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Kia's iconic Soul line has made a name for itself in the car industry. The moment you envision a Soul, you probably start thinking about its unique design, sporty yet efficient performance, refined interior, excellent sound system, and advanced safety technologies. That's a pretty great package that doesn't leave a ton of room for improvement. But, of course, Kia has to constantly outdo itself and it does so with the 2020 Soul. Packing in even more amazing features and power, the 2020 Soul is worth getting hyped about. Here's what you need to know about this car. Iconic Design, Redefined With the 2020 Soul, Kia opts for a familiar appearance with a squared-off approach to the midsize SUV design. Its bold grille and headlamps make for a statement-making front fascia, while the various accents and subtle design touches make for a modern and noteworthy appearance out on the road. With instant identification, the ability to stand out in a crowd, and an inviting aesthetic, the Soul is built to take on any road that comes its way. more Exceptional Performance Not only will the 2020 Soul's design amaze you, but its performance will as well. Depending on which trim level you opt for, you'll receive either a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque or a 1.6-liter inline-4 with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. You also get either a six-speed manual, intelligent variable, or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. On top of that, Kia also includes advanced suspensions, improved handling, and enhanced steering. Combined, the specs under the hood of the 2019 Soul prove exceptional performance across any terrain and through any climate. The powerful engines can crush any track, while the upgraded suspensions and transmissions help to produce a smooth driving experience. All-in-all, you'll be nothing short of impressed with what the Soul can kick out. Stunning Interior Step inside the 2020 Soul and you'll find a cabin that's comfortable, stylish, and full of conveniences. Comfortable seating, premium materials, a dual-level cargo bed, and more make great use of the amount of room inside the vehicle. Meanwhile, accent lights, a modern and stylish dashboard, and premium stitching add flair to the overall aesthetic. Handy Amenities Of course, with any Kia car, you get lots of amenities, and the 2020 Soul doesn't skimp out on any. In this case, you'll find features such as an available 10.25-inch touch screen, Harman Kardon audio, UVO, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Google Home compatibility, and Qi wireless phone charging. You also get Kia's wide array of safety features, which includes things like blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane change assist, park assist, smart cruise control, and a rearview camera. With so many great features to get excited for, you'll find that there's something for everyone in the 2020 Kia Soul. To learn more about this amazing SUV, be sure to visit Burns Kia in Orangeburg and take one for a test drive. Image via kia.com

The Kia Telluride is a giant eight-passenger crossover that boasts being the largest vehicle that the car company has ever produced. It is very popular among its class and recently placed Best in Show at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Performance The Kia Telluride is a big crossover with a big engine. It comes with a 3.8-liter, Lambda DOHC, 24-valve V-6 engine that pumps out 291 horsepower with 262 pound-feet of torque that lets it tow up to 5,000 pounds while being loaded with passengers and cargo. The Telluride is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions and uses an electronically controlled eight-speed automatic transmission that is equipped with a locking center differential and torque vectoring corner control. These features add low-speed traction and adjust for more understeering respectively. The suspension has independent MacPherson front struts and an independent multilink in the back that keeps the ride feeling smooth over bumps and holes in the road. Also, there are four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking to bring the Telluride to a quick stop. Exterior The Telluride has a lot of smooth lines that give it a modern and sophisticated look. Accents like Kia's signature tiger-nose grille, low-profile roof rails, and shark-fin antenna add a sporty feel, while the 18-inch alloy wheels add flair. There are five different color schemes available, including Snow White Pearl, Gravity Grey, Sangria, Everlasting Silver, and Ebony Black. A number of features outside the Telluride are for more than just show. Solar control glass and sound-absorbing windshield glass keep excessive heat and noise from entering the cabin. LED daytime running lights and projection headlights give drivers more visibility, as well as making the vehicle more visible to other drivers. Finally, heated mirrors with LED signal indicators give drivers a clear view of what's behind them while giving other drivers a heads up. Interior The inside of the 2020 Kia Telluride is big. The head, leg, and body room for adult-sized passengers is ample, even in the third row. In fact, with 178 cubic feet of passenger room, the Telluride is one of the biggest crossovers in its class. Cargo room is also huge and can be increased thanks to the 60/40 split-folding second- and third-row seats. Kia uses their UVO infotainment system which comes with an 8.0-inch touch screen display and a bunch of apps. Some of the apps are for entertainment purposes such as Pandora and Android Auto, while others are for navigation like SiriusXM Traffic. Users can also check on the status of the Telluride, provide assistance, and perform security functions like Speed Alert, Curfew Limit, Geo Fence, and Find my Car. These features keep tabs on the Telluride using GPS tracking and will alert the owner if the limits are broken. The power, roominess, and available options for the 2020 Kia Telluride make it a great crossover for vacations, road trips, and everyday commutes. For more information and to set up a test drive, check out the Telluride crossovers that are currently available.

