I would get underneath and look up in the corner to see if you can get a bar between the metal inner bumper and the plastic if you can just pop it out. You may have to pull the bumper off if that doesn't work and pop it out
emissions tend to freeze up in cold weather.. some folks block the extremely cold air up front with a disposable cardboard sheet.. this allows the motor to run warmer..you may need to do this..some cars have a space betweenthe radiator and the ac condenser to slide a sheet in there..otherwise it goes in front of the grille..
White smoke is usually an indication of burning antifreeze and burning oil would have a more bluish tint to it and smell like burning oil. If it's a 2012, isn't it still covered by the KIA warranty though??