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collier county mental health services
Call (239) 260-7300 | … The Collier County Sheriff's Office has expanded its unit that handles mental health-related calls and connects people with the services they need. Be sure to listen to the episodes in order to get the full story on what our agency is doing to connect those with mental illness to the proper resources. NAMI continuously provides over $30,000 in financial assistance for psychiatric evaluations and emergency prescriptions, shelter, and food. Check out these useful resources below and click on the link for more information. This program is a community partnership between law enforcement, mental health professionals and families. – Persons 65 years of age and older. Mental Health. Collier County Sheriff's Office addresses mental health The Collier County Sheriff's Office has more resources for helping those in a crisis and keeping them out of jail. Get reviews and contact details for each business including videos, opening hours and more. There are no reviews for Colliers Court Community Mental Health Service. Find Child or Adolescent Therapists, Psychologists and Child or Adolescent Counseling in Collier County, Florida, get help for Child or Adolescent in Collier County. Simeone said mental health has become an unfounded mandate in the state. Reviews. The three episodes aim at shedding light on the state of mental health here in Collier County and how that intersects with law enforcement. Below is a chart that shows the historical funding The Sarah Ann Drop-In Center averages 500 visits a month by individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Collier County Counseling center is a privately owned agency, serving Collier County and Naples for over 16 years. Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Make a Public Records Request / Request a Background Check, Sheriff Rambosk Oath of Office Ceremony Program, Youth Prevention and Delinquency Services, Strategic Objectives and State/Federal Liaison Department, Community Assistance Resource and Education (C.A.R.E.) Fees are based on a sliding scale. Search Go The Public Services Department is committed to providing amenities and assistance services for the community in support of the lifestyle of Collier County and interests of the public. Write a review now. NAMI is a not for profit organization, Tax ID# 65-0047747. NAMI continuously provides over $30,000 in financial assistance for psychiatric evaluations and emergency prescriptions, shelter, and food. Please consider supporting NAMI Collier County today! Collier County Mental Health Court Program. The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida is hosting a survey in your neighborhood on health and healthcare. The Collier County Sheriff's Office Mental Health Unit (MHU) is committed to aiding people in behavioral crisis resulting from known or suspected mental illness and drug or alcohol addiction. 6216 Trail Blvd., Bldg. Halikas, James, MD LLC 5445 Park Central Ct., Naples FL 34109 / Phone (239) 592-7535 / Fax (239) 592-5987 NAMI Collier County served over 16,000 individuals in 2016-2017. Mental Health Court (or "MHC") is an alternative treatment courtprogram offered to people who have been arrested in Collier County who suffer from severe and persistent mental illnesses. Health Details: The Collier County Mental Health Court Program is an alternative to the traditional court system. We offer Diversion Program Classes, Anger Management, Substance Abuse, DUI, and other Counseling Classes. Mental Health Services Substance Abuse Treatment Services Collier County, Florida has a limited number of Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers, so listed below are licensed Substance Abuse Treatment programs in surrounding counties. Colliers Court Community Mental Health Service offers Doctors and Clinics services in Cinderford, England area. 85 12th St South Naples, FL 34102 (239) 262-6535 ; Web Link Al-Anon Alateen. This video series on mental health was created to assist with prevention, early intervention, treatment, and improved care coordination for children with mental health concerns. C, Naples, FL 34108, (SAMI) Student Alliance on Mental Illness, Hearing Voices, Seeing Things Support Group, WRAP Time (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan), NAMI Collier County-Auxiliary Aids-Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Plan, Copyright 2018 NAMI Collier County. As a county health department within the Florida Department of Health, the Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is a dynamic department that provides public health programs and services focused on preventing communicable, infectious, and chronic diseases as we work to promote and protect the health of our community. CID: Sgt. The Sarah Ann Drop-In Center averages 500 visits a month by individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Find mental health services in Collier County, FL on Yellowbook. The Public Services Department is one of the largest within Collier County Government. The CCSO MHU follows up on incidents where the core issue is a mental health crisis and or a threat to public safety. | All Rights Reserved. As such, Collier County has appropriated $1,649,000 in funding for the DLC in Fiscal Year 2017. NAMI of Collier County provides services to help families in Florida affected by serious mental illness, through education, support and advocacy. Table of Contents - Collier County Mental Health Court Program Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Write a review. On this website, you will find a lot of information about public events hosted by many different divisions. Mental Health Unit (MHU) Communities are seeking answers to managing mental health issues. David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health in Collier County Nancy Dauphinais, chief operating officer The average number of children in the crisis unit daily is up 27%, Dauphinais said. Careers Online Services FAQs Employees Org Chart. We invite you to join us and support our events. Just as a person and a community's social well-being can affect their health, health can affect a person's and a community's social well-being. Your opinion: Publish. DLC has joined several behavioral health organizations throughout Collier County and Lee County to establish a community-wide initiative called Healthy Minds. Services: David Lawrence Center focuses on restoring and rebuilding lives by providing affordable mental health and substance abuse Services: that are available to all. Mental Health Bureau / Team Coordinator: Cpl. Mental health related issues in Collier County include a shortage of providers and dedicated mental health beds resulting in the jail becoming a de facto provider. Pamela Baker, CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness for Collier County and vice chairwoman of the committee, said housing is the "biggest" … Psychiatric nurse practitioners in Collier County, or mental health nurse practitioners, generally have a MS degree in nursing (MSN) and a few years training to become certified. This initiative was developed in response to COVID-19 to identify and address behavioral health challenges community members have been experiencing. LINK : Lee Health Foundation's 'Kids Minds Matter' "We are asked to provide services that we really can't pay for. The county's mental health … The David Lawrence Center (DLC) currently has 30 crisis treatment beds, and the facility is consistently at peak capacity. INTRODUCTION. The program designed to help stabilize is participants' lives, equip them with tools needed to support their recovery, and reduce the chance of being MENTAL HEALTH. State data demonstrates that a considerable number of Collier Baker Acts are currently being transferred out of county. The Collier County Sheriff's Office is committed to providing exceptional services to it's members and their families. All Rights Reserved, Website created By Granicus - Connecting People and Government. We raise awareness through the events we put together & participate in the SWFL area. Collier County believes it to be in the public interest to provide addiction and mental health services to County residents through the David Lawrence Center (DLC). Collier County Public Schools continually works to improve the quality of mental health care for students by identifying evidence-based interventions and providing effective strategies for implementing and supporting their delivery. This community-wide study of the health care resources and needs in Collier County needs YOUR valuable input, and will be used, along with other research, to plan services and make needed improvements in the community. It is about both health behaviors and about whether people have access to health services and health insurance. The Collier County Mental Health Court Program was developed in October 2007 as an effort to indentify and address the unique needs of individuals living with a mental illness who have entered into the criminal justice system. NAMI depends largely on individual and corporate donations. Below is information that may be helpful to our members. We are licensed by the Department of Children and Families and our agency also works with the 20th Judicial Court System. Collaborations with our numerous community partners is focused on prevention, early intervention, treatment, and the coordination of efforts to best meet the … Web Link Adult Children of Alcoholics. David Lawrence Mental Health Center, and the Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) to launch a student mental health awareness campaign called "We Care". A plan to bolster services and support for Collier County residents struggling with mental health disorders and substance abuse is beginning to take shape. in emergency hit 0 during message CCPS 2020-2021 Mental and Emotional Education Implementation Plan; Mental Health Resources; Facts About School Mental Health Services ; Building Relationship Skills In Your Child An individual may be self referred, by his or her attorney, a family member, law enforcement officer, court personnel, or mental health professional. Home. Collier County Mental Health Court Program. Program, Provide external support for the community, Are a liaison with our community partners, Are a part of the Mental Health Intervention Team, Are essential with law enforcement assisted diversion, Provide internal support for CCSO members. Collier County Sheriff's Office, 3319 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112 • 239-252-9300, 2021 Collier County Sheriff's Office. With a unanimous 5-0 vote from Collier County Commissioners, 2020 marks the first year of the County's first-ever strategic plan for how to better care for residents struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. in emergency hit 0 during message. With continued population growth, Collier County's mental health crisis services will not be able to meet the community's demands. Collier County, FL Home Menu. Under the direction of Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, the agency formed its Mental Health Bureau (MHB) in 2016 with four specially trained deputies and one mental health clinician from the David Lawrence Center. We are dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental and substance use conditions and achieving victory over mental illnesses and addictions through advocacy, education, research and service. NAMI Collier County served over 16,000 individuals in 2016-2017. Another concern is suicide, which is the 2nd leading cause of death in the 20–44 age groups. The program's goal is to help people with mental illness and related disorders access medical treatment rather than place them in the criminal justice system. Florida Department of Health in Collier Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Executive Order 20-315 which outlines that providers can only administer the COVID-19 vaccine to the following groups: – Long-term care facility residents and staff. Mental & Social Services of Collier County. The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Scott Pepin .
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collier county mental health services 2021

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Every year, Reddit produces a Transparency Report to provide users with information about the types of requests that we receive from third parties that want Reddit to disclose user data or remove content from the platform. Reddit takes the privacy of its users seriously. Reddit therefore insists on compliance with procedural requirements, scrutinizes requests and legal process for facial validity and legal sufficiency, and objects to process when appropriate.
This year, we will be sharing additional information with you about copyright removals, restorations, and retractions, as well as removals for violations of Reddit's Content Policy and subreddit rules. Not only does this additional information increase transparency for our users, but it helps bring Reddit into line with The Santa Clara Principles on Transparency and Accountability in Content Moderation, the goals and spirit of which we support as a starting point for further conversation.
Reports for previous years can be found here.
