Automobiles Review

Tag: Kia

  • Kia’s Mysterious Electric AWD Concept is a Soul Based Trail’ster

    A week ago Kia released teaser image of a mysterious vehicle, which is to debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Now, the company is showing second picture that gives some hints to the back of the car. In addition, Kia has also revealed the name of the model: Trail’ster e-AWD concept. Unlike last week, when we weren’t given any information, this time the brand told us that the car will be based on the Soul, but will bring it to a new level of expression, efficiency and capability.

    In addition, the concept vehicle will have bold design with a fully retractable canvas roof. It will be driven by smartly integrated rear electric all-wheel drive system and its drivetrian will be turbocharged.

    Although the new teaser does not display much than the previous one, one can clearly see that the five-door concept features round taillights, lower body edging as well as underbody protection panels. The five-hole wheels are very expressive due to their red design theme.

    Designed by Kia’s California design studio, the bold off-roader is aimed at the city dwellers seeking the ultimate urban escape. The concept will enable a wide array of outdoor activities such as skiing or snowboarding, camping or hiking, and even mountain biking.

    Trail’ster e-AWD not only focuses on the environmental side of things, but it definitely promises adventures at higher elevations. This concept will undoubtedly prove that the practical urban vehicles can also be rugged and capable.

    Kia Trail’ster e-AWD concept will be unveiled at the show in Chicago on 12th of February.

    Source: Kia 

  • Kia Picanto Facelift to be Unveiled at Geneva Motor Show

    Kia is going to debut a facelifted version of the Picanto model at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The car will feature updated exterior and interior design with new customization options, cruise control and touchscreen infotainment as well as refined 1.0-litre petrol engine. The stylish A-segment city hatchback will be offered in both three- and five-door variant. In terms of exterior design, the upgrades are seen at the front. The new Picanto features redesigned front bumper and ‘tiger-nose’ grille. To match the new front appearance, the rear received new bumper two. The customers will get the chance to choose a new 14-inch alloy wheel design, and the inclusion of an optional sport pack.

    The interior updates corise of new chrome accents surrounding the instrument binnacle and dashboard air vents, as well as brand new cloth upholstery pattern. In addition, more modern fascia now surrounds the Picanto’s audio system.

    The optional features list includes latest generation of Kia’s audio-video navigation system with a large 7.0-inch display screen, cruise control and speed limiter system. There are also available three interior colour packs. The Red Pack includes black artificial leather and red cloth seats and high-gloss red and black door panel inserts.

    The second one, Yellow Pack, features black artificial leather and cloth seat upholstery with yellow stitching, bright yellow dashboard and steering wheel trim. The third one is called premium Brown Pack and it offers classy brown artificial leather seats, brown door trim and high-gloss piano black dashboard trim. Footwell illumination comes as a standard with each of the three colour packs.

    The braking performance was also improved, delivering reduced stopping distance. The brakes at the front are now larger – 252 mm, in comparison to the previous 241 mm brakes. They are available as an option and allow the car to stop from 100 km/h in just 37 metres. This is an improvement of 2 metres. The modifications regarding the 1.0-litre Multi-Point Injection engine, ensuring the car meets strict Euro 6 emissions standards.

    2015 Kia Picanto Facelift will go on sale in Europe by the end of March, after making an official debut in Geneva.

    Source: Kia 

  • Kia Sorento and Pierce Brosnan: An Unexpectedly Good Combination [VIDEO]

    Days ahead of the Super Bowl game, automotive companies keep flooding the internet space with their event-dedicated ads. The extended video for the all-new Kia Sorento is among the best ones that we have seen so far. The 60-second commercial, which will make its broadcast debut during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLIX, shows the vehicle in snow while simultaneously combining humor, action-like scenes and motion. We can see not just the attractive car while moving but also Pierce Brosnan who goes through a range of contrasting emotions as he listens to the explanations of one too excited Hollywood agent.

    Completely redesigned, 2016 Kia Sorento is longer, wider, lower and more powerful. With its 290 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the car becomes “The Perfect Getaway Vehicle”. Having more aggressive styling, intricate surface detailing, and excellent off-road capabilities, the new Sorento inserts some exclusive dynamism into the automotive world.

    Teaming up with the well-known actor Pierce Brosnan, the automaker tries to highlight the sophisticated personality and virtues of the refined Kia Sorento by creating “a getaway so unexpected that even Pierce himself did not see it coming.”

