Kia – Page 19 – Automobiles Review

Kia Cee’d Fresh in Spring 2012

The hugely popular Kia Cee’d will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 with a whole new feel – a sporty, five-door hatchback with attention to detail in every aspect.

New stylish features garnish the exterior such as chrome lining around the windows and edgy curves on the bonnet. Striking new headlights now incorporate daytime LED’s. Inside the story is pretty much the same – ergonomic design feature, higher quality materials and driver oriented controls. No news about the oily bits still but we have high hopes for that

Kia Cee’d has always been the prime C-segment choice of customers with its unparalleled 7-year warranty, affordability and reliability. It is also still used as Top Gear’s “reasonably priced car” which has the novel task to take celebrities around the Top Gear test track.

Sales are expected to start around the second quarter of 2012, after the premier at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Source: Kia

January 11, 2012

2011 Kia Sorento wins Total 4×4’s Best SUV

The Kia Sorento is Total 4×4’s Best SUV for the second year in a row. It is a huge success, because the competition is very tough.

“The Sorento was our reigning champion in the full-size SUV class, and it impressed us every bit as much this year as last. Its style, poise, kit and practicality all score heavily in its favour.”, commented Editor Alan Kidd.

“Make no mistake, this award wasn’t about just being cheap. The Sorento beat a long list of premium opponents because it’s very good at everything that matters. Its bargain price and unbeatable seven year warranty merely seal the deal.”, he added.

2011 Kia Sorento was launched in the UK in February, last year. It is the flagship of the Kia range and is available in 2WD and 4WD versions – but it is the full-time four wheel drive model that again impressed the Total 4×4 judges to retain its Best SUV crown.

“From the day of its launch we knew that the latest Sorento continued the car’s impressive record of delivering excellent go-anywhere ability coupled with on-road sophistication at a great value price. Sorento has been a long-time favourite in the Kia range and its popularity amongst a wide variety of customers – from those who want on-road towing security or all-weather ability to the more adventurous owner who needs to head away from the main roads.”, said Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd.

“I am delighted that Total 4×4 has again awarded Sorento its Best SUV accolade – especially in the face of so much impressive competition in what remains a hard-fought sector of the market,” he added.”, he added.

The engine range includes 2.0D 16V CRDi, 2.2D 16V CRDi, 2.4 MPI DOHC 16V with Dual CVVT and a mighty 3.5 liter V6 with 273PS (201 kW).

The Sorento is available in three trim levels – LX, EX and SX.

The LX is standard and features an MP3 audio system with SIRIUS SAT Radio, auxiliary and USB audio input, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls and 17” alloy wheels.

The EX adds the UVO infotainment system, push button-start with smart key and rear sonar back-up sensors, rear view back-up cameras, air ionization purification and 18” 5-spoke alloy wheels.

The top-of-range SX trim boasts a voice-activated SAT NAV system with SiriusXM Traffic, an upgraded Infinity surround sound system with 10 speakers and 18” 10-spoke alloy wheels.

Source: Kia

December 16, 2011

Kia Ray – A city car for Korea

Small and ugly? No, it’s not SMART, at least not this time. The answer is an all-new Kia Ray compact vehicle. Fortunately, the vehicle will be sold exclusively in the Korean home market.

2012 Kia Ray City Car is aimed to provide its customers economical travelling and spacious interior. Of course, the exterior paid the huge price. It looks exactly like a lunch box. There are no words about powertrain options, which will be announced closer to the yet-to-be confirmed launch date, but you haven’t expect a lot.

Kia Ray has sliding rear passenger side door, which has to enable easier entry and exit in tight parking spaces, but it looks really bad, because the symmetry is broken.

From the rear, Ray presents a wide and stable stance, highlighted by prominent LED rear combination lamps and vertically positioned bumper reflectors. So, you’d rather look this thing from behind.

In conclusion, Kia Ray is a very bad copy of Scion xB and we are kind of happy, that it will never reach the European or US market.

Source: Kia

Kia Ray is a very bad copy of Scion xB and we are kind of happy, that it will never reach the European or US market.

November 10, 2011

Kia at 2011 SEMA Show

Kia will exhibit several six outrageous sports-themed vehicles in Las Vegas at the 2011 SEMA Show.

This year’s show cars were inspired by Kia’s growing sports marketing portfolio that includes basketball, women’s golf, motor sports and more. Two were built by the world famous West Coast Customs with additional vehicles conceived and built in-partnership with the popular lifestyle magazine, Antenna, as well as GoGoGear.com and Kia’s U.S. racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports.