Orangeburg, South Carolina, has a great restaurant scene for those looking for some delicious comfort foods to brighten up a dull day. Check out these top spots to grab some high-calorie munchies that are great no matter how you are feeling. Original House of Pizza Since 1981, this family-owned pizzeria has been serving the residents of Orangeburg slices of freshly baked pie topped with pretty much anything you can think of. Their create-your-own option lets customers customize their pizza with everything from pepperoni and cheese to gyro and broccoli. There are also pre-selected recipes to choose from like the Hawaiian or the Meat Pizza. In addition to pizza, there are also salads, wings, calzones, appetizers, subs, and other foods available. more The Original House of Pizza offers takeout and dine-in service. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Dukes Bar-B-Que This loose confederacy of family-owned barbecue restaurants was originally opened during the 1950s by Earl Dukes across Orangeburg County. Over the years, different siblings and other members of the family have opened Dukes locations throughout the low country of South Carolina. They sell authentic South Carolina-style barbecue, including slow-cooked chicken, brisket, pork, and other cuts of meat that come slathered in a choice of sauces including their own Orangeburg Sweet mustard-based barbecue sauce. There are also plenty of sides and cold beverages to enjoy in this fun, Americana-style restaurant. The Dukes Bar-B-Que on 1298 Whitman St. in Orangeburg is only open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Customers can dine in or order takeout. Fatz Cafe Fatz is an American restaurant through and through. They offer sizable portions of steak, burgers, seafood, sandwiches, ribs, chicken, and desserts. The owners pride themselves on not being a fancy restaurant but rather offering down-home cooking with a personal touch. Founded in 1988, the original location was a converted peach stand that has since grown to include dozens of locations throughout the mid and deep south. Fatz Cafe is located at 3575 Saint Matthews Road in Orangeburg and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. The Brown Derby This quaint little barbecue joint features all the favorites, including fried chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, catfish, and more. There is a minimalistic ambiance to the Brown Derby, which makes it perfect for customers who aren't looking for fancy decorations or a bunch of televisions on the wall. This is a great place to stop by for an afternoon lunch or early dinner. The Brown Derby is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. They're located at 1399 Belleville Road in Orangeburg. These restaurants are the perfect remedy for the Monday blues or to scratch that chicken wing fix on a Friday night. This might not be the healthiest food out there, but it sure is the most delicious. Image by stu_spivack via cc by-sa 2.0

Entering its second year of production, the Kia Stinger has new safety features and hardware that are quickly helping it to top contender status among performance cars. Check out the key features that make the Stinger a top-level player in its class. Performance There are five different trim levels that offer different setups to better fit customer expectations. The lower two trims — the 2.0L and Premium — have a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine that generates 255 horsepower and travels from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just under six seconds. The upper three trim levels — GT, GT1, and GT2 — come with a 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V-6 that pushes 365 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 167 miles per hour. Either engine is a powerful choice that will have no problem being quick off the line or passing other cars on the highway. more Every trim level is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for an added cost of $2,000. The only transmission choice is an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a centrifugal pendulum absorber that reduces vibration through the drivetrain increasing shifting smoothness. The GT trims also have a limited-slip differential and Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control to increase performance. The Stinger suspension uses a MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar setup in the front and multilink in the rear with high-performance dampeners to smooth out bumps and holes in the road. Exterior The Kia Stinger is built from the ground up to be a visual representation of the power and performance found under the hood. It is available in five different colors and has a smooth, aerodynamic look with 18-inch aluminum wheels and model specific accents. LED headlamps and turn signals both add to the look of performance, as well as provide added visibility on the road. Options like a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, and custom grille/bumper on the GT trims add a hint of luxury that blends well with the Stinger's sporty look. Interior The Stinger is built to house four passengers with a decent amount of legroom in the rear seats for adults. The seats are fabric with leather trim, can be adjusted to different degrees based on the model, and are heated. 