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Nissan GT-R, Armada and the new Kia Sorento | Autoblog Podcast #658

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder and Road Test Editor Zac Palmer for the final episode of 2020. They've been driving some interesting cars, including the Nissan GT-R, the new Nissan Armada, a Mercedes-Benz GLA and a pair of new-gen Kia Sorentos. They talk a bit about an interesting new EV called the Ace from Alpha Motor Corporation. Finally, the trio takes turns talking about their favorite cars they drove this year. Enjoy, and we'll be back with more episodes in 2021. Autoblog Podcast #658 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown What we're driving:2021 Nissan GT-R 2021 Nissan Armada 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 2021 Kia Sorento Alpha Motor Corporation unveils Ace electric coupe Our favorite cars of the year: Zac: Lotus Evora GT John: Polestar 2 Greg: McLaren GT Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: Green Podcasts Kia Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Nissan Coupe Crossover SUV Electric Luxury Performance Sedan Polestar

Hyundai-Kia fuel-economy errors trigger $300M in federal penalties [w/video]

This amount includes $100-million in civil penalties, the largest such fines in EPA history.
Hyundai and Kia are getting more than a slap on the wrist for overstating the fuel economy of an estimated 1.2-million vehicles in their 2011-2013 model ranges. The Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice and the California Air Resources Board are hitting the automakers with collective penalties valued at around $300 million for Clean Air Act violations. This amount includes $100-million in civil penalties, the largest such fines in EPA history. Specifically, Hyundai is paying a $56.8 million penalty and relinquishing 2.7-million greenhouse gas emissions credits. Kia is paying $43.2 million in penalties and giving up 2.05-million credits.

2020 Kia Soul pricing starts at $18,485

Pricing for the 2020 Kia Soul hatchback-crossover-thing has been revealed, and it's a bit more expensive than the old model. The base manual transmission-equipped LX starts at $18,485, which is exactly $1,000 more than the old base manual model. And for those curious, the manual transmission is only available on the LX. The price gap is a tad narrower with the CVT-equipped 2020 Soul, which is only $800 more than the previous one at $19,985. Both versions of the LX, and all trims except the GT-Line with the turbo engine, get a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four making 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up from the base LX trim are several new variants. First up is the S that costs $21,285 and adds standard keyless entry, cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, alloy wheels and body-color door handles and mirrors. The non-turbocharged GT-Line starts at the same price, and it brings sportier bodywork, bigger 18-inch wheels, and leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob. On the other hand, safety features standard on the S, such as blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, become options on the GT-Line. X-line is next and is similar to the GT-Line, but comes with crossover-inspired plastic body cladding, faux skid plates and real roof rails. It costs more at $22,485, though, and it gets even fewer safety features still, losing the GT-Line's options as well as lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking. Topping out the range of Souls with the 2.0-liter engine is the EX at $23,685. It comes with all the features of the S plus heated mirrors, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10.25-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging, push-button start, and leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob. At the top of the range is the GT-Line with turbo engine, and it starts at a shocking $28,485. That's $4,500 more than the outgoing turbocharged Soul, and it's right in line with some pretty serious sporty hatchbacks such as the VW GTI ($28,490), Mini Cooper S ($26,750) and Hyundai Veloster N ($27,820). Compared with other Souls, the top-spec GT-Line gets a force-fed 1.6-liter inline-four making 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the only transmission option.