    Brosnan shares that; “Along with the two leading teams, at one of America’s greatest sporting events, the Super Bowl commercials are the centrepiece of the day,” and then adds; “I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Kia team, which traditionally has one of the most memorable commercials in the game.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSqqCI0LNHs

    2016 Kia Sorento
    2016 Kia Sorento
    2016 Kia Sorento

    Source: Kia via Youtube

  • Kia to Reveal Mysterious Electric AWD in Chicago

    2015 Kia Concept ChicagoIn exactly two weeks from now Kia is going to premiere a mysterious vehicle at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. The company is keeping tight-lipped about it and didn’t reveal even the name. What we have just received is the first teaser image of the vehicle and scarce information. The first big thing about it is that it will be advanced and capable electric vehicle, and the second is that it will feature all-wheel drive. This means that it will be an e-AWD concept.

    The bold off-roader was created by Kia’s California design studio. Now the car is in real form and aims at the city dwellers seeking the ultimate urban escape. The concept is intended to enable a wide array of outdoor activities such as skiing or snowboarding, camping or hiking, and even mountain biking.

    It definitely promises adventures at higher elevations and more importantly – it focuses on the environmental side of the automotive industry. This concept will prove that practical urban wheels can also be rugged and capable.

    Rumors say that the off-roader will be based in the Soul EV model. And we are wondering whether it will use its powetrain. The aforementioned vehicle is driven by a 27 kWh lithium ion polymer battery and an electric motor. The motor produces 110 hp (81 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of maximum torque. The range that it can cover is around 80-100 miles.

    Kia’s newest concept will be fully unveiled at the show in Chicago on 12th of February.

    Source: Kia 

  • Who Has Inspired Kia for the Sorento X-Men Car?

    Kia-Sorento-X-Men-THUMBAs Kia’s ambassador Rafael Nadal is to take an unusual role: he will unveil the Kia Sorento X-Men inspired car at next year’s Australian Open. The striking project was created in collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and should undoubtedly exite all “X-Man” movie series enthusiasts, since they have to guess the character behind Kia’s latest model on the official Kia Facebook page.

    The visitors of the page can guess from four iconic characters: Storm, Wolverine, Mystique and Magneto. Those who have answered correctly will be entered into a prize draw to win a DVD copy of “X-Men: Days of Future Past”. What is your guess?

    In the middle of December, Kia will release a video showing how Rafael Nadal teams up with the X-Men and taking on the Sentinels. If you have no clue and haven’t watched the movie, the latter are robotic antagonists.

    They will be threatening the Australian Open and in order to save the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the X-Men and Nadal will use the ‘Kia X-Car’, which will be leading the attack against the Sentinels.

    This special vehicle will be on show at Melbourne Park throughout the tournament. The next Australian Open takes place from 19 January to 1 February 2015. The car will then be showcased in various international motor shows for the fans.

    2016 Kia Sorento was earlier this year. The car combines exquisite style, practicality and technology. The MY2016 model is quieter and more refined and features higher quality interior, smoother ride and handling, as well as a range of new technologies.

    The car is already on sale in Korea, and will go on sale in North American market in early 2015.

    kia-sorento-x-men-01
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    kia-sorento-x-men-05

    Source: Kia

  • The New Kia Soul EV to be Sold Globally

    There are two things guiding the new Kia Soul EV: it is eco-friendly and fun. Making its worldwide premiere at this week’s Chicago Auto Show, the Soul EV showcases the future in genuine style. The first all-electric, zero-emissions Kia model has a distinguishable look, bold design and practical interior with a unique twist.

    First of all, the Soul EV is built with a fun-to-drive character. Its electric motor produces 109 HP (81.4 kW) in a combustion-engined model with 285 Nm of torque. The car is utterly smooth and silent thanks to the Virtual Engine Sound system at low speeds in both forward and reverse gears which warns pedestrians and cyclists that it is in a close distance. What is more, 2015 Kia Soul EV has a top speed of 90mph and can accelerate from 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds. This makes the vehicle absolutely stable and capable of keeping pace with the intense flow of the always busy city traffic.

    A 96-cell, 27-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery keeps the motor alive. For better convenience, Kia can be charged to 80 percent in as little as 33 minutes using a 50-kW system. The Soul EV is fitted with three charging ports: two of the ports are for conventional AC charging, per SAE standard J1772, and the third is for CHAdeMo public stations.

    The interior of the new Kia represents an amalgamation of simple luxury and exceptional comfort. The color schemes soothe and please the eye, thus complementing the overall driving feel. The friendly and spacious inside environment is comprised of striking two-tone colored cockpit, with smooth surfaces, original bio-based trim as well as padding and, finally, plain but stylish contours.

    The new 2015 Kia Soul EV is priced at £24,995 after the government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant.

