2010 Kia Forte coupe

Kia has announced its first-ever two-door coupe passenger car at the 2009 NYIAS. The Koup is part of the Forte range that replaces the Spectra model in the US. The new Forte sedan made its US debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The Forte Koup's design is based on the KOUP Concept which was shown at the 2008 NYIAS.

Styling details of note include wrap-around headlights, the aggressive air intakes, dual tailpipes and a rear diffuser. Two trim levels on offer are the EX and SX. The EX is the standard Forte Koup and it arrives with features like a 2.0-litre 156hp (115kW) and 144 pound-feet engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing, a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The higher-spec SX has a 2.4-litre straight-four motor with 173hp (127kW) and 168 pound-feet of torque. It returns 22mpg in city driving and 32mpg under highway conditions when mated to the 6-speed manual.

Kia says the body achieves high torsional stiffness which is good news for those looking for more than just straight line speed. More good news for the feisty driver is that the suspension system is sport-tuned to give a firmer ride. To balance performance with safety the FWD Koup has ABS brakes, electronic stability control and more than four airbags.

Some of the creature comforts listed are Bluetooth connectivity, iPod and USB auxiliary inputs, a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities are part of the music player and come with a free three-month subscription to the service.

© Source: worldcarfans
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2010 Kia Aero Soul APRIL System

(from Kia Press Release) Kia has revealed its new Aero-Soul concept that reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions with a simple and low-cost system called Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line. Although unveiled on the company’s stylish and fun cross-over Soul the patented system can be easily extended to all the company’s vehicles and will even be available as a bolt-on accessory for vehicles already in use.

The system relies on small sensors built into the front and rear bumpers which monitor external wind speed and deploy panels when the wind is sufficient to provide additional directional impetus according to the car’s behaviour.

So at cruising speeds if the wind behind the car is strong – such as in winter gales – the panels will harness wind power to provide forward motion. If the car is slowing or under braking the panels will deploy to provide additional retardation effort. Additionally a small electrically powered baffle can be lowered just behind the exhaust pipe under harsh braking to provide the kind of “reverse-thrust” normally associated with aircraft during landing – this element will only be available as a factory-fitted device.

Systems Manager Avril Babo at Kia’s Eco-Technology Research Institute in Mabuk, south of Seoul said: “The big problem with most emission reduction systems is that they are expensive. We wanted to come up with an answer that didn’t cost the earth and could be retrospectively applied to cars already on the road. The new A.P.R.I.L. system will be available on all vehicles ordered after midnight on March 31, 2010 and the accessory pack will be available the following day. Prices will be announced in due course.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Kia all-new Sorento at Seoul Motor Show

Kia has taken the wraps off its all-new Sorento – the landmark vehicle that took the Korean brand onto the world stage – at the Seoul Motor Show. Longer and lower, the new Sorento brings sleek styling and a futuristic touch to the world of the urban CUV. With its longer front overhang, wedge profile, crisply defined greenhouse and accentuated wheelarch volumes, Kia’s new CUV looks thoroughly modern and sporty.

The 4.7-metre long new Sorento moves vehicle design in this segment up to a new level of sophistication. As part of Kia’s drive to expand market coverage with its latest CUV, the new Sorento will be manufactured with a total of four engines – with different engines being available in various regions around the world in order to best suit local requirements and with CO2 emissions from just 173 g/km.

The original Kia Sorento was a ‘landmark’ vehicle which took the Korean brand into a whole new section of the automotive market all around the world. Introduced in 2002, it marked a huge step for Kia, challenging many established 4x4 and SUV brands and starting the process of changing public perception of Kia as a ‘maker of small cars.’

Now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer (CDO), Peter Schreyer, the Kia design team aimed to deliver futuristic styling with a bold sense of power and dynamism, to once again differentiate Kia’s larger CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) from potential rivals by incorporating Kia’s new design DNA.

Bold frontal styling incorporates Kia’s new ‘signature grille’ that blends seamlessly into the new Sorento’s four-light, black bezel wrap-around headlamps. The profile’s rising upper belt-line and the dynamic bevel treatment beneath the greenhouse plus the unique trapezoid C-Pillar adds tension and endows new Sorento with a unique appearance. Extending the rear window to the outer edges of the simply styled tailgate hints at the spacious cabin and the large tail lamps enhance the sporty appearance.