“Kia is experiencing unprecedented growth and momentum and we’re bringing our most exciting range of show cars ever to this year’s SEMA Show, including several variations on the stylish all-new 2012 Rio 5-door and the fuel-efficient and technology-laden Optima Hybrid,” commented Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Kia Motors America.

“Our involvement in the world of sports has dramatically increased awareness and perception of the Kia brand, and together with some high-profile partners we have created a line-up of fun and eye-catching vehicles with unique back stories and plenty of personality.”, he added.

“Slam Dunk” Blake Griffin Optima Hybrid is created by West Coast Customs (WCC). They have created a basketball-themed Optima Hybrid that adds some hardwood flair to Kia’s first-ever hybrid in the U.S.

“Hole-In-One” Michelle Wie Soul is also built by West Coast Customs. It was inspired by Michelle Wie, Kia’s official golf ambassador and one of the most recognisable young athletes around the world.

“Retro Surf” Rio 5-Door is developed by Kia and Antenna. It features lowered and modified suspension set-up for sportier handling, and the aggressive exterior stance is accentuated by eye-grabbing 17” three-piece gold wheels.

“Hat Trick” Forte 5-Door is created by Antenna. The Hat Trick Forte 5-door can handle it all with a custom hockey stick holder that stretches from the trunk through the center of the vehicle into the cabin.

Slam Dunk Blake Griffin Kia Optima Hybrid

Source: Kia

November 1, 2011

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

Kia has a lot of experience producing alternate fuel vehicles. The manufacturer has produced its first electric vehicle (EV) – based on the Besta van – as long ago as 1986, and an electric version of the Sportage in 1999.

At the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show, Kia revealed a petrol-electric hybrid version of the new Optima saloon, which is now on sale in both the USA and Korea. It is powered by a a 2.4-litre petrol engine and a 30kW (48 PS) electric motor driving through a hybrid-specific six-speed automatic gearbox. The combined power is 206PS (151 kW) 263Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque.

Optima Hybrid has lithium-ion polymer battery which is 30% lighter than the nickel-metal hydride systems in rivals, but has a higher energy density. It can accelerate to more than 60mph (96 km/h) on battery power alone.

Kia Optima Hybrid returns up to 44mpg – 6.4 litres per 100 km in city and 47mpg – 6.0 litres per 100 km on the highway. There are no apparent features that differentiate it from the Kia Optima except for a badge, different wheel discs and special Light Platinum Graphite paint color.

Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) are also standard.

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid is priced at $26 500.

Source: Kia

October 28, 2011

Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car

Kia has announced Rio B-Spec Race car, which will have its official debut at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. The vehicle is developed by Kia as 5-door version model is being used for base. The project is finished thanks to Kinetic Motorsports.

Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car comes with a pair of sport bucket seats, 5-point seatbelts, a roll cage and ultra-light rims fitted with performance tires. There are also new adjustable coilover suspension and sport brake system. Carbon fiber components are also used for weight reduction and more balance.

The manufacturer didn’t release any further information about the engine or performance, but more details will be available soon.

Source: Kia

October 13, 2011

2012 KIA cee’d 4 version Price – £19 195

Kia will offer a new top-of-the-range 4 version to its range in the UK. The higher level of specification is available from 1^st October.

2012 Kia cee’d 4 is powered by a 1.6 litre CRDi turbodiesel engine with 126BHP (93 kW) at 4000RPM and 255Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque at just 1900RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

0 to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 km/h (122 mph). The engine achieves 62.8 mpg on combined cycle and emissions of just 119 g/km of CO2.

The exterior of 4 version boasts 17” alloy wheels, black bezel headlights and rear window privacy glass. The side indicator repeaters have been integrated into the door mirrors.

Inside, there is a full black leather upholstery, combined with front heated seats, and a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob add a luxurious feel. Driver convenience has been enhanced by the addition of cruise control, with steering wheel mounted controls, and electrically-operated heated and folding door mirrors.

A 7” colour touch screen system acts as the infotainment hub and controls a fully-integrated colour satellite navigation system, complete with European mapping, as well as the radio, CD player, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth hands-free systems.

In addition, an advanced parking camera system offers a colour view of obstacles to the rear of the vehicle and is displayed on the same screen. The cee’d SW version adds the extra convenience of audible reverse parking sensors to this list.

