Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.

On the GT-Line the panoramic sunroof is part of the optional "Premium Package," It comes as standard equipment on the EX.
5
KIA traditionally limits color choices (exterior and interior) on their vehicles. Surprisingly, higher level trims often offer fewer choices than lower trims. The reason is simple. By offering fewer color choices KIA reduces overall production costs and more importantly avoid having less popular choices sitting unsold on dealer lots. If you've ever taken a test drive at a dealer of any brand, you may have noticed that the first question you're asked is what color you prefer to drive. That's because research indicates that customers are significantly more likely to purchase a vehicle in their preferred color. By limiting color choices, KIA largely eliminates the risk of having vehicles on the dealer lots that most customers don't like.
3
The GT Line is the premium version of the lineup with the 1.6L turbo engine and AWD. The GT has a completely different drive train and does not have the AWD option.
2
I suspect that if you let your Mazda dealer know you want to purchase a Mazda6 they'll send a limousine to pick you up. US sales of the Mazda6 are dismal with fewer than 8100 sold in the entire first six months of 2020. That's a decline of 38% compared to 2019 which in turn was a decline of 30% compared to 2018.
2
Sorry, Joe. The EX trim level does NOT allow a customer to option AWD. (7:24) According to KIA's "Build and Price" website AWD is available only on the LXS and GT Line trim levels. In fact, the K5 trim levels are rather complicated and it's easy to be confused. Here's a guide with information from the KIA website. () LX ($23,490 MSRP). A rather well equipped FWD base model with a variety of minor options but no major option packages and no AWD. () LXS ($24,490 MSRP). The additional $1000 adds a few amenities, bells, and whistles to the LX. More importantly, it adds several driver assistance and safety features. (e.g. Blind spot collision avoidance, rear traffic alert/assistance, and "safe exit assist".) Even more important, however, is that the LXS trim enables optional selection of AWD along with heated front seats for $2100 bringing the MSRP to $28,690. (It also deletes the LX "Idle stop 'n go" feature.) () GT-Line ($25,390 MSRP). The additional $900 brings a long list of upgrades, amenities, and additional bells and whistles to the LXS trim. More importantly, it includes access to several major option packages. The Premium Package provides a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, and upgraded safety features for an additional $1600. That brings the loaded GT-Line FWD to $26,990. Further, it enables selection of both the "Premium Package" combined with AWD for an upcharge of $3700. In effect that means AWD in the GT-Line is a $2100 upcharge over FWD. Finally, if if the "Premium Package" is selected, an additional $800 option (GT-Line Special Edition package) brings features like navigation and upgraded driver assistance. Fully loaded, the GT-Line with the Premium Package and AWD has an MSRP of $29,890. () EX (27,990 MSRP). This trim level provides even more upgrades and features to LXS and base GT-Line trim. In addition, it has an optional "Premium Package" of its own that adds a lengthy set of features that exceeds even the GT-Line's "Premium Package" plus its Special Edition package for an upcharge of $3400. That increases the MSRP to $31,990 plus TTL and delivery. At the same time, however, it's FWD only. No AWD option. BTW, the contrary Joe's comment, the "Premium Package" brings bluetooth wireless to the EX. () GT ($30,935 MSRP). Available in November this trim substitutes the 2.5L turbo 4 and 7 speed DCT for the engine/drive train of the lower trims. It offers 290 HP and 311 ft lbs of torque. with the same engine found in the forthcoming Sonata "N-Line" as well as in the Genesis G80 base configuration and the KIA Sorento. (Different HP and Torque figures depending on the tune.) And like the lower trims it also has a "Premium Package" (GT1) that largely matches the optional packages of the EX and GT-Line trims for an upcharge of $4000. Like the EX trim it comes only with FWD. Loading the GT with the GT1 package puts the MSRP at $34,950. Bottom line? If you want AWD and a relatively comprehensive set of amenities, bells and whistles, go for the GT-Line with its optional packages. Want even more amenities without AWD, go for a fully loaded EX for about $2100 more. Want your cake and performance, too? That's a fully loaded GT with the GT1 option package. But remember that the GT, like the EX comes only in FWD. At an MSRP of $35,000 its specs compare very favorably with the Accord 2.0L Touring, the Camry V6 XSE, and the Mazda6 Signature for several thousand dollars less MSRP. (Real world transaction prices may vary.) As noted, the options and trim levels can be very confusing. Best to check KIA's own "Build and Price" website for accurate information rather than relying on KIA dealers' salespeople. Either they don't know the details of various trim levels and option packages or they prefer to guide customers to the configurations they happen to have on their lots.
