Kia – Page 15 – Automobiles Review

Kia Niro Concept

Kia has published several images of the Niro Compact Crossover Concept, which will be introduced to the audience at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Kia Niro hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity, and will preview an innovative new powertrain when it is revealed on September 10. The car was designed at Kia’s Frankfurt design studio – less than a kilometre away from the IAA – under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe.

Niro combines a mischievous character in a clearly robust and substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials – including stainless steel elements – in compact, purposeful dimensions.

Born out of Kia’s determination to seek new compact-car options for the individualistic and demanding driver for whom size is an issue, Niro features intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars and has been created in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.

Source: Kia

August 29, 2013

Totally Transformed: New Ad For 2014 Kia Soul

2014 Kia Soul was revealed last week and it was also disclosed that the vehicle is going to make its official European debut next month at Frankfurt Motor Show. Now it is time for Kia to present the advertising campaign of the new model.

The brand has already released an official video, which to be honest is my favorite commercial so far. In it the famous brightly clothed hamsters are appearing again. After their debut in 2009 they have become nearly pop icons, and I must confirm that thanks to this video their popularity will become even bigger.

Five years later, the hamsters have slimmed down and slicked their hair back, and come to introduce the latest version of 2014 Kia Soul. The ad carries the name “Totally Transformed” and it features Lady Gaga’s newest hit “Applause”.

In “Totally Transformed”, the hamsters have followed suit by getting fit and developing a new fashion sense that reflects the sophistication of the newly refined Soul.

The redesigned Soul is more refined and functional than ever. It offers more room, more available premium features and materials, improved driving dynamics and an instantly recognizable fresh appearance.

The vehicle’s design was inspired by 2012 Kia Track’ster concept, but it adds more freshness and attitude. It retains the outgoing model’s upright stance, squared shoulders, wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and confidence-inspiring SUV ride height. 2014 Soul rides on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider.

In addition, the enhanced torque and significant suspension upgrades make the new Soul an agile companion in city environments. The interior of the model is made via higher quality materials and now has more driver-focused design. It offers a wide range of standard comfort and convenience features, including Bluetooth wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted controls.

Source: Kia

August 26, 2013

European Debut For 2014 Kia Soul Urban Crossover

2014 Kia Soul Urban Crossover is going to make its European debut at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show on 10th of September. Then the vehicle will go on sale across the Old Continent in the beginning of next year.

The car’s design was inspired by 2012 Kia Track’ster concept, however the new 2014 Soul has a thoroughly fresh and enchanting appearance with recognizably “Soul” attitude. It retains the outgoing model’s upright stance, squared shoulders, wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and confidence-inspiring SUV ride height.

In addition, the new model also includes new interior which is made via higher quality materials and now has more driver-focused design. The car will be also offered with three different roof colours – black, white and red, and eleven exterior paint finishes.

The new Kia model will also be equipped with optional SUV Styling Pack, which includes piano black bumper trim, side skirts, wheel arches and a black painted roof. The biggest highlight here however which is also the biggest technical change, is the adoption of an all-new platform. The latter is based on the one of the latest Kia cee’d.

As a result, the Soul has enhanced ride and handling as well as more mature and refined on-road behavior. In addition, the car also comes with upgraded suspension, 29 per cent stiffer bodyshell and comprehensive soundproofing. The interior noise levels are also minimized.

2014 Kia Soul also has larger dimensions with a longer wheelbase and wider track. This of course effects in bigger cabin space and cargo capacity as well as more leg, head and shoulder room for the passengers.

The model will be fitted with either the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine or the CRDi diesel one. They will be matched to a as six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Despite the fact that both engines are carried over from the outgoing model, they have been improved in terms of efficiency and emit less CO2.

A range of new premium features will be also available. Some of them are front LED daytime running lights and rear LED ‘halo’ lights, xenon headlights, keyless entry and push-button engine start, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, panoramic glass sunroof and heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors.

Source: Kia

August 23, 2013

2013 Kia Picanto LPG – 5.6 l / 100 km

Kia is going to introduce an LPG version of the small Picanto hatchback at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The ultra-efficient small car will be able to run on either LPG or petrol.

2013 Kia Picanto LPG is powered by a 1.0 liter three-cylinder Kappa petrol engine with 67HP (49 kW) and 90Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque. The average fuel consumption is just 5.8 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 100 g/km (on LPG). The models equipped with automatic start-stop (ISG) achieve 5.6 liters / 100 km.

The new Picanto LPG is fitted with two fuel tanks – the regular 35-litre gasoline tank in the regular position ahead of the rear axle and a 27-litre pressurised LPG tank located beneath the trunk floor in the space previously occupied by the spare wheel. Drivers can switch from gasoline to LPG (and vice-versa) simply by pressing a button on the dashboard.