2012 Kia cee’d 4 and cee’d SW 4 are available to order now from £19 195 and £20 345, respectively OTR.

	cee’d ‘4’	cee’d SW ‘4’ (Manual)	cee’d SW ‘4’ (Auto)
Economy (combined mpg)	62.8	60.1	48.7
CO₂ emissions (g/km)	119	124	154
Acceleration (0-60mph)	10.6	10.8	12.1
Top speed (mph)	122	122	115

Source: KIA

October 4, 2011

2012 Kia Soul Price – £12 495

Kia will launch the all-new 2012 Soul from 3^rd October and the price is as low as £12 495. The model will come with revised 1.6-litre engines and the introduction of a six-speed gearbox on all models improve performance while lowering fuel consumption, emissions and running costs.

The engine range includes two 1.6-litre engines.

The first is a direct-injection (GDi) petrol with 138BHP. It returns 44.1 mpg on combined cycle and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds. The emissions are just 149g/km, which saves owners £35 a year compared with the previous model.

The second is a 1.6-litre CRDi with 126BHP, which is capable of doing 57.6mpg and emissions of just 129 g/km of CO2. 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds faster than previous version.

Soul comes as standard with electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). ESC intervenes to prevent skids by braking one or more wheels, reducing engine power or both if sensors detect the car may be in danger of going out of control. EBD, meanwhile, automatically ensures that stopping power is directed to the four wheels in such a way as to ensure the car is brought to a halt in the shortest possible distance.

Kia Soul – Performance and Economy figures

Version	Power (bhp)	Torque (lb/ft)	Top Speed (mph)	0-60 mph	Combined mpg	CO₂ (g/km)
1.6 GDi	138 @ 6300 rpm	122 @ 4850 rpm	112	10.0	44.1	149
1.6 CRDi	126 @ 4000 rpm	192 @ 1900-2750 rpm	112	10.3	57.6	129
1.6-litre CRDi auto	126 @ 4000 rpm	192 @ 1900-2750 rpm	110	11.3	47.9	155

Kia Soul – Pricing

Version	Price – On the Road
1.6 GDi 1	£12,495
1.6 GDi 2	£13,595
1.6 CRDi 2	£14,695
1.6 CRDi 2 auto	£15,795
1.6 GDi Hunter	£15,095
1.6 CRDi Hunter	£16,195
1.6 CRDi Hunter auto	£17,295
1.6 GDi Quantum	£15,595
1.6 CRDi Quantum	£16,695
1.6 CRDi Quantum auto	£17,795

Source: KIA

October 3, 2011

2012 Kia Rio three-door

While the all-new Kia Rio five-door hatchback is generating positive media coverage around the world and arriving in dealer showrooms across Europe this month, Kia is celebrating the world premiere of its new Rio three-door model at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Designed primarily for the European market, the new Rio three-door will expand the appeal of Kia’s latest B-segment model to attract a new group of consumers to the brand for the first time – boosting conquest sales after its introduction during the first quarter of 2012. Ultimately, Kia expects the Rio three-door to account for approximately 20 to 25 per cent of total Rio sales.

Rio three-door has the same key dimensions as the five-door model (length 4,045 mm, width 1,720 mm, height 1,455 mm and wheelbase 2,570 mm) and retains the same roofline that is one of the lowest in Kia’s European product range, emphasising its purposeful, sporty stance.

In most European markets, Rio three-door will be available with the same range of powertrains, equipment and options as the five-door. The new model will offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines – with a 75 to 109 ps power range.

The fastest Rio three-door will accelerate to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds and be able to reach a top speed of 114 mph. Fuel consumption will be as low as 88.2 mpg for the newly-introduced EcoDynamics diesel model, which will also deliver an industry-leading CO2 rating of just 85 g/km – the lowest emissions of any non electric vehicle, including hybrid vehicles.

With two bodystyles for new Rio, plus the already-popular five-door Soul and Venga B-segment models, Kia is confident of capturing an even larger share of the increasingly popular compact car market in Europe. The three-door Rio will go on sale from early 2012.

Source: Kia

September 13, 2011

KIA Four-door Sports Sedan Concept at Frankfurt Motor Show

Kia will exhibit a new powerful and dynamic four-door sports sedan concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The interesting about the vehicle is that it comes with RWD… finally.

The Concept also features distinctive new design, sleek and muscular proportions with a sophisticated and elegant four-seater cockpit.

Kia will also bring the all-new Rio and a facelift version of the Kia Soul at the IAA Frankfurt, so there will be plenty to see at the stand in Hall 3.1, booth A21.

“No matter from which perspective you look at it – this concept car is roaring with energy and ready for take-off,” commented Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Chief Design Officer, proudly.

“I believe the car is a strong statement from Kia: we are ready to fast forward to an all new chapter.”, he finished.