Disclaimer: All reasonable care has been put into compiling the information provided in this report, however, given the volume of requests, our report may not be 100% accurate.
We believe that Reddit users have a right to know how their personal data is being managed by Reddit and how it is shared in response to legal requests from governmental and non-governmental parties. In this report, we have consolidated and summarized information about user data requests in 2018, including requests from governmental entities worldwide and civil subpoenas from private parties from within the United States (Reddit typically does not respond to non-U.S. private-party requests). The data presented includes information regarding the number of requests received, who submitted them, and how often we either complied or pushed back.
Reddit receives different types of governmental requests seeking user account information. Requests vary based on the specific case that the authorities are working on and the type of data that is relevant to their investigation. Requests can seek to preserve user account information as a part of an ongoing investigation, while officials seek to obtain a valid legal request for the production of user account information ("Preservation" requests). Requests can also seek the production of data in certain circumstances ("Production" requests). Law enforcement agencies can also request that Reddit immediately disclose of data related to an emergency situation where there is an imminent threat to public safety, or a person ("Emergency Disclosure Requests").
581 were requests to produce user account information.
Reddit currently only processes preservation requests that originate from the United States.
In accordance with the Electronic Communications Privacy Act ("ECPA"), Reddit will only preserve user account information for a period of up to 90 days, and will not disclose the information to the government unless and until Reddit receives legal process. After the 90-day period specified above lapses, Reddit will purge the preserved data, unless Reddit receives an preservation extension request (at which point Reddit will preserve the account information for an additional period up to 90 days).
In 2018, Reddit received 171 preservation requests, a 116% increase over the 79 preservation requests received in 2017. Reddit complied with 91% of the preservation requests received.
When Reddit receives a request from a governmental entity to produce information, Reddit reviews the request to ensure it is consistent with ECPA (which governs when, and how, the government can obtain user account information from United States communications providers such as Reddit) and that is otherwise legally valid. If we determine that request is not legally valid, or if we consider the request to be overbroad or unclear, we will either ask the party submitting the request to modify or refine it, or we will challenge or reject it.
In 2018, Reddit received a total of 581 requests to produce user account information from both United States and foreign governmental entities (including Emergency Disclosure Requests which are discussed in further detailed below). This represents a 151% increase compared to the number received in 2017. Reddit disclosed user account information in response to 447 (77%) of these requests.
In 2018, Reddit received 319 non-emergency pieces of legal process from United States governmental entities seeking the production of user account information (in the form of subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants). Reddit complied with 89% of these requests.
Below is a graph which represents the type of production requests received, and the extent to which we complied with each type. Reddit did not receive any orders to conduct real-time monitoring of a Reddit user's communications in 2018.
In 2018, Reddit received 28 requests for the production of user account information from foreign governmental authorities (excluding emergency requests). Reddit did not comply with any of these requests.
Under ECPA, United States and foreign governmental authorities can request voluntary disclosure of user account information in case of an emergency (such as imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to a person, or to the general public). These are known as "Emergency Disclosure Requests". Reddit is permitted to disclose information if, in Reddit's discretion, it has a good faith belief that disclosure is necessary to avoid the emergency.
In 2018, Reddit received a total of 234 Emergency Disclosure Requests, globally. Reddit disclosed user account information in response to 162 (69%) of these requests.
The number of Emergency Disclosure Requests received in 2018 increased by 470% from the number of requests received in 2017 (41).
Of the total number of Emergency Disclosure Requests received, 207 were received from United States governmental authorities. Reddit disclosed user account information in response to 146 (71%) of these requests.
Reddit received 27 Emergency Disclosure Requests from foreign authorities. Reddit disclosed user account information in response to 16 (57%) of these requests.
Below is a graph which shows the countries from which the requests originated, and the extent to which we complied with such requests.
Transactional information, such as message headers and device/browser information.
Reddit regularly objects to, and seeks to narrow, private-party subpoenas seeking subscriber or transactional information that are not accompanied by a court order. Reddit also regularly objects to, and seeks to narrow, private-party legal process that seeks to unmask anonymous online speech.
In 2018, Reddit received 15 requests for private user information from non-governmental entities. This is an increase from the 5 non-governmental requests received in 2017.
As with governmental requests, Reddit attempts to notify the relevant user whenever we receive valid legal process that requires us to produce their information, and seeks to narrow, modify, or move to quash such requests, as appropriate. We provided user information in response to 7 (47%) of those requests because they were legally valid and the issuing party was able to resolve our objections.
Every day, millions of people around the world submit posts, comments, and other content to Reddit, and Reddit regularly receives legal requests to remove content from the site.
users or Reddit administrators regarding violations of Reddit's Content Policy.
In 2018, Reddit received a total of 1 request to remove content from a governmental entity in the United States. The request was for the removal of an image and a large volume of comments made underneath it for potential breach of a federal law. As the governmental entity did not provide sufficient context regarding how the image violated the law, did not provide Reddit with valid legal process compelling removal, and the request to remove the entire post as well as the comment thread appeared to be overbroad, Reddit did not comply with the request.
In 2018, Reddit received a total of 101 requests to remove or restrict access to content from 5 foreign governmental entities. Governments sent requests for various reasons, including that content was deemed illegal in their jurisdiction. Reddit scrutinizes each request and may reject a foreign removal request for different reasons, including that the request is overbroad or inconsistent with international law.
Where appropriate, rather than removing a post outright, Reddit may block the post from being accessible in a particular country. Finally, on review of the content, Reddit may have discovered a content policy violation and the information was subsequently removed pursuant to such violation.
Reddit's response to these requests is outlined in the graph below. Note that all European Union requests came from Europol, with the exception of 1 from Germany (content made inaccessible from requesting country for legal reasons) and 1 from Denmark (content entirely removed from Reddit for Content Policy violations).
In 2018, Reddit received a total of 65 legal demands for the removal of content citing non-U.S. laws (not including GDPR requests). Examples include requests from private individuals, corporations, and social organizations for removal of content they believed to be defamatory, or otherwise asserting violations of privately held rights.
When Reddit receives removal requests for content that violates local law but is not against Reddit's Content Policy, Reddit may restrict the availability of that content in the country where it is alleged to be illegal.
Reddit complied in whole or in part with 10 of these requests. Access was restricted in response to 3 requests, with content being removed 7 times.
Our 2018 Copyright Notices report includes data on removal requests Reddit received from rightsholders for alleged infringement of copyrighted works. The report also includes data on content that was reinstated by reason of the original poster submitting a copyright counter notice or the rightsholder retracting its removal request.
Prior to 2018, each piece of content that was requested to be removed was counted as a distinct DMCA notice (e.g. if a single DMCA notice specified 50 pieces of content to be removed, it would count as 50 DMCA notices). This resulted in the DMCA notice numbers reported in previous Transparency Reports (i.e. in 2016 = 3,294 "notifications", and in 2017 = 7,825 "notifications").
In 2018, we have, for the first time, counted the number of DMCA notices as a single notice even though it may have identified multiple pieces of content to be removed.
In 2018, Reddit received 9,534 DMCA notices, which resulted in 26,234 content removals. In 2017, Reddit received 3,130 DMCA notices, which resulted in 4,352 content removals. In 2016, Reddit received 1,155 DMCA notices, which resulted in 610 content removals.
The number of notices Reddit received in 2018 more than tripled from the 3,130 DMCA notices (and the 7,825 removal requests) received in 2017, and increased by over 8 times from the 1,155 notices (and 3,294 removal requests) received in 2016. Moreover, in 2018, many more of the DMCA notices we received were "bulk" requests and on average, the amount of content reported per report increased by more than 6 times from the amount of content reported in 2017.
Below is a graph in which we have recalculated the DMCA notifications in previous years so you are better able to track the trends in notices received, and pieces of content removed.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) sets out the statutory procedure by which rightsholders report alleged copyright infringement. When Reddit receives a complete DMCA notice, it complies with the notice and removes the infringing content identified in the request. When Reddit receives an incomplete or invalid DMCA notice, it rejects the notice and declines to remove the content identified in the request.
The notice confuses other issues for copyright infringement, such as privacy or harassment.
If a notice is incomplete or invalid, Reddit may reject the notice and request additional information from the reporter, in order to allow them a chance to complete their notice.
Reddit also considers whether the use of a copyrighted work identified in a notice may fall under an exception listed in the DMCA, such as fair use, and may ask the copyright owner who submitted the notice to consider the same.
Example 1 - Works Not Found: In October, Reddit received several DMCA notices from a creator of certain photos and videos. These notices targeted Reddit text posts and comments which discussed the creator's copyrighted works. The posts and comments did not contain any material that copied from the creator's photos or videos, just text commentary about their perceived quality. Because the copyrighted works were not found in the targeted posts and comments, Reddit was unable to locate the alleged copyright infringement. For this reason, Reddit rejected the notices and declined to remove the content.
Example 2 - Fair Use: In November, Reddit received a DMCA notice from a hardware retail chain. This notice targeted a Reddit post which displayed images copied from the company's public-facing website. The post used these images to create a new image, the purpose of which was to parody the quality of the retailer's customer service. Reddit determined that the use of the retailer's images transformed the original work in such a way as to qualify as fair use. For this reason, Reddit declined to remove the content.
Example 3 - Copyright Confusion: In August, Reddit received a DMCA notice from a marketing and advertising company. The company wanted Reddit to remove a post that mentioned the company by name in the post's title. The post also asked for information about the company's recent listings on a popular online job search board. However, this post did not include any copyrighted content, and the company's notice described the alleged infringement as "defamation about my business." The DMCA should only be used to report content when someone believes that their copyrighted work has been infringed, not in general takedown demands. Because the reported issue did not involve copyright infringement, Reddit rejected the notice and declined to remove the content. Reddit also provided the company with instructions on how to report the content for other issues, such as defamation, privacy, or harassment.
