A very interesting concept revealed by Kia the other day is the Track’ster which even though it is based on the funky (and boxy) Soul model, the idea behind this concept is to provide performance. And so it does thanks to its 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 250 hp (253 PS / 186 kW).
The entire horsepower generated by the power unit is sent to all wheels trough an electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system and a 6-speed manual gearbox that has a tubby spherical shift lever. The car rides on 19-inch high performance wheels and features a lowered suspension kit which Kia says that it has been tuned for improving track performance.
The bad news is that the Korean automaker has no plans of putting the Track’ster into production. Too bad.
Source: KIA
Post tags:
Powered by Crowd Ignite
At this year’s edition of the Chicago Motor Show, the Korean automaker Kia has launched the Optima SX Limited which will feature additional chrome trim, LED daytime running lights, bespoke 18-inch alloys and red brake calipers.
Inside the cabin we find Nappa leather seats, a new headliner and wood trim. Also on board are heated and cooled front seats, illuminated scuff plates, panoramic sunroof and a navigation system with backup camera.
The Kia Optima SX Limited is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out 274 hp (278 PS / 204 kW) and 269 lb.-ft (364 Nm) of torque.
It is scheduled to hit the dealerships in the United States next month for a base price of $34,900.
Source: Kia
Post tags: Tags: chicago motor show, Kia, kia optima, kia optima sx, kia optima sx limited, motor shows
Powered by Crowd Ignite
The Korean carmaker Kia has introduced the three-door version of the Rio model in United Kingdom where it will cost 600 pounds less than its five-door sibling. Priced from 9,995 pounds, the car is offered with the same engines and trim levels as its five-door cousin, a model that was launched back in September 2011.
The 1.25-liter Kappa power unit pumps out 83 hp and 89 lb.-ft of torque, and it is the same engine that motivates the tiny Picanto model. It has CO2 emissions of 114 g/km and can return 56.5 mpg UK in the combined cycle.
It can also be ordered with a bigger 1.4-liter Gamma engine that produces 107 hp and 101 lb.-ft of torque. With this engine, the three-door Kia Rio returns 51.4 mpg UK and has CO2 emissions of 128 g/km. This version of the Rio can be ordered with an automatic transmission, but with this one it can return only 44.1 mpg UK.
Those of you who prefer diesels, there’s a 1.1-liter CRDi engine that generates 74 hp and a maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft. This version of the Rio returns an impressive 74.3 mpg UK and 99 g/km of CO2. Also available is a beefier 1.4-liter CRDi with 89 hp and 162 lb.-ft of torque, emitting 105 g/km of CO2 and returning 70.6 mpg UK.
The Rios fitted with a diesel engine are also available in the EcoDynamics trim that packs a rear spoiler, gearshift indicator, a drag-reducing front grille, low rolling resistance tires and the stop/start technology.
The 3-door Kia Rio is available in four trim grades, named 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3. The car has the same dimensions as the 5-door version, with a length of 4045 mm, a width of 1720 mm and a height of 1455 mm, while the wheelbase measures 2570 mm.
The cheapest version of the Kia Rio is the 1.2-liter gasoline model in the 1 trim which will set you back 9995 pounds. The most expensive one is the 1.4 CRDi EcoDynamics 3 that carries a retail price tag of 14,295 pounds.
Source: Kia
Post tags: Tags: Kia, kia rio
Powered by Crowd Ignite
With the introduction of the Ray model, Kia wants to take a piece of the city car pie in its homeland. This A-segment “practical and innovative” model will be available starting with the spring of next year in Korea and it will cost somewhere around 7000 pounds.
We don’t know for sure which engines will be available for the Ray, but most likely it will get the 3-cylinder 1.0-liter and 4-cylinder 1.25-liter units from the new Picanto. Due to the more stringent emission targets, Kia will probably launch an electric version of the Ray in 2013 when these new regulations will kick in.
According to the journalists from Autocar, the Ray is not based on the Picanto platform but most likely it will borrow a lot of the hardware in order to lower the production costs as much as possible. On the outside, the car looks quite boxy and comes with the company’s signature chrome-rimmed radiator grille while the headlamps house the LED daytime running lights.
