Tag: Kia

  • 2013 Kia Sorento gets upgraded

    2013-Kia-Sorento-THUMB2013 Kia Sorento SUV is going to get upgraded by receiving a number of significant enhancements. The new upgraded model will go on sale later this year.

    In particular, the changes include re-engineered bodyshell, improved powertrains for best-in-class fuel economy with lower emissions, improved ride, handling and refinement, additional convenience and safety features, fresh look for the exterior.

    Furthermore, Kia’s designers have also featured in the new upgrades new headlamps with LED positioning lights, a new tailgate with LED rear combination lamps, new bumpers (front and rear) with vertical-axis fog lights and a larger area of body-color surface, and an expanded choice of wheels. The latter include larger diameter of 19-inch alloys.

    2013 Kia Sorento
    2013 Kia Sorento

    The cabin of the Sorento is five- or seven-seater cabin. It has been also improved: there are included more soft-touch surfaces, a new LCD instrument cluster, new center stack with 7-inch display screen, new console featuring a straight-gate selector with a leather-booted lever on automatic transmission models.

    Undoubtedly these enhancements will contribute for Kia’s luxurious character. The style of the interior will be additionally enhanced by the black or beige cloth or leather. Moreover, as an option there is a natural light coming in it through a larger panoramic sunroof.

    2013 Kia Sorento will be available at dealerships in the beginning of the autumn. Full specification list and prices will be announced before launch.

    Source: Kia

  • Pricing Announced for the 2012 Kia Cee’d Range

    2012 Kia Cee’d is a second-generation of the famous model. It is soon going to go on sale thus bringing to its customers enhanced quality, refinement and efficiency. It also will provide impressive levels of comfort, safety and luxury.

    New Cee’d is now offered for the first time with direct-injection petrol engine. In addition to that it is the first Kia to offer a dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

    2012 Cee’d has different proportions from its predecessor, which contribute to its sportier stance and a more appealing appearance. In particular, it is narrower and lower: down 10mm each to 1,780mm and 1,470mm respectively.

    Front passengers are also in an advantageous position, because they benefit from enhanced headroom, legroom and shoulder room.

    The aerodynamics has also been improved thus making the cee’d more efficiently at speed. The co-efficient of drag here is is 0.30, which consequently leads to improvement in the fuel economy as well.

    2012 Kia Cee’d Front Angle

    The athletic appearance of the vehicle is further emphasised by the wider front and rear track measurements. Adding to this are the 17-inches wheels.

    The interior is entirely ruled by soft-touch surfaces. Of course it was made only with high-quality materials, and includes: damped sun visors and lidded storage areas, subtle red ambient lighting, tactile door grab handles and precise panel gaps.

    More importantly however, is that the new Cee’d now offers improved fuel efficiency. Its average fuel consumption is lowered by 4 per cent. The CO2 emissions it produces are 97g/km for the 1.6-litre diesel model.

    Four engines will be at the disposal of the customers of this Kia model: 1.4- and 1.6-litre diesels and petrol engines of similar capacity.

    The 1.6-litre petrol engine for example includes efficiency-enhancing direct fuel injection. It can produce 133 hp (98 kW) and 164Nm (121 lb-ft) of torque, and is the only Cee’d available with the dual-clutch gearbox.

    All 1.6-litre manual versions come equipped with ISG (Intelligent Stop & Go) which further contributes to the efficiency improvements. The 1.6-litre diesel with ISG has a combined cycle of fuel economy of more than 76mpg, with CO2 emissions from 97g/km.

    This engine is able to develop 126 hp (93 kW) and 260Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque and comes mated to a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox.

    Next, the 1.4-litre petrol version engine develops 98 hp (72 kW) and 137Nm (101 lb-ft) of torque and is capable of more than 47mpg, with CO2 emissions from 139g/km. On the other hand the diesel version produces 89 hp (65 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft), and manages almost 69mpg, with CO2emissions down to 109g/km.

    In terms of safety and security the Cee’d comes with stiffer bodyshell, 57 per cent of which is from high-tensile steel, with ultra-high-tensile steel in the B-pillar structures.

    The extensive standard and passive safety equipment of the Cee’d include: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and six airbags, Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS), Parallel Parking Assist System, Lane Departure Warning System, Motor Driven Power Steering.