When Reddit removes content pursuant to a DMCA notice, Reddit sends a message to the user who posted the content. This message informs the user of the removal, and provides them an opportunity to submit a "counter notice" swearing their belief that the rightsholder's notice is mistaken. The DMCA prescribes the statutory counter notice procedure, which results in Reddit reinstating the content unless the rightsholder files a lawsuit.
Reddit may also restore content that was removed as a result of a DMCA notice if the copyright owner who submitted the notice simply retracts their claim of copyright infringement.
Reddit complies with counter notices and retraction requests that are complete, and rejects those that are incomplete or invalid. In 2018, Reddit received a total of 7 counter notices and 2 retraction requests. Reddit complied with the complete counter notices and retraction requests, which resulted in 6 content restorations. Reddit had not received any counter notices or retraction requests prior to 2018.
For the first time, we are reporting some baseline numbers regarding takedowns resulting from Content Policy violations. We believe that disclosing this information is an important step to helping our users better understand the context and scale of how our policies are implemented. Tracking and reporting this information also helps us improve visibility into trends on the site regarding overall trust and safety, so we may better respond to your needs. Accordingly, we are dedicating significant time and resources to build internal tools to allow us to more accurately track the number and types of Content Policy reports that we receive, and responses we take as a result.
This is a first step in an ongoing project that we plan to refine and iterate upon in future reports, so as to continue to increase transparency with you on content takedowns.
Reddit's approach to content moderation is community-led. The vast majority of content removals on Reddit are executed within individual subreddits by subreddit moderators - volunteer users who are either self or community-appointed, and who are not Reddit employees. These removals are largely based on individual subreddit rules that are unique to each community and set by the moderators and communities themselves. While there may be overlap between enforcement of these rules and the Reddit Content Policy, moderator actions are entirely separate from removals done by Reddit administrators.
In contrast, the Content Policy is set by Reddit and governs all content and users across the platform, regardless of subreddit. It is enforced by specially trained Reddit employees.
Depending on the circumstances, users who violate the Content Policy may experience a variety of sanctions ("actions") proportionate to the nature of the infraction.
For individual users, Reddit actions in response to violations may include the removal of violating pieces of content and/or account suspension (either temporary or permanent depending on the severity of the incident).
For moderators, Reddit has also set out standards in the Moderator Guidelines and failing to comply also has consequences, including, for example, loss of certain subreddit functionalities or moderator privileges. Finally, in the case of subreddits, if the community itself is not in compliance with our Content Policy or our Moderator Guidelines, then the subreddit may be quarantined or banned, depending on the scale or seriousness of the violations.
Although we receive a high volume of Content Policy violation reports, most are not "actionable," meaning a violation has not actually occurred.
Whether applied against an individual account or an entire subreddit, actions taken by Reddit in response to Content Policy violations may be appealed. The appeals are evaluated by Reddit employees, and are either granted (reinstating an account / subreddit) or denied.
In 2018, the Reddit administrators received 44,416 appeal requests. Reddit granted 12,881 (29%) of these requests, and denied 31,535 (71%).


Our new gingham sugarcube bag is handmade in England from high quality leather. The refined, contemporary design is underpinned by traditional British craftsmanship.
Trendy shape with a twist lock closure and little handle makes it a perfect bag to complement your favourite outfit. The strap is adjustable and detachable allowing the bag to be worn on your shoulder, crossbody or carried as a clutch.
Width: 19cm, Height: 19cm, Depth: 14cm.


From this page you can access the entire text of my book The English Parsonage in the Early Nineteenth Century, chapter by chapter. We have scanned the book in its entirety, but if we eventually find the publisher's pdfs we will upload those instead and thus allow searching for text.
In architecture, it means paying attention to the physical nature of both the materials and the practical function of a designed object from its overall form to its smallest details: in fact, the realist architect believed that these details should be designed coherently so as to constitute an indivisible part of the whole concept of the building. Most importantly, however, a realist approach assumes that architectural quality emerges from a direct and expressive confrontation with real materials and new conditions of life. Thus a 'realist' building can be usually identified by its almost exaggerated approach to solving constructional problems. An early Victorian house might have a tall roof and deep eaves that are obviously and expressively designed to throw rain away from the face of a building, in contrast to the near-flat roofs and rendered parapets of most neo-classical architecture that were impractically vulnerable in rainy Britain.
Specifically, I was trying to move interpretations of gothic revival architecture away from the romantic (which had always seemed to me, as a practising architect, to be improbable) and towards something more professional and, indeed, more realistic. A further aspect of the book which in retrospect has seemed more significant than it did at the time is that house builders of the 1830s in particular saw it as important to build pretty, comfortable, pleasant houses and that gothic revival architects never talked about these things: in fact, architectural criticism seems to have treated these qualities with contempt ever since.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all those who supported the original publication and this online version of it. The Front Titles and Introduction lists all those who contributed to the original costs of research and photography. The full acknowledgments are listed below, but I'd like here to express my particular thanks to the late Martin Charles whose unrivalled architectural photography is the true success of this book, and to Allon Kaye who designed it beautifully. John Elliott, Geoff Brandwood at Linda Hone at Spire Books were outstanding publishers and kindly gave me permission to reproduce it here.
This online edition is dedicated to the memory of Martin Charles.
The text is my copyright, but you are welcome of course to quote from it providing you provide the full details of the publication, as above. All illustrations are however copyright and you must seek permission from the rights holders listed in the file Image Credits below. The copyright for Martin Charles is held by the RIBA Library Photographs Collection. The actual graphic format of the book is copyright Spire Books.
The surname 'Ovenden' which appears in several places in the book should read 'Oxenden'. Illustration 4.17 on page 206 is not of Railton's Mathon parsonage my error was due to a renaming of the parish. I will add further details here when I have them. The third error that was quickly pointed out to me is that I have used 'mortgagor' when I should have written 'mortgagee', for example on p23. I am always grateful to anyone who can point out any further errors. Norfolk Record Office has asked me to provide the following corrected reference numbers for images: Fig 2.2, Lound: DN/DPL 1/3/38; Fig 2.47, Sutton: DN/DPL 1/3/58; Fig 2.53: Rockland St Mary, DN/DPL 1/3/52.
I am very grateful to image copyright holders for allowing me to put this edition online. I wrote to ask permission from all of them and almost everyone replied. Somerset Archives asked that all plans be removed, so I have erased them.


text:
Kia Sets K5 to Replace Optima
New sedan replaces an established nameplate.
The all-new K5 replaces the outgoing Kia Optima.
The Kia Optima is a midsize sedan and has earned its place in a crowded, albeit shrinking segment. Launched in 2001, the Optima was Kia's first midsize sedan for the U.S. market. Since then, Kia has rolled out larger models, including the Cadenza and K900 sedans, but the Optima is the volume seller of the three.
We won't see a 2021 Optima as Kia has decided after four generations to rename this vehicle the K5, what it's called in other markets, including Korea. The all-new model shares much with the Hyundai Sonata, its corporate stablemate, and will thus bring forth several of the same engineering attributes while maintaining its distinct shape and design embellishments.
2021 Kia K5 Highlights
Longer, wider, and lower than the Optima. Today's midsize sedans are yesterday's full-size models. Or at least they're very close in dimensions. The new K5 sits on a 112.2-inch wheelbase (+1.8 inch) and is 193.1 inches long (+2 inches). It is also 73.2 inches wide (+1.0 inch) and sits 0.8 inches lower to the ground than the Optima. Kia says the suspension geometry is "optimized for sporty handling, responsiveness and stability," and features an increased tensile strength.
Unique exterior styling. The new K5 borrows elements popular in the Kia Stinger and also found in the Cadenza. The GT-Line and GT trim models feature a shark skin-inspired mesh design on front grille and dual chrome exhaust tip garnish, "heart-beat" daytime running lights and taillights with available LED "dashes" spanning the breadth of the rear deck lid, gloss black applique, and newly designed 16-, 18-, or 19-inch alloy wheels. Incidentally, the 18- and 19-inch wheels are shod within Pirelli P-Zero tires.
Special interior touches. All K5 trims feature an aircraft-type shift knob, a blend of premium and sporty upholstery options including red imitation leather seating, satin chrome metallic and wood-like finishes on the dashboard and door panels, and a panoramic sunroof, depending on the trim.
Two turbocharged engine choices. Four out of the five K5 trims will offer a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The performance numbers are in line with what you'd expect in this segment, at least with a base model. This engine works with standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. But if that's not enough, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque is what drives the top GT trim. The standard engine works with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the optional engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
All-wheel drive is now optional. Unlike the Sonata, the new K5 will offer available all-wheel drive. This is keeping with a trend we've seen in recent years where the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry now have optional all-wheel drive. All three follow on the heels of the Subaru Legacy, the only model in the segment with standard all-wheel drive. Previously, both the Chrysler 200 and the Ford Fusion offered all-wheel drive, but both models have since been discontinued.
There are four standard drive modes: normal, smart, sport, and custom with the GT Line receiving a fifth: sport+. Adjusting the modes impacts drivability, including engine, transmission, and steering. In models equipped with all-wheel drive, the mapping extends to that feature as well and brings in a snow mode.
