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1957 Plymouth Suburban wagon

by | Jan 26, 2021 | 0 comments

1957 Plymouth Suburban wagon

The 1957 Plymouth Suburban wagon, with the new “Forward Look” styling. (Stellantis)

BY MARK MAYNARD

A 1957 Plymouth Suburban wagon became the 10,000,000th Plymouth to roll off the production line on Jan. 24, 1957. It was a proud accomplishment for the brand, which was launched in 1928, according to Wikipedia.

“Plymouth was to compete in what was then described as the “low-priced” market segment that was dominated by Chevrolet and Ford. It became the high-volume seller for the automaker until the late 1990s.”

Parent company Chrysler killed the brand in 2001, and the models that were still in production were discontinued or rebranded as Chrysler or Dodge.

In 1957, Virgil Exner’s new Forward Look design theme, advertised by Plymouth with the tagline “Suddenly, it’s 1960,” produced cars with advanced styling compared to Chevrolet or Ford, according to Wikipedia. Plymouth cars were marketed primarily in the United States.

“The 1957 total production soared to 726,009, about 200,000 more than 1956, and the largest output yet for Plymouth. However, the 1957-1958 Forward Look models suffered from poor materials, spotty build quality, and inadequate corrosion protection; they were rust-prone and greatly damaged Chrysler’s reputation.

“The Plymouth automobile was introduced at Madison Square Garden on July 7, 1928. It was Chrysler Corporation’s first entry into the low-priced field previously dominated by Chevrolet and Ford.
“Plymouths were initially priced higher than the competition but offered standard features such as internal expanding hydraulic brakes that Ford and Chevrolet did not provide.

“Plymouths were originally sold exclusively through Chrysler dealerships, offering a low-cost alternative to the upscale Chrysler-brand cars.

“The logo featured a rear view of the ship Mayflower, which landed at Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Mass. However, the inspiration for the Plymouth brand name came from Plymouth binder twine, produced by the Plymouth Cordage Company, also of Plymouth. The name was chosen by [corporate executive] Joe Frazer due to the popularity of the twine among farmers.”

2021 VW Arteon 2.0T Review

by | Jan 22, 2021 | 0 comments

2021 VW Arteon 2.0T Review

Mild redesign fills in gaps for 2021 VW Arteon in its second model year 

A front view of the 2021 VW Arteon

The 2021 VW Arteon has starting prices of $38,190- to $48,190, in front- or all-wheel drive. (Mark Maynard)

BY MARK MAYNARD

There is a unique presence to the driving characteristics of a German-engineered car. It telegraphs a message of confident control, which is present in a VW or a BMW — and it is an engaging spirit to just go out and drive. The redesigned 2021 VW Arteon is just such a purveyor of driving solidarity.

The large-midsize fastback Arteon is luxury-class but not luxuriously gilded. The VW Arteon debuted in the U.S. in 2019, but it barely caught the attention of SUV-hungry buyers.

Even I wasn’t overly excited about the first Arteon, but the speed-updating refresh for the 2021 model has made a vast improvement in subtle ways.

The European brands have improved their “large” or “executive” sedans, which are more of an American midsize but a few inches bigger all around. Consequently, there are few available choices, including the Acura TLX, Kia Cadenza, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon.

The Arteon driver area with Nappa leather upholstery

Standard SEL Premium equipment includes Nappa leather. (VW)

New for the VW Arteon

The refreshed Arteon features more refined front-end styling, Volkswagen says, with a redesigned cockpit. The interior has an updated dashboard design, décor trims, and Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit. The all-new MIB3 infotainment system includes an updated navigation system and wireless app-Connect.

VW Arteon R-Line models were updated with a light bar in the grille and 30-color interior ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, and enhanced driver assistance technologies.

Other new technologies include:

  • Travel Assist, standard on R-Line models, for partially automated hands-on driving from 0 to 95 mph.
  •  Emergency Assist, also standard on R-Line, can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is incapacitated, or not keeping hands on the steering wheel.

And there are three new paint colors of Oryx White Pearl, Kings Red
Metallic and Lapiz Blue Metallic.