KIA Four-door Sports Sedan Concept FrontSide

Source: KIA

August 19, 2011

2012 KIA Picanto 3-door

KIA will hit the market with the new 2012 Picanto 3-door joining the line-up for the first time since the model appeared in 2004. The small city car will also come with several new trim levels, and CO2 emissions from 99g/km – VED and Congestion Charge exempt.

Still, both 5-door and 3-door versions are identical in order to ensure the same levels of interior space and crash safety. However, the new 3-door model boasts bigger grille, restyled front bumper with large black-bezelled foglamps with the two upper trim grades. The rear bumper has a rectangular black central section in place of body colour.

2012 Kia Picanto 3-door will be offered in four trim levels – 1, 1 Air, Halo and Equinox

The engine range includes brand-new 1.0-liter with 68BHP and 95Nm of torque. The bigger 1.25-litre has 84BHP and 121Nm of torque. The average fuel consumption is 60.1mpg. With a 4-speed automatic gerbox – 53.3mpg and the EcoDynamics version returns 65.7mpg.

All versions have electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS), ensuring maximum stopping power regardless of the pressure applied to the pedal by the driver.

2012 Kia Picanto 3-door goes on sale on September 1^st and it is priced at £7 795 OTR for the entry-level version.

Check out the price list, below!

Variant	Power (BHP)	Torque (lb-ft)	Combined mpg	Price OTR
1.0 ‘1′	68 at 6200RPM	70 at 3500RPM	67.3	£7 795
1.0 ‘1 Air’	68 at 6200RPM	70 at 3500RPM	67.3	£8 395
1.25 ‘Halo’ EcoDynamics	84 at 6000RPM	89 at 4000RPM	65.7	£11 695
1.25 ‘Halo’ Auto	84 at 6000RPM	89 at 4000RPM	53.3	£12 295
1.25 Equinox	84 at 6000RPM	89 at 4000RPM	60.1	£11 695

Source: KIA

August 15, 2011

2012 Kia Picanto Price – £7 995

2012 Kia Picanto will hit the market on 17 June. This is the second-generation of the model and it is set to prove better quality at decent price. 2012 Picanto offers extremely low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions as well as good performance. It is slightly larger than it predecessor and has more space and great comfort.

The engine range includes 1.0 and 1.25-litre petrol power units. The 1.25 litre is also available with an Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as well as an automatic gearbox.

The three-cylinder 1.0 litre develops 68BHP and 95Nm and returns amazing 67.3 mpg. The bigger 1.25 litre four-cylinder has 84BHP and 121Nm and averages 60.1mpg. It available with both 5-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDynamics version is with fuel consumption at 65.7mpg.

2012 Picanto vs previous model (standard five-speed manual)

	New	Previous	New	Previous
	1.0	1.0	1.25	1.1
0-60mph (sec)	13.9	15.8	11.0	14.6
Top speed (mph)	95	93	106	96
Combined mpg	67.3	58.8	60.1	58.8
CO₂ (g/km)	99	114	109	114

Standard specification includes body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, Radio/CD player, trip computer and an immobiliser. There are also a height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-adjustable steering column, six airbags, a 60:40 split folding rear seat.

2012 Kia Picanto 07

Picanto 1 Air adds air conditioning, and the fantastic value of the 1 specification, but without upgrading to the well specified mid-grade 2 version.

Picanto 2 offers Bluetooth connectivity, with voice recognition and full iPod control with USB & AUX ports – both of which can be operated by the steering wheel controls – and electrically operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters. Air conditioning, rear electric windows, 14” alloy wheels, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, an alarm system, premium black upholstery and chrome exterior detailing complete the comprehensive spec package.

The top-of-the-range 3 spec adds automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, a 6-speaker stereo system, 15” alloy wheels, body-coloured side skirts and automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights and unique LED rear lamps.

The safety is at very high level. 2012 Picanto electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS). There are also 6 airbags and seat-belt pre-tensioners and load limiters brace occupants against a crash impact while reducing the risk of chest injury.

As with all new Kias, a 7 year or 100 000 miles fully transferable warranty is standard on every new Picanto.

2012 Kia Picanto UK 5-door model range:

Powertrain	Trim	Power – bhp	Torque – lb/ft	CO₂	Combined mpg	Price
1.0-litre	1	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£7,995
1.0-litre	1 Air	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£8,595
1.0-litre	2	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£9,595
1.25-litre ISG	2 EcoDynamics	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	100	65.7	£10,195
1.25-litre Auto	2	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	125	53.3	£10,795
1.25-litre	3	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	109	60.1	£11,195

2012 Kia Picanto

Source: Kia

May 25, 2011

Tag: Kia