Archive for June, 2011

The 2011 Kia Soul Continues to Embrace its Toaster Image

June 1st, 2011

Affectionately called a “toaster on wheels” the Kia Soul has developed a loyal following. The 2011 model will no doubt continue the trend. The 2011 Kia Soul is an ingeniously designed compact that looks small on the outside but is actually spacious inside. The front of the vehicle has a chrome grille and on the rear end it has large vertical tail lamps with a hatch like that of a minivan. The beltline goes upward as it progresses to the rear forming a wedge-like appearance. The tall windshield and the box-like shape of the 2011 Soul makes it look tall and wide.

The mechanical features of the 2011 Kia Soul include front-wheel drive with independent form suspension in addition to a beam axle rear. The base model is equipped with a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine with 122-horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. Other models of the soul are Soul+, Soul! and the Soul Sport. These three models have a 2.0 liter engine with 140-horsepower and a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission. All models except the base model have anti-lock brakes with rear discs and anti-skid system.

The basic features of the Kia Soul are power locks, power windows, wiper for the rear window, tilt steering wheel and a 60/40 foldable rear seat. Safety features include side airbags for the front seats and curtain side airbags for head protection. The Kia Soul also comes with a free three-month subscription to Sirius satellite radio. It is also fitted with input jacks for auxiliary and USB connection. The head unit and steering wheel also have controls for easy navigation of a connected iPod. The Soul! and Soul Sport have an upgraded audio system with subwoofer, center speaker and 315 watts external amplifier. Standard features for the Soul+ and higher models are cruise control, power mirrors, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry and leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel. Optional features for the Soul+ are fog lamps and power moon roof. The base model has 15-inch steel wheels, the Soul+ has 16-inch alloy wheels and the Soul! and Soul Sport have 18-inch alloy wheels.

The expected fuel economy of the Kia Soul with 1.6-liter engine is somewhere around 26 miles per gallon for city driving and 31 mpg for open roads. The 2.0-liter engine has a fuel economy of 24 mpg for city driving and 30 mpg for open roads.

Why a Complete Car Audio System is Necessary

June 1st, 2011

In a complete car audio system, four aspects come up. The source, sound, bass and the power make up the intricate system of any car audio. The stereo is the source and you can have varieties of stereos and sources, while the sound and bass are taken care of by amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers. The system needs all these aspects to be powered in the right way. Why is a car audio system so necessary? This age old question has confirmed the love of music and entertainment by people from all walks of life. A car cannot be complete without a complete car audio system because there is a lot of boredom to withstand. Your favorite tunes always inspire you to go extra miles and a car audio system is crucial. Other shows you love also keep you keen and glued to your system they feed your imagination and inform you on what you need to know.

However, very few people have the complete system. Some of the components may be broken while others simply not replaced. Some people have thought that a complete car audio system is too expensive while others have no idea about the car audio systems and how they work. Others may be stuck with their systems for years not knowing about the new and cutting edge products that have been produced. Ignorance will play a major role in ensuring that current trends pass you. If you are not satisfied with your source search for good options in your local store and get inspired. You can get the stereos with the latest features or any other kind. They may include CD players, MP3 players and others. look at the new options available and make your decision.

The next thing you shop for are amplifiers and subwoofers. Find out the various kinds available and have some information on their description and functions. Going through their specifications will enlighten you on the great features they come with. Know if they can fit in your space and the subwoofers are specially designed to fit under your seat or in the cargo area. Know the kind of music and sound frequencies you like to enjoy in your car. Bass subwoofers give you a deep beat and transform your whole reception of music. Get to learn the characteristics of various brands and know the most popular. Popular brands are associated with quality but do not dismiss the others.

Smaller brands may be more affordable and as you consider price, put in mind the fact that you want to get fair deals. Go for offers and discounts because they will go a long way in cutting your overall cost. Absorb every information about the products and if need be, print out some information from sites. The information may be on their policies or terms and conditions. You can also print out information on installation if you plan to install your complete car audio system. It is wise not to buy the products at once, each item needs to have special thought and you will have a flexible plan to acquire every system. If you are still not convinced about the price, search for cheap audio systems and lay your fears to rest.