A look at the Arteon's contemporary interior styling

The cabin has a contemporary, coupe-like presence. (VW)

2021 VW Arteon Pricing

Sold in three trim levels in front- or 4Motion all-wheel drive, all VW Arteon models have a 268-horsepower, turbocharged and intercooled, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The transmission is an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic, with manual shifting.

Starting prices range from $38,190 for the front-drive SE, $42,790 for the SEL R-Line (plus $1,800 for 4Motion) to $48,190 for the SEL Premium R-Line with standard AWD; MSRP pricing includes the $1,195 freight charge from Emden, Germany.

All models feature 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, full LED headlights and an electronic adaptive suspension (DCC). Safety technologies include rear traffic alert, automatic post-collision braking system, forward-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, side assist (blind-zone monitoring), and pedestrian monitoring.

Today’s tester is an SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion, $48,585 with one option for King’s Red paint, $395. VW’s warranty coverage of 4 years or 50,000 miles, includes the powertrain, with roadside assistance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.

Find current VW Arteon pricing here.

The Arteon's panoramic sunroof

A panoramic power sunroof is standard on SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line models. (VW)

VW Arteon Architecture

The Arteon is now VW’s flagship sedan, though the company considers it a grand tourer. And as an architecture partner with Audi, there is some sharing of elements but without all the luxury content.

The R-Line cabin has a sporty coupe-like presence with contemporary design and horizontal lines to accentuate width.

Front headroom of 37.9 inches (with the sunroof) should accommodate those 6-foot-5 inches. And there is long front legroom of 41.6 inches. The R-Line front sport seats are firmly supportive with long thigh support. But the seats also have serious side and cushion bolsters for those drivers who push the limits of cornering.

Sightlines are clear at the side mirrors and down the hood, but the smallish back glass and sloped sides can be an issue. When parking, the wide-screen rearview camera with guidance lines enhances visibility.

Ergonomics and access to controls are smartly arranged with an easy-to-use 8-inch touch screen. As VW has stepped up to add more charging USBs, its wireless charging pad is a struggle to use. It occupies a shallow tray just ahead of the gearshift lever and it requires slender fingers to slip in a phone or pull it out, but it beats the tangle of a charging cord.

The 12.3-inch-wide digital gauge display (trickle down from Audi) is useful for its selectable elements, such as the navigation map as background or to highlight a digital speed readout or gear position.

Small storage areas include large door panels with space for bottles.

The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit (gauge array)

The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit (gauge array) is now standard. (VW)

VW Arteon Performance

The 268-hp spools up quickly for responsive acceleration with dependable passing power at 65 mph. Programmable driving modes can finesse the power and suspension settings. I frequently used Sport to keep the power on edge, but it can feel too edgy around town.

With 258 foot-pounds of torque at 1,950 rpm, few drivers would wish for a V-6. And with a potential driving range of more than 500 miles to a tank, a diesel option becomes unnecessary.

A look under the hood reveals elements of robust construction, including the plastic and rubber lines and rust-resistant connectors.

The Arteon 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine

All models have a 268-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.  (Mark Maynard)

The eight-speed automatic has an electronic differential lock to keep AWD power flowing before wheel slip is detected. And there was no noticeable hesitation or electronic distraction in routing power four ways.

Fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 31 highway and 24 mpg combined have improved an mpg or two since 2019, but premium fuel is required. I easily worked up to 33.9 mpg on an 80-mile highway run and continued at 24 to 26 mpg in combined driving. Oddly, front-drive models have an 18.2-gallon tank vs. 18.3 for AWD.

The AWD curb weight of 3,955 pounds (3,686 lbs. FWD) is husky and a little heavier than the competition.

VW insists the turning circle is 39 feet, but in my experience of making U-turns at my house, the arc seems more like 36 or 37 feet.

The Arteon’s drag coefficient of 0.29 is aerodynamically slick, which helps the long body slip through the air with little ruffling. Cabin soundproofing seems to have improved, too, at highway speeds with less wind and engine noise, and tire harshness.

The 20-inch Continental ProContact TX grand-touring tires, with a high treadwear rating of 500, can feel hard, but this application is well fitted for the Arteon.

