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Summer in San Diego is geographical perfection!
The weather is warm, but not too warm. The days are long and the nights are still relatively cool. It doesn’t get better. Plus, we have a really great downtown that has some of the best restaurants, bars and hotels with views across the skyline. A couple weekends ago I got to enjoy a couple days in Downtown San Diego with our friends at Kia!
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kia many times before when they were launching a new vehicle, or to showcase a specific car on one of our travel adventures, but this time was different. This time it was to celebrate just how far the brand has come over the past 20+ years.
I think all of us recognize this guy! He remains Pete and the girls favorite commercial icon from way back in the day. I mean we still call the Kia Soul the “hamster car” and Ashley has always said that will be her first car. The marketing behind it was genius, and it really put out there how different Kia is from the early days until now. Did you know that they were ranked last, like at the complete bottom by J.D. Power and Associates in the 90’s and today they are at the top!
Personally, I’ve know this for quite awhile now. A couple years ago I was reintroduced to Kia and I was shocked, yes… seriously shocked at what a great car (and SUV and mini-van) they have created. I am head over heals in LOVE with the Sedona, and I am really picky about the cars that I will drive. I have owned and driven pretty much every luxury brand out there, and I felt like the Kia had all the bells and whistles I could ask for, plus a great safety record. I am also thrilled about the upcoming release of the Kia Niro, a sleek new hybrid utility vehicle!
This view right here set the mood for the whole event. Fun, educational, relaxing and exciting. Just like Kia.
In between learning about Kia’s lineup of vehicles, there were also moments of fun as we decorated guitars and had platefuls of local delicacies. We were staying at the Hard Rock after all, so there was a lot of rock n’ roll happening!
The music influence from the hotel spilled into the vehicles since Kia has a pretty awesome partnership with Harman Kardon for the sound systems in their vehicles. We most definitely tested them out. Once I got the music pumping, it felt more like a club than a car. The quality was that good!
We had a great group of people too, which really helps set the mood at these events, and I loved all the comments and questions they asked throughout our time together.
But, if I’m being honest… my favorite part was just getting out and driving the different Kia vehicles.
My driving buddy, Danielle had never driven a Sedona before, so I insisted that we drive that one first. We took it on a loop around East Bay, and then headed back to the hotel. After lunch, we took out the Sorento. This is one of my favorite SUV’s right now. It is loaded with technology and very easy to drive with a lot of visibility for those of us that are vertically challenged and on the taller side.
I love this mini van so much that I had a little photo shoot with it next to an old bridge. I think it enjoyed the special attention!
The thing about Kia and both their vehicles and their press events is that they pay attention to the details. The little things like having plenty of cup holders, and outlets and room for passengers and their stuff in the cargo area. Plus these cupcakes. They are all about creating a driving experience and one for us as we are learning more about them.
After a day jam packed with driving and exploring, we settled back in the hotel for a night of fun! There was live karaoke, a photo booth, and so much food!
It was a great weekend in my home city, and I had a good reminder that you most definitely can party like a rock star in your home town, if you are in the right company. Thanks Kia for a great time and for producing some awesome vehicles!
It looks like a great time was had by all. I have heard good things about Kia. Next time I’m shopping for a new vehicle I will have to check them out.
We were just in sanding this summer! This place looks awesome. Very variatised 🙂
My daughter and son in law drive a Kia Soul. I never considered one until they got theirs but it is a really good car.
It looks like you had an amazing time! We’ve been weighing our options for a new car and Kia is at the top of our list so far. They’re amazing cars.
This looks like such a great time. I am glad you were able to take your Kia here and experience all of it’s features and mingle a bit in downtown San Diego! Thank you for sharing!
This looked like a lot of fun. I’m definitely a Kia fan. I’d probably consider the Sedona or Sorento for our next vehicle.
Sounds like you all had an awesome time out there! Looks like the key is a nice car to have too! A lot of fun and versatile!
What fun! I’ve been looking at different Kia models, and will go check out the key!
That looks like so much fun. Sounds like everyone had a great time too. I’ve never driven a Kia before. That van looks really nice though.
What a fun time! All of their cars look amazing! 🙂 Oh and that cupcake looks yum!!!
Kia has come a long way from when they were first introduced. They have some really nice vehicles now. I really like the Soul. I think it’s a cute car.
This looks like an amazing experience. I’d love to have a Kia Sedona as my family car!
That cheese platter looks to die for. Now I’m hungry….
The event looks like it was a blast! Love the cars, too!
We’ve had the pleasure of test driving a few Kia vehicles. In fact, my husband thought the Kia Sorento would be a wonderful family vehicle.
This looks like it was a fun event. I am looking for a new vehicle. I will have to check out KIA. I loved my time in San Diego and can not wait to go back.
We take a lot of road trips and it seems that KIA would be comfy for the whole family during our travels! I’ll have to look into getting one for our next vehicle!
I currently drive a Cadillac DTS but have wanted to trade up to a hybrid. I’m going to keep my eyes out for the new Niro. Sound likes it’s exactly what I want and need!
It looks like you had tons of fun! I would love to try out a hybrid vehicle sometime!
I have always wanted to visit San Diego. I am now wanting a Kia vehicle. When I am in need of a new car, it will definitely be a Kia.
All those guitars are really pretty! And that Kia looks really sweet too, I didn’t know there was a new one out.
This is so cool! What a great opportunity to work with KIA! I hope to have one of these vehicles!
Wow, Kia is one of the brands that we are looking forward to. This is a nice event.
From worst to first, now that’s pretty cool. I did a budget project in 6th grade and I remember cutting out an ad for a Kia as our car.
My sister saved a lot of money by buying a kia. She loves it!
What a fun event! Kia really has come a long way since they first started making cars. I many more people are seeking stylish affordable options and Kia gives that to them.
THat’s a pretty fun looking event. I like the Sedona. It’s sharp looking.
That looks like such a fun time! I love Kia and The Hard Rock Hotels! Love that you all rocked out!
What a fun event. My friend just bought a new Sedona and loves it! Makes me want to test drive one soon.
I’ve been really impressed by the Kias I’ve driven! Looks like an amazing event!
Looked like such a fun experience! We have two Kia vehicles in our home and love them!
My husband and I drool over these cars all the time. They’re just a great option all the way around and in our opinion, great for traveling!
San Diego is one of my favorite cities in the world. So lucky to be able to explore in a great line of cars.
This looks so fun! Love that you got to try out the new car too!
I love Kia cars, my uncle own one. When the time we are able to have our own, we will buy a Kia.
This was such a great event! I loved the food, company and testing out the new Kias! Kias have definitely have come a long ways in the past few years!
Looks like a fun gathering and very informative! I love the new design of this model!
I love Kia, I think it’s their commercials that drew me in lol. Looks like a vary informative event with lots of fun going on as well.
Nice to see Kia still rockin’ it out! I’m just wondering if that somebody up there is Slash or just looks like him but nevertheless, it’s all about the cars and I was once a proud owner, looking good for them!