Autoblog

REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST

2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

As General Motors' Saturn brand ushers its owners toward orphan-make status, at least one company is swooping in to pick at the bones of its carcass. Kia has been doing well lately, unlike nearly everyone else, its sales actually grew this year. The brand has been adding dealers by picking up ex-Saturn stores and looks to continue building market share in the East, as well as in selected large cities on the West Coast. Kia's VP of sales, Tom Loveless tells Automotive News there has been no concerted plan to go after Saturn dealers, they just happen to be in the markets Kia wants to expand into, and that some ex-Hummer and Chrysler dealers have joined, as well.

More interesting than tales of dealer signage changes is what may be coming product-wise. The Soul and Forte have been getting attention, and more new stuff is on the way as the 2011 Sorento drops in January. The Optima and Sportage both get the re-do treatment for 2011, and a hybrid lands in 2012. To counter the geek-chic of battery power, word is the sharp-looking Forte Koup might get an iron lung hung off its engine, making it the brand's first turbocharged car. Loveless seems open to the idea, calling it "a natural extension, if it makes financial sense." Word.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Kia considering production Kee to compete with Toyobaru coupe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Kia

Kia Kee Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interview with the blokes from Autocar, Kia head designer Peter Schreyer had plenty of interesting things to say about the possibility of a new rear-wheel drive sportscar from the Korean automaker based on the KEE concept from the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

If it ever sees the light of day, Schreyer sees the coupe as a possible competitor for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the upcoming inexpensive sportscar from Toyota and Subaru. Not to mention a possible Nissan 240SX revival. Just don't expect to see such a machine any time soon:

Assuming Kia's European fortunes continue to improve at the rate they are now, we could be ready in, say, five years for a car like Kee... [I]t would be important for the Kee to be rear-wheel drive. And there is, of course, already a rear-driven platform within the Hyundai-Kia group that we could look to use, if our timing was good... Personally, I have to say that I'm very excited by the idea, and very enthusiastic to make it happen.

So, not only may the Genesis platform be expanded to include a top-level Kia sedan, it may spawn a small sporty machine as well. According to Schreyer, the production Kee wouldn't need a ton of power; rather Kia would focus on making the car "compact, affordable and fun." Sounds good to us - really, can we ever have too much of those three adjectives in the automotive world?

Gallery: Kia Kee Coupe Concept

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Kia considering production Kee to compete with Toyobaru coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Design/Style, Luxury, South Korea

When the Volkswagen Phaeton launched here in the States, nobody liked it. Well, that's not true. Every journalist we know who drove the mighty VW went on and on about how it's probably actually the greatest car in the world (especially all decked out with a W12 engine) and how the HVAC system is a full generation ahead of the competition (you can't beat in-car radiators!) and how the seats so awesomely massaged their fat butts. That said, it was still a terrible car in terms of branding, marketing, etc. And now we have no Phaeton.

Then came the Hyundai Genesis. The big sedan version with the Tau (whatever that means) 4.6-liter V8. "Hmmm," our motor-mouthed brethren chimed. "Hyundai might just be on to something here." Lots of good ink got spilled in the Genesis's general direction and the Mercedes-Benz lookalike Korean luxury car got picked as the 2009 North American Car of the Year. It even appears to be selling. How things change.

Well guess what? Kia wants in. AboutCAR caught a glimpse of the proposed Kia K9 at a design conference in Seoul. Standing next to the proposed super sedan is Peter Schreyer, best known for designing the original Audi TT, he is now Kia's chief of design. Should the K9 show up, expect it to arrive in the U.S. with a Genesis-sourced chassis and a big fat V8. Other parts of the world will get other engines. Will it work? As Hyundai America CEO and President John Krafcik told us at the LA Auto Show when he was asked which he liked better, the new Sonata or Tucson, "I just really love my Genesis." And there you have it.

[Source: Aboutcar.co.kr]

Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia designers reportedly still want Soul'ster built - is there a market for it?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Truck, Kia

2009 Kia Soul'ster concept - click above for high-res gallery

Will they build it or won't they? That's the question we've all been asking since Kia showed off its funky Soul'ster concept earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show. We've been hearing rumblings that there's a solid push from inside the Korean automaker's own ranks to put the little trucklet into production, and it appears that's still the case.

Speaking to our friends at PickupTrucks.com at the LA Auto Show, Tom Kearns, Kia North America's Chief Designer, said, "Kia's internal design community is firmly behind building the Soul'ster. We'd like to see it happen. There's no official decision to build it but it's still possible."