To permit an easy entry inside the car, Kia has fitted the Ray with a rear sliding door on the passenger side while on the driver’s side there’s a regular rear door. Out in the back this city car has vertical bumper reflectors and LED lights.
We don’t have any information about the possibility of this model to reach other markets, but most likely it will probably be sold in China in a few years.
Source: Kia via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: Kia, kia ray
Powered by Crowd Ignite
Approximately one month ago Kia revealed the price list for the 2012 Rio hatchback and this week they’ve published the same information about its sedan sibling which costs from $14,150, including the $750 destination fee. This means that the sedan is $200 more affordable than the hatchback if you opt for the entry-level model that comes with a manual transmission. If changing gears is not your thing, you can opt for the automatic gearbox version that will set you back at least $15,250.
The 2012 Kia Rio Sedan can be ordered in one of the three trim levels available: LX, EX and SX, all of them which are powered by the same 1.6-liter GDI, 4-cylinder engine that outputs 138 hp. This engine is linked as standard to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic.
According to the estimations made by EPA, the car is able to return 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Next year, the automaker will implement the Idle Stop and Go system which should be able to improve fuel efficiency.
Some of the standard features of the car include electric power steering, air conditioning, SiriusXM satellite radio with three months of complimentary service, MP3 audio system with USB and AUX, along with ESC, ABS, Vehicle Stability Management and Hill-start Assist Control.
The high-end Rio Sedan EX is available starting with $18,250 and comes with extra goodies like LED front accents and taillights, metal pedals, a steering wheel and shift knob wrapped around in leather, bespoke meter cluster, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, power-folding mirrors, along with a voice-activated infotainment system that has a rear view camera.
Source: Kia via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: Kia, kia rio, kia rio sedan
Powered by Crowd Ignite
The Korean car manufacture Kia has unveiled this week the top-spec trim level of its popular Cee’d model. The new “4” trim level costs from 19,195 pounds for the hatchback model while the SW version is a little bit more expensive, priced at 20,345 pounds.
What you’ll get if you order this version is a leather interior, cruise control, a 7-inch color touchscreen satellite navigation system, color revising camera, along with exterior goodies like tinted rear windows, black bezel headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The car’s 1.6 CRDi diesel engine has been tweaked and it now produces 126 hp, up by 13 hp from the previous 113 hp. As standard, the power unit is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while for 1,100 pounds more you can order your Cee’d SW with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Keep in mind that this is available only for the estate version.
Fitted with the manual gearbox, the Cee’d “4” will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 10.6 seconds for the hatchback and 10.8 seconds for the SW, while top speed is 122 mph. Regarding fuel consumption, the hatchback manages to return 62.8 mpg UK while the CO2 emissions stand at 119 g/km. The estate model returns 48.7 mpg UK (20% less than the hatchback) and has CO2 emissions of 154 g/km.
Source: Kia via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: Kia, kia-ceed
Powered by Crowd Ignite
The five-door version of the U.S.-spec Kia Rio was unveiled earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show along with its 4-door sedan sibling. The hatchback is going to have a starting price in the United States of $13,600, without taking into consideration the $750 destination & handling charge. For this money you’ll get the model fitted with the manual gearbox. If you don’t want to change gears, the automatic transmission model starts from $15,450 (including fees). The top-spec SX will set you back $18,750 (including fees).
The U.S.-spec Kia Rio is available in three trim levels: entry-level LX, mid-level EX and the aforementioned high-end SX. The cheapest one will have electric power steering, air conditioning, audio system with USB + SiriusXM satellite radio, ESC – Electronic Stability Control, HAC – Hill-start Assist Control, VSM – Vehicle Stability Management and ABS.
Regardless of the trim level, all the Rios get a 1.6-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 hp and manage to return 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. An optional feature for the Rio is the ISG start/stop technology that improves fuel economy in the city to 31 mpg while on the highway the figure remains the same.