60/40 split rear seats can be folded down for hauling extra cargo that won't fit in the trunk. The gear shift and steering wheel are leather wrapped and there's an option for the steering wheel to be heated. Kia's UVO infotainment system includes a base 7-inch color touch screen or an optional 8-inch touch screen with navigational voice commands. There are a lot of apps to bring entertainment into the car, including Pandora, SiriusXM, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. There are also security features and the ability to check the Stinger's system status. The power, handling, and aesthetics are just three reasons why the Kia Stinger makes such a good choice for those looking for a high-performance car. For more information on what the Stinger can offer you, check out these models that are currently available. Image by nan palmero via cc by 2.0

Orangeburg, South Carolina (also known as The Garden City), is one of those beautiful little southern cities replete with rich, vibrant flora, friendly residents, and interesting sites to see. Check out this list of places to visit the next time you have some extra time to spare. Edisto Memorial Gardens Dating back to the 1920s, the Edisto Memorial Gardens sits on 175 acres of land showcasing roses, camellias, azaleas, and cypress trees that are more than 100 years old. The garden is located on U.S. Highway 301 in Orangeburg and sits on the spot where a confrontation between Confederate and Union armies took place during the last year of the Civil War. One of the main attractions that visitors flock to see is the rose garden, which was voted award-winning and was an All-American Rose Garden test site back in 1973. The Festival of Roses is held every year during the month of May and is free to the public. Other attractions that visitors can check out include a wetlands park, a boat dock to explore the Edisto River, sculptures, an authentic waterwheel, and more. The garden is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Hillcrest Golf Course With 18 holes of lush fairways, well-groomed greens, and plenty of traps and hazards, the Hillcrest Golf Course is a delight for golfers of every level. This par 72 golf course was originally opened in 1973 and since that time has remained open year-round offering the public a chance to hit the links. In addition to open golfing, Hillcrest also offers league play and lessons to help players lower their score. The facilities at Hillcrest give golfers the opportunity to rest and relax at the clubhouse, pick up a new set of clubs in the pro shop, or get some practice swings in at their driving range. They are located at 1280 State A&M Road in Orangeburg and can be reached either through their website or by phone at 803-533-6030. Mikey's Social Club For those who like to enjoy a spirit or two, Mikey's Social Club offers a large selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as a quiet and respectable ambiance. Patrons can enjoy grabbing a bite to eat from their full-service kitchen, chatting it up with the regulars, playing some darts, watching some sports on one of the televisions, or sitting outside on the patio. Mikey's Social Club is a warm, friendly place that opens its doors to everyone regardless of whether they are a local or a Yankee from up north. They can found at 1922 Charleston Highway in Orangeburg and are open most nights. For more information, give them a call at 803-534-1912. As you can see, Orangeburg has a rich diversity of places to visit, though they are all imbibed with the rich vegetation that is tied to its fertile ground. Make sure to check out the places on this list the next time you're looking for something to do in Orangeburg. Image by Gerry Dincher via cc by-sa 2.0