The base Kia Soul starts at $13,995, and though we have no idea what Kia might charge the Soul'ster if it were to make it to U.S. dealerships, the open-bed unibody would likely have its own little niche to itself as it figures to be significantly smaller and cheaper than vehicles like the Honda Ridgeline. Would it sell? Let us know what you think in 'Comments.'

Gallery: Kia Soul'ster Concept

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Kia designers reportedly still want Soul'ster built - is there a market for it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Etc., Kia

2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a brief press release and a trophy handoff at the LA Auto Show, car pricing authority NADAguides.com has heaped the first of what we could be many accolades upon the stylish and affordable 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup by naming the duo their Car of the Year for 2009. Citing the pair's "best in class" features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said these Kia compacts were standout vehicles in a pretty impressive field. Other contenders for the crown included such significant and praiseworthy vehicles as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster.

In our own review of the Kia Forte, we praised its styling, build, layout and performance, and especially its budget-minded pricing, so we see where NADA is coming from. Sometimes, we have to scratch our heads a bit when one of these sorts of awards are announced, but in this case, we certainly think the cars are deserving.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX

[Source: NADAguides.com]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Meet the "all-American" 2011 Kia Sorento

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Kia, South Korea

2011 Kia Sorento- Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps the most important fact about the all new Kia Sorento isn't that it's a "right-sized" compact CUV. If Kia's boundless enthusiasm is any indication, the most important fact is that the 2011 Sorento is the first Kia designed and built in entirely in the USA. In fact, Kia claims that their all-new West Point, Georgia manufacturing plant will not only create 2,500 jobs (eventually - 1,200 for the moment), they say it is the most advanced Kia manufacturing facility in the world.

Then there's the vehicle they just started building in Georgia sixteen days ago, the 2011 Sorento. Kia's calling it "right-sized," and pointing out that Americans are leaving their biggie SUVs in droves and moving to CUVs, specifically compact CUVs. But not that compact - the Sorento is designed to sit five adults comfortably or seven full-size persons "occasionally." That's our kind of euphemism! The Sorento, however, is not just a schlepper. It's got a MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link suspension setup for the rear.

Coupled to a 276 horsepower V6 and an all-new built in-house six-speed automatic, the Sorento is able to get up and boogie a bit. Or at least as much as a top heavy CUV can boogie. Check out our First Drive of the Kia Sorento (a pre-production model from Korea) for more details. Long story short, a base Sorento will start at under $20,000 - about $1,500 less than the outgoing body-on-frame model.

Hyundai's making a big media push, taking out a Sorento ad in Times Square that will be visible when the ball drops on New Year's Eve. They're also put together a short commercial some of you may have seen in movie theaters over the weekend. This spot, featuring a young all-American boy on a bicycle, will be airing until January. Kia is also co-sponsoring the Chick-fil-A and the Outback college bowl games. As Kia mentioned repeatedly during the presentation, they feel the brand's got some momentum going. If the Sorento drives and works anywhere close to where Kia says it will, they might be right.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Kia Sorento

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sorento

LA 2009: Meet the "all-American" 2011 Kia Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How do you spell Hyundai's Kryptonite? J-D-M

Dan Roth — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Japan, Hyundai, Kia, Earnings/Financials, South Korea

As Hyundai continues to pull itself up by its bootstraps, the company is moving decisively and picking up share around the globe. However, one key market continues to be so problematic for the brand that they've decided to abandon it altogether: Japan. Rather than dodder around and wait for its disappointing performance to improve, Hyundai is tying off the bleeder that is the company's Japanese market presence. The cars themselves, either under Hyundai badging or as Kias, have become contenders in terms of styling and quality, two key indicators of the company's commitment. And the move into Japan was part of Hyundai's worldwide plan for expansion. For all its efforts, though, the famously insular market has deflected this outsider. In the eight years Hyundai has been selling vehicles in Japan, it has only managed to shift 15,000 units.

For all its efforts, 1,875 cars per year just isn't worth it to Hyundai, though it will still try to sell commercial vehicles to Japan. According to the South Korean daily, Chosun Iibo, tariffs are slapped on outsiders selling cars in Japan, and the size of some models Hyundai's been trying to market there doesn't match up with typical Japanese garages and parking spaces. Buyers who have the space for larger cars aren't the ones Hyundai's trying to nab, either. Those purchasers typically pursue higher-end metal.

Interestingly, rival Toyota might see Hyundai's move as a sort of victory. Toyota itself established a beachhead in the more-welcoming South Korean market in 2000, and has been selling thousands of vehicles there under its Lexus and Toyota nameplates. While Hyundai is giving up on Japan, Toyota's looking to move more cars than ever in South Korea.