Upgraded tech features. Kia says the K5 will have an 8- or 10.25-inch high-resolution color touchscreen along with split-screen functionality and available satellite radio. The navigation system is server-based with real-time traffic information. As for Bluetooth, two phones can connect simultaneously. The usual UVO telematics suite returns and brings with it further customization to allow each driver to set his/her settings. The Bose audio system with 12 available speakers is something we'd expect in a luxury car. A first for Kia is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility – no need for a cord as the connection is accomplished seamlessly.
The "Drive Wise" suite of safety features. All 2021 K5 models come with standard forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-following assist, and driver attention warning. The list of upgrades includes blind-spot collision avoidance, forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Kia K5 Pricing, Availability
Kia will price the 2021 K5 from $23,490 plus a $965 destination charge. Available in five trims, the top-of-the-line GT costs $30,490. Where available, all-wheel drive adds $2,100 to the LXS and $3,700 to the GT, along with other features.
In all, we think the new K5 will aggressively carve a niche for itself in the segment. Its arrival follows the demise of the Buick LaCrosse, which is perhaps the model Kia had in mind when designing this premium midsize four-door sedan.
The K5 is built in West Point, Georgia, alongside the Telluride SUV. It will arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall.
See Also — The Kia Seltos is the All-Wheel-Drive Answer to the Kia Soul
Photo copyright Kia Motors.
Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 8-SPEED TRANSMISSION, all-wheel drive, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, BOSE, Hyundai Sonata, Kia, Kia K5, KIA OPTIMA, Midsize Sedan, turbo
The Kia Seltos is the All-Wheel-Drive Answer to the Kia Soul
North Carolina's longest covered bridge at the Ole Gilliam Mill Park, 4717 Carbonton Rd #4637, Sanford, NC 27330.
The all-new Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover utility vehicle with room for five. It comes with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, the latter not available with the similar-size Kia Soul.
Doubtlessly, Kia formulated the Seltos to fill, in part, the lack of an all-wheel-drive option in the Soul, while targeting new competitors in an emerging segment. The 2021 Seltos along with the Soul gives Kia a formidable 1-2 punch in attracting entry-level crossover shoppers.
2021 Kia Seltos Review
Kia offers the 2021 Seltos in five trims: LX ($21,990), S ($21,990), EX ($25,290), S Turbo ($25,490), and SX Turbo ($27,890). These prices do not include the $1,120 destination charge. Those trims equipped with the standard engine come with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The two top trims are all-wheel-drive only.
The 2021 Kia Seltos crosses the Rocky River Truss Bridge, an aged viaduct in Pittsboro, NC.
Constructed in 1921 and refurbished in 1959, this single-lane bridge carries traffic across NC 1953
(GPS Coordinates: 35°37'27.0″N 79°11'58.0″W).
Soul fans have long wanted an all-wheel-drive version. The Seltos is as close to one as it gets. Style-wise, though, Kia's newest crossover is a clean departure from the Soul. Moreover, apart from its familiar tiger-nose grille, the look doesn't match other Kia crossovers, but that's not a bad thing.
Indeed, the layout is quite attractive with deep creases running across its nose and hood. The headlights are long and stretch across the fenders. Take note of the honeycomb grille – it is distinct and sporty, and imparts elegance. Fixed within the bumper are vertical fog lights. Thus, the front fascia offers detailing you typically won't find in this segment.
The Seltos has a high beltline, ample creases, and distinct body lines. Models equipped with the available contrasting roof add substance. From the rear this crossover is dressed in wraparound taillamps connected by a chrome strip.
Most trims come with LED lights. The base trims have 17-inch alloy wheels; the turbo has 18-inch wheels. A rear spoiler and a single exhaust tip are standard. The list of upgrades includes special garnishment, roof rails, power-controlled and heated side mirrors, and a sunroof with a power sunshade.
The Seltos' beltline pulls up just like the Volvo XC40.
The 2021 Seltos is one of the roomiest models in its class. That said, the rear-seat legroom is limited and if you plan to sit three in the back, please note that the side-by-side room is tight. Behind the rear seat is 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Drop the 60/40 split rear seat down and the storage area mushrooms to 62.8 cubic feet. That's not too far off the mark from what some larger compact models offer.
We give the Seltos props for its tall, comfortable front seats. The rear seat is above average because it reclines by several inches, which is unusual for this segment. Move beyond the base model with cloth seats and most trims come with premium cloth with contrast stitching. You won't find rear leather anywhere in the Seltos, but the Sofino premium leatherette material is a decent substitute.
The cabin features an abundance of soft-touch materials with texturized hard plastics, typically included in out-of-the-way places. Piano black trim offers an attractive accent where available.
The list of standard features includes keyless entry, manual front seats, air conditioning, and full power accessories. Among the options are push-button start, LED lighting, illuminated visor vanity mirrors and a cargo cover.
Kia offers a long list of standard and available tech features. Most models come with an 8-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth, Android and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, and USB input. A six-speaker audio system is standard.
Choose either turbo model and you'll find an additional USB port. The top-trim SX has a few unique features, including a 10.25-inch touch-screen navigation system with satellite radio, and the brand's UVO telematics. This trim also adds an 8-speaker Bose audio system and a wireless charging pad.
Driver-assist technology is widely available in new vehicles. As for the Seltos, you'll find several popular features, but not on the base model. Instead, begin your search with the S trim and you'll find many of the driver-assist technologies you expect, including automatic emergency braking.
These additional features include forward collision avoidance assist with car and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane following assist, lane keep assist, and high-beam assist. Beginning with the turbo models you'll also find blind-spot collision avoidance assist-rear and rear cross-traffic collision. Head to the top trim and Kia adds such features as smart cruise control with full stop and go, safe exit assist, highway driving assist, and forward collision avoidance with cyclist detection.
Like the 2020 Soul, the 2021 Seltos comes with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or an available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Unlike the Soul, a six-speed manual gearbox is not available.
What does send power to the wheels with the base engine, which makes 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, is an "intelligent variable transmission" or Kia's name for a continuously variable transmission. A CVT doesn't offer gears; instead, it utilizes a pulley system for sending power to the wheels. That said, this CVT mimics gear shifts in sport mode, delivering seven forward "gears." Power is routed to the front wheels or to all four wheels with available all-wheel drive.
The two top trims have the turbocharged engine, which is what powered our test model. This one earns 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and works with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike with the front-wheel-drive-only Soul, this powertrain transmits power to all four wheels.
The turbo Seltos offers capable off-the-mark acceleration and laudable passing power. Its diminutive size and relatively lightweight frame ensures that this crossover scoots down the left-hand lane with authority.
We did notice the transmission tends to upshift quickly instead of extending gear ranges apart. Thus, the quick shifting tempered forward motion and that means it also slowed its responsiveness. On twisty roads, the Seltos holds it own, but we found the four-wheel suspension system soft. While cornering, the Seltos rolls, then leans while pulling out. We can see further room for improvement in the handling department, perhaps with a dedicated performance model.
Now to interject a few thoughts about the Soul v. the Seltos. The Soul is beloved by many, notwithstanding its lack of all-wheel drive. It does what it needs to do at a budget-friendly price and with three generations of customers behind it.
On the other hand, the Seltos is the new kid on the block and deserves scrutiny. Its higher price point ($4,000 more than the base Soul) will hold back some from making the transition. Although similar in size and market intent, the Soul seems sportier, while the Seltos is more refined. Thus, your choice will likely be based on budget and amenities.
Gravel road adventures with the Kia Seltos.
Besides the Kia Soul, the Seltos goes up against a formidable and growing list of competitors.
Count the Chevrolet Trax, Toyota C-HR, Ford EcoSport, Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks and Rogue Sport, Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X, Mazda CX-30, and the Subaru Crosstrek among them. Some competitors, such as the Kicks and C-HR, are front-wheel drive only, while the Crosstrek comes with standard all-wheel drive.
On close scrutiny, nearly every Seltos model offers standard all-wheel drive. That should please Soul fans who have been clamoring for this option for more than a decade.
Start your search with the LX and you're already getting many of the amenities you'd expect in this segment. Ultimately, however, your purchase decision may come down to engine choices. We'd go with the S Turbo, forgoing some of the pricier amenities for an affordable people mover.
Another one-lane bridge, this one on SR 1628 (Cool Springs Road).
(GPS coordinates: 35°27'01.0″N 79°25'19.2″W)
2021 Kia Seltos Specifications
Segment Subcompact Crossover
Torque (lb.-ft.) 195 @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
Curb Weight (pounds) From 3,185 to 3,317
Manufacturing Plant Gwangju, South Korea
See Also — Merry Hamsters and the All-New 2020 Kia Soul
Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: all-wheel drive, crossover, front-wheel drive, Kia, Kia Seltos, KIA SOUL, Ole Mill Gilliam Park, Rocky River Truss Bridge, turbo
Coronavirus Strikes; Industry Reacts
It was only a matter of time before the U.S. auto industry reacted to the coronavirus pandemic, as both domestic and foreign-based manufacturers announced plans this week to thwart the spread of the contagion. The action taken varies from automaker to automaker, but ultimately a full production shut down ranging from a few days to up to two weeks, perhaps more, is occurring.
Following positive COVID-19 test results from one or more plant workers, companies such as Fiat Chrysler, GM, and Ford are idling their plants for at least 10 days. The companies responded to union pressure to shut down their plants, following Honda's decision to take a six-day break of its own.
Honda workers are not represented by a union.
The industry-wide shutdown is unprecedented and will go beyond the pullback manufacturers faced in 2008 as a result of a deep recession. Then, all three U.S. manufacturers faced collapse with Chrysler and GM ultimately walking through bankruptcy. After that, Chrysler merged with Fiat, and all three companies restructured and built vast reserves of cash to weather the next cyclical downturn.