So you've just bought a new car and you're wondering what steps you should take to keep it properly maintained. Fortunately, it's easy to recognize that there's a problem when you know what to look for. Let's discuss the signs that indicate your car needs repair. You Can't Feel the Air Since the air conditioner is a frequently used car component, it's subject to a lot of wear and tear. If there's an issue with your car's air conditioner, you'll notice that it is putting out less air, warm air instead of cool air, or no air at all. You might also notice that the air conditioner is louder or rattles when it's turned on. If you notice an odd smell when you turn on the air conditioner, that's another sign that something's wrong. Finally, be on the lookout for water pooling on the floor of the car when the air conditioner is running. more These air conditioning issues can be caused by a wide range of factors, from mold buildup to a toasted ventilation fan to a hose that's just come loose. Your car's compressor could be worn out and may need to be replaced. Another possible cause is a blockage in the air conditioner's drain. You See a Flashing Light Most drivers, at one time or another, have seen their check engine light come on while they're driving. If you see this light illuminate, it's usually nothing to panic about. Often, it's something as simple as a loose gas cap. However, if the check engine light is flashing you should get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. A flashing check engine light indicates a serious problem with the engine that if not attended to can render your car undriveable. One issue that could cause the check engine light to flash is a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor. Your car's engine needs a specific mix of air and fuel to properly function. A bad sensor can cause an improper mixture. Another cause is a misfiring engine. If your car's engine is misfiring it can cause damage to the catalytic converters and could even lead to your car catching on fire. You See Smoke You should never, ever see smoke coming from the hood of your car. If you see smoke while you're driving, you should pull over as soon as possible and have your car towed to a repair shop. Smoke indicates that your engine is overheated and continuing to drive can cause serious damage. One way to avoid this potential issue is to keep an eye on your car's temperature gauge. If the temperature starts to go up, you should have your car checked out to see what is causing the increase. Excessive smoke coming from the exhaust system is another sign that your car needs maintenance or repair. Hopefully, you've found this information helpful. If you pay attention to these signs, you can keep your car running like brand-new. Stay safe and enjoy the ride! Image by drewgstephens via CC BY-SA 2.0

With spring on the way and the arrival of warmer weather, it's time to start planning some fun outdoor activities. Luckily for those of us who live in the Orangeburg area, there are lots of great things to do outdoors. Let's discuss what the Orangeburg area has to offer. Edisto Memorial Gardens The Edisto Memorial Gardens is a great destination for both nature lovers and history buffs. On February 12, 1865, the Confederate Army temporarily halted an advancement by the Union Army where the gardens now stand. This confrontation is commemorated with a bronze marker. In the 1920s, five acres of azaleas were planted and a playground was added. In 1947 a greenhouse was added, while 1951 saw the planting of the garden's first rose. The Edisto Memorial Rose Garden now contains 79 rose beds. The garden also features a wetlands park, a butterfly garden, a serenity garden, and a sensory garden. more Riverbanks Zoo & Garden The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in nearby Columbia is a South Carolina treasure. The zoo's Ndoki Forest is a stunning recreation of the African forest and serves as a home to elephants, meerkats, and gorillas. In the Riverbanks Conservation Outpost, you'll spot a variety of animals, including the black-footed cat, golden-lion tamarin, and Matschie's tree kangaroo. During your visit, be sure to visit the Riverbanks Farm. As you enter the farm's barn you'll see a group of barn owls roosting overhead and you'll have the chance to interact with alpacas and goats. If you're feeling adventurous, the zoo offers an exciting zip line tour. Congaree National Park Congaree National Park provides visitors with all sorts of ways to enjoy its diverse and beautiful surroundings. There are several hiking trails offering spectacular views of the park's oxbow lakes, the Congaree River, and old-growth trees that are part of the country's tallest deciduous forest. There is also a marked trail in Cedar Creek for canoeing and kayaking. While paddling down the creek, you're sure to see river otter, deer, turtles, wading birds, and even an alligator or two. Fishing is also permitted with a valid South Carolina fishing license. Congaree National Park has two campgrounds to accommodate overnight visitors. Hillcrest Golf Club Hillcrest Golf Club, one of the top-ranked municipal golf courses in the Carolinas, is accommodating to beginner golfers while providing an exciting challenge for more experienced players all in a beautiful setting. Instruction is offered by Hillcrest's friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the course's practice facility features a driving range, putting green, a practice chipping green, and a practice bunker. You'll find all of the apparel and equipment you need at the course's fully-stocked pro shop. You can also grab a bite to eat at the clubhouse grill and enjoy a game of tennis on one of the club's four hard surface courts. These are just some of the wonderful outdoor activities in the Orangeburg area. Consider planning a trip so you can see for yourself the wonders of South Carolina. Stay safe and have fun! Image by SymphonicPoet via CC BY 2.0