During the development of the new Sorento, Kia engineers ditched the body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell with room for up to seven occupants. Building on those new foundations, they concentrated on eight key areas – class-leading performance, increased fuel economy, reduced emissions, improved on-road handling, more fun-to-drive responsiveness, greater cabin space and comfort, enhanced overall safety and the introduction of new technologies.

The original Sorento earned widespread media and public acclaim for its innovative styling, durability, off-road abilities and value-for-money. Since 2002 it has attracted thousands of customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia and achieved global sales of almost 900,000 units.

© Source: automotoportal
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Kia VG KND-5 Concept

An image showing the concept version of Kia's upcoming VG luxury sedan has leaked to the web ahead of its unveiling at the Seoul Motor Show next month. Dubbed the KND-5, the concept hints at what we can expect from the company's new Amanti replacement which will officially debut later this year.

Created to rival other near-luxury sedans such as the Volkswagen Passat CC, the new Kia KND-5 concept boasts an elegant exterior which features upscale design touches such as LED lighting, 20-inch wheels, and a massive panoramic glass roof.

Riding on new front-wheel-drive platform which will be shared with the next generation Hyundai Azera, the concept features a 2845mm (112 inches) wheelbase that should offer noticeably more interior room than the current Amanti. As we have previously reported, speculation seems to suggest the new VG could potentially be outfitted with a Haldex all-wheel drive system but that remains to be seen.

As with the concept, power for the production VG sedan will come from a 3.5-liter V6 Lambda engine but several other engine options are also expected to be available when the sedan goes on sale.

© Source: worldcarfans
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Kia No3 concept comes to Geneva

Keeping up its reputation for showing concepts that lead to reality, Kia is playing the numbers game at the Salon de l’Automobile in Geneva next week with the debut of the all-new Kia No 3 concept.

Carving a new niche in the small-car market Kia No 3 delivers flexibility and fun creating a beautiful car that is also great to drive – and even better will be great to be seen in!

The concept features a unique extended windscreen and panoramic glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar and an automatic sun visor.

Designed by Kia’s European design team, led by Peter Schreyer, Kia No 3 also features the new ‘face of Kia’ with the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation arrangement.

The 4045 mm long concept is finished in matt Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents and will be unveiled at 12.15pm on Tuesday 3 March at the Kia stand in hall 4/5.

© Source: automotoportal
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2010 KIA Forte – video

All new Kia Forte is unveiled at Chicago Autoshow and if you look at it as a new product it’s just another rubbish cheap Korean sedan, but it makes sense when you know that it’ll replace the Spectra which was an absolute piece of crap! a basic economy vehicle which is only better than walking. New Forte comes in three trim levels LX,EX and SX. SX being sportier, features 17″ alloys and a rear spoiler, plus USB port, bluetooth and SIRIUS radio. Based on the trim you choose there are two engine options, a 156hp 2.0 liter and a 173 2.4 liter. LX and EX uses a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed auto box while SX can be had with 6-speed Sportmatic. Other features include curtain airbags, tyre pressure monitor system and traction control.



© Source: motorward
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Kia Soul'ster concept opens up for Detroit auto show

Kia rolls out a possible next member of its youth market-targeting Soul family at the Detroit auto show. Taking a page from the roadster playbook, the Soul'ster concept drops a set of doors from the Soul SUV, which goes on sale this spring, shortens the windshield and adds a two-piece removable top. Roll bars offer occupants additional protection not normally found on convertibles, and house a slider track cargo system.Additional visual touches include 19-inch wheels, blue-tinted lamps and chrome dual-tipped exhaust.

Kia promises the four-seat cabin will provide adequate room for both front and rear passengers, with rear occupants benefiting from non-floor-mounted cantilevered seats for optimal legroom. Hauling flexibility comes from a fold-flat front passenger and rear seats, and storage compartments under the rear seats and trunk.