    2012 Kia Cee’d Interior

    2012 Kia Cee’d is available in five trim levels, named ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, ‘4’ and ‘4 Tech’. All will include a comprehensive list of standard equipment. In it are included electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and a height-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted controls, front electric windows, projection headlights, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a cooled glovebox, a flat-folding 60:40 split rear seat, ambient front lighting, an iPod-compatible audio system with radio and CD player, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, ESP and VSM, HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), six airbags and speed-sensitive auto door locking.

    2012 Kia Cee’d range ‘2’ adds to the standard equipment 16-inch alloy wheels, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and rear combination lamps, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, leather trim on the steering wheel, gearshifter and handbrake, greater use of chrome highlights, a rear centre armrest, all-round electric windows, cruise control with speed limiter, reversing sensors and the Flex Steer function.

    2012 Kia Cee’d range ‘3’ has in addition privacy glass, automatic headlights with a ‘follow-me-home’ function, rain-sensing front wipers with de-icing elements, a height-adjustable front passenger’s seat, electric lumbar support on both front seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with two-step air-flow control and a seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation, built-in colour reversing camera system.

    2012 Kia Cee’d range ‘4’ comes equipped additionally with 17-inch alloys, exterior illumination on the front door handles, black leather front seats with contrasting grey inserts and three-stage heating, a heated steering wheel, electronic parking brake, an engine stop/start button with smart entry system, rear air ventilation system, a premium centre console with sliding cover and a TFT LCD multi-function high-definition colour display.

    2012 Kia Cee’d ‘4 Tech’ is characterized by its panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, Parallel Parking Assist System – including front parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning System and Xenon adaptive front lighting system with automatic levelling.

    2012 Kia Cee’d is going to go on sale in the United Kingdom on 1 June with a starting price of £14 395.

    2012 Kia Cee’d range specifications

    Model Power
    bhp
    Torque
    Nm
    0-60
    sec
    Max speed
    mph
    Combined
    mpg
    ‘1’ 1.4 6-speed manual 98 137 12.4 113 47.1
    ‘1’ 1.4 CRDi 6-speed manual 89 220 13.0 106 68.9
    ‘1’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 11.5 122 76.3
    ‘2’ 1.4 6-speed manual 98 137 12.4 113 46.3
    ‘2’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG 133 164 9.8 118 52.3
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 11.5 122 74.3
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed auto 126 260 11.3 116 51.4
    ‘3’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG 133 164 9.8 118 52.3
    ‘3’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed DCT 133 164 10.4 121 46.3
    ‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 11.5 122 74.3
    ‘4’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG 133 164 TBC TBC TBC
    ‘4’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed DCT 133 164 10.4 121 46.3
    ‘4’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 TBC TBC TBC
    ‘4 Tech’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG 133 164 9.8 118 TBC
    ‘4 Tech’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed DCT 133 164 10.4 121 46.3
    ‘4 Tech’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 TBC TBC TBC

    2012 Kia Cee’d range – emissions and costs

    Model CO2 g/km VED
    Band
    BIK
    Band
    Ins.
    Group
    Price
    OTR
    ‘1’ 1.4 6-speed manual 139 E 18% TBC £14,395
    ‘1’ 1.4 CRDi 6-speed manual 109 B 15% TBC £15,695
    ‘1’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 97 A 13% TBC £16,295
    ‘2’ 1.4 6-speed manual 143 F 18% TBC £16,395
    ‘2’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG 124 D 15% TBC £17,195
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 100 A 13% TBC £18,295
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed auto 145 F 23% TBC £19,395
    ‘3’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG 124 D 15% TBC £18,995
    ‘3’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed DCT 140 E 19% TBC £20,295
    ‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 100 A 13% TBC £20,095
    ‘4’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG TBC TBC 15% TBC £20,595
    ‘4’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed DCT 140 E 19% TBC £21,895
    ‘4’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG TBC TBC 13% TBC £21,695
    ‘4 Tech’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG TBC TBC 13% TBC £22,495
    ‘4 Tech’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed DCT 140 E 19% TBC £23,795
    ‘4 Tech’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG TBC TBC 13% TBC £23,595

    Source: Kia

  • 2013 Kia K9 Luxury Saloon equipped with V6 engine

    2013-Kia-K9-Luxury-Saloon-THUMB2013 Kia K9 Luxury Saloon has just been released for sale and it is in fact introducing an entirely new segment of the global automotive market. It has a rear-wheel drive and more importantly its power come from V6 engine mated to eight speed transmissions.