Source: Kia via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: Kia, kia rio
Powered by Crowd Ignite
The Korean automaker Kia has brought to this year’s edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show a fresh new version of its funky Soul model that brings additional engine options, a higher specification, along with a more premium interior cabin.
Clients will be able to order it with either a 1.6-liter engine that fires 140 hp and has a peak torque of 122 lb.-ft @ 4,850 or a CRDI diesel that churns 128 hp and 192 lb.-ft. In the vast majority of the European markets, the 2012 Kia Soul will be available with the new 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. Moreover, the company offers the optional EcoDynamics pack that includes a stop/start system and alternator management which promises to shave off the CO2 emissions to 139 g/km for the gasoline engine and 125 g/km for the diesel.
As far as the design is concerned, the Soul will have a 15mm longer nose compared to the outgoing model, which makes the car 4120 mm long. It has larger fog lamps and a bigger front air intake, while the alloys measure 18 inches. Aside from these changes, the car gets redesigned side mirrors and updated door handles.
At the back, the new Soul’s black-painted bumper inset panel has been extended while the fog lamps have been repositioned. As standard, it has twin-bulb headlamps that have black bezels along with twin-bulb daytime running lights. The more expensive models come with LED lights for both the front and back.
The interior cabin now has a refreshed center console with circular-type LCD heater controls. Clients will be able to choose from a wider selection of interior fabrics while the higher-spec variants will benefit from a hi-def instrument cluster.
The car is scheduled to hit the market in October.
Source: Kia via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, Kia, kia-soul
Powered by Crowd Ignite
The Korean automaker Kia showcases this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show its 3-door version of the all-new Rio model. Just like its more practical brother, this one has been created primarily with the European consumer in mind. It has the exact same dimensions as the 5-door model, measuring 4,045 mm long, 1,720 mm wide and it is 1,455 mm tall, while the wheelbase is 2,570 mm.
In most of the markets where the car will be launched, it will share the same engines and equipment as the 5-door version. Clients will get to choose from one of the four 3- and 4-cylinder engines that produce between 75 and 109 hp. With the most powerful engine in the lineup, the 3-door Kia Rio will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 11.5 seconds, en route to a maximum speed of 114 mph (183 km/h).
The most frugal model will be the one fitted with the EcoDynamics diesel engine that will be capable of returning 73.5 mpg (88.2 mpg UK or 3.2 liters / 100 km) and CO2 emissions of only 85 g/km.
Kia said that the new 3-door version will account for approximately a quarter of all the Rios sold in Europe.
Source: Kia via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, Kia, kia rio
Powered by Crowd Ignite
Kia is making a very bold appearance at this year’s edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show, showing its most interesting model in the company’s entire history, the GT concept. The Korean automaker stated today that the car will spawn into a production version which will be out in 2013 and they also said that they’re working on a hot version of the popular Cee’d.
This stunning GT Concept is powered by a turbocharged V6 3.3-liter gasoline engine that fires 390 hp and has a peak torque of 394 lb.-ft. All of those ponies are sent to the back wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The concept was born in the company’s Frankfurt design studio and offers us a glimpse about the automaker’s upcoming expansion plans. The GT has a very bold front-end that incorporates the firm’s new “Schreyer grille”. Other than that, it features heavily sculpted sides, a gently sloping roofline and a very interesting design for the taillights.
Next year at the Detroit Motor Show, Kia will exhibit a drop-top version of its funky Soul model while in Geneva they’ll bring a small FWD roadster which will be based on the mechanicals of the aforementioned Cee’d. This week at Frankfurt, the Korean automaker will exhibit the facelift version of the Soul and the 3-door Rio.
Source: Kia via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, frankfurt motor show, Kia, kia gt, kia gt concept
Powered by Crowd Ignite
2012 Kia UVO for US can be considered a success and there is no reason to question this, as it provides a wide range of options based on voice-commanding. In this context, although hard to believe, Kia is determined not to waste time and returns to the lab, decided to come up with a second-gen UVO interface which not to require a smartphone to become functional and which to be suitable for all its markets.