If the Soul'ster is green-lighted for production, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with roughly 120 hp, connected to a five-speed manual,. would serve as the base powertrain. Premium models would be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, making about 140 hp, paired with the manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox. Kia estimates EPA fuel economy for both engines would at least be 30 mpg.

© Source: autoweek
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2009 Kia Intelligent Stop and Go

Stop/start technology is like a trial membership for hybrids: it lets drivers in on the fuel savings and lower carbon emissions without forcing them to become a card-carrying member of the hybrid brigade. Kia is will be offering buyers just such an opportunity by introducing ISG, or Idle, Stop, and Go (also called Intelligent Stop & Go) on the new cee'd.

The ISG will be available on the 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline-engined c'eeds, and unlike other stop/start technology, this ISG shuts the engine down not only when the car is stopped, but when it's moving less than four mph. To engage the ISG while the car is moving, the driver puts the car in neutral and depresses the clutch, the engine is shut down, and he or she will be rewarded with 15% better fuel economy in the urban cycle.

The frugal-ized cee'd also benefits from a lighter five-speed gearbox and low-rolling-resistance tires as standard fitment. Later in 2009, the 1.6-liter diesel c'eed will be offered with ISG technology.

© Source: autoblog
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Kia Rondo7

We were lucky enough to get a second go in the Rondo7, Kia’s affordable and popular people mover. Kia has always been popular in the MPV segment, over six years ago Kia introduced the Carnival, an 8 seater people mover sub $30K. And nowadays Kia has surprised us again introducing a 7 seater people mover sub $25K, yes under $25,000 for the entry level model. This means for families with more than the average 2.2 kids who want more passenger room don’t have to settle for second best and buy used, families now have the luxury of going through the exciting process of ordering a new car.

This car is definitely for a family like mine and it’s so affordable, I couldn’t believe it when I looked up the price. Sure it doesn’t have a V8 engine or all the wizz bangs but it’s a purposeful vehicle that doesn’t look half bad and has some nice features.

The excellent fuel economy also means its lacking power, but I don’t mind, as I do not need to hoon around with a family, pram and shopping in the back. I was fond of the automatic transmission, smooth sounding gear changes and no clunks when shifting down the gears.

The interior pillars do not interfere with blind spots, making changing lanes easier, the windscreen is large which is important for me as I’m a very observant driver especially with my loved ones in the car. A great point to make mention is the view of the kids in the backseat, they’re not covered by large front seats so looking back to see which one started the fight is possible.

The height of the rear seats is a bit low as the kids in the back cannot see out the side door windows, which is not good as they tend to get bored quite easily. Being a parent who believes in communicating verbally and not in computerised games, the kids begin to annoy one another for fun instead of asking questions about the scenery.

Overall, as you may have guessed I grew to be quite fond of the Rondo7, it got us from A to B and would easily take us on a family trip to C. With the features, looks, excellent fuel economy and most importantly the price I would recommend taking the Rondo for a test drive when considering a new car.

© Source: pressportal
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2010 Kia Soul

You can point toward the high cost of gas, raising concerns about the environment, or just what goes around, comes around, but small is big. Small doesn’t have to mean an austere, plain, prole-mobile, though. With vehicles like the MINI, Scion Xb and Honda Fit, small is hip and fun.

And while Hyundai has been getting a lion’s share of attention with its new vehicles lately, especially the jaw-dropping Lexus-baiting Genesis V8 sedan, the Korean automaker’s cousin Kia has been making its own inroads with well-designed, high-value vehicles of its own, like the all-new 2009 Kia Borrego, available with Kia’s first V8. To take the brand even further up the automotive ladder, Kia is adding a real “personality” vehicle to define its youthful, carefree—dare we say it—Soul.

Enter the 2010 Kia Soul. Based on the subcompact Rio sedan’s running gear, and about the same overall length, this cheeky, squared-off, little 5-passenger, 4-door crossover slots in below the Kia Sportage SUV. And although it’s aimed at the Gen Y buyer (like the MINI Cooper and Scion Xb), its design, utility and value are sure to attract buyers across the board.

Which isn’t to say that those looking at the production model will be disappointed. We’ll know soon enough, as the Soul is planned to debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in late November 2008. Right now, though, our guess is it will be one of the most desired vehicles of the coming year.