    K9’s overall length is 5,090 mm and the wheelbase is 3,045 mm. This basically means that the model is delivers generous front and rear occupant space. In addition, the overall width and height are 1,900 mm and 1,490 mm, respectively. Consequently, this only can mean that there is more than enough space in the cabin.

    2013 Kia K9 will be powered by an upgraded 290 ps (213 hp) Lambda V6 3.8-litre MPI engine, or with a 334 ps (246 kW) 3.8-litre GDI engine. Either of the engines are mated to an eight speed automatic transmission.

    Of course the all new saloon is all about luxury and includes some advanced luxury features and technologies, such as: fully adaptive all-LED headlamps, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), radar-based Blind-Spot Detection (BSD), a 17-speaker Lexicon (by Harman) sound system, Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and an Around-View Monitor (AVM) with four cameras.

    All in all Kia K9 is all about elegant simplicity, harmony and balance in terms of appearance and technologies. The car can be also a synonym of confidant stance and athletic proportions thank to the premium large rear-wheel drive.

    Obviously with this model Kia aims to compete some of the most popular European brands.

    2013 Kia K9 Luxury Saloon
    2013 Kia K9 Luxury Saloon

    Source: Kia

  • 2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics – Price £11 895

    2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics has been named “Best sub-100g/km business car” in the Business Car Manager Best Business Car 2012 Awards.

    It emits just 85 g/km CO2, which is the lowest of any non-electric vehicle currently on sale. The Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics impressed the Business Car Manager judges as an overall ownership proposition and not just for its class-leading green attributes.

    2012 Kia Rio starts at just £9 995 OTR and the 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics  model is available from £11 895.  The entire Rio range is available with Kia’s fixed price servicing plans, Care-3 and Care-3 Plus, which offer 3 or 5 years servicing from just £269.

    “Any Kia Rio is a good car – but the EcoDynamics version is a champion.  It returns a staggering 88mpg and emits just 85g/km of CO2 thanks to a punchy and characterful 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel engine.”, said Commenting on the Rio’s win, Ralph Morton, Editor, Business Car Manager.

    “As well as those cheap running costs, the Rio boasts an ownership experience that is anything but.  This is a compact hatchback that looks just as smart as its Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa rivals – while inside there’s plenty of space, the cabin is really well made and there’s lots of equipment. It’s precise to drive too. You certainly don’t feel like a second-class citizen in a Rio; it’s a genuine class-beater.”, Mr. Morton added.

    The Business Car Manager award is the Rio EcoDynamic’s third so far in 2012 having already scooped CarBuyer’s 2012 Green Car of the Year Award as well as having been singled out for special praise in Kia’s What Car? 2012 Ultra-Low-Carbon Award.

    2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics
    2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics

    Source: Kia

  • 2013 Kia Sorento

    Kia has released full details about their all new 2013 Sorento CUV (crossover utility vehicle). For 2013, Sorento’s utility and functionality are boosted further by adjusting content to suit consumer needs more than ever before.

    Among the upgrades, the 2013 model now features leather upholstery as standard for the EX trim level and standard third-row seat for the LX V6 trim. Furthermore, the entry-level LX now offers the optional UVO powered by Microsoft®4 voice-activated infotainment system based on the Windows®4 Embedded Automotive platform. The LX Convenience Plus Package includes an 8-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a First Aid Kit for family-minded consumers.

    The exterior of 2013 Sorento is also changed. It has a new front fascia, some body color accents and 17” alloy wheels fitted with 235/65R17 tires. If the customer opts for the top-of-range SX model, he or she can also enjoy to LED taillights, a set of nice ten-spoke 18” alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tires and a chrome exhaust tip.