The Arteon's gearshift console

The wireless charging pad, just ahead of the shifter. (VW)

Semi-autonomous driving

The addition of Travel Assist enables partially automated hands-on driving from 0 to 95 mph. The system works well to keep the vehicle centered in the lane, but like many systems, the guidance struggles to maintain the space when driving into direct sunlight on washed-out concrete highways (like all of them in California). And when the car crosses the line, the system blames the driver and gives a warning tone.

Arteon Ride and Handling

The chassis feels extremely rigid and secure, which helps the standard electronic damping system provide sharp, flat cornering. The ride quality is compliant but firm without jolt (or chin scraping) over lumpy intersections. The system manages the suspension rebound and compression at each wheel to adaptively adjust the damping force, Volkswagen says.

Braking is quite capable from 13.4-inch vented front discs and 12.2-inch solid rear rotors.

The tire and wheel package for the R-Line Arteon

The R-Line has 20-inch Continental ProContact TX touring tires. (VW)

Arteon Back Seat

Access to the back seat is a bend-and-drop sequence, but legroom is grand-touring comfortable at 40.2 inches — and the window seats have adult thigh support. The tall but narrow transmission tunnel helps center-seat legroom, but the window seats are far more comfortable. There is one 12-volt plug and one charging USB.

There is a fold-down armrest and ski pass-through to the cargo area, which is wide and deep (40 inches by 45 inches wide). Fold the seatback for about 6 ½ feet in length.

Back seats in the sedan

The Arteon’s long wheelbase allows generous rear legroom, at 40.2 inches. (VW)

The Sedan Dilemma

Federal fuel mandates have compromised the typical midsize sedan, once the top-selling mode of transportation. With the ever-steeper regulations to meet fuel economy and air-quality standards, the family sedan had to be made lighter, lower for improved aerodynamics and powered by mostly small-displacement, turbocharged engines.

As engine technologies improved to adequately move the basic sedan (weighing 3,200 pounds and more), it is the lower rooflines and lower stance that have taken away the user function from a midsize.

It is easy to track buyers’ migration from low and restrictive to the more upright SUV, in any size category. But SUVs are heavier than a sedan, do not get the same fuel economy and they cost several thousands more. And, of course, buyers want four-wheel drive, whether needed or not.

The opened cargo space of the liftback.

The wide and low cargo area spans 27.2 to 56.2 cubic feet. (VW)

Why Buy the VW Arteon?

While an SUV is an appliance, valued for its view from the inside outward, the Arteon has a sophisticated presence, seen from the outside in.

It is the purposeful and balanced German engineering that is the unspoken asset of the Arteon. It is a soaring grand tourer, built for 100 mph continental cruising and arriving at your destination with impeccable style.

Drivers will value its cabin size, power, and nimble footprint for the long term.

A rear side view of the sedan.

The word “Arteon” is taken from the Latin word “artem,” which means art. (VW)

2021 Volkswagen Arteon 2.0T SEL Premium R-Line 4-Motion

Body style: large midsize, 5-seat liftback sedan

Engine: 268-hp, turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 258 lb.-ft. torque at 1,950 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic with 4Motion all-wheel drive with drive modes

Fuel economy: 20/31/24 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel recommended

SPECIFICATIONS

Fuel tank: 18.3 gal.

Cargo space: 27.2-56.2 cu. ft.

Front head/leg room: 37.9*/41.2 in.

Rear head/leg room: 37.1/40.2 in.

Shoulder room f/r: 56.5/54.7 in.

Length/wheelbase: 191.6/111.9 in.

Curb weight: 3,955 lbs. (3,686 lbs. FWD)

Turning circle: 39 ft.

FEATURES

Standard SEL Premium equipment includes: smart key locking and push-button ignition, electronic multi-mode adaptive suspension control, Nappa leather upholstery, digital (configurable) gauge array, rearview camera with overhead view, wireless phone charging, power tilt-slide panoramic sunroof, electric parking brake, 8-inch navigation touch screen, Harman Kardon audio system, power (heated) side mirrors), adaptive (turning) headlights, fog lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic high-beam dimming, 3-zone touch electronic touch climate control, lighted cargo area with an adjustable floor and power liftgate

R-Line content, includes: leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel with redundant controls, special interior features and black headliner; R-Line style grille, bumpers and exterior trim; stainless steel pedal caps and driver’s footrest, Travel Assist (enables partially automated hands-on driving from 0 to 95 mph), Emergency Assist (can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is incapacitated, or not keeping hands on the steering wheel)