    2015 Kia Soul EV
    2015 Kia Soul EV
    2015 Kia Soul EV
    2015 Kia Soul EV

    Source: Kia

  • 2016 Kia Sorento to go Official in America

    2016-Kia-Sorento-THUMB2016 Kia Sorento CUV is going to make its official North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car has been redesigned and is larger than the previous generation model. In fact, it offers up to three rows of seating. But you can expect even more: it is packed with luxurious equipment. The CUV will be available in five trim levels: L, LX, EX, SX and SXL. This is the third gen of Kia’s best selling model and this means that it now features more mature appearance.

    The new styling is now more aggressive and features intricate surface detailing. The car is longer, lower and wider, meaning that it has an extended wheelbase. The design of the mode incorporates fresh visual elements inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept. As an example: just take a look at the long bonnet and the distinctive treatment of the wide D-pillars from the previous generation.

    The Sorento includes larger, more upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille as well as a three-dimensional diamond pattern, and long, swept-back headlamps. The lower roofline, higher beltline and more muscular, rounded shoulders at the rear give the car a dramatic appearance.

    The SUC has grown also in size with 95 mm to 4.780 mm. In contrast, the height was reduced down to 1,685 mm, while the 80 mm longer wheelbase is now 2,780 mm and is what ensures the space for all three seat rows.

    2016 Kia Sorento is expected to go on sale globally in the Spring of 2015.

    2016 Kia Sorento
    2016 Kia Sorento
    2016 Kia Sorento

    Source: Kia 

  • You’ve Seen 2015 Kia K900, but You Haven’t Seen it Like This! [VIDEO]

    Kia-K900-SEMA-THUMB2015 Kia K900 is company’s flagship sedan, which recently went on sale, is getting ready to make some “Wows” at the SEMA Auto Show at Las Vegas. For the new model year the car comes with a new V8 engine, next to the still existing V6, which won’t be at the top of the top now. But to go directly to the topic, at the event the company will enter a modified Kia which we have never seen before, but thanks to the released video, we can actually hear it roar. It is the so called “high-performance” K900 Concept.

    If you follow up the promo film, you’ll see the matte gray high-performance SEMA-based K900. Kia is promising that we are about witness exceptional performance blended with personalized style, which are prerequisites for the machine.

    Although the Korean company has kept the details about the engine in secret, it has disclosed that the vehicle will have a one-off body kit with carbon fiber inserts, of course will be “wrapped” in custom-blended gray paint, include a blacked-out chrome trim and run on massive 21-inch gloss-black wheels.

    Yes, this may be a menacing appearance hinting at the power underneath, but we are still in question of what we are to see under the hood. From listening to this video the engine certainly sounds convincingly. Still, putting the question, whether there is a forced induction going on?

    With all the innovative details of the K900 exterior, you can expect the interior will get your adrenaline pumping. You can simply share in the comment section below what do you expect to see.

    httpv://youtu.be/7D-562aUPP4

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Kia

  • Enhanced 2015 Kia Rio Hatch with World Premiere in Paris

    2015-Kia-Rio-Facelift-THUMB2015 Kia Rio is getting enhanced and it just made its official debut at the Paris Motor Show. The car now features a number of improvements, including a slight visual makeover both inside and outside. The Rio design team in Korea has updated car’s ‘tiger-nose grille’, thus giving it a newly-designed front bumper and fog lights. The enhanced Rio will be offered exclusively in Europe with a choice of up to four efficient engines. Their power output will range from 75 hp to 109 hp.

    The units will drive the front wheels via five- or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. In addition, every engine in the range can be equipped with the optional second-generation fuel-stretching Start/Stop (ISG) technology. The ISG features an automatic start-stop function, advanced alternator control and an upgraded starter motor.

    Kia is also offering three new alloy wheel designs that will be available in 15-, 16- and 17-inch dimension. What is more, the refreshed Rio’s profile is rounded up by the new rear bumper. Two new exterior paint finishes, called Urban Blue and Digital Yellow will be also added.

    Inside, the updated Rio is brightened by the addition of chrome accents around the four dashboard air-vents. There is also a newly-designed centre-stack around the audio system. The range-topping EX models have a new cloth trim as standard, while the Kia is also offering as an option grey faux leather upholstery.

    Other available features for this car include DAB digital radio and the AVN (audio-video navigation) system with a 7.0-inch display screen, improved processing speed and faster route calculation. 2015 Kia Rio hatchback is expected to go on sale in Europe in 2015.

    Source: Kia

  • Kia is Premiering Diesel-Electric Optima T-Hybrid in Paris

    Kia Optima T-Hybrid Concept is previewing new powertrain technology ahead of future mass production. The official reveal of the car will happen just in lees than two days at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. There, Kia will also make the first application and demonstration of the brand’s innovative hybrid powertrain.

