New York — Automakers Mini and Kia have announced some audio enhancements to their 2011 car models.
Mini announced that HD Radio and Sirius satellite radio will both be standard for all 2011 Mini models. Previously these were optional, priced at $500 each, and customers will receive a one‐year subscription to Sirius.
Meanwhile, Kia announced that its 2011 Sportage crossover utilty vehicle will come standard with an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius satellite radio audio system with three months complimentary Sirius service.
Also standard in the Sportage will be auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation of compatible mobile phones.
The 2011 Sportage also will be among the first Kia models to offer UVO powered by Microsoft, an advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system that enables drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls and receive and respond to SMS text messages.
HD Radio will be offered as an option, Kia said.
