We have come so far from the vehicles we grew up in. Kia safety and technology in 2019 has become a pivoting point of vehicles today. Today we drive vehicles that tell us everything from when to get the oil changed to when we’re departing our lane and, they are safer than ever before.
You may know by now that I am a huge Kia supporter. Not only was I an ambassador for Kia Motors America for two years, but I have owned two Kias in my life. Currently, I drive a 2019 Kia Sportage EX which I love more than any vehicle I’ve ever owned before. I now work alongside my local Kia dealership, Carriage Kia of Woodstock, to stay on top of what’s happening in the Kia world and to continue my support of one of my favorite brands. I had the opportunity to speak with Shaun Smith of Carriage Kia and ask him more about the safety and technology in today’s Kia products. Turns out, he wasn’t a Kia person until he came to work at Carriage Kia and learned all about the product. Now he owns a Kia Stinger GT and it’s the best car he’s ever had.
Kia Safety and Technology – An Interview with Shaun Smith of Carriage Kia of Woodstock
TFT: Let’s talk about the evolution of Kia over the last five years with regard to safety and technology.
SS: The world is evolving. We are rooted in technology now. The auto industry had to create products that evolved with consumers. Things like pulling up Google directions, sending text messages and locating music from our phones are things that keep our hands on our phones and our eyes off the road. We never did these things fifteen years ago. But as technology became more woven into the fabric of our lives, so did hazard. The industry saw a need and had to address it. And by doing so, we advanced in technology and safety together. Because technology is creating safety in many cases. People are looking for safety.
TFT: What kind of technology can we find in the Kia products that keep us safer on the road?
SS: When you get into Kias with advanced safety and technology packages you can do a lot of things with your voice by using Apple Play or Android Auto. You can voice text, get directions with Google Maps, ask about the weather, about driving times to your destination, make a phone call, play music and even answer Facebook Messenger. The rear camera keeps your eyes on the space behind your car when you’re in reverse. Also, warning bells when you depart your lane without a signal and Lane Assist which will take over steering if you go out of your lane, offer added proactive safety measures to keep us impact free.
TFT: Which vehicle has the most technology?
SS: The Optima has the most technology, with models coming with Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure warning, Blind Spot Detection, and sensors that save your vehicle from impact.
TFT: Why is advanced Kia safety and technology so important in 2019?
SS: With Kia being awarded JD Power and Associates #1 for initial quality four years in a row, it’s easy to see why there are so many Kias on the road. We already know that buying a car is a bad investment, but fuel economy, safety and technology are an investment in peace of mind. Although I’ve had people trade in Sorentos with 400K miles on them, more and more consumers are looking to buy vehicles with advanced safety and technology packages. We want peace of mind when we’re saying goodbye to our kids or our parents. We want to know they are driving distraction-free and have a warning when something bad could happen.
TFT: What’s your favorite piece of frivolous technology, safety technology and general technology?
The steering wheel warmer would be my frivolous favorite, Lane Keep Assist and the UVO services for safety which allows me to know where my car is parked, gives me vehicle diagnostics, Apple Play or Android Auto which allows me to just ask my car with the push of a button things like; “take me here” for Google Maps, “what’s the forecast for tonight” and “How long will it take me to get to…”. I’m also able to ask it to play music, text one of my contacts, answer text messages by voice, and even set a speed limit and driving curfew (so the kids are home when they are supposed to be). I can also get Kia service alerts and roadside assistance with UVO. Many of these features are keeping my eyes on the road and my hands on the wheel which is the most important.
TFT: What is some other technology that we see in the higher end Kia products?
SS: Rain-sensing windshield wipers and auto adjusting headlights which are really cool. You can find some of them in the K900, Sorento SX, Optima and the Stinger.
TFT: Let’s talk about models. There is a new one that just arrived to the playground and I’m so living for it. The Kia Telluride is the vehicle for those who like to mix adventure with luxury. What are your number ones for each type of driver?
SS: I’d say that the Telluride is the #1 family adventure vehicle while the Sorento is the best family SUV, the Optima for singles, the Niro also for adventure if you’re seeking something smaller than the Telluride, and the Sportage is the #1 female choice. The Rio, Soul, Sportage, and Niro Plug-in Hybrid would be my pick for teens, college kids, empty nesters, but the most purchased is the Soul and Sorento.
Technology is here to stay. Buying a Kia with an advanced safety and technology package will not only benefit you in the long run, but it will benefit your kids when they begin to drive. My son is ten years old now. In just six years he’ll be driving our 2019 Kia Sportage ex. This brings me peace of mind knowing that he is safe on the road, free of distractions and in a vehicle that is designed to protect him extensively should he make impact. Head over to Carriage Kia of Woodstock or Carriage Kia of Gainesville soon and test drive one of their vehicles with the advanced safety and technology package. And be sure to tell them that Christa the Fairytale Traveler sent you!
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