Early specs say that the Soul may offer one of two engines: a fuel-thrifty 115-hp, 1.6L or a punchier 145-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with your choice of stick or automatic transmission. Like the MINI and Scion, the Soul will be exclusively front-wheel drive, making it more of an urban fun-mobile than a regular off-roader.

© Source: automedia
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2009 Kia Rondo

The 2009 Kia Rondo gets slightly more power, and top-line EX versions now offer a navigation system. In size and price, this midsize front-wheel-drive wagon slots between Kia's compact Spectra5 hatchback and midsize Sorento SUV. Rondo offers LX and EX trim levels, both of which are available with a 175-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or a 192-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine. These represent gains of 13 and 10 hp, respectively, over the 2008 Rondo. Four-cylinder models have a 4-speed automatic transmission, while V6 versions have a 5-speed automatic.

A new Base model arrives for 2009, and it only offers the 4-cylinder engine. Five-passenger seating is standard on Base and LX. A 60/40 split-folding 3rd-row bench increases seating capacity to seven. This is optional on the LX and standard on the EX. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Power windows, locks, and mirrors are standard. Leather upholstery is standard on the EX. Heated front seats are standard on the EX and optional on the LX. A navigation system is newly available on the EX.

© Source: consumerguideauto
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2010 Kia Soul

At first glance, the Soul looks much like the concept, except that the Peter Schreyer-designed production version is now much more car and much less crossover. Based on a reinforced, stretched version of the Rio platform, the car is cute and instantly likeable and comes in eleven colors (eight at launch) with names like Alien and Dune (Euro-spec cars have much more charming paint colors like Tomato Red and Vanilla Shake). Like the Scion, a strong emphasis is being put on the potential for customization and accessorizing this car. Several options are offered, including a red and black interior, beige and black hound's tooth seats and similar accents on the tailgate and hood, several wheel choices, different bumpers, stereos, and body mods; what we don't know yet is which of these features will be available in the United States.

The engine provides plenty of power for a vehicle this size, feels significantly quicker than the first-gen xB, and will probably outrun the Fit in a straight line. But it's somewhat unrefined and noisy (which, considering the price point, isn't a serious problem). The five-speed helps eke out all of the power the Soul has to offer -- which is good, because peak hp is at 6000 rpm), but we'd expect the automatic transmission to be perfectly acceptable (more on that once we get to try it). What we don't understand is why the company didn't use a five-speed automatic instead of a four. The five would be more competitive with its rivals, would provide even better fuel economy than the estimated 31 mpg for the 2.0L, and fifth gear would almost definitely be welcome at higher speed.

© Source: motortrend
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Hyundai-Kia import ban in China

China has just closed its doors to the Hyundai-Kia group, one of the strong players in the promising Chinese car market, declaring an import ban on cars from the South Korean company.

The stop to imports has occurred after an apparent violation of the Chinese antitrust norms, which appears to be linked to irregularities in the local sales network, according to Reuters reports.

It’s not the end of the world for Hyundai-Kia as of the 520,000 cars sold in China every year, only 50,000 are actually produced in Korea. The rest are assembled in China through joint ventures with local manufacturers.

© Source: eurocarblog
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2009 Kia Forte

It’s obvious that the South Koreans from Kia are doing their best to make it the right way. After the great success with Kia Ceed, the guys are going to release a new model dubbed the 2009 Kia Forte.

Main focus is on fuel efficiency considering the high gas (oil) prices, but I’ll have to be honest though it’s not for the racetrack, they really did a good job with the design. As for what’s under the hood, the 124 hp 1.6 liter engine will be offered as standard while the 2.0L versions will come later.

Kia also has great expectations. They estimated (more like .. wish) to sell some 30,000 units this year and up to 250,000 units in 2010. The biggest factor to these figures are the prices which start at ~$11,300 and top up at $18,300. Main competitors for the 2009 Kia Forte are Hyundai Avante, the Renault SM3 or the GM Daewoo Lacetti.

It should go on sale this week.

© Source: carblog
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New Kia Forte images - first look

The new Kia Forte appears to have success written all over it, that's assuming the car performs as good as it looks.