    The Sorento CUV is available in four trim levels – LX, EX and SX. The engine range includes three different engines – a 2.4 liter MPI four-cylinder petrol with 177PS (131 kW) and 229Nm (169 lb-ft) of torque, a 2.4 liter GDI four-cylinder petrol with 194PS (142 kW) and 245Nm (181 lb-ft) and a mighty 3.5 liter V6 with 280PS (206 kW) and 336Nm (248 lb-ft). All are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission as the FWD is standard and AWD is available as an option.

    The safety is at very high level. The 2013 Sorento comes with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC).

    2013 Kia Sorento is covered by comprehensive warranty program11, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value.

    Included in this program are a 10-year/100 000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60 000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100 000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60 000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.

    2013 Kia Sorento
    2013 Kia Sorento

    Source: Kia

  • Kia Cee’d at Geneva and More

    2012-Kia-Ceed-thumbThe new Kia Cee’d premiers to the world at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show. Although South Korean, the Cee’d is quintessentially European – It’s designed, engineered and made in Europe. What we have here, is most definitely a poke in the eye for the big players on the hatchback market.

    Building on the success of the old model, this one is longer (4.3 meters in total) and more slippery. Inside, higher quality materials are now being used and the options list is longer than ever.

    There will be four engines available through most of Europe – two petrol and two diesel ones among which the most powerful will be a 1.6 GDI (it’s a petrol). The abbreviation stands for “Gasoline Direct Injection” – Kia‘s latest. Power comes in the form of 135 PS and 165 Nm of torque. If you go with Dual Clutch Transmission option you’ll get some additional frugality from the engine.

    If economy is what you are after however, a 128 PS diesel version with Kia’s EcoDynamics fuel saving technologies achieves fuel consumption of as low as 3.7 l/100km and CO2 emissions of just 97 g/km.

    Kia Cee'd (2012)
    Kia Cee'd (2012)

    The Cee’d is not alone at the Geneva stand. There’s an SW (estate) version of it which will go on sale later this year.

    Then there’s the Kia Ray EV‘s European premiere – a zero-emission city car with a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge. Though developed exclusively for the Korean market, the Ray EV showcases Kia’s technical expertise in developing a battery electric vehicle and highlights its commitment to provide a comprehensive technical solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

    Lastly, the Kia Track’ster Concept with electronic AWD adds some sportiness to the stand. The 1.6 GDI turbocharged engine in that one delivers 38 PS (215 PS) less than the 2.0 Track’ster we saw at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. It still is however, a brilliant spin-off of the Kia Soul.

    Kia Ceed SW (2012)
    Kia Cee'd SW (2012)
    Kia Track'ster Concept
    Kia Track'ster Concept

    Source: Kia

  • Kia with an All-new K9 Flagship Sedan in Korea

    Kia-K9-Korean-thumbKia promised a flagship sedan and they gave a flagship sedan… to Korea. These are the first images of the K9, which is set to go on sale some time this year. And yes, it will be actually called the K9 in Korea while the naming of the batch of cars that are going to go on sale overseas is yet to be done. Euorope won’t get any of that action though.

    The K9 will be the first ever RWD Kia sedan and is said to be the ultimate in 2012 design, performance and technology. At the domestic market, the “K” range consists of K5 (widely known as the Optima) and K7 (Cadenza – not seen in Europe again).

    One would be surprised for how many thing can the “K” in the range stand for – Kia, obviously, but also Korea and Kratos, apparently – it means dominion, rule and power (from Greek). Some also call it the “Kinetic” which is rather self explanatory.

    So then, many names to live up to. Hopefully, the K9 holds something more than a mere “high-tech luxury sedan image”. So far we know that it has a “tiger-nose-radiator grille” and LED headlights at the front, simple lines throughout the body and LED again formations at the back, complemented by some chrome and some mufflers embedded in the rear bumper.

    Kia K9 (2012)
    Kia K9 (2012)

    Source: Kia

  • 2012 Kia Cee’d to debut at Geneva Motor Show

    2012 Kia CeeD Thumb2012 KIA Cee’d is going to make a major come back at this years Geneva Motor Show. The all new version of the vehicle now has even more elegance and is expecting to achieve great success. It offers a combination of dynamism, sophisticated styling. The all new 2012 Kia Cee’d five-door hatchback is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. However, it retains the same long wheelbase.  The elegant coupe-like proportions are emphasised by a steeply raked A-pillar, a very low belt-line in the front and lengthened side windows. The front part of the exterior represents the latest interpretation of Kia’s trademark – the ‘tiger-nose’ grille and aggressive, wraparound headlamp clusters housing signature LED daytime running lights.