Safety features include: 8 air bags, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, stability and traction controls, dynamic road sign display, park assist with park-distance control (front and rear), brake-force distribution and hydraulic brake assist, electronic differential lock, semi-automatic driving assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping system, emergency assist

PRICING

Base price: $46,995, including $1,195 freight charge; price as tested $48,585

Options on test vehicle: King’s Red metallic paint $395

Where assembled: Emden, Germany

Warranties: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper including powertrain; 2-years/20,000-miles free scheduled maintenance; 3-years/36,000-miles roadside assistance

VW Says Auf Wiedersehen To the Golf in U.S.

by | Jan 20, 2021 | 0 comments

VW Says Auf Wiedersehen To the Golf in U.S.

Production in Puebla, Mexico, transitioning to new products, including the Taos small SUV

A row of VW Golf models.

Nearly 2.5 million VW Golf family models have been sold in the U.S. market. (Photos courtesy of Volkswagen USA)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Volkswagen of America announced today that its subcompact Golf hatchback ended production last week for the U.S. market. The VW Golf family name will carry on in model-year 2022 with the introduction of the all-new Mk 8 Golf GTI and Golf R, arriving this fall.

Volkswagen expects that the model year 2021 Golf models built at the Puebla, Mexico plant will sustain sales through year-end.

The Golf debuted in December 1974 as the “Rabbit” in the U.S. For more than four decades, the Golf exemplified what Volkswagen does best — melding dynamic driving characteristics with purposeful packaging and unmatched quality, said Hein Schafer, senior vice president, product marketing and strategy for Volkswagen of America, Inc.

“While the seventh-generation Golf will be the last of the base hatches sold here,” he said, “the GTI and Golf R will carry its legacy forward.”

The Golf TSI model

The 2021 VW Golf is sold in only one TSI trim level. Pricing starts at $24,190.

U.S. Golf Family

In the U.S., nearly 2.5 million Golf family models have been sold since 1974. The current-generation Mk 7 Golf was named North American Car of the Year when it debuted for the 2015 model year.

The new eighth-generation 2022 Golf R and Golf GTI will be built in Germany as the Puebla plant transitions to new products, including the Taos subcompact crossover, according to VW.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos

2022 Volkswagen Taos.

For 2021, the Golf is available in one well-equipped trim —TSI. It features a 147 horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 29 mpg city, 39 highway and 33 mpg combine or 29/36/32 mpg with the automatic.

Golf TSI pricing starts at $24,190; add $800 for the Tiptronic. Pricing includes the $995 freight charge from Puebla, Mexico.

Standard features include 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/55 all-season tires, smart-key locking and push-button ignition, panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, leatherette upholstery, and heated front seats. Driver assistance features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert.

Seven Generations of Golf in the U.S.

 

Golf I: 1975-1984

7 generations of the Gold in North America. This is Gen 1

  • First sold in December 1974 as the “Rabbit” with a 70-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine;
  • GTI was introduced in 1983 with a 90-hp, 1.8-liter engine.

Golf II: 1985-1992

The second generation Golf

  • Nameplate shift to “Golf.” Dimensions grew by nearly 7 inches in length, 3 inches in wheelbase and 2 inches in width;
  • Standard engine is revised 85-hp,1.8-liter;
  • GTI introduces 131-hp, 2.0-liter engine;
  • Catalytic converter, anti-lock braking and power steering debut.

Golf III: 1993-1999

  • Exterior design shifts to wedge shape;
  • Base powertrain increased to 115-hp, 2.0-liter; GTI available with 172-hp, 2.8-liter VR6;
  • Front and side airbags debut; advances in body construction result in improved crash safety;
  • VR6 engine and cruise control offered for the first time.

Golf IV: 1999.5-2005

The Golf IV

  • All-new design with flatter windshield; roofline carried farther back with steeper rear window;
  • Electronic stability control and side curtain airbags debut;
  • 1.8T engine introduced for GTI, bringing turbocharging to this generation of GTI;
  •  R32 introduced for 2004 with 240 hp, six-speed manual, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Golf V: 2006-2009

The Golf V: 2006-2009

  • New multi-link rear suspension; rain-sensing wipers introduced; sold as “Rabbit” again;
  • DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions debuts as an option for GTI and the standard transmission for R32; Bi-Xenon headlights introduced on both models;
  • Base engine is 150-hp, 2.5-liter; GTI moves to 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine;
  • R32 reintroduced for 2008 with 250 hp.