The car would feature a screen, like a tablet computer, and allows the user to choose from a series of icons and screens. In addition to this, the system will be fully voice controlled, will provide the option of downloading applications. According to Kia’s representatives, the information could be accessed by only using a paired phone; unlike UVO, the smartphone connection remains optional.
“You can hook your phone up and integrate your phone into it, but the phone is not necessary for this system to operate. (…) (But) if you hook your smartphone up to it, you can view the contents of what’s on your cell phone on the touchscreen.” said Kia spokesman Michael Choo.
The good news is that this new technology should be available into all Kia’s international markets, although it was developed specifically for the United States.
“As of now, UVO is only for North America, whereas the next-generation is intended to be globally applicable.” (Choo)
So, Kia’s new telematics is currently in the works, so we will probably find out more details in time.
What do you think about such a development for Kia?
[Source: Wardsauto, Photo]
Post tags: Tags: Kia, smartphone, telematics
Powered by Crowd Ignite
Today we have a new Kia concept that has made quite an impression among our car loving friends. The 2012 Kia Veredus Concept is quite good looking, with it’s smooth lines and great details. The concept looks like it’s sculpted from a big chunk of metal and I bet that’s it’s as aerodynamic as a cheetah.
The concept is rear-wheel drive and keeps its composure and elegance, although it’s proportions are clearly intended to position it as a four-door sports sedan. Quite an impressive look for a four-seater Kia sedan!
‘No matter from which perspective you look at it – this concept car is roaring with energy and ready for take-off.
I believe the car is a strong statement from Kia: we are ready to fast forward to an all new chapter.’
, declared Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Chief Design Officer
If you’ll visit the Kia stand in hall 3.1, booth A21, along with the 2012 Kia Veredus Concept you’ll be able to see the world premiere of the new three-door Rio and a refresh of the Kia Soul.
What do you think about Kia’s new design style?
Post tags: Tags: 2012 Frankfurt Motor Show, 2012 Kia Veredus Concept, concept-car
Powered by Crowd Ignite
Set to go on sale in the UK next month, the fourth generation of the Kia Rio has a starting price of 10,595 pounds for the 1.25 “1” model while the top-spec 1.4 CRDi “3” EcoDynamics will set you back at least 14,895 pounds. At first, the car will be available in only a 5-door configuration but in the beginning of next year a 3-door variant will be launched.
The car will have to face some serious competition coming from the Fiat Punto EVO, the Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Fiesta, but I’m sure that it will do one hello a job thanks to its very good price tag and great looks.
UK customers will be able to choose from one of the four engines that are going to be available, two gasoline units and another two which will run on Devil’s fuel. The smallest gasoline engine is a 1.25-liter Kappa unit that produces 83 hp and a peak torque of 121 Nm, while the beefier 1.4-liter Gamma engine unleashes 107 hp and 137 Nm of torque.
The first diesel available is a tiny 1.1-liter CRDi with 74 hp and a peak torque of 170 Nm, an engine that manages to return up to 88.3 mpg UK. The other one, a 1.4-liter CRDi unit generates 89 hp and 220 Nm and returns up to 70.6 mpg UK. These two diesel models will be equipped with the company’s EcoDynamics package of fuel-saving technologies, like the low rolling resistance tires, stop/go system, gearshift indicator, drag-reducing front grille and a rear spoiler.
The 2012 Kia Rio will be available in three trim levels, starting with the entry-level “1” model that will feature a height-adjustable driver’s seat, front electric windows, trip computer, two-way steering column adjustment (only for the gasoline versions, while the diesels get height-adjustable only), split folding rear seats, Bluetooth (gasoline models only) and RDS radio with CD player, AUX and USB ports, with support for MP3 files.
If you opt for the “1 Air” you get AC, while the mid-range “2” variants come with bigger 16-incy alloy wheels, chrome radiator grill surround, front fog lights, a bespoke interior trim, cooling glove box, rear electric windows, electrically-adjustable heated & folding door mirrors with side repeaters, a center console armrest, while the gearshift and the steering wheel will be wrapped around in leather.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd9HVgifKD4[/youtube]
The top-spec “3” will come with 17-inch alloys that have low-profile tires, automatic AC, LED daytime running lights & rear combination lamps, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, six speakers and heated front seats.