After years of anticipation, that downturn is here, driven largely by a pandemic that's shaken much of the world.
Nissan will shut its plants from March 20 to April 6, while Hyundai closed its Alabama plant and is disinfecting the same following a positive COVID-19 result for one of its workers.
Toyota plans a two-day pause on March 23 and 24 for all its North American locations, allowing for special cleaning as well as to readjust production for lowered demand. The company says it will resume production on March 25.
Mercedes-Benz has yet to announce plans for its Alabama plant, but it is likely to shut it down as part shortages loom. According to Bloomberg, the company is experiencing a parts shortage as the European Union is amid a 30-day closure. Italy, Spain, and France are all hard-hit with virus cases in Germany and other countries increasing sharply. Mercedes imports engines and transmissions from Europe, which power two utility vehicles built stateside.
As of this writing, Kia has no plans to scale back production or temporarily reduce worker headcount at its West Point, Georgia, manufacturing plant. The automaker told the LaGrange Daily News that it has a COVID-19 response team tasked with monitoring the situation and minimizing risks. These include restricting public access and shutting down the facility's fitness center.
BMW intends to keep its Spartanburg (Greer), SC, plant operational, at least for now. The company ordered many of its office employees to work from home, but it will keep its plant running.
Responding to a Fox Carolina inquiry via Twitter, BMW said, "In regard to closing Plant Spartanburg, we continue to monitor the situation in South Carolina daily and are in close alignment with both state and local government officials. We recognize that we are in a dynamic situation and we are prepared to adjust quickly based on the daily analysis of the current environment. In parallel we have implemented numerous measures to protect the health and safety of our employees."
Auto Trends has learned that other automakers with a manufacturing or business presence in the U.S. are also responding to the crisis.
For instance, Tesla plans to temporarily reduce its workforce from 10,000 individuals to 2,500, although a timeline hasn't been announced. The company finds itself in an unusual position as the area is under a mandatory three-week shelter-in-place directive.
But employees who are going to work are violating the edict, which only makes allowance for essential personnel to travel. The Alameda County Sheriff's Department contends the plant must shut down, although it may permit a smaller workforce to remain for non-production work only.
See Also — 9 Winners and Losers of 2019
Image by Tumisu from Pixabay.
Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: BMW, coronavirus, COVID-19, FIAT CHRYSLER, Ford, GM, HONDA, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, TESLA, Toyota
Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona
The 2020 Kia Sedona is one of just a handful of minivans.
The Kia Sedona is a minivan, one of just a handful of models in a shrinking segment Although most shoppers will consider a crossover first, vehicles like the Sedona offer exceptional utility, superior access and egress, and decent overall value. The 2020 Kia Sedona is a carryover model with no changes.
Your Choice of Trims
The Kia Sedona comes in four trims: L, LX, EX, and SX. Pricing starts at $28,485 including destination and reaches $42,345 at the top end. This model seats up to eight and is front-wheel drive.
One Engine, One Transmission
Every Sedona comes with a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
This model makes 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for a combined 21 mpg. When properly equipped, the Sedona has a 3,500-pound towing capacity.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Sedona's cabin is spacious and quiet with room for eight passengers across three rows. The first two rows are the most comfortable ones for adults with the last row offering narrower space and tighter legroom.
As for storage space, the Sedona offers 33.9 cubic feet behind the third row, which is slightly better than the Honda Odyssey. Fold down the rear seat and storage capacity jumps to 78.4 cubic feet. With the second- and third-row seats folded, there is 142.0 cubic feet of storage room available, nearly matching the Chrysler Pacifica.
Kia's key driver-assist features are reserved for the top EX and SX trims only. Under its "Drive Wise" suite, Kia offers parking distance warning, blind-spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. That said, the Toyota Sienna has the best roster of standard advanced safety equipment in the segment.
Optional with the EX, but standard with the top-trim SX, Kia includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning and avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go. Exclusive to the SX are low beam assist with adaptive lighting and a surround-view monitor.
Technology & Connectivity
Kia equips the 2020 Sedona with a 7-inch touch-screen display screen. Bluetooth, a four-speaker audio system, USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility are standard. Shoppers considering the LX and EX trims will find a 6-speaker audio system. The top-trim SX has an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The Sedona SX has a few exclusive features, including an 8-inch touch-screen display, navigation, and a CD player. A third-row USB port is available on the EX and standard with the SX. Wireless phone charging is standard with the EX and SX trims.
L – From $28,485
Kia equips the Sedona L with automatic projection headlamps, manual sliding doors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. Inside, the seats are covered in cloth. The L trim has seven-passenger seating as it has middle-row captain's chairs. Other standard equipment includes full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, air conditioning, and vanity lighting.
LX – From $31,245
Power-sliding passenger doors and rear privacy glass arrive at the LX level. Inside, 8-passenger seating is standard. A power driver's seat with power lumbar support is included. The Sedona LX has a six-speaker audio system.
EX – From $34,545
The Sedona EX has many of the features customers want in a minivan. Given its price point, its the value leader in this segment.
Standard exterior equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, and silver-painted roof rails. Available options include projection fog lights, a power sunroof, a power tailgate, and power-folding and heated side mirrors. Inside, the EX has leather-covered seats, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A dual glove box with illumination and second- and third-row sunshade screens are standard.
An available rear entertainment system adds dual screens along with DVD and device mirroring capability.
SX – From $42,345
The top-trim SX features full LED lighting, including LED fog lights and positioning lights. Other standard features include chrome trim, power-folding and heated side mirrors, and a sunroof.
Inside, the SX features metal grain trim, an illuminated dual glove box with cooling, and a 115-volt inverter. Power second-row passenger windows and the full list of tech and safety features rolls out here too.
The Sedona EX offers the best value for the money. An available EX Premium Package brings in many of the amenities from the SX, and with manufacturer discounting much of your extra cost should be covered.
2020 Kia Sedona Specifications
Segment Minivan or Multipurpose Vehicle
Torque (lb.-ft.) 248 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Seating 7 to 8
Head room (f,r…inches) 39.8, 39.4, 38.9
Leg room (f,r…inches) 40.9, 41.1, 34.8
Storage (cubic feet) 33.9, 78.4, 142.0
Manufacturing Plant West Point, Georgia
See Also — At a Glance: 2019 Kia K900
Filed Under: Specifications Tagged With: front-wheel drive, Kia, KIA SEDONA, Kia Sorento, Kia Telluride, minivan, multipurpose vehicle, V6 engine
Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona
The 2020 Kia Sedona returns unchanged this year.
Carried over: the 2020 Kia Sedona.
The 2020 Kia Sedona launches the sixth year of this third-generation model, a carryover vehicle with no changes whatsoever. This model is part of a small collection of minivans, which are probably better described as multipurpose vehicles. Although the market is shrinking, the Sedona is a compelling alternative to the crossover utility vehicles favored by families.
Despite no changes, the 2020 Sedona maintains a competitive footprint among minivan models. It comes in L, LX, EX, and SX trims. This front-wheel-drive model holds seven or eight. All trims come with a V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission.
Key Features of the 2020 Kia Sedona
There is a lot to say about the Kia Sedona. Auto Trends last reviewed a Sedona in 2016, but it was refreshed in 2018. You can find that review here.
1. Traditional minivan and utility vehicle alternative.
Minivans once ruled the family market, largely supplanting station wagons beginning in the 1980s. The Kia Sedona arrived in 2002, took a hiatus in 2013, and returned to the U.S. market a year later. As before, the Sedona shares the same platform as the Sorento crossover and the all-new Telluride. The difference with the Sedona includes its sliding rear side doors and fold-down second- and third-row seats. This model also has more cargo room than its utility vehicle siblings.
2. One capable powertrain at the ready.
You get one powertrain choice with the Sedona. Under the hood is a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels utilizing an eight-speed automatic transmission.
3. Room for seven or eight.
If you need eight-passenger carrying space, the Sedona supplies it. Only the Telluride offers eight-passenger space, so now you have two model choices from Kia fulfilling that demand. If you go the eight-passenger route, know that the very comfortable and versatile middle-row captain's chairs are replaced by a split fold-down bench seat.
4. Driver-assist features available.
You'll need to move past the L and LX models to find the driver-assist features most consumers want today. Blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and parking distance warning are standard on the EX. The SX trim has all the remaining features, which are also available on the EX. These include: forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, driver attention warning, an electronic parking brake, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go.
5. Lots of high-end exterior amenities.
If you want a well-equipped model, you'll likely begin your search with the EX trim. Standard features include projector headlamps, alloy wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and rear LED lights. Upgrades include LED projection lights with dynamic bending light technology, fog lamps, LED positioning lights, heated side mirrors, roof rails, a sunroof, power-sliding side doors, and a power liftgate.
6. An interior worthy of consideration.
Once again, Kia saves the best amenities for the top-trim SX. Here, you'll find leather seats, a dual glove box with cooling, and carpeted floor mats. But the other trims are equipped, not stripped as you'll find full power accessories, air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and cloth seats. Among the options are three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
7. Audio and tech features galore.
The base model has a four-speaker audio system, which isn't much to get excited about. Beginning with the LX trim, you'll find a six-speaker system, while an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is standard with the SX. Other features include Bluetooth, smartphone compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports. Some trims offer third-row USB ports, wireless phone charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system. You'll also find a seven- or eight-inch touchscreen display and connected car services.
Kia Sedona Considerations
Kia continues to maintain a strong position in the market, thanks in part to its product mix, much-improved reliability, value, and extended warranties. Indeed, the brand's five-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty is one of the best in the industry. It is joined by excellent warranties for rust and the powertrain, giving Kia an important edge in a highly competitive market, which is also served by the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and the Dodge Grand Caravan.