    Next, when looked from the side the vehicle impresses with its wide track and solid stance. At the same time the strongly sculpted door surfaces, the steeply raked A-pillar, sweeping roofline and integral rear spoiler emphasize the sporting aesthetics of the cars generous glasshouse. Moreover the entire exterior is improved by numerous small yet highly significant detail touché. They add to the prestige and premium feel of the new Kia Cee’d. In details, they include new sophisticated Kia badge, the indicator blade protrusion in the front headlamps, the Kia-signature windscreen head castellations, the chrome side glazing surround and the cee’d-unique, aerodynamic shaping of the tail lamp which extends into the bodywork.

    2012 KIA Cee’d
    2012 KIA Cee’d

    The interior of course, has been completely remade. It now offers more premium look and feel, higher quality, improved switchgear, touch-screen technology and enhanced driving position ergonomics. In particular, the dashboard layout features a cockpit-like design with an aircraft-themed, driver-oriented frontal look.  In addition, the main control panel wraps around the steering wheel, placing all switchgear within easy reach of the driver, and the main control groups such as audio and air-conditioning have been segregated to bring a more premium, luxurious, big car feel to the interior.

    Soft touch high quality materials were used in the creation of the interior, and they add a new tactility to the driving environment.  Instruments and switchgear are picked out in very thin chrome, the door handles are built up in a layered sandwich of high quality materials and the door opener itself has a sculpted, one-piece, shell-like quality.

    2012 KIA Cee’d Interior
    2012 KIA Cee’d Interior

    Source: KIA

  • Kia Track’ster Revealed

    Kia-Trackster-Concept-thumbThe Kia Track’ster concept is out of the box. Attenders at the Chicago Auto Show yesterday had the privilege to witness the rather dramatic revealing. And now when the Track’ster is open to the public, we do are not sure from where to start.

    Although it is based on the current Soul, in essence it is an entirely different car. The Track’ster is simply exciting to look at thanks to those air-gulping, carbon grille installations across the front and the massive auxiliary LED lights that complement them. The headlights themselves are impressive enough with that flowing figure that seems to be reaching for the fenders. And can you not notice the color of the whole thing? It’s white and orange as if it’s a pair of trainers – The roof and lower front, side and back valances are in, what Kia calls, an ‘inferno’ shade. That burning hue can be noticed as a motive also on the mirrors and at the front air-scooping slit and inside. To do the honor of the overall sculptured body lines of the Track’ster, Kia have fitted four HRE-K1 monoblock billet performance wheels. Ideal tires would be 245/40-19-inch for the front wheels and a stunningly wide and low pair of 285/35-19′s at the back.

    More features that set the Track’ster apart from the Soul include the dimensions – 101.2-inches of wheelbase length make the concept almost an inch longer than its production parent. And most certainly, the 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled brake discs at the front and 13.6-inch ones at the back, gripped by six and four-piston calipers respectively, do not come as standard on a Soul but they are present in Track’ster. Such suspension attention on a concept car seems redundant but when we realize that the Track’ster hides a 2.0-liter, straight four turbocharged power plant that develops 250 hp things start to make sense. What also makes sense is the power being channeled trough an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system in order to prevent any torquesteer, understeer or oversteer tendencies. The transmission is a six-speed, short-ratio manual controlled by a stubby gear stick found on the center console (naturally).

    Speaking of the center console, the inside of the car is certainly a place where we or any other car enthusiast might like to spend a great deal of time. The two bucket seats at the front are dressed in gray and orange (inferno) leather. The dashboard, door panels and center console have the same motives with added white patterns. There are standalone gauges on top of the dashboard that indicate things like oil pressure, temperature and battery voltage. Just bellow is a touch-screen interface which deals with the navigation, ventilation and entertainment system. The start button on the other hand, might just be the most exciting feature of all (for a 10 year old).