Golf VI:  2010-2014

The Golf VI:  2010-2014

  • “Golf” name returns;
  • Refreshed styling with prominent character line from headlights to taillights;
  • Base powertrain is 170-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine;
  • Golf R was introduced for 2012, with the VR6 engine replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine pushing 256 hp.

Golf VII: 2015-2021

  • Now based on Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture;
  • Golf grows in size yet drops in weight, despite many new and upscale features;
  • Facelift in MY 2018 features included revised headlight and taillight designs, redesigned bumpers, and infotainment and driver assistance updates;
  • Base 170-hp, 1.8-liter TSI engine replaces 2.5-liter to gain an EPA-estimated 6 mpg highway, later replaced by the 1.4-liter TSI engine in 2019;
  • GTI and Golf R powered by new versions of the 2.0-liter TSI engine, with up to 228 hp for GTI and up to 288 hp for Golf R (using premium fuel);
  • Available driver-assistance technology includes Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Park Distance Control.

Corvette birthday, Jan. 17 1953

by | Jan 19, 2021 | 0 comments

The Corvette’s big reveal as the Motorama show car at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. (GM)

Jan. 17, 1953, marked the show-car debut of the first generation of Corvette.

According to Wikipedia, the two-seater was introduced late in the 1953 model year. It first appeared as a show car for the 1953 General Motors Motorama, held Jan. 17-23 at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

“At the time, Chevrolet general manager Thomas H. Keating said it was six months to a year away from production readiness. The car generated enough interest to induce GM to make a production version to sell to the public. First production was on June 30, 1953.

A promotional image from the 1953 GM Motorama. (GM)

“The 1953, 1954, and 1955 model years were the only Corvettes equipped with a 235 cubic-inch (3.9-liter) version of the second- generation Blue Flame inline-six rated at 150 horsepower.

“In 1953, when GM executives were looking to name the new Chevrolet sports car, assistant director for the Public Relations department Myron Scott suggested Corvette after the small maneuverable warship — and the name was approved.”

This PR images show the body-drop of the 1953 Corvette at the Flint, Mich., assembly plant. (GM)

2021 Kia K5 Review

by | Jan 15, 2021 | 0 comments

2021 Kia K5 Review

The “all-new” 2021 Kia K5 sedan represents one of the biggest leaps forward between generations in recent automotive history, the carmaker says.

The 2021 Kia K5 midsize sedan

The 2021 Kia K5 is the brand’s third generation midsize sedan, formerly known as Optima. (Photos courtesy of Kia America)

 

Wholistic coup d’sedan

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

If there is a spark of ownership urgency remaining in the mainstream midsize sedan segment, Kia hopes its renamed and re-invented K5 will get drivers fired up.

The “all-new” Kia K5 sedan represents one of the biggest leaps forward between generations in recent automotive history, Kia says. Worthy of renaming, the Korean automaker says the K5 emphasizes revolutionary design on a new safety and performance enhanced “N3” platform, turbocharged engines, optional all-wheel drive and high-impact technologies. The new platform will also be the foundation for future Kia models

Its predecessor, the Optima, debuted in 2011 and, as today, it is a corporate partner to the Hyundai Sonata. The K5 designation is simply a global name, Kia says. The K5 and K900 are the first U.S. models to use the integrated global market names. Whether the other models will be eventually renamed, “is being looked at holistically from both a market and a global level and is determined by model,” a spokesman said.

The driver area of the 2021 Kia K5 EX model

K5 EX features include leatherette upholstery and 10-way power driver’s seat.

Good Times

These are good times to buy a sedan. The big three top-sellers in the current lineup of choices — Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima — have distinct identities, which might be key to connecting with drivers. And the remaining choices, of which there are several, are at the peak of their games, too.

As many drivers have migrated to an SUV as their preferred body style, manufacturers — those that still have a sedan lineup — are hoping that their revolutionary improvements will reinvent the midsize sedan into something other than what it is.