Car Manufacturers: Who Owns What?
This Buick Regal TourX was developed by Opel. Opel, once owned by GM,
is now a subsidiary of France's PSA Groupe.
The global auto industry consists of dozens of brand names, but not all are marketed throughout the world. Opel is popular in Europe, but it is not sold in North America. Suzuki cars are no longer sold in the United States, but its Maruti Suzuki brand is a top seller in India. Industry consolidation has united or forged alliances for several car manufacturers and brands, including some owned by rival automakers.
This Detroit, Mich., company has been around for more than 100 years. For decades, it was the world's largest manufacturer of passenger vehicles since surpassed by Volkswagen and Toyota. GM's four core North American brands are Cadillac, Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet. The company used to operate Saturn, Oldsmobile, Saab, Hummer, and Pontiac. Its other subsidiaries include Holden and GM Korea (formerly Daewoo), a joint venture with SAIC Motor, a Chinese company, and partnerships with other Chinese concerns. GM used to own Vauxhall and Opel but sold these two European brands to Groupe PSA in 2017.
Volkswagen Group
Based in Stuttgart, Germany, Volkswagen owns or has a stake in 12 brands including its eponymous Volkswagen moniker. It also owns Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, Skoda, and SEAT. It previously had a stake in Suzuki and joint ventures with two Chinese automakers. Volkswagen also owns Ducati, a motorcycle manufacturer, and MAN, a commercial vehicle brand.
The Plymouth brand is gone, but this 1964 Belvedere reminds us of what once was.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles represents the merger of two well-established automotive manufacturers. Its North American brands include Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Mopar. In the US, it also manages the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands. Chrysler previously owned several other brands, including Plymouth, Imperial, Eagle, and DeSoto. Other FCA properties include Ferrari and Maserati. The automaker has partnerships or stakes in companies based in China, Turkey, and India.
Toyota and Lexus are the two North American brands managed by the Toyota Motor Corporation, a Japanese business. From 2003 to 2016, Toyota also operated the Scion brand. The company is one of the largest conglomerates in the world, an entity with stakes or affiliate agreements with hundreds of companies. Toyota has a controlling interest or a stake in several automotive brands including Daihatsu, Hino Motors, Noble Automotive, Subaru, and Isuzu.
BMW AG
The Germany-based BMW AG entity is best known for producing BMW brand vehicles. It also owns Mini, a British brand it obtained in 1994. In 1998, BMW acquired Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, another British marque. The company also produces motorcycles under the BMW name.
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance
Formerly known as the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the current set up now includes Mitsubishi. Originally established in 1999 whereby Renault and Nissan have investments in each other, Mitsubishi joined in 2017 when Nissan took a stake in it. Today the alliance is a strategic partnership that enables these companies to partner for vehicle development. Besides the three monikers, there are other brands associated with the alliance: Alpine, Dacia, Datsun, Infiniti, Lada, Renault Samsung Motors, and Venucia. The alliance also has stakes in or partnerships with Daimler, AvtoVAZ, and China's Dongfeng Motor.
This Mini Countryman is a British model built by a German manufacturer.
Besides the Ford brand, this Dearborn, Mich., car manufacturer owns Lincoln and previously had Mercury before shutting down the latter in 2011. The company has shares in Mazda and Aston Martin, and previously owned Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo. Other Ford partnerships include with Brazil's Troller, an SUV manufacturer, China's Jiangling Motors, and Changan Ford.
German car manufacturer Daimler's best-known brand is Mercedes-Benz. The company also produces Smart brand vehicles, Mercedes-AMG performance models, and owns the ultra-luxury Maybach marque. Daimler is heavily invested in commercial vehicles with Freightliner, Mitsubishi Fuso, Thomas Built Buses, and Setra under its control. Daimler also has shares in the Beijing Automotive Group and MV Agusta.
This Infiniti QX30 is the result of a partnership between Nissan and Daimler. The tiny hatchback shares its platform and key components with a Mercedes-Benz model.
Hyundai and Kia
Hyundai and Kia are a pair of South Korean car manufacturers, with both companies comprising the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. That group formed in 1998 when Hyundai gained a controlling interest in Kia. Hyundai's share now stands at about 33 percent, but the alliance continues. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are the three brands associated with this group.
Cooperation and Collaboration
Apart from outright stakes or full partnerships, car manufacturers will often collaborate to build components or explore new technologies. It's a cost-saving move that can benefit the consumer through shared expenses spread across more vehicle lines. We'll see more of this in the coming years, especially as the cost of developing autonomous and electric vehicles become too prohibitive for most manufacturers to undertake alone.
See Also — Emerging Alliances Point to Further Auto Industry Consolidation
Filed Under: Special Tagged With: BMW, FIAT CHRYSLER, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, MITSUBISHI, RENAULT-NISSAN, Toyota, VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover
August 9, 2019 by admin 10 Comments
The 2020 Kia Telluride is this brand's roomiest model.
Kia Motors continues to produce hit after hit, a trend that seems to have started way back in 2008 with the then all-new and ground-breaking Kia Soul.
This Korean manufacturer builds a variety of models, including the Forte sedan, Sportage crossover, and the Sedona minivan. In recent years, Kia has gone into new segments by delivering the luxurious K900 sedan, the performance Stinger hatchback, and now the big Telluride utility vehicle.
The Kia Telluride is this brand's largest model ever, a three-row SUV with room for eight. It competes with the industry's best, including the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Volkswagen Atlas, and the Honda Pilot. We'd be remiss if we left out the Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-9, and the Buick Enclave.
One further note: the Telluride is similar to the all-new Hyundai Palisade. It also slots just above the current Kia Sorento.
2020 Kia Telluride Overview
Kia offers the 2020 Telluride in four trims: LX ($31,690), S ($33,990), EX ($37,090), and SX ($41,490). Add $1,095 for the destination charge. Choose all-wheel drive and you'll pay an additional $2,000.
As for our test model, Kia supplied a 2020 Telluride SX V6 AWD edition. This one included the SX Premium Package ($2,000), which adds rain-sensing front wipers, a head-up display, a 110-volt inverter, upgraded leather, and heated/cooled second-row seats. This seven-passenger model has middle-row captain's chairs. Some models offer a second-row bench seat, which increases overall passenger room to eight.
In all, our test model retailed for $46,860. Carpeted floor mats ($210) and a carpeted cargo mat ($115) were the accessory items added.
Kia Telluride Highlights
There is a lot to digest about the Telluride. We've saved our driving impressions for the section that comes next. Meanwhile, the following are the highlights of this model.
1. New design, familiar platform. The Telluride is a clean-sheet design, which means it offers a fresh look, not a derivative. Underneath its skin, this crossover has a modified version of the Sorento's platform. There are approximately five additional inches between the wheels (six inches overall). Where the Sorento has a more flowing visage, the Telluride is decidedly boxy. It has a broad grille, wide hood, powerful shoulders, and a commanding presence.
2. Upscale with a purpose. We've already mentioned Kia's mainstream competitors. But if you think Kia doesn't have luxury shoppers in mind, you'd be mistaken. Especially as you move up the trim range. The available satin chrome exterior accents and handsome 20-inch alloy wheels could just as easily be found in a Mercedes-Benz or Lexus product. But that's just the exterior embellishments.
The Kia Telluride offers seating for seven or eight.
3. Larger than any Kia ever. The K900 is Kia's largest model by overall dimensions, but the Telluride offers the most interior room of any Kia: 178.1 cubic feet. Seating is excellent in the first two rows, but tight in the third row. The latter isn't much of a surprise as that's typical of most competing models (the VW Atlas is one noteworthy exception). Likewise, the storage space is quite good — 21 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 87 cubic feet behind the first row.
4. An interior that's a cut above. Kia has been upping its game in recent years, delivering select models that punch above this brand's weight. One of the earliest of its upscale models was the K900, followed by the Cadenza sedan and Stinger sportback. The Telluride aims high, delivering imitation leather on the lower trims and real leather elsewhere. The available Napa hides on the SX are pretty, luxurious, and comfortable — they're quilted and supply extra padding. The simulated brushed metal and matte-finish wood trim impart elegance.
5. Let's power up! All but the base trim offers a power driver's seat. Besides full power accessories, the Telluride comes with power-adjustable side mirrors, which are also heated and include integrated LED turn signals. They fold (Ex and SX) when the vehicle is off and tilt down (SX) when operating the Telluride in reverse. Other power-controlled features include the liftgate (EX and SX) and the sunroof (S and EX). By the way, the SX has a dual sunroof.
6. Lots of standard safety tech. If you're familiar with Kia, you probably know that it takes safety very seriously. In fact, the Telluride offers a generous level of standard and optional driver-assist safety features. You'll find standard forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance, lane departure warning, lane following/keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go. Upgrades include highway driving assist (EX and SX), and on the SX model only you'll discover high beam assist, a blind-spot view monitor, parking distance warning, and a surround-view monitor. We particularly enjoyed the blind-spot view monitor, which activates cameras on either side of the vehicle to expand the forward vision. Notably, the cameras turn on when the particular left or right turn signal is activated.
7. Audio and practical tech galore. You'll find upwards of six USB charging ports in the Telluride. Where Kia located four of them is what's intriguing — one each is on the back side of the front seats. Two more are on the outer walls of the third row. Thus, there isn't a bad tech seat in the house! Other features include a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, an 8-inch color display, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX and SX trims gain navigation and a 10.3-inch display, while a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system is included with the SX.
