The all-new Kia Sportage HEV in “Heritage Blue” displayed at the media event venue in Hollywood. The sleek SUV showcased Kia’s latest hybrid technology before the scenic drive to Oxnard. (All Photos: Vansh Gupta/Siliconeer)
Traffic, superstars, heat, and loads of talent. Yep, I was in the star-ridden area of Hollywood ready to take helm of my own little star to the beautiful coastal town of Oxnard. In the beautiful Casita, stood the new Kia Sportage HEV in ‘Heritage Blue’. Asian Media were welcomed by a hearty breakfast and an encouraging presentation by James Bell, Head of Corporate Communications at Kia America, and Derrick Ty, Senior Product Planning Manager at Kia North America. After learning about the Sportage’s offerings, we were very excited to spend the day in the new Sportage.
With a 140-mile roundtrip journey, I was fortunate enough to escape the LA commute traffic and see what the new Kia Sportage was about. Our journey started from the heart of Hollywood towards the beaches of Oxnard. We then returned to Hollywood just in time to see how the car performed when real life kicks in – traffic. A little escape from being behind a giant rectangular screen, we were greeted with hills, valleys, and coastal views, paired with a delectable lunch, and engaging dialogue on automotive. Here are snapshots of the journey.
James Kim, Account Director at Xen Media, connects Asian Media with James Bell and Derrick Ty of Kia America.James Bell, Head of Corporate Communications at Kia America, speaks to attendees about the brand’s vision and the Sportage HEV’s place in Kia’s expanding hybrid lineup.Derrick Ty, Senior Product Planning Manager at Kia North America, addresses Asian media during the presentation on the Sportage HEV’s features and capabilities.Media and automotive journalists examine the Kia Sportage HEV up close, getting hands-on experience with the vehicle before the test drive portion of the event.The Kia Sportage HEV positioned elegantly in front of the Ox and Ocean, Manhattan Beach in Oxnard, CA showcasing the vehicle’s modern design against classy California Spanish architecture.A beautifully plated Panna Cotta with fresh berries, served during lunch at the Ox and Ocean in Oxnard.The lunch spread featuring Asian-inspired dishes including Kimchi fried rice, lettuce wraps, noodles, and wok-fired vegetables, providing fuel for the return journey to Hollywood.The pristine Oxnard coastline with its iconic palm trees lining the beach.A walkway from the Ox and Ocean leading to the Oxnard beach area, where media members could experience the coastal charm that served as the turnaround point for the drive.The beautiful Oxnard coastline featuring palm trees and Spanish-style architectureOutdoor patio at the Ox and Ocean overlooking the Oxnard coastOn the way back, we decided to blast Britney Spear’s latest hits as seen on the Sportage HEV’s advanced infotainment system displaying navigation, music, and vehicle information across its wide dashboard screen during the test drive.We conclude our drive through Hollywood’s busy streets in the Sportage HEV, experiencing real-world traffic conditions after the scenic coastal journey.
A full auto review of the new Kia Sportage HEV will be in our upcoming Diwali Special issue.