Initially, the bi-fuel model will be available in Germany, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands – where it expected to account for up to 7% of Picanto sales. When it goes on sale later this year, the left-hand drive Picanto LPG will be the first, and only, LPG-powered car in the marketplace with a 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty.

Source: Kia

August 16, 2013

TEASER: Kia B-Segment Concept To Be Revealed In Frankfurt

Kia’s dramatic new European concept is going to be revealed on 10th of September at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Two teaser images have been just released showing some glimpses of the car.

It is being rumored that the model is to be the possible future B-segment of the brand, which will undoubtedly take on the urban environment with style and tenacity. As a matter of fact, this concept vehicle combines a mischievous character in very robust but stylish bodyshape.

In addition, it was unveiled that the vehicle will include a mix of contrasting materials in compact and purposeful dimensions. This concept vehicle was born out of Kia’s determination to find new compact-car options. It aimed with it to deliver to the more individualistic and demanding driver better and compact size, intriguing elements and exquisite technologies.

Kia has no current plans to enter the vehicle in production. Its debut in Frankfurt will be used to gather customers’ response for future models.

Source: Kia

August 9, 2013

2013 Kia Optima – US Price $21,350

Kia Motors America has become an industry leader in design, quality, safety and value, and as further evidence of the brand’s success. That’s why, one of the biggest automotive medias in the internet – Cars.com has named Kia Optima LX the most affordable midsize sedan.

The ranking recognizes the most affordable mid-size sedan currently available on the market. To qualify vehicles must include the following features:

Automatic transmission
Cruise control
USB
Bluetooth wireless technology
Power windows
Power driver’s seat
Backup camera²

“Providing an outstanding product with world-class design, quality, features and safety at an equally outstanding price is central to the Kia brand promise.The results of the Cars.com Most Affordable Midsize Sedan ranking clearly highlight Kia’s commitment to providing the best value to our customers.”, commented Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA.

“The Optima topped the list because of its combination of great features, low price and impressive estimated five-year fuel cost,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com’s editor-in-chief.

The Optima Hybrid followed in 5^th place, and was deemed to be “more affordable after 5 years than 7 other non-hybrids” on the list.

2013 Kia Optima is priced from $21,350 and comes with a generous standard equipment including power windows and locks, cruise control, a USB port and satellite radio. There are also an air conditioning system, front beverage holders, daytime running lights, remote keyless entry and many more.

Source: Kia

July 31, 2013

Kia Reveals Unique Justice League Car At Comic-Con

Comic-Con has just started, taking place in San Diego. There was revealed the artistic Justice League-inspired Kia Sorento, which is the eighth and final custom vehicle built as a result of the partnership of Kia and DC Entertainment.

The car has a stunning design which was penned by legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The car is part of the campaign “We Can Be Heroes” which aims to raise awareness fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. Up to date there has been raised over $2.3 million and helped over 5 million men, women and children there.

As part of this campaign Kia and DCE created a collection of all eight Justice League-inspired Kia, which will be shown at the Comic-Con at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park. Furthermore, the newly revealed Justice League car will be part of a special online charity auction on eBay which benefits the “We Can Be Heroes” campaign.

As a matter of fact, the seven-seat Sorento marks the final chapter in a 10-month, eight-vehicle partnership between DC Entertainment and Kia based on the iconic characters of Justice League: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.

Each one of them has been featured with a special car, designed by Lee. This final car catches the entire Justice League. Jim Lee’s artwork has been hand-painted via custom air-brushing by the world-famous West Coast Customs.

Like all of the Justice League-inspired vehicles this customized Kia Sorento mixes the automotive and pop-culture worlds. In addition, it also allows Kia to extend its philanthropic efforts.

Source: Kia

July 18, 2013

2013 Kia Pro cee’d GT – UK Price £19,995

Kia UK has announced the pricing of the all-new 2013 Pro Ceed GT. It starts from just £19,995 for the entry level pro_cee’d GT and goes up to £23,995 for the GT 1^st Edition model.

2013 Kia Pro Ceed GT is powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged GDI with 201HP (150 kW) at 6,000RPM and and 265Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). It averages 38.2 mpg with CO₂ emission of 171 g/km.

There are two standard trim levels (GT and GT Tech), while the 1^st Edition will be available in just 500 units (50 of them for UK).

The GT comes with a full aggressive body kit, a dual sports exhaust system and “ice-cube” LED DRLs. Other highlights include red brake calipers and a set of 18” graphite grey alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

The interior boasts Recaro seats, black headlining and some glossy black trim elements.