If you're a commuter in search of a new car, look no further. Kia vehicles are the perfect combination of efficiency, reliability, comfort, and entertainment. Let's talk about some Kia models and what makes them a great option for your commute. Rio You know the old saying, "Big things come in small packages?" That perfectly describes the 2019 Kia Rio. This subcompact car comes equipped with a powerful and efficient 130-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and has a highway rating of 37 miles per gallon. Its responsive handling takes the stress out of your commute. Even more relaxing is the Kia's plush seating and six-way adjustable driver's seat. The sliding center armrest has been lengthened to provide you with even more support. With the Kia's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, you'll be able to make calls, access apps, and listen to your favorite tunes. more Forte The 2019 Forte is a compact sedan that combines style, performance, and value. Equipped with a 147-horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder engine, it has a highway rating of 41 miles per gallon. The Forte allows you to choose between different driving modes, including comfort and sport, so you can customize every commute. And speaking of comfort, you'll appreciate the Forte's Sofino leatherette interiors and seats that feature three different heat settings as well as ventilation. The Forte's active safety systems adjust to hazardous road conditions and emergency situations to give you even more confidence and control. Optima The 2019 Optima balances performance and efficiency like no other midsize car can. It's powered by a 245-horsepower, 2-liter turbo engine capable of producing 260 pound-feet of torque and has a highway rating of 37 miles per gallon. The Optima's spacious and quiet cabin was designed with driver comfort in mind. The flat bottom leather steering wheel with molded grips provides perfect placement for your hands, while the driver side console gives you even more space. Advanced safety systems like hill-start assist control and vehicle stability management automatically engage with your surroundings so you can stay focused on the road. Sportage The 2019 Sportage isn't just a great commuter vehicle, it's also the perfect option for that well-deserved road trip. Equipped with a 240-horsepower, 2-liter engine, it has a highway rating of 30 miles per gallon. Its structure and extended body insulation provide a smooth and quiet ride unlike any other SUV. With its Dynamax all-wheel-drive system, the Sportage can sense changing road and weather conditions and adjust accordingly to provide proper traction. The Sportage's seats are constructed using soft-touch materials and scientifically calibrated touch points that provide ultimate comfort. The angled console, displays, and buttons are designed to reduce driver fatigue, even on long trips. Whether you're working outside of the office or on vacation, you'll appreciate the fresh breezes provided by the Sportage's panoramic sunroof. The smart power liftgate makes it easier to load all of your necessary equipment and favorite gear. These are just some of the best Kia models for commuters. Consider taking a test drive so you can see which one is right for you. Image by RL GNZLZ via CC BY-SA 2.0

Spring is upon us, and that means the start of event season in Orangeburg. No matter what your interest, you're sure to find a special event in the area to enjoy. Let's talk about some of the upcoming spring events and what they have to offer. St. Patrick's Day Festival The Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association invites Orangeburg residents and visitors alike to don their best green apparel and gather in downtown's Memorial Plaza for it's third annual St. Patrick's Day Festival, held on March 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The festival promises fun for the whole family, with music and dancing provided by Jimmy Joyner and the Main Street Band. The Downtown Leprechaun will be in attendance to hand out a special gift to children under 12 who come dressed in green. