Kia continues to surprise the press and car enthusiasts by consistently exceeding expectations. The latest news from quickly-growing Kia yet again resets expectations. In nine months, Kia beat all of their previously held annual sales records - and we still have a few months left in 2011!

Kia Motors America (KMA) recently announced that as of September, they have set new sales records for 13 consecutive months. The 18.4-percent (35,609 units) increase over this time last year is largely attributed to sales of the American-built Kia Sorento, and the well-received Kia Optima.

Sales increased by 16.3 percent outside…

Early in September, the first Kia Optima rolled off the production line at the Kia Motors manufacturing facility in Georgia. Also this fall, the 2011 Kia Optima has been widely recognized for its sophisticated and clean design, particularly by the men's lifestyle magazine Esquire.

Esquire's "2011 Design and Technology Awards" recognizes the best innovations in the auto industry for the year. Editors applauded the stylish simplicity of the 2011 Kia Optima, particularly because it remains one of the most affordable cars on the market. The magazine made a point to say, "A decade ago, a shape this clean…

South Korean automaker, Kia announced the starting cost of its refreshed 2012 Kia Rio5, last week. For those of you not familiar with the Kia Rio5, it's essentially a five-door hatch version of the Kia Rio four-door sedan available in one less trim level. The new cost, we're happy to report, is significantly less expensive than the 2011 model. And, while the starting price is dropping, the aesthetics and technology of the vehicle is rising.

Let's start with the body, shall we?  When you see the Kia Rio5 driving around the Midlothian area, you'll immediately notice…