The GT Tech adds 7” touchscreen with with SAT NAV system, a reversing camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, Stop/Start function, rain-sensor, a dual-zone air conditioning and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

1^st Edition adds high-gloss black inserts on the alloy wheels, “GT” illuminated sill scuff plates with edition numbering, sliding electric sunroof with automatic roller blind, red ambient lightning and front footwell illumination.

There are three available colors: Track Red, Fusion White and Phantom Black for GT and GT Tech, while the 1^st Edition comes exclusively in Fusion White.

TECHNICAL FIGURES

Performance & Economy	GT	GT Tech	GT 1^st Edition
Power (bhp)	201 @ 6,000rpm
Torque (Nm / (lb/ft))	265 / (195) @ 1,750 to 4,500rpm
0 – 60 mph (seconds)	7.4
Top Speed (mph)	143
CO₂ Emissions (g/km)	171
VED Band	H
Combined Economy (mpg)	38.2

Dimensions & Weights	GT	GT Tech	GT 1^st Edition
Length (mm)	4,310
Width (mm, exc. mirrors)	1,780
Height (mm)	1,430
Wheelbase (mm)	2,650
Track – Fr./Rear (mm)	1,545 / 1,553
Overhang – Fr./Rear (mm)	900 / 760
Min Kerb Weight (kg)	1,359
Max Kerb Weight (kg)	1,448
Boot vol. (l, VDA, min/max)	380 / 1,225

PRICING

Version	Price (OTR)
pro_cee’d ‘GT’	£19,995
pro_cee’d ‘GT Tech’	£22,495
pro_cee’d ‘GT 1^st Edition’	£23,995

Source: Kia

June 24, 2013

Kia Introduces 2014 Cadenza Ad Campaign [VIDEO]

2014 Kia Cadenza was recently unveiled on the North American being the the most technologically-advanced vehicle the brand has ever created. The model is powered by a 3.3 liter GDI powerplant which is capable of producing 293 horsepower (215 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 345 Nm (255 lb.-ft.) of torque at 5,200 rpm.

The powerful unit is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission thus transferring the power to the front wheels. In addition, the automatic transmission includes Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters.

Now it is time for the Cadenza to be officially presented to the general public. Kia has just released its new commercial, in which the new model navigates the streets of New York City. Eventually the car confidently delivers its stiletto heel-wearing driver to her 20-year reunion as stunned spectators realize they may have not noticed her in the past, but now she is truly “impossible to ignore.”

The 2014 Cadenza comes to signal a new era for the Kia brand. It has all of the attributes to take people by surprise, because once they are in the car they will surely experience all of the technology and premium amenities it has to offer.

The advertisement “Reunion” was created by David&Goliath and you can view it below:

httpv://youtu.be/WouuNVH9RO8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Kia

June 6, 2013

Kia Pro_cee’d GT Cabrio Drawing Takes Over The Web

A drawing of a topless version of the Kia Pro_cee’d GT has been circulating around the web thus provoking many questions to be posed. Since officials at Kia said that, there have been numerous rumours that the Korean brand would indeed enter a cabrio into the market, this particular image made big discussions all over the Internet. However, the promise Kia has made is still unrealized.

These facts also inspire car enthusiasts and designers to create a picture of what a Kia cabrio GT might look like, and this is how the image above has been born. This particular Kia Pro-cee’d GT Cabrio concept drawing is of course only speculation. Nevertheless it brings about the thought that such a model would not be out of the realm of possibility.

Given that Kia has recently revealed their decision to expand the GT model range, the convertible version of the car would fit in very nicely with Kia’s current GT family. And to go even further into the realm of imagination, if we can guess what kind of engine will be used for such model, it would probably be the 204 horsepower (150 kW) 1.6L four-cylinder petrol unit fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger.

The only thing left is just to have the expectation that we could have the happiness of seeing such GT Cabrio in the showrooms by the end of 2015.

News And Picture Source: kia-world

June 4, 2013

The History of Kia Motors

Kia was founded in 1944 as a producer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. The name Kia has roots in the Chinese language and means to “to rise and come out of Asia”. According to native Koreans, the name evokes a parable that may be roughly equivalent to the Greek mythological tale involving the Phoenix bird arising from the ashes of its predecessor.

By the early 1950s the company had expanded into the production of completed bicycles, the first Korean manufacturer to do so. By the late 1950s the company began to produce motorized scooters with the rollout of the model C100 (1958).

