The Crank: Are car enthusiasts ready for sportier Kias?

By John LeBlanc Fresh from its debut at this month’s Geneva show, Kia officials are already hinting that a hot hatch version of the Korean automaker’s new 2012 Rio subcompact, seen left, is being seriously considered.

2010 L.A. Show: Kia rolls right into the luxury hybrid segment with new Optima

[svgallery name=”2010_LA_Kia”] By John LeBlanc LOS ANGELES – Although its been available in other markets for a few months, Kia picked the import-friendly California market to debut the North American version of its new Optima mid-size sedan.

The Crank: Can you say “Kia” and “sports car” in the same sentence?

By John LeBlanc To say Kia’s on a bit of a roll is like saying we’ll probably get some snow and ice this winter. As the sportier of the two Korean brands from Korea’s Hyundai-Kia Motors (combined, now selling more cars in Canada than Toyota or Honda), on its own, Kia is outgunning more established […]

First Drive: 2011 Kia Forte5

[svgallery name=”2011_Kia_Forte5_hirez”] Fun with 5 Kia adds all-important five-door hatch to its Forte lineup By John LeBlanc Ann Arbor, Mich. – After several years of rolling out one all-new product after another, it would have been easy for Kia to relax and pull its corporate foot off the gas. The launch of the well-received compact […]

The Crank: 2011 CAJ Best of the Best nominees released

By John LeBlanc Here’s the deal. If you’re reading my blog, it’s safe to assume that you’re one of the wisest, sharpest, most knowledgeable car enthusiasts on the planet. So it goes without reason that if yours truly is to put his name behind an annual new car award, it’s going to be the “best” […]

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