Quite easily, Kia takes on the competition with a strong model. It pushes the envelope with some of its luxury, tech, and safety features. Its quiet interior is a bonus.
All Tellurides come with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which shuttles power to the front wheels or all four wheels. This engine makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque and works with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The power numbers are very close to the 3.3-liter V6 motivating the Sorento. Indeed, the smaller V6 is one of Kia's most power-dense engines, as it produces 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque in the Sorento. The Telluride's engine choice did not surprise us, although its lower-than-expected output did.
Nearly every competing V6 engine in this segment produces more power and typically displaces 3.5 or 3.6 liters. But the Telluride's V6 does offer an important towing advantage with its standard 5,000-pound rating. In comparison, the Sorento's V6 is limited to 3,500 pounds.
Kia marries a 3.8-liter V6 to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Telluride's engine delivers a quick and smooth response at most times. But on occasion, we noticed some hesitation — similar to turbo lag — that held back power for a moment. It is an odd feeling for a naturally aspirated engine, an experience typically felt under hard acceleration. But once the engine kicked in, it moved the big crossover forward with authority. Equally, the transmission complied, delivering silky smooth shifts at all times.
Our test all-wheel-drive Telluride does its best to mimic a true four-wheel-drive SUV. The key to all this is the drive-mode selector knob, which includes comfort, sport, smart, eco, and snow modes. It also has a "lock" feature centered on the dial, which locks the center differential. By doing this, torque is evenly distributed between the front and rear axles.
If you're tempted to take your all-wheel-drive Telluride off-road, you'll want to keep a few things in mind.
First, consider the terrain. Well worn paths, modest hills, and beginner trails are the way to go. The Telluride doesn't have the same "4-Lo" setting as a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which is necessary for freeing your vehicle from ruts.
Second, ground clearance measures just 8.0 inches, which is nearly an inch lower than most Subaru models and two inches below certain Land Rover SUVs. Further, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has a 10.8-inch ground clearance. The Telluride has a 17-degree approach angle and a 20.9-degree departure angle, which is less than half that of some Wrangler models. Kia doesn't publish the all-important breakover angle figure, however.
Where the Telluride has modest off-road capabilities, its shines on the road. This crossover delivers a very comfortable ride, weighted steering, and competent handling. We've driven far more expensive models from luxury manufacturers, including the BMW X7, and find that Kia offers a solid and cost-effective option. The self-leveling rear suspension included with the Towing Package ($795) is a welcome feature.
Choose the Telluride EX and you'll gain dual-zone climate control, second-row window sunshades, leather trim, ventilated front seats, and woodgrain accents. This model also has a wireless phone charger, a UVO app suite, and the previously mentioned tech and safety upgrades. Your cost is still below $40,000, with only the optional trailer package and all-wheel drive pushing your final cost higher.
If there is one improvement we'd like to see it is with the powertrain. A quicker response and improved fuel efficiency (low 20s, at best) are two things that would make the Kia difficult to resist. In any case, the 2020 Kia Telluride is a strong entry in a highly competitive segment, blending value and luxury almost perfectly.
2020 Kia Telluride Specifications
Segment Large crossover
Engine 3.8-liter, V6
Headroom (f,m,r…inches) 40.9, 40.2, 38.1
Legroom (f,m,r…inches) 41.4, 42.4, 31.4
Shoulder room (f,m,r…inches) 61.6, 61.2, 55.3
Hip room (f,m,r…inches) 58.9, 58.0, 43.7
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 20/26/23 (FWD); 19/24/21 (AWD) city/highway/combined
See Also — Live! From the 2019 Chicago Auto Show!
2020 Kia Telluride photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.
Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: all-wheel drive, crossover, Hyundai Palisade, Kia, Kia Sorento, Kia Telluride, SUV, utility vehicle, V6 engine
These Car Models May Soon Get the Axe
November 7, 2018 by admin 1 Comment
Sharply declining sales may spell the end for several car models.
The U.S. automotive market, indeed the entire global market has seen a shift away from cars to utility vehicles. Cars, while valued for their practicality and reasonable cost are yielding the market to utility vehicles, which offer an excellent combination of passenger space and cargo capacity. They're also more profitable to automakers.
As such, manufacturers will soon lay the ax to several car models as the market shift continues. Soon, you may walk into a new car dealership and find no more than one or two car models available as utility vehicles, pickup trucks and an assortment of crossover-like conveyances take over.
Here's our list of threatened models based on year-to-date sales figures through October 2018:
Chevrolet: Sonic and Impala
The bow-tie brand's weakest models are its subcompact Sonic (hatchback and sedan) and its full-size Impala sedan. The two models were introduced or updated in 2012 and 2014, respectively.
Like its top competitor's Chevrolet's best-selling vehicle is not a car.
Sonic sales are down 25.7 percent and will struggle to top 22,000 units this year. The Impala numbers aren't as bad with Chevrolet selling 43,953 units, down 13.38 percent. We think the midsize Malibu sedan (-23.88%) will hang on for a while longer, mostly because it is rather new. The compact Cruze (-26.52%) numbers are way down too, but there is life left. Besides, it shares its platform with the plug-in Volt (-13.72%).
As for the Corvette (-21.23%) and Camaro (-25.87%), both models will soldier on with a mid-engined Corvette waiting in the wings. We can't see Chevrolet killing the Camaro all over again, although sales now trail both the Mustang and Challenger.
Dodge and Chrysler: A Vulnerable Trio
Dodge and Chrysler are FCA's two domestic car brands and both are hanging on. Dodge dropped the compact Dart sedan and Chrysler the midsize 200 sedans in recent years. What's left is a trio of sporty models: The Dodge Challenger (+0.07%), Dodge Charger (-11.98%), and the Chrysler 300 (-12.83%).
A succession of Hellcat models has kept the Charger and Challenger alive. But for how long?
The Chrysler is the most vulnerable of the three and will likely be replaced by a utility vehicle. We think Dodge will hang on to the Challenger and Charger for a few more years, making updates to keep these dated models fresh. But the tide is changing and we could see the Charger killed off first with the Challenger following a few years later. The Jeep and Ram brands are the big profit centers for FCA, thus every other brand is vulnerable.
Ford: Only the Mustang Remains
Ford has not been coy about its car models. Every single model except for the Mustang (-0.93%) is threatened. Already, the subcompact Fiesta (+1.05%) and compact Focus (-18.46%) are gone or will soon be gone from the U.S. market.
The midsize Fusion (-21.77%) and the full-size Taurus (-2.49%) will be the next to go, although one or more names may be affixed to a future crossover model. Yes, we've heard rumors of a four-door Mustang appearing, but all that noise is simply speculation.
The Mustang "brand" is a blue oval success story.
Honda: Staying the Course
Sales of the compact Civic (-10.32%) and midsize Accord (-14.16%) may be down, but they're not out. Indeed, Honda may very well sell as many as 250,000 Accords and 300,000 Civics this year. Even if sales continue to slide, both models are safe.
As for the subcompact Fit (-14.59%), sales aren't likely to top 40,000 units this year. That said, Honda may keep the Fit around and not offer an update for some time. This automaker also seems committed to its Clarity and Insight electrified vehicles, though sales remain modest.
See Also — It's a Wrap: 2018 in Review
Nissan: Maxima on a Short Leash
Like Honda and Toyota, Nissan will keep its compact Sentra (-0.34%) and midsize Altima (-16.64%) sedans. The Altima is new for 2019 and will offer available all-wheel drive for the first time. Although the Sentra was last updated in 2013, we think a new model will eventually roll out.
The Maxima is one of Nissan's strongest names, but it may not have long-term staying power.
What might not survive is the Maxima sedan (-36.18%), although it shares its underpinnings with the Altima. Like other flagship models, the Maxima may no longer have a place in the Nissan product line.
Also threatened is the subcompact Versa (-29.87%), the sporty 370Z (-24.44%) and the high-performance GT-R (-2.49%). The last two will likely sell just 3,000 and 500 copies, respectively. Those aren't sustainable numbers no matter how you slice it.
Toyota: Several Models Might Get 86'd
Imagine Toyota without the compact Corolla (-11.35%) and its midsize Camry (-6.94%) if you would. That's hard to fathom, right? Well, both models sell slightly better than their Honda counterparts, so they'll be around for some time. Indeed, a new Camry arrived in 2018, followed by an all-new Corolla hatchback in 2019 (we're expecting a new Corolla sedan in 2020).
Toyota's Corolla is hanging around and includes this sporty hatchback model.
The threatened Toyota models include the subcompact Yaris (-37.05%) and the hybrid Toyota Prius c. We doubt the Toyota 86 (-41.71%) will survive for much longer, although the nearly identical Subaru BRZ may soldier on. As for the full-size Avalon (+6.38%), it is also all new and gaining market share in a shrinking segment. We consider the Avalon the safest model in its segment by far.
Volkswagen: A Passe Passat?
Volkswagen has been undergoing intense changes these past few years following its diesel scandal. New or updated crossovers are taking a bigger slice of the sales pie and are driving sales. But models such as the subcompact Golf (-38.08%), compact Jetta (-32.77%), and the midsize Passat (-33.78%) are falling out of favor.
We think the Golf and Jetta will hang on, but the Tennessee-built Passat may give up its assembly line space to one or more new (and electrified) models planned. That transition may take a few years to complete, however.
Hyundai and Kia: Opportunity Lurks
Hyundai and Kia are joined at the hip, although the two Korean automakers largely operate as separate concerns. Hyundai supplies the vehicle platforms, then leaves each brand (plus Genesis) to decide how they will go.