2
The direct competitor is the forthcoming K5 GT with its 2.5L turbo that also appears in the Genesis G80, the forthcoming Sonata N-Line, and the KIA Sorento in various stages of tune. The Accord 2.0L Touring is a fine automobile but the K5 GT may well turn out to be serious competition for several thousands dollars less.
2
@RaitisRides Oddly enough, automakers have found that responding to consumer preferences is significantly more successful in terms of profit than lecturing them about their cleanliness.
2
I think you mean the "GT-Line." The GT does have paddle shifters and upgraded brakes.
2
KIA promises in November but I suspect that Joe's estimate of December (or even later) is closer to the mark.
1
I'm inclined to agree. KIA typically does an excellent job of spec'ing trim levels and package options to hit various sweet spots among different consumers without exceeding the price points they're aiming for. In this case they're clearly balancing amenities against AWD in models with the 1.6L turbo. Most of the EX features are available in option packages for the GT-Line while many come as standard equipment in the EX trim level. (e.g. panoramic sunroof). I'm surprised, though, that satellite radio isn't included in the GT-Line's "Premium Package" or the "GT-Line Special Edition" package. I know nothing about the deals automakers cut with Sirius XM but I suspect the answer may have to do with those negotiations and the price KIA/Hyundai pay for the feature on various models. In any event, of course, one can add a satellite radio to any vehicle at a modest cost. Not a great solution but at least there's a workaround.
1
The 1.6L turbo is a new version of Hyundai's corporate 1.6L engine. You might find it's wanting in durability but KIA's extensive drive train warranty suggests it will be fine. Hyundai engines (used in all KIA products) have traditionally been challenged in terms of fuel efficiency. They're on a mission to improve that weakness.
1
@jacobrael9872 <chuckle> You need to catch up to the 21st century, Jacob. I'm not a universal fan of small displacement turbo engines in every application but your Crown Vic weighs over 2 tons! The K5 is almost a thousand pounds lighter. Along with advances in materials, engineering and design small displacement turbos are the future of ICE engines. You might note, for example, that the 2021 Genesis G80 and the GV80 have the same 2.5L turbo as the K5 GT. Such engines don't feel the same as V8's but their fuel efficiency as well as their performance is far better.
1
@RaitisRides Yup. Stems from several factors. First, KIA has apparently found in their market research that the K5 (as well as the Seltos) appeals to two major groups of consumers. One group finds amenities, gadgets, bells and whistles especially appealing. A largely separate group of potential customers are prepared to sacrifice some of those features in favor of "sporty" looks, performance, and the handling advantages of AWD. Second, though all automakers spec their trim levels to meet specific price points, it's especially critical for KIA that still retains its reputation as a "value" brand priced somewhat below its competition. This division of a single market category into discrete sub-groups enables KIA to broaden a vehicle's overall appeal while containing prices. Furthermore, KIA (and to a lesser extent Hyundai) specs their vehicles with lengthy packages of features or wholly different trim levels rather than allowing customers to add or delete long lists of individual options. (A practice common among European premium brands.) Doing so has two effects. First, it eliminates the production complexity (and therefore the cost) of producing a huge range of slightly different vehicles some with a particular feature and some without. Second, of course, it encourages customers to purchase a more expensive trim in order to get one or more particular features they find especially appealing. Want a panoramic sunroof? It's standard on an EX or GT but comes in a package of other features on the GT-Line. Finally, it's worth noting that KIA doesn't offer AWD on the highest priced trim, the GT. How come? The same reason that the top trim Camry and Altima don't offer it. Doing so would presumably add $1700 to $2100 to the GT's MSRP, diminishing the K5's "value proposition" compared to its principal rivals. The V6 Camry constitutes only about 5% of all Camry sales. Even for the best selling midsize sedan, adding AWD wouldn't come close to being a profitable addition for the top trim V6 XSE. The same is undoubtedly true of the K5.
1
If you look carefully at KIA's "Build and Price" website and look at the various trim levels along with their optional packages you'll find it's more complicated than simply looking at the base MSRP's. Nearly all of the features in the EX trim level can be added to the GT-Line via optional packages, bringing the MSRP of a fully loaded GT-Line over that of a base version of the EX.
1
The usual answer as to why fake exhaust tips are becoming increasingly common is that it prevents the exhausts from gathering soot that owners don't like to clean. The problem has increased with tightened emission restrictions in recent years. The actual exhust tips are typically located under the car just ahead of the bumper.
1