[Sources: CNBC. Chosun]

How do you spell Hyundai's Kryptonite? J-D-M originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Cadenza bows in Korea, replacing Amanti in the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

2011 Kia Cadenza - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has taken the wraps off the 2010 Cadenza in its home market before its official debut at next month's Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, and if you're wondering what the South Korean automaker had planned for the next generation Amanti, this is it.

Based on an all-new front-drive platform (Type-N) spanning 195.5 inches, the Cadenza is slightly shorter than the Amanti it's due to replace, but its wheelbase has grown to 112 inches and Kia managed to reduce the weight by over 280 pounds while keeping torsional rigidity and overall strength up. MacPherson struts are employed up front with a multi-link suspension in the rear, while 11.8-inch discs (front) and 11.2-inch rotors (rear) are hidden behind standard 16-inch or optional 17-inch wheels.

Three engines, each mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, will be available when the Cadenza launches outside of North America in January. Outputs will range from 162 (four-cylinder) to 286 hp (V6), with the latter like to come to the US. Kia hasn't released when the new Amanti will make it Stateside, but the smart money says sometime late in 2010. Make the jump for the full release.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Cadenza/Amanti

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Cadenza bows in Korea, replacing Amanti in the U.S.

2011 Kia Cadenza bows in Korea, replacing Amanti in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai reportedly shopping locations for third North American plant - in Mexico [UPDATE]

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Kia

Hyundai Veracruz - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is on a mission to expand its American market share. And so far, the going's been good for the Korean automaker, which has been taking the fight to its Japanese rivals with increasing ferocity. Now reports indicate that Hyundai-Kia is looking into building a third assembly plant in North America. Only it probably won't be in the United States - like its existing plant in Alabama and the one being built in Georgia - and it won't be in Canada either; sources say the third plant is likely to end up in Mexico.

The reports are apparently substantiated by the Mexican government, which is understandably keen to encourage foreign investment. If and when it goes online - it's targeted for 2013 - the plant could be capable of churning out 150,000 vehicles annually, helping Hyundai quadruple its North American output by 2013. The plant could be used to produce the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio for North American consumption, but not the Veracruz crossover - which may prove a little confusing, considering that the location Hyundai's looking at is in Veracruz, Mexico.

UPDATE: Hyundai has released the following statement regarding a possible third plant in NA.

"The recent report of Hyundai Motor Co. planning an investment in a Mexican manufacturing subsidiary is completely groundless. Neither HMC nor its affiliates in the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group have any plans to invest in manufacturing operations in Mexico at this time."

Gallery: 2007 Hyundai Veracruz

[Source: Inside Line]

Hyundai reportedly shopping locations for third North American plant - in Mexico [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Kia Sorento finally crosses over

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Kia, First Drive

2011 Kia Sorento - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sometimes it's hard to remember what you did just yesterday, but think back to 2003 when Kia first introduced the Sorento mid-size SUV. At the time, the market was dominated by body-on-frame vehicles with real honest-to-goodness four-wheel-drive systems and rugged part-time transfer cases. The times, they are a changin'. Releasing a brand-new body-on-frame SUV into the marketplace these days, regardless of how good it may be - see Kia Borrego - is like bringing a sledgehammer to a knife fight.

Kia was able to hit the mark back in 2003 with its full-frame Sorento on account of clever marketing and a very attractive base price. That's just not good enough any longer. The Sport Utility Vehicle has officially handed the reins over to the Crossover, and Kia was left without a player in this newly-defined and ridiculously popular segment. Until now, that is. There will be no 2010 Sorento. As if to mark the death of the old vehicle and its rebirth into something completely different, Kia decided to completely skip the 2010 model year, and we're expecting good things from the 2011 Sorento after having been suitably impressed by Kia's two most recent vehicle launches, the Soul and Forte.

By now you've likely seen pictures of the new Sorento, and it looks good. But it takes much more than a pretty face to win over legions of CUV buyers with so many credible options to choose from. So, the big question is whether or not Kia has hit the mid-size crossover target square in the center with the latest version of its shapely 'ute, or if this particular arrow falls short of its intended trajectory. Keep reading to find out where the Sorento lands.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Kia Sorento

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Kia Sorento finally crosses over

First Drive: 2011 Kia Sorento finally crosses over originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia gives UK buyers Soul Tempest

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Crossover, Kia, South Korea

Kia Soul Tempest - Click above to enlarge

The first thing you need to know about Kia's new Great Britain-only Soul Tempest is that it's part of a series of Souls called "Originals," limited edition Kia Souls that get rotated in and out with the seasons. For instance, last season's Soul Original was the Samba, with the Shaker and Burner before it. And what is/was the last one, the Samba? Well, for one thing it had Tomato Red paint. For another, the interior was black on black with black "Soul Shine" fabric on the seats. Other than that, the Samba featured a kracklin' stereo coming complete with red LEDs in the speakers that pulsed along to the bass. So, that's a Samba.