    T-Hybrid stands for turbo hybrid. In details, this Kia concept is driven by the model’s existing 1.7-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine, coupled with a small electric motor. The latter is powered by a 48V lead-carbon battery. Optima T-Hybrid can be driven only in electric mode at low speeds and when cruising. The deceleration here serves in terms of recharging the battery pack.

    Lead-carbon batteries were chosen for the powertrain. They do not require active cooling and are easier to recycle. Of course, being a Hybrid vehicle, it includes zero-emissions stop-start system. There is also a belt-driven starter generator that replaces the conventional alternator. Vehicle’s battery is smaller, thus enhancing weight distribution and handling.

    The innovative electric supercharger for the CRDi engine delivers improved power and torque at all engine speeds. The electric supercharger in particular helps to boost torque and engine response at low engine speeds. Another interesting fact is that at the moment, Optima T-Hybrid’s 136 hp 1.7-litre engine produces CO2 emissions of 128 g/km. These figures will change over time, due to current development of the technology.

    Kia has no plans to run Optima T-Hybrid Concept as a production model at the moment. T-Hybrid powertrain is still under consideration for new Kia models in the future.

    Source: Kia

     

  • Kia’s Mixx and Maxx Added To The Soul Range

    2014-Kia-Soul-Mixx-t2014-Kia-Soul-Mixx-651

    Kia’s all-new Soul range continues to expand even further with the arrival of two high specification models – the Soul ‘Mixx’ and ‘Maxx’. These 2 models create a unique road style with their their 18 inch alloy wheels, urban styling pack and LED daytime running lights. All Soul range models are front-wheel-drive, five-door crossovers. With lower fuel consumption and 4×4  the models come out with semi elevated driving position.

    The new Soul range is elegant in design and appears to look like a SUV. There is an outstanding eight inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, the interior is covered in nice leather with heated front seats and automatic air-conditioning. Equipped with a reverse camera. These Kia models come with a smart key entry system with engine start/stop button, front and rear parking mirrors and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a sunroof and rear and front parking sensors. Both Kia models are equipped with a premium Infinity tm sound system.

    The Soul range became marker leader for China and the United States back in 2008 when it was first launched.

    The Soul models come with a 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual and automatic versions along with a 1.6 GDi manual gearbox – priced about £18,150. The Soul Maxx is priced about £19,950 and is available in six-speed manual 1.6 GDi and 1.6 CRDi options.

    2014 Kia Soul Mixx
    2014 Kia Soul Mixx
    2014 Kia Soul Mixx
    2014 Kia Soul Mixx
    2014 Kia Soul Mixx
    2014 Kia Soul Mixx
    2014 Kia Soul Mixx
    2014 Kia Soul Mixx

    Source: Kia

  • 2015 Kia Soul EV Goes On Sale

    After the successful “hamster” advertisement of the new 2015 Kia Soul EV, Kia Motors America is ready to introduce the electric vehicle to the market. The hugely popular urban passenger car in its electrifying trim boasts best-in-class EPA-estimated range of 93 miles and MPGe4 of 92 miles on the highway, 120 miles in the city and 105 miles combined. In addition, the model received industry-first automotive environmental validation by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) due to its innovative use of bio-based materials in the interior.

    2015 Kia Soul EV is company’s first mass-market electric vehicle and it is the centerpiece of the Kia’s Clean Mobility program. The zero-emissions EV keeps the funky style and functionality of the Soul model, but it also introduces new and more aerodynamic styling cues.

    The car features a 27 kWh lithium ion polymer battery which powers the electric motor. The motor produces 110 hp (81 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of maximum torque, and drives the front wheels. The range that it can cover is around 80-100 miles.

    The standard specifications of the Soul EV Base include an array of features such as navigation, Rear Camera Display, Bluetooth hands free operation, power windows, power driver’s seat, cruise control, 6.6kW on-board charger. The exclusive HVAC system is also included, and it was designed to extend driving range by minimizing energy draw.

    Moreover, every Soul EV comes standard with UVO EV Services that provide real-time battery-level status, distance to empty, and the ability to search for nearby charging stations. There is also an UVO EV smartphone app, which owners can use to preset charging time and charging level ratios, as well as precondition the vehicle cabin with remote control of the HVAC presets.

    The next trim is called Soul EV Plus and it adds EV-unique leather trimmed seats, which are tri-level heated and ventilated for front passengers. The rear outboard seats are heated for added comfort. The Plus also includes projection-style fog lamps and power-folding outside mirrors.

    2015 Kia Soul EV has a starting price of $33,700 USD and is currently available to order.

    Source: Kia