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and while you're downtown, make sure to check out the area's unique shops. more Governor's Frog Jump The Governor's Frog Jump has been an Easter weekend tradition since 1969. It all started when the town of Springfield, South Carolina, sent a frog to compete in the famous Calaveras County Frog Jump in 1968. The Springfield frog won the contest so the town decided to host its own frog jumping competition. The competition evolved into a weekend-long event featuring a carnival, food, crafts, a parade, entertainment, games, and, of course, the frog jump. Since the event takes place on the same weekend as Easter, there is also an egg strike competition and Easter egg hunt. Orangeburg Festival of Roses The Orangeburg Festival of Roses is held every year on the weekend before Mother's Day in the historic Edisto Memorial Gardens. It celebrates the start of the rose blooming season. The garden's first rose was planted in 1951, and now the gardens are home to 79 beds of roses. While attending the festival, you'll see thousands of roses, including miniatures and Old Garden Roses, blooming near the Edisto River, the longest black water river in the world. The festival also features food vendors and entertainment. While there\, you'll also want to visit Edisto's wetland park, butterfly garden, serenity garden, and sensory garden. Classic Car Show on the Square The Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association is proud to present the 7th Annual Classic Car Show on the Square. Antique car owners are encouraged to register their vehicle for display and competition. In addition to the beautiful cars on display, the show features music, food vendors, door prizes, and activities for the kids. Attendees are also invited to participate in a fan belt toss. The festival takes place on May 4. If you'd like to register your antique car, registration is held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The show is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These are just some of the fun events that you can look forward to this spring. No matter which one you choose to attend, stay safe and have a great time! Image by VirtualWolf via CC BY-SA 2.0

The Kia Optima is a quality midsize sedan that has gained high praise from sources like U.S. News & World Report and Car and Driver. If you've settled on this make and model, you can rest assured that you've picked a fantastic vehicle known for its fuel efficiency, drivability, and comforts. The next step in your shopping experience is to pick a trim that's best for your needs. We've outlined the options below to help you decide on the right 2019 Kia Optima model. LX The LX is the base Kia model with the lowest MSRP. This option starts at $22,990 and is available in six colors. You always have two choices for the interior: brown or black cloth. The LX gets 185 horsepower out of a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine. The LX gets 25 miles per gallon in city and 35 on the highway. All 2019 Optima powertrains have a dual continuously variable valve timing transmission. more While every trim has a touch screen, the LX starts with a basic 8-inch display and UVO play. You can upgrade this to the next level and, while it's the same size, it comes with UVO link and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. S The S is one of two midlevel trims and starts at $24,990. This model is available in five exterior colors and comes with sport black cloth seats. The S gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway. Finally, this trim comes standard with UVO link and SiriusXM Satellite Radio coupled with an 8-inch touch screen. EX The EX is the next trim level, starting at $26,890. It's available in seven colors, including the exclusive titanium silver. You have your choice of either gray or black leather. The EX runs on a turbocharged 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 1-4 that gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the highway. This powertrain delivers 178 horsepower. This is the only trim that runs on a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All others have a six-speed automatic transmission. The EX comes standard with the same touch screen as the S. However, you have the option to upgrade to a system that includes voice command navigation and additional SiriusXM capabilities. SX The SX is the premium trim with an MSRP of $31,990. In exchange for a starting higher price, you get an Optima loaded with features. It starts with five choices for the exterior color and five for the interior seats: bronze Nappa leather, red leather, black Nappa leather, aubergine Nappa leather, and black leather. The SX runs on a turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine 1-4 that gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. This top-rated engine delivers 245 horsepower. The SX gets a premium touch screen as a standard feature. This display has an 8-inch screen with voice command navigation and SiriusXM Traffic and HD Radio. The Kia Optima is an exceptional vehicle that's earned its praise. While you now have a better idea of what each trim offers, it's worth shopping for the right Optima in person in order to select the best vehicle for you. Visit Burns Kia to test drive your favorites today.