Kia cut to the chase with a regrouped business plan for the K5, calling “Give It Everything.” And it is packaged at a reasonable price.

The front passenger side of the Kia K5.

The lower roofline allows reasonably tall headroom with the large sunroof.

Kia K5 By the Numbers

Dimensionally, the Kia K5 sedan sits lower, longer, and wider than its predecessor. At 193.1 inches long it is 2 inches longer and an inch wider but 0.8-inch lower at the roofline. The wheelbase was stretched 1.8 inches, now at 112.2 inches.

Kia K5 Pricing

There are five trim levels of Kia K5 — LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX — and the performance-tuned GT. The standard trims use a 180-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT is spiked with a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (with 311 foot-pounds of torque from 1,650-4,500 rpm). Its eight-speed automatic is a “wet” dual-clutch automated manual transmission. (The wet dual-clutch, rather than dry, uses an electric oil pump for lubrication and to provide more cooling for higher torque outputs and smoother shifts.

Pricing for front-wheel-drive models with the 1.6T powertrain ranges from $24,555 for the entry LX to $29,055 for the EX 1.6T, The AWD GT-Line 1.6T starts at $30,155. The front-drive GT 2.5T GDI with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic starts at $31,555. Pricing includes the $965 freight charge from West Point, Ga.

K5 in Front- or All-Wheel-Drive

All-wheel drive is available only on the K5 LXS or GT-Line trims. The front-drive system uses electro-hydraulics for a quicker coupling response, Kia says. The 1.6 LXS option is $2,100 and includes heated seats; the GT-Line is $3,700 and is part of the Premium package, which includes Special Edition Wolf Gray paint with red SynTex upholstery, 10.25-inch Touch-screen, navigation with smart cruise control and Highway Driving Assist.

At the time of posting this story, there were several Kia K5 sedan pricing discounts for cash, leasing or zero-percent financing for 60 months, with a $750 cash-back offer. See them here.

And there is Kia’s desirable new-vehicle warranties of 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance and 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain.

A view of the panoramic sunroof in the Kia K5 sedan.

Part of the K5 EX package, the panoramic sunroof has a power sunshade.

Standard Kia K5 Features

K5 base models are competitively equipped with such standard features as remote locking, 8-inch infotainment touch screen, fabric upholstery, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with Bluetooth phone and music, six-speaker audio system, steering-wheel controls for audio and cruise control, two USB ports (one for charging), power side mirrors and windows, lighted visor vanity mirrors, six-way manually adjusted front seats, electric parking brake with auto-hold and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Standard K5 safety features and technologies are loaded, including nine air bags, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, driver-attention warning with lead-vehicle-departure warning, lane-keep assist and lane-following assist, lane-departure warning, and high-beam (dimming) assist.

The center shift console in the K5 has useful storage and wireless charging

The K5 EX has almost as many USB ports as cup holders.

The EX upgrade

The K5 EX tester, $32,355, added such features as leatherette seat trim and leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar, heated and ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, wireless phone charging, 18-inch alloy wheels, and parking-distance warning reverse.

The EX Premium package, $3,400, added desirable technology pieces, including navigation with a 10.25-inch touch screen and MapCare, Bose audio upgrade, a power front passenger seat with power lumbar, and heated steering wheel.

K5 Safety Features

Safety features include forward collision avoidance alert cyclist, forward collision avoidance-assist junction turning, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, highway driving assist, safe-exit assist with power child lock, and parking collision avoidance rear.

Highway Driving Assist (HDA) controls steering and acceleration-deceleration to keep a safe distance from the vehicle directly ahead. Using navigation input, the system can determine whether the vehicle is on a state highway or Interstate. Using the front view camera and front radar, HDA monitors the lane position and speed of the vehicle directly ahead.

A view of the infotainment touch screen and other cabin climate and audio controls

Driver controls are placed for easy access.

The integrated technologies create a semi-autonomous driving mode, but with hands remaining on the wheel. The guidance system is at its best on multi-lane expressways, but the guidance system can still allow the car to drift wide and across lane markings before correcting course, while giving the driver a warning tone.

As a safety suite, the assist systems elevate the EX trim level to a safe and efficient long-distance commuter.