Source: Kia
Post tags: Tags: 2012 kia rio, Kia, kia rio
Powered by Crowd Ignite
Kia Picanto (Three-Door Version)
The Korean automaker Kia has released the other day the first official photos with its upcoming three-door variant of the Picanto which is scheduled to go on sale in the United Kingdom next month. The company says that the new doors along with rear panels give the car a “fresh, dynamic appearance” – I’m not sure about this one but who am I to judge.
Kia Picanto (Three-Door Version)
As far as the updates brought to the exterior styling of the car, we should mention the revised front grille which is now a little bit bigger and upon launch it will be available with red or silver trim surrounds. Other than that, the car packs revised bumpers – the one in the front has a slim, full-width lower grille that houses big black-bezelled foglamps, while the one at the back has a rectangular black-painted section. Another update would have to be the exposed twin-chromed exhaust.
Kia Picanto (Three-Door Version)
The car will be available in four different trim levels: 1 and 1 Air which will be borrowed from hits five-door sibling; Halo and Equniox – a novelty for the Picanto. These two new ones come with automatic LED lights (front and back), red front grille surround, side skirts and Bluetooth support with voice recognition.
Kia Picanto (Three-Door Version)
If you opt for Halo, you get 14-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, heated seats, electronic instrument binnacle, reverse parking sensors and a high-gloss white center fascia, along with a metallic paint, dubbed Lunar Glow, for the outside. The high-end Kia Picanto Equinox is offered with the company’s “Chilli” red interior as well as a glossy black fascia and gearknob. Other than that, it rides on bigger 15-inch alloys that have a telephone-dial style and the car comes with a Galaxy Black metallic paint. Aside from these goodies, the Equinox also comes with a smart key with starter button and automatic air conditioning.
Kia Picanto (Three-Door Version)
Regarding the engines available for the three-door Picanto, customers will be able to choose from either a tiny 3-cylinder 1.0-liter engine that outputs 68 hp and has 99 g/km of CO2, or a bigger 4-cylinder that fires 84 hp and has CO2 emissions of 100 g/k when equipped with the stop/start system. Both variants of the Picanto are exempt from London’s famous Congestion Charge.
Kia Picanto (Three-Door Version)
The base price for the car starts from 7795 pounds (1.0 “1” model), which is 200 pounds less than its five-door brother. If you opt for the 1.25 Halo model that comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission you will have to pay 12,295 pounds while the manual gearbox-only Equinox will set you back at least 11,695 pounds.
The automaker mentioned that they think that this three-door variant will account for 45% of the overall Picanto sales. My guess is that they won’t sell that many and the five-door variant will make up for more than 70%.
Source: Kia via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: Kia, kia picanto
Powered by Crowd Ignite
Earlier this year at the 81st edition of the Geneva Motor Show, the Korean automaker Kia revealed the new generation of its Picanto, a cute-looking supermini. Now, they’ve revealed the price list for the UK market where it will be available from a base price of 7,995 pounds.
The entry-level version, dubbed “1” is 11% more expensive in comparison to the model that it replaces, but I think that it is worth it, just by looking at the improved design. In addition, it comes as standard with 6 airbags and ESP. The model with the 1.0-liter engine emits only 99 g/km CO2, making it a lot cleaner than before and is zero-rated for tax. With an output of 68 hp, it is considerably more powerful than the old one.
Moving up the lineup, we find the “2” trim level that starts from 9,595 pounds, powered by the same 1.0-liter engine, but adds manual AC, electric windows and Bluetooth. The most expensive model is the “3” trim level, which costs 11,195 pounds and features a 1.25-liter engine that generates 84 hp and emits 109 g/km of CO2.
The three-door version of the Picanto is set to go on sale this October and it will become the most affordable one in the lineup. Kia announced that they will also launch several 3-door special editions as well as a sportier version.
Source: Kia via WhatCar.com
Post tags: Tags: kia picanto, uk
Powered by Crowd Ignite