But it's gone and now UK customers (and the Irish, too) can get themselves the newest Soul, an Original called Tempest. And just like with the Samba, what makes a Tempest? Glad you asked. The Tempest ditches the Samba's deep red for Titanium Silver set off by "high-gloss black" bumper inserts and wing mirrors. It also rides around on 18" wheels, however our colleagues over at Top Gear recommend against the big wheels.

Inside you still get the "Soul Shine" black seat trim, but in the Tempest its contrasted against a metallic center console and chrome instrument panel accents. You also get some more premium appointments like found on the Shaker - namely a reverse backup camera system along with more speakers and subwoofers. The Brits also have their choice of diesel or good old gasoline. While we'll (probably) never get a series like Originals here in the States, we do think it's pretty cool that Kia's doing special edition cars that cost under $20,000. Especially for the people buying them. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia gives UK buyers Soul Tempest

Kia gives UK buyers Soul Tempest originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Forte Koup going racing in 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Kia

Kia Forte Koup Grand-Am racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time in its history in the U.S. market, Kia is going racing in 2010. Kia announced today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas that it has partnered with the Kinetic Group to build and compete with a pair of new Forte Koups in the 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series. The Koups will be driven by Andy Lally and Nic Jönsson in the Street Tuner class of the Koni Challenge. Kia says it chose the Kinetic Group for its experience working in NASCAR, ALMS, IndyCar and, of course, the Koni Challenge.

The front-wheel-drive Kias are based on the production Forte Koup and will be running against the likes of the Mazda MX-5, Honda Civic Si and MINI Cooper. The Kias will make their debut January 8-10 at the Grand-Am test days at Daytona and then really hit the track in anger at the end of the month for the season opener as part of the Daytona 24 Hours weekend. Will the little two-door from South Korea have the racing chops to hang with other, more experienced production-based racers? Time will tell, but it's great to see Kia hop into motorsports with both feet and choose a series where its actual cars have the potential to shine.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup Grand-Am Koni Challenge

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia Forte Koup going racing in 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series

Kia Forte Koup going racing in 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Kia Forte continues string of hits from South Korea

Dan Roth — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Kia, Reviews

2010 Kia Forte SX - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not that there was much wrong with the Forte's predecessor. In fact, the last time we drove a Kia Spectra, we walked away wondering if anything more might be overkill. The Spectra was good but tended to blend in with a crowd, and Kia's not into playing the role of wallflower anymore. In contrast, the Forte boldly saunters into the middle of the dance floor, comfortable in the hot glow of the pin spot, with the confidence of Tony Manero after a trip to the tailor.

Clearly, the Kia Forte looks remarkably better than the econobox it replaces and attracts the right kind of attention to the brand. Everywhere it goes, the Forte is a surprising conversation piece, though many aren't sure exactly what it is. With Kia's value pricing, you also get a lot for your dollar. So does it have the hat trick of style, value and performance? When the key to this black Forte SX tester was pressed into the palm of our hand, we were ready to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX

Continue reading Review: 2010 Kia Forte continues string of hits from South Korea

Review: 2010 Kia Forte continues string of hits from South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Buick, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's Episode #150 of the Autoblog Podcast, and we raided the crypt to give you your buck-and-a-half's worth. Former podcast staples John Neff and Chris Paukert have been unearthed and join Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth for this milestone occasion.

A review of the Tokyo Motor Show starts things off, and then we drill down to talk more specifically about both ends of Toyota's sports spectrum: the Lexus LFA and the Toyota FT-86 concepts. Other Tokyo standouts like the Honda CR-Z and Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept weave into the conversation before we turn to the next-generation Honda Civic, rumored to be lighter and smaller. From there, things devolve entirely before this week's big crew wraps it up.