In recent years, we've seen Hyundai do away with the Equus, Genesis, and Genesis coupe, along with the Azera sedan. Some of those models were replaced by Genesis brand vehicles when Hyundai rolled out its luxury brand.
Hyundai has also expanded its crossover offerings while bringing the electrified Ioniq (+37.69) to the market. We're not sure the subcompact Accent (-51.12%) will survive, given that a new model rolled out in 2018. The compact Elantra (+4.06%) is performing well, but the midsize Sonata (-24.83%) has certainly seen better days. The sporty Veloster returned after a one-year hiatus and like the Elantra, it seems safe. Still, we think Hyundai will keep its car line in place as other automakers cut back.
Kia Rio sales are down despite a new model on hand.
As for the Kia, nearly the same can be said about it as we have said about Hyundai. Further, Kia continues to update even its slow sellers, such as the full-size Cadenza (-11.07%) and the luxury K900 (-26.14%).
A new subcompact Rio (+44.67) is performing well, although the compact Forte (-18.68%) and the midsize Optima (-5.74%) are not. Still, looking at Kia's track record, we doubt any model will go away in the near future. In all, we think Hyundai and Kia may see opportunity in segments soon to be vacated by its competitors.
The shift to crossovers is, indeed, playing a large part in driving each brand's portfolio. Two other factors, electrification, and autonomous vehicles, will play increasingly significant roles as we move forward.
The question not asked is this one: will manufacturers permanently adjust their portfolios? They may say yes, but market conditions can and do always change.
Witness Ford's insistence a few years back that the Ranger pickup truck wouldn't return. Beginning in 2019 we'll see a new Ranger. And as for the Fiesta and Focus, both models will serve other markets and could at some point return to the U.S. if demand warrants it.
See Also — End of the Road: Ford Taurus
Filed Under: Special Tagged With: Chevrolet, CHEVROLET IMPALA, CHEVROLET SONIC, CHRYSLER, CHRYSLER 300, DODGE, DODGE CHALLENGER, Dodge Charger, Ford, FORD FIESTA, FORD FOCUS, Ford Fusion, HONDA, Hyundai, Hyundai Azera, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia, Kia Rio, NISSAN, Nissan Maxima, Toyota, TOYOTA AVALON, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Passat
Stung by the 2018 Kia Stinger!
The Kia Stinger makes good on its performance credentials.
The Kia Stinger is a performance four-door with an affordable price.
Is it a hot hatchback or perhaps it is a fastback sport sedan? No matter how you define it, the all-new 2018 Kia Stinger is unlike anything we have ever seen from this wonderfully unpredictable Korean brand.
Sure, the large Kia K900 luxury sedan utilizes rear-wheel-drive architecture, but with that model, you do not have the option of all-wheel drive as you do with the Stinger. Further, the 2018 Stinger takes aim at mainstream models such as the Dodge Charger and supplies an affordable alternative to the German's top brands, namely Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Kia's Stinger approach comes by offering two turbocharged engine choices along with standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive across the model line. This automaker considers the Stinger a grand touring car with exceptional handling. It was also tested on the famous Nürburgring track in Germany, the go-to location for current and aspiring sport models.
2018 Kia Stinger Overview
Kia offers the 2018 Stinger in five grades: Stinger ($31,900), Premium ($34,100), GT ($38,350), GT1 ($43,250) and GT2 ($49,200). Add $900 for the destination charge and another $2,200 for all-wheel drive.
The base powertrain has a 2.0-liter twin-scroll four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model makes 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This particular combination is reserved for the Stinger and Premium grades.
For the three GT grades, you will find a 3.3-liter V6 engine, generating 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Again, this model comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
So, where is the manual transmission? You won't find one. At least not at the moment.
Kia took a small luxury car canvas to design this midsize premium hatchback. The look is sporty, aggressive and classy.
Up front, Kia's familiar tiger nose is evident. Bulging headlamps add visual appeal as does the splitter, the outside pockets and the hood with a pair of non-functional hood vents. The long hood, side vents and rocker panel sculpting enhance the look. Beautiful sport alloy wheels add exclamation points all around.
The roofline flows back to the rear deck which is a hatchback, not trunk. There is a lot going on at the rear where the C-pillar meets the hatch. In particular, there is a lot of blank sheet metal present along with unusual wraparound reflector lights and vent pockets. My test GT included a liftgate spoiler and a diffuser, which was punctuated by quad exhaust tips.
Standard equipment includes bi-function projection headlights, automatic lights, LED front and rear lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-operated and heated side mirrors, and dual mufflers. Equipment upgrades include LED headlights, rain sensing wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, chrome accents and a rear diffuser.
The Kia Stinger seats five as advertised. The front seats are comfortable, supportive and offer ample room. The rear seat can fit three across, although legroom may be tight for tall passengers. Also, because the roof slopes as it meets the hatch, headroom will probably become an issue for anyone over 6-feet tall.
Given that the Stinger is a hatchback, you will find 23.3 cubic feet of standard storage space. That is about 50 percent more than the comparable sedan and is one important appeal of this model. Fold the rear seat and you have 40.9 cubic feet available.
The Stinger's cabin is upscale with soft-touch materials, leather and aluminum trim dominating. The instrument panel is fairly simple with large speedometer and tachometer dials flanking the digital driver's information center. The center console is simple given that the color display sits on top, followed by a trio of circular vents grouped underneath. Knobs and buttons control the audio system, which sits directly above an enclosed storage area. The transmission stick, two cup holders and drive mode controls are located just forward of the center armrest/storage department.
The interior does not rise to the level of the Europeans, but it is definitely a cut above most other Kia models outside of the K900. A quiet interior, comfortable seats and superior fit and finish work to the Stinger's credit. The only feature I missed was the driver's seat extender, available only on the GT2.
Standard features include door scuff plates, a manual tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, a power driver's seat with lumbar support, a power front passenger seat, and dual-zone climate control. Upgrades include heated and ventilated front seats, aluminum pedals, premium leather, and sport instrument gauges.
Safety & Technology Overview
Among driver-assist safety items, you will find a rearview camera with dynamic guideline, along with front and rear parking distance warning. Available features include lane keep assist, front collision warning, forward collision avoidance assistance with pedestrian warning, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, blind spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision warning, smart cruise control and a head-up display. What is great here is that nearly every feature is available on all trims. The lone exception is the head-up display, which is reserved exclusively for the GT2.
As for tech items, the Kia Stinger comes well equipped too. The standard equipment list includes a seven-inch color touchscreen display, six speakers, satellite and HD Radio, and Kia's UVO telematics system. You will also find Bluetooth wireless technology, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, and USB ports. Optional features include nine- and 15-speaker audio systems, and an eight-inch display with navigation.
On the Road with a Kia Stinger GT
I can only comment on the V6 engine as I have yet to be supplied access to the base engine. That said, performance-oriented drivers will naturally gravitate to the larger engine, which supplies V8-like power.
Kia's 3.3-liter V6 has been in use for a number of years in various Hyundai, Genesis and Kia products. For this model, twin turbos were added, giving this sedan the boost it needs. That said, it is not the most powerful engine in its class. You will find Infiniti, Lincoln and Cadillac among the luxury brands with 3.0-liter turbo V6 engines delivering an output of 400 horsepower.
As for the model at hand, the Kia Stinger offers strong step-off acceleration and quick spooling turbos to ensure maximum performance when you need it. You have your choice of drive modes to work with. Comfort is the default mode, with Eco, Sport and Custom the others. Place this sedan in Custom mode and the transmission shift points stretch out, the engine growls, the steering becomes extra weighty, the dampers adjust and the exhaust system deepens.
You will find MacPherson struts up front and a five-link independent rear suspension. All rear-wheel drive models also come with a rear limited-slip differential. As for the all-wheel-drive models, a torque vectoring system sends power to the outside wheels in a turn.
The Kia Stinger offers a firm, yet comfortable ride. Further, steering is sufficiently weighted and this sedan performs admirably when pulling out of corners. Braking is firm — just what you want for maintaining control.
Stomp on the accelerator and the Stinger moves forward quickly. The transmission cooperates, moving through the cogs with ease. Absent a stick, the paddle shifters have to do. The steering is communicative and the Stinger toes the line on the twisties without drama. Clearly, this is the most fun-to-drive Kia yours truly has ever driven — in GT guise it shines brightly.
Parting Thoughts: 2018 Kia Stinger
Kia has thrown down the gauntlet and now we will observe customer sentiment. The first few Stinger models went on sale late last November. Since then, demand has steadily picked up most months. We do not know what the sales sweet spot is for this model, but 20,000 units per year in the US market alone seems within reach.
That number serves as a ringing endorsement of the Kia brand, which has six lines of sedans at the moment — Rio, Forte, Optima, Stinger, Cadenza and K900. Yes, the market reflects a shift to crossovers, but Kia is doubling down on sedans while it adds new utility vehicles.
While the German market is certainly in play, in the Stinger, Kia also targets Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 and Chevrolet SS owners. My test Stinger GT RWD model costs about $40,000, which seems to be the right price for anyone wanting a sizable performance sedan.
2018 Kia Stinger Specifications
Segment Midsize four-door hatchback
Base Sticker Price $32,800 (including a $900 destination)
Standard Engine 2.0-liter, twin scroll four cylinder
Optional Engine 3.3-liter, twin turbo V6
Fuel Premium recommended
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 22/29 (2.0 RWD); 19/25 (V6)
Manufacturing Plant Sohari, Korea
See Also — Spotlight: 2018 Piedmont Classic Chevy Club Car Show
Kia Stinger photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.
Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 cars, all-wheel drive, hatchback, Kia, Kia Stinger, luxury, rear-wheel drive, turbo, V6 engine