USA - Hyundai adds a value edition to the Accent range, loads more kit for a small $ Increase.

• The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study Segment Winner continues to offer tremendous features and pricing

A Value Edition comes to the already economically priced, feature-laden Accent for the 2017 model year. 

At just $16,450, the Value Edition costs but $705 more than the base Accent with 6-speed automatic transmission, yet includes several desirable features. 

Now the Accent crams even more content into its small-on-the-outside, commodious-on-the-inside, IQS-segment-winning shell.

2017 Hyundai Accent Value Edition includes:

• 16-inch machine finish alloy wheels with P195/60R16 tires
• Rear disc brakes
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Cruise control
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
• Sliding armrest storage box

PEPPY POWERPLANT

An all-aluminum, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, called Gamma, propels the Accent. It produces 137 peak horsepower at 6300 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 4850 rpm. 

The Gamma makes use of several advanced technologies like Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, and a variable length intake manifold. 

To reduce lifetime operation costs and increase reliability, the Gamma engine features a maintenance-free silent roller timing-chain. 

The Accent comes with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. With the manual, the Accent achieves an EPA-estimated 27 city, 37 highway, and 31 combined mpg.

COMPACT YET COMMODIOUS

Despite similar exterior dimensions to many of today’s traditional subcompacts, the EPA classifies the Accent as a compact sedan, rather than subcompact, due to its over 103 cubic-feet of interior volume as a sedan and 111 cubic-feet as a hatchback. The five-door also offers more cargo behind the rear seats than a Honda Fit.

Hyundai sprinkled convenient storage spaces throughout the cabin, including larger bottle holders in the front doors and a storage tray at the base of the center console. 

An available sliding armrest adds even more storage options. The Accent’s rear seats split 60/40 and fold for increased cargo flexibility, making it a handy IKEA™ hauler as well.

SAFETY

Six airbags help protect occupants in the event of a collision: two front airbags, as well as driver and passenger side and curtain airbags, which protect both front and rear passengers. 

The Accent’s standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the restraint during certain rear collisions. 

All this is in addition to a cadre of standard passive safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which integrates control of the ESC and motor-driven power steering (MDPS) to provide handling assistance in slippery conditions and emergency maneuvers. 

The system delivers counter-steering when required to assist the driver and keep the vehicle stable.

USA - Fast-Growing Korean Automaker is First Non-Premium Brand to Top the Initial Quality Study Rankings in 27 Years

Fast-Growing Korean Automaker is First Non-Premium Brand to Top the Initial Quality Study Rankings in 27 Years

• Kia owners report fewer issues with their vehicles within the first 90 days of ownership than all other car and truck brands in the U.S.
• Sportage (Small SUV) and Soul (Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle) recognized as best-in-segment; three additional models ranked among the top three in their respective categories

Having transformed into an industry leader in design, quality and technology, Kia Motors reached historic new heights today when J.D. Power recognized the brand as the highest scoring nameplate in its 2016 Initial Quality Study (IQS) out of all 33 makes in the U.S.  

Marking the first time in 27 years that a non-premium brand has topped the rankings, Kia’s rise to the top was driven by segment-leading performances from the Sportage and Soul, while Rio, Forte and Sorento all ranked in the top three of their respective categories.

“Ranking number one in the entire industry for initial quality is the result of Kia’s decade-long focus on craftsmanship and continuous improvement, and reflects the voice of our customers, which is the ultimate affirmation,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “As the highest ranked brand in the industry, there is no doubt Kia is a world-class automaker.”

As Kia’s U.S. sales have consistently grown over the last four years to surpass the 600,000 annual unit mark, so too has the brand’s performance in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study. After entering the overall top 10 for the first time in 2013, Kia placed second in the industry and led all non-premium makes in IQS in 2015.

Now in its 30th year, the annual J.D. Power IQS analyzes responses from vehicle owners in 26 segments.  IQS is determined by vehicle owners evaluating the driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a broad range of quality-related problems within the first 90 days of ownership.

Buick has been recognised in the J.D. Power Dependability Study, coming in third overall with the Verano

• J.D. Power Dependability Study SM ranks Buick third overall

Buick has been recognised in the J.D. Power 2016 Vehicle Dependability Study^SM (VDS), coming in third overall with the Buick Verano outperforming every other model as the industry’s most dependable vehicle.

Sixty percent of the brand’s 2013 models ranked highest in their respective segments.  In addition to the Buick Verano topping the Compact Car segment, the Buick LaCrosse was recognized as the segment leader in the Large Car segment for the second year in a row.  The brand’s top-selling vehicle, the Buick Encore, ranked highest in the Small SUV segment.

“Buick’s ranking is a demonstration of our mission to provide the best in reliability, quality and customer service,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick.  “As we enter an exciting year of vehicle launches, we will show both new and returning customers that quality continues to be a top priority for the brand.”

The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study^SM (VDS) examines owner-reported problems in the past 12-months by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles. With its most recent J.D. Power accolade, the 2013 Buick Encore has now been recognized in all three studies for which it is eligible, including awards in the Initial Quality Study (IQS) and the Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study for the Sub-Compact CUV segment.

Last year, Buick ranked highest among mass market brands for the second consecutive year in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Customer Service Index Study^SM.

Jaguar moves upto 2nd place in JD Power IQS 90 days ownership study.

• Improvement in initial quality helps Jaguar achieve a second place ranking among all nameplates in U.S. industry
• Jaguar ranks in top ten in initial quality for the third year in a row
• The Jaguar F-TYPE launches to second place in its segment

J.D. Power today announced Jaguar ranks second among all nameplates in the automotive Industry in its 2014 Initial Quality Study (IQS), giving the British brand its third consecutive year as a top ten scorer in the critical U.S. consumer study. Contributing to the high ranking was the Jaguar F-TYPE which placed second highest in its segment in its first year. The 2014 MY Jaguar line-up includes the F-TYPE, the XK coupé and convertible, and the XF and XJ saloons.

The IQS study collects customer feedback on their vehicles after 90 days of ownership.

The all-aluminum 2015 F-TYPE Coupé, starting at £51,235, joins the F-TYPE convertible to expand the Jaguar sports car lineup. The new F-TYPE R Coupé leads the range, powered by a 550PS 5-litre supercharged V8 engine and capable of reaching 60 mph from rest in 4 seconds and achieving a top track speed of 186 mph (electronically limited).

The future holds many exciting advancements for the Jaguar brand. The Jaguar XE, an all-new compact premium sports saloon is due to launch in 2015. The Jaguar XE will be the first vehicle powered by the new Ingenium high-output, fuel-efficient two-litre four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines delivering exceptional performance and low emissions. In addition, Jaguar Land Rover’s innovative new smartphone integration platform – InControl™ Apps – was launched this year and will be available in new Jaguar and Land Rover models progressively during 2014 starting with the F-TYPE.