The 2019 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV, and despite its size, it's got a surprising amount of utility. This is only one factor that elevates this vehicle over others in its class. These are four reasons why you'll love driving a Kia Sportage. Utility Compact vehicles usually don't have much utility, but the new Sportage changes things. Though it's not as powerful as a full-size SUV, it's still got ample space. With the seats up, you've got 30.7 cubic feet of cargo volume to work with. You can lower the back seats to access double that amount at 60.1 cubic feet of space. The convenience of ample room in a compact SUV is nice, but this isn't the only way the Sportage delivers in terms of functionality. This vehicle offers a max towing capacity of 1,650 pounds, which is great news for families who like to travel with luggage, kayaks, or a small trailer. more Fuel Efficiency Fuel efficiency is another area where most SUVs don't stand out. Yet again, the Sportage goes against convention with an economic engine compared to others in its class. This Kia boasts up to 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. This is possible on the front-wheel drive LX, which has a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4. The EX has the same engine, but the front-wheel drive model delivers slightly less efficiency at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. Finally, the premium SX Turbo has the most powerful engine and gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. Power The Sportage has two engines: the 2.4-liter in the LX and EX and a turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 exclusive to the SX Turbo. All engines have an automatic transmission and come standard with front-wheel drive. Regardless of the trim, you can upgrade to an available four-wheel drive powertrain. A locking center differential is optional on all trims. The LX and EX front and all-wheel drive models gain 181 horsepower. The SX Turbo front-wheel drive gets 240 horsepower and 237 as an all-wheel drive vehicle. Plush Interior and Stylish Exterior The Sportage looks thrilling inside and out. Occupants are kept comfortable on quality seating materials, though options vary depending on the trim you select. The LX has either black or gray woven cloth seats. With the EX, you can pick a black, gray, or cool gray leather interior. The SX also has black leather, or you can upgrade to beige or gray leather. The exterior also has a range of color choices, including eight on the LX and SX Turbo and 11 on the EX. The EX has three special paint jobs that go with this trim's exclusive Sport Appearance Package. Don't let its size fool you. The Kia Sportage is powerful and economic for its class, delivers an exceptional driving experience, and is fun to customize. Check out the latest models at Burns Kia and stop by for more information about this compact SUV.

Orangeburg is loaded with delicious places to eat, and if you crave Italian, you're especially in for a treat. There are many local eateries that specialize in this type of cuisine. Check out these restaurants specializing in pizza, risotto, and other Italian foods. Villa Tronco From the 19th century building its housed in to its traditional Italian fare, Villa Tronco stands out as a particularly romantic eatery. The menu is loaded with tasty entrees, including classics like tomato sauce and cheese pizza and linguine with clam sauce. There are also a few unique specialty items, including Carmella's Famous Cheesecake and salads tossed in their special Villa Tronco dressing. The restaurant is also known for its generous slices of pizza. more Villa Tronco is in neighboring Columbia at 1213 Blanding St. It's open Tuesday through Friday for lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday for dinner from 5-10 p.m. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday. Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant is another exceptional option if you're looking for a charming location to take your loved one to. This eatery has been in business since 1979, and in that time, it's become a local favorite known for its wonderful ambiance and equally fantastic food. The menu features Italian staples like chicken parmigiana and paradelle Bolognese, as well as a rotating selection of chef's specials. Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant can be found at 300 Meeting St. in nearby West Columbia. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m. Original House of Pizza Original House of Pizza is another spot that's been in business for a long time. The restaurant has operated as a family business since 1981. It's also the perfect balance between intimate and convenient. You can make a reservation to ensure you get a table during peak hours, or you can place a takeout order to enjoy at home or work. On the menu, you'll find appetizers, salads, and dozens of options for pizza, Stromboli dishes, calzones, and more. Original House of Pizza is in Orangeburg at 591 John C. Calhoun Drive. It's open at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. However, the restaurant closes at 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. DE Mara's Italian Restaurant Just outside of Orangeburg in Sumter is a superb Italian restaurant known for its casual atmosphere. It's excellent food, large portions, and prices that attract so many people to this eatery. Sandwiches and classic Italian options, like pizza, are on the menu. You can find DE Mara's Italian Restaurant at 2070 Peach Orchard Road. It's open during the week from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., although it stays open an extra half hour every Friday. Saturday hours are from 4:30-9:30 p.m., and Sunday hours are from noon-5:30 p.m. Orangeburg has several memorable Italian restaurants, and you'll find even more in nearby towns, like Columbia and Augusta. This gives you ample options for affordable, quick-serve spots, as well as upscale eateries and everything in between. Check out the above restaurants the next time you're craving quality Italian food. Image by Melissakis, H. via CC BY 2.0