The 1960s saw a rapid expansion in Kia with a lineup that included motorcycles and three-wheeled cargo vehicles. The Kia brand was a frequent site on the streets of Korea and in many other parts of Asia. The next logical step after this was to enter the automotive market and the company started moving in this direction in the early 1970s. A key factor in this process was the construction of Kia’s Sohari manufacturing plant in 1973. According to Team Kia in New Hampshire this plant was Korea’s first fully integrated automotive production facility and it was where Korea’s first internal-combustion motor was tooled and built. A year later, Kia unveiled its first car – the Brisa.

After several years of manufacturing automobiles for other brands, Kia began manufacturing its own brand for US consumption in the early 1990s. The first US-destined car was the compact Sephia. It was rolled out to only to several Western states in order to test demand. It wasn’t until KIA started shipping its very popular Sportage SUV that Kia became a nationwide brand.

The next phase in Kia’s history was due to financial difficulties. After considerable discussion, Hyundai, South Korea’s other major automaker, acquired the company. Kia has been on a major upswing since its purchase by Hyundai, with improvements in build-quality, performance and overall refinement. Reliability, previously a weak point, has also improved greatly and consumer confidence followed along.

Today Kia is offers a broad lineup of well-built coupes, sedans and crossovers that stand out for their value, performance and sporty styling.

Images courtesy of www.automaistv.com.br , www.engineact.com

May 20, 2013

North American Debut For 2014 Kia Cadenza K7

2014 Kia Cadenza K7 premium sedan has just been unveiled and it is the most technologically-advanced vehicle the brand has ever produced for the North American market. The model adds to the lineup of Kia vehicles with exclusive list of premium standard and optional equipment. 2014 Cadenza is expected to be at showrooms in the second quarter of this year.

The new model has a distinctive front fascia and swept C-pillars. Under its hood hides company’s most powerful V6 unit that delivers excitement during driving. The interior of the car includes premium features and is perfect for five persons where they can share the luxurious feel.

To go further into details, some of the standard features included in the Cadenza are the following: advanced navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic™ and UVO eServices, high resolution 8-inch touch screen, standard back-up camera and warning system, premium 550-watt Infinity® 12-speaker audio system, standard leather seat trim, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ventilation, Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and Bluetooth® wireless technology.

In addition, there are also two optional packages that are currently being offered: The Premium Package and the Technology Package. The first one features full-length panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting system (AFLS), 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, premium Nappa leather seats, a memory enabled 12-way ventilated driver’s seat with seat cushion extension for unsurpassed comfort, heated front and rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping steering column power rear sunshade.

The Technology Package on the other hand adds sleek 19-inch alloy wheels, electric parking brake and Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), water repellant hydrophobic windshield, radar-based Blind Spot Detection system (BSD), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).

The striking design of the new Kia Cadenza includes aggressive “Tiger Nose” front fascia, quad headlights flanking the grille. The lower fascia is wide and features chrome trim accents around the fog lights and grille. Of course, there are also included LED positioning lights and optional HID headlights.

The car has a long hood with is sculpted in such way that it meets the swept-back windshield. Classic chrome accents can be also seen at the lower portions of the doors as well as the rear fascia. This new Kia model runs on 19-inch alloy wheels when offered with the Technology Package.

Stepping further to the rear of the car, it includes standard LED taillights which are designed to cut across a large portion of the vehicle. The effect is that the vehicle appears to have a broader stance. The twin oval tail pipes accentuate the Cadenza’s sporty and elegant design.

How about the interior? Of course, the interior received a luxury treatment. First to be mentioned are the soft leather upholstery and tasteful accents of wood and chrome. Secondly, there are featured an ambient lighting and horizontally positioned switch gear.

An analog clock positioned between the center stack buttons leads to a more classical design approach. In addition, the center console is angled toward the driver for optimized control, and the large seven-inch high-resolution TFT LCD screen. As a standard there are also included Bluetooth, wood-trim door inserts, one-touch automatic up/down power front windows and power-folding heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators.

More importantly however is what is positioned under the hood of this premium vehicle. Namely – Kia’s most powerful V6 engine. The smooth-revving 3.3-liter uses gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology that enhances the performance and at the same time offers fantastic fuel efficiency.

The GDI powerplant generates 293 horsepower (215 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 345 Nm (255 lb.-ft.) of torque at 5,200 rpm. The advanced all-aluminum engine includes dual continuously variable valve timing for enhanced fuel economy and performance, a maintenance-free timing chain, a three-step variable induction system for enhanced torque, and is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.

This amount of power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that features a Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters flanking the leather and wood-wrapped steering wheel.

As a standard the Cadenza comes with sport-tuned fully independent suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a multilink rear design. In addition, it rides on standard 245/45R-18 tires. The afore mentioned 245/40R-19 tires are included with the Technology Package.

Source: Kia

May 15, 2013

Tag: Kia