    A part of the Track’ster‘s “street” appeal is lost when we look at the back where, on a normal Soul, one would find rear seats. The Track’ster however stands by its name and occupies the rear space with a section for tools, a sport’s gear compartment, a place for a spare tire and other track-friendly items. It all sounds like a car enthusiast’s dream really. Except one problem – Kia are not thinking of actually making it. It is said that the Track’ster is more of a test for the company’s engineers and their creativity and ability to make perfect, road going, performance superminis. Point taken.

    Kia Trackster Concept
    Kia Trackster Concept

    Source: Kia

  • Kia Track’ster Concept [first image]

    Kia Trackster ConceptKia has released first image (teaser) of the new Track’ster Concept car, which will make its official debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The vehicle is created by California Design Studio.

    The concept car boasts LED taillights and aggressive dual exhaust system.

    There are no further details about the car or its engine, but probably it will share the Veloster’s 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol with 211PS (155 kW) and 265Nm (196 lb-ft).

    Full details and additional photography will be released on Wednesday 8th February. A design sketch was released on Thursday 2nd February.

    Source: Kia

  • 2012 Kia Track’ster Concept

    ThumbKia has just unveiled their new concept. As you can see it is powerful, dynamic and very stylish. Moreover it shows distinctive design which shows the direction that the South Korean manufacturer is taking.  The concept bears the name Track’ster and is intended to be the ultimate sporting representation of Kia’s Soul B– segment SUV. The extremely successful and innovative crossover “Soul” gave even more ideas for concepts, such as Soul’ster for example. This is a convertible concept, which now is at preparation stage for production. The “Soul” model made a big breakthrough in the 2011 in the United Stades, where over 102,000 units were sold.  In addition, now Kia is launching this brand new Track’ster concept, which also has the relationship with the “Soul”s rebellious, individual and urban style.

    2012 Kia Track'ster Concept
    2012 Kia Track'ster Concept

    Source: KIA

  • 2012 Kia Rio 3-door – Price £9 995

    Kia has announced the new 3-door version of Rio. It will hit the UK market with a £600 saving, compared to equivalent five door models.

    The engine range includes two petrol and two diesel power units. The 1.1 CRDi delivers 75PS (55 kW) and 170Nm (125 lb-ft) at 1500RPM. It boasts CO2 emissions of 99g/km or below and fuel economy of at least 74.3mpg. Nice!

    EcoDynamics technologies, such as Intelligent Stop & Go, will be a standard feature with all new Rio diesels, including the 1.4-litre models. The 1.4 CRDi is a four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 90PS (66 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque.  Economy and emissions figures are 70.6mpg combined and just 105 g/km of CO2.

    The petrol variants are 1.25 litre Kappa engine with 84PS (61 kW), 121Nm (89 lb-ft) and a 1.4 litre Gamma engine with 108PS (80 kW) and 137Nm (101 lb-ft). All petrol manual versions of the new Rio comfortably exceed 50mpg, with CO2 emissions below 130g/km.

    2012 Kia Rio 3-door
    2012 Kia Rio 3-door

    Rio 3-door is offered in four trim grades – badged 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3 –  as the five door version.

    The standard equipment includes daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, speed-variable front wipers, headlamp levelling, front electric windows, 15-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, two-way steering column adjustment on the petrol model (height-adjustable only on the entry level diesel), a tachometer and trip computer, split folding rear seats, a boot light, a 12-volt power socket and an MP3-compatible RDS radio and CD player with USB and AUX ports.  Bluetooth is also standard on the petrol entry model, and on all versions with other trim grades.

    The 1 Air grade is for buyers who want the comfort of air conditioning without upgrading to level 2.

    The 2 is distinguished by 16” alloy wheels, front fog lights and a chrome radiator grille surround.  Inside, there is premium black cloth upholstery, a cooling glovebox, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with side repeaters, leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift and a centre console armrest.

    The luxurious level 3 specification adds 17” alloys with low-profile tyres, LED daytime running and rear combination lamps, automatic air conditioning with auto de-fog, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic projection-type headlights, heated front seats and six speakers instead of four.

    The safety is granted by electronic stability control (ESC), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA) in addition to emergency stop signalling (ESS). The new Rio also includes the helpful feature of Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

    2012 Kia Rio 3-door is priced from £9 995 OTR.

    Source: Kia