The car will be powered by two 1.6L engines, one gas the other diesel. The oil-burner is the more powerful in that it puts out 128 horsepower, and the gas model offers up 121 horsepower. A 2.0 engine will be offered later.

© Source: edmunds
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Next-Gen Kia Sorento spied

Having already facelifted the Kia Sorento in 2006, Hyundai’s sister company Kia has begun testing the next-generation SUV in the hot deserts of the United States.

As we can see from these pictures, the Sorento will be growing but not enough to accommodate three rows of seating, which will be left to the yet bigger Kia Borrego.

In addition to the larger size, the Sorento is rumoured to move a little more upscale with an increase in price accompanied by better specification and bigger engines.

We expect to have more news about the new Sorento before the year’s end.

© Source: caradvice
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Kia Sorento spied

After the current Sorento underwent its midlife facelift in 2006, Kia has now begun testing the second generation SUV as seen here in these latest shots taken in the American South West.

In pursuit of more car-like feel, the Sorento will abandon its current body-on-chassis configuration in favor of a unibody platform that will also be shared by the Hyundai Veracruz.

As seen in the photos, the Sorento will also grow in size but won’t accommodate three rows of seating. This will be reserved for the bigger Kia Borrego.

Engines will include the same 2.4-liter and 3.3-liter V6, however, a revised 3.8-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission could be made available later.

Production will begin at Kia's new West Point, Georgia plant in 2009.

© Source: worldcarfans
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Hyundai-Kia - one of the top five manufacturers

From an 11th place ranking in 1999, the Hyundai-Kia conglomerate has risen to become the fifth largest car manufacturer in the world.

According to Automotive News, the 2008 Global Data Book shows that the group has sold 3,961,629 cars, and now has risen above the likes of Honda, Nissan, and the PSA group.

“We are extremely proud of having achieved this goal in such a short period of time,” said Ik-Hwan Kim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Kia Motors. “We have been stressing the value of our products over the last few years and our efforts have not gone unnoticed by the public or the industry, neither quantitatively or qualitatively.

“Kia will continue to focus on producing a new generation of quality vehicles with distinctive design to keep the momentum of our brand growing. As a top global automaker, we are set to move in new directions with continuous improvements in quality, design, eco-friendliness and brand innovation for years to come.”

© Source: caradvice
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2009 Kia Sportage facelift – Spied

The Kia Sportage will be undergoing a facelift for the 2009 model year, including minor updates to the front and rear fascias. We’re expecting slight revisions to the headlamps and taillights. In addition, our spies spotted some interior freshening — although they weren’t able to get good picture inside the Sportage.

It’s also unclear if the crossover will receive any mechanical changes, such as new engines, transmissions, or chassis upgrades. The basic version of the Sportage ships with a 140 horsepower inline-four, while the more powerful V6 variant delivers 173 horsepower.

The current iteration of the Sportage was introduced in 2005, after a two-year hiatus from the previous model. Watch for the freshened Sportage to arrive at dealerships during the third quarter of the year.

© Source: leftlanenews
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Kia Cee’d Plus spy photos

The European photographers snapped this new Korean car in the Swiss Alps a few days ago but admittedly had no clue as to what the car could actually be. The registration and camouflage clearly said “Hyundai” or “Kia” – but which model?

Not to worry – we found out at last! A former Hyundai designer told us this:
“I’m actually fairly certain that this isn’t the next [Kia] Picanto. It’s hard to tell scale from the pictures, but the car looks to upmarket to be a Picanto. It seems to have a panorama roof plus five-lug wheels that Kia or Hyundai never use on vehicles that small!”

In regard to the size I’d say it’s the Hyundai SO of which a concept will be shown at the Paris show and which is a C-segment small MPV for Europe replacing the Matrix. But the camouflage and grille speak for Kia rather than Hyundai, so I reckon it’s the Kia version of the SO. I don’t know anything about it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Kia was developing such a car given the segment’s popularity in Europe.”

We agree and believe the car is going to be a competitor to the Volkswagen Golf), probably using the Cee’d name - so for now, we will call it the Cee’d plus.

© Source: caradvice
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