Kia K5 Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and what Kia calls real-world torque have improved with the new 1.6-liter engine, which replaced a 2.4-liter.

Only the base LX model, which Kia considers its fuel efficiency trim, is equipped with automatic stop-start at idle. The LX has fuel-economy ratings of 29 mpg city, 38 highway, and 32 mpg combined, on 87 octane. Compare that to 25/35/29 for the 2.4-liter. But at 14.8 gallons, the K5 LX has a gallon smaller fuel tank than the other trims; The Optima’s tank was 18.5 gallons.

The other 1.6T models have mileage ratings of 27/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined. AWD has ratings of 26/34/29 mpg. And the GT has ratings of 24/32/27 mpg. The 15.8-gallon tank in the EX could provide more than 500 miles of range.

Driving in the transmission’s “smart” mode, I worked up to 37.4 mpg with much highway driving, which settled to an accumulated average mpg of 26.4 mpg, over 610 miles. Smart mode mimics the driver’s acceleration style to provide consistent power.

The body styling has a low, wind-cheating 0.27 coefficient of drag, which compares to 0.26 for the Altima and 0.28 for the Camry.

The Kia K5 turbocharged four-cylinder engine

The base K5 engine is a 180-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder.

K5 Ride and Handling

Kia probably erred on the side of sportiness for the K5. It has a pedigree of the Stinger sport sedan built into the presence of the K5, which can be seen first in the exterior styling and then the driving attitude.

The rigidity of Kia’s new N3 platform is a great enabler in controlled cornering and evasive maneuvers, yet ride quality is forgiving. Kia cites a 60/40 front to rear weight distribution for the 1.6T trims and 61/39 on GT.

Drivers can choose from four drive modes (or five with AWD) for Smart, Normal, Sport, and Custom, which allows a deeper dive to set distinct preferences for suspension, throttle, and steering.

I found Sport mode to be overly enthusiastic in town, but it is an asset out on the twisty roads as calibrations hold shifts when neatly clipping an apex. The car turns and rotates flatly, which also keeps the driver in a command position. And Custom

K5 Power

The eight-speed automatic in the K5 rolls easily through gear changes. And what, no paddle shifters? No problem! Acceleration is not greatly impacted by turbo spooling, which is helped by the trim curb weight of 3,228 pounds, among the lightest in the segment.

Standard K5 models have four-wheel disc brakes 12-inch vented rotors front, 11.2-inch solid rotors rear. The GT is upgraded with 13.6- rotors front and 12.8-inches rear.

The turning circle is another asset, at 36 feet or a little wider with 18- or 19-inch wheels — but still a tidy arc for U-turns in most neighborhood streets.

K5 Interior Function

Inside the Kia K5, the interior design achieves a futuristic and high-tech appearance. There is great attention to detail in the trim elements. And improved sound-deadening materials create a quieter and more premium cabin, Kia says.

The standard 8-inch infotainment supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but opting for the 10.25-inch display does not allow those apps.

Settling into the front seats is quite supportive and comfortable for the long haul, but the seat-bottom squabs (bolsters) give a little goose on exit. (A female friend who bought a new Kia Sportage spent $300 to have those bolsters trimmed back to prevent the wedgie, and the results look “factory.”

A look at the premium trim elements in the Kia K5

Interior materials have a premium-quality appearance.

Some new sedans are built so low to the ground (for aerodynamics to improve fuel economy) that it compromises comfortable entry and with a heave-ho on exit. But the K5 maintains a reasonable entry height.

The doors open to almost right angles and for the driver, the designers built in a stylish ridge in piano black at the window controls. It is an ideal leverage point to comfortably close the door.

Front headroom, even with the lower roofline, is reasonably tall (38.4 inches) with the large sunroof. Cars without the sunroof gain 1.8 inches of hair space, at 40.2 inches. Legroom of 46.1 inches is accommodating for those in the big-and-tall club.

Ergonomic Controls

Interior design of the K5 cockpit places driver controls, switches, and digital displays in position for easy access. Small corner glass greatly opens sightlines at the front side mirrors and at the rear three-quarters. At first glance, it might appear the shallow arc of the back glass might be an issue, but it is not when the side mirrors are correctly positioned.

