or overdesigned and ostentatious. For years, very few manufacturers had the key to this combination. Luxury cars made by the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Bentley were renowned for their understated and composed designs.

Many badges and brand names compete to make a case for being elegant, but it’s the ones that don’t make a bunch of noise about their sophisticated design credentials which often make the best case for it. Such is the Kia Cadenza.

Redesigned with a bold and composed exterior for the 2017 model year, the Kia Cadenza is back offering luxury, performance and elegance that competes with luxury German brands without a similar price tag. Let’s look at what Kia has changed on their flagship executive sedan.

2018 Kia Cadenza New Features
Many of the luxury-performance features on the 2017 Kia Cadenza carry over. The biggest change is the addition of a panoramic sunroof and interior LED lighting as a standard feature on the V6 luxury package. Both features remain included on the Technology and Limited trim levels as standard.

Besides that, the 2018 model sees Perimeter Approach Lighting included as a standard feature on the Technology and Limited trim levels, and an available feature on Premium. This feature provides lighting underneath side mirrors that allows you to see the ground in front of your door as you approach.

19” alloy wheels, which were available on the 2017 Kia Cadenza Technology trim level, are now standard on Technology.

 

2018 Kia Cadenza Specs

Need a refresh on the devilish specs that are carrying-over from the 2017 Cadenza? We’ve got you covered. The 2017 Kia Cadenza enjoys the thrill and performance of a powerful 3.3L V6 engine that outputs as cool 290 horsepower and 253 lb-ft. of torque.

Despite these confident performance numbers and a naturally-aspirated V6, the Cadenza gives drivers an impressive fuel economy. EPA-estimated economy sees the Cadenza earn 20 MPG city, 28 MPG highway and 23 MPG combined.

The engine is mated to a smooth and precise electronically-controlled, 8-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic® and Smart Shift & Drive. Braking is accomplished by the Cadenza’s 4-wheel disc with anti-lock braking system (ABS) with 12.6-inch front rotors and 11.8-inch rear rotors.

We couldn’t be more excited about the latest Cadenza. The Cadenza shows that superior design can be accessible and doesn’t exclusively belong to any badge. While competitors are busy rehashing old aesthetics and adding overdesigned elements that will be dated in a few years, Kia has built the Cadenza with timeless elegance and performance to match.

For more information on the 2018 Kia Cadenza or schedule your test drive at Mark Martin Kia , contact us today!