Glancing at the large rearview-camera screen is liberating in parking situations, and there is a reverse park-distance warning. Because of the long hood, a front camera would be an asset, too.

The cabin of the K5 EX has almost as many USB ports as cup holders, plus wireless charging with a broad slot for a variety of phones. And the leatherette upholstery in the EX looks and feels better than many grades of leather.

K5 Back Seat Comfort

There are comfortable dimensions in the K5 back seat and the doors open wide for colleagues or growing children. The seatback angle is relaxed and with 35.2 inches of legroom, the designer did not have to create a seat cushion with a knees-up angle to stretch leg space.

There is just a modest height intrusion from the exhaust-AWD tunnel, which eases footroom when sharing space with a center-seat occupant, which would be a child (or forgiving colleague). Amenities include the broad fold-down armrest with cup holders and two charging USBs.

The K5 back seat has comfortable dimensions for adults

The back seat has comfortable dimensions for colleagues or growing children.

K5 Trunk Capacity

The Kia K5 has a roomy,16-cubic-foot trunk that is a broad 44 inches wide and low. But the smallish loading aperture (17 inches) will limit the size of big-box items to haul home. The 60/40 folding seatback includes pulls to release the seats.

The Kia K5 trunk is wide and low with a large 16 cubic feet of space

Th K5’s 16 cubic feet of trunk space is wide and low.

Why Buy the Kia K5?

As midsize sedans have evolved, manufacturers have introduced more luxury-class features with a “premium” presentation to support the cars’ higher price points.

For Kia, the K5’s ground-up remake was as well planned and budgeted as a sedan can be in this age of anti-sedan.

The K5  has been designed for smart use of interior space. There are several small-storage areas and finger-reach controls to keep eyes on the road. The cabin has some of the best attention to detail in interior materials and switchgear. The driver area is straightforward and without unnecessary glitz or gimmicks, all of which will appeal to the contemporary driver.

But I can’t be alone in wishing the EX trim included the option for the 2.5-liter engine and the choice for AWD.

What would it take to get you into a midsize sedan today?

 MarkMaynard@cox.net

A nighttime view of the rear end of the Kia K5

Built on a new N3 platform, the Kia K5 is stronger, longer, wider, and lower.

2021 Kia K5 EX Premium Specifications

Body style: midsize 5-passenger, front-drive sedan

Engine: 180-hp, direct-injection and turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder; 195 lb.-ft. torque 1,500-4,500 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 27/37/31 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane or higher

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 15.8 gallons

Trunk space: 16 cu. ft.

Front head/leg room: 38.4*/46.1 in. *40.2 w/o sunroof

Rear head/leg room: 37.4/35.2 inches

Length/wheelbase: 193.1/112.2 inches

Curb weight: 3,228 pounds

Turning circle: 36 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: smart key locking and push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, acoustic windshield, steering wheel controls for Bluetooth-audio-cruise, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, power windows with one-touch up-down driver’s window, rear-occupant alert, 8-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rearview camera with guidance lines, USB media and charging ports, multi-adjustable front seats, high-beam assist, LED headlights and amber running lights, power-heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and compact spare, electric parking brake with auto-hold

K5 EX Features:  leatherette seat trim and leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver’s seat with power lumbar, heated and ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, wireless phone charging, auto up-down to front passenger window, 18-inch machined alloy wheels, UVO Link, satellite radio with free 3-month subscription, rear USB charger ports and rear air vents, parking distance warning reverse

Safety features include: 9 air bags, electronic stability control, forward collision-avoidance assist-pedestrian, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, safe exit assist, lane-keep assist and lane-following assist, driver attention warning, leading vehicle departure alert

PRICING

Base price: $28,955 including $965 freight charge; price as tested $32,355

Options on test vehicle: EX Premium package, $3,400, includes navigation with 10.25-inch touch screen and MapCare, Bose premium audio system, power front passenger seat with power lumbar, heated steering wheel, forward collision-avoidance alert cyclist, forward collision-avoidance-assist junction turning, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, highway driving assist, safe-exit assist with power child lock, parking collision avoidance rear, LED rear combination lights, memory driver’s seat and side mirrors

Where assembled: West Point, Ga.

Warranty: 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance; 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain

Mark Maynard