We'll hit your questions again next time around, keep them rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. We appreciate you filling our survey with data, and remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening! You can also leave us a message at our new Google Voice number 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Who knows... we might even play it on the podcast!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Cadenza unveiled in Korea, ready to replace Amanti [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Kia

Kia Cadenza (K7 in Korea) - Click above for image gallery

Kia has dropped the first official photos of its new top of the line sedan, which has been officially dubbed the K7 in the Korean Domestic Market and Cadenza outside of South Korea. The Cadenza is essentially identical to the KND-5 concept that debuted at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year, and to our eye that's a good thing after viewing the rather ungainly Amanti for the last several years.

The Cadenza carries forward the design language that we've seen on recent Kia concept and production cars like the Forte and second generation Sorento. The nose gets a bit more sculpting than the compact sedan, and the overall effect is much more upscale than before. The biggest change from other recent Kias is the relocation of the "hockey-stick" contour line from the rocker panel area to just below the beltline. Look for the Cadenza to make it's global debut at motor shows in the Middle East in December. You can see more pics in the gallery below or check out some b-roll video after the jump.

Gallery: Kia Cadenza

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia Cadenza unveiled in Korea, ready to replace Amanti [w/VIDEO]

Kia Cadenza unveiled in Korea, ready to replace Amanti [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's Worth What? AdAge looks at values of automakers' marketing accounts

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Saturn, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo

Although auto industry money is a bit tight at the moment, in order to sell vehicles, automakers have to buy advertising. Lots of advertising, in big, expensive campaigns with high production values and creative that's at the vanguard of style. Advertising agencies that can handle the needs of giant clientele with international brands are still happy to welcome automotive accounts through the doors.

Advertising Age has taken a look at the still-big auto advertising business and what fifteen assorted manufacturers drop on advertising per year. Landing one of these big vehicular fishes would surely make an account executive smile, though AdAge rightly posits that some of are sexier than others. Toyota spends the most at more than $800 million, with Ford coming in second at nearly $700 million. The biggest accounts don't seem to be in any danger of having their deals come up for review, however, so it may be easier to poach someone who's already looking, like Chrysler or Volvo. Hit the link for all the figures.

[Source: Advertising Age]

What's Worth What? AdAge looks at values of automakers' marketing accounts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Once again, the Nissan Cube proves that it's hip (for older folks) to be square

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Scion

2009 Nissan Cube Krom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently, those with graying temples are attracted to cars that automakers had originally intended for younger audiences. This trend was most recently noticed with Honda Element and Scion xB, which featured heavily youth-slanted marketing schemes but were often purchased by those with a bit more experience under their belts.

By now, it's clear that trend is here to stay. According to USA Today, each automaker that offers a box-it-came-in mobile here in the United States - a list that includes the Honda Element, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube and Scion xB - reports that the average buyer is over the age of 40 and brings home over $60,000 per year.

Not surprisingly, it's not just the looks of these cars that attracts older buyers. Experts from AutoPacific and Edmunds suggest that the practical nature of such a design and its low price are key components of the genre's success. Just as long as somebody is buying them, we're pretty confident the boxy-but-cheap segment is here to stay.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Cube Krom

[Source: USA Today]

REPORT: Once again, the Nissan Cube proves that it's hip (for older folks) to be square originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Kia drops pics of the U.S. spec 2011 Sorento

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sorento - click above for high-res image gallery

Kia America has just dropped the first official pics and details of the next generation Sorento. We first saw images of the Korean market model several months back, and unsurprisingly, the version we get looks to be pretty much unchanged. The Sorento is making the transition from midsize body-on-frame SUV to unibody crossover as it also comes to America for production. The handsome CUV will be the first product coming from Kia's new West Point, GA factory, with the line cranking up in November.

The new Sorento picks up about 4 inches in length and 3 inches in girth compared to the outgoing model. That, along with the new structure has allowed Kia to add a third row seat, although in a vehicle that is still only 184.4 inches long, those extra two seats will probably only be usable by small children.

For the first time, the Sorento will offer a four-cylinder engine in the lineup, a 172 horsepower, 2.4-liter unit in addition to the 273 hp 3.5-liter V6. We're guessing that the public will get its first look at the Sorento at either the Los Angeles or Detroit Auto Show in December, be we expect to get our mitts on it for a review before that. Either way, Kia tells us the Sorento will go on sale in January. Thanks to Keldon for the tip!

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sorento

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Officially Official: Kia drops pics of the U.S. spec 2011 Sorento

Officially Official: Kia drops pics of the U.S. spec 2011 Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Kia Venga is nice... and a little Fiesta-riffic to our eyes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Kia

Kia Venga - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're going to ape the design of another automaker's product, it's best to choose one that's attractive. Therefore, we give Kia kudo points for making its Venga look something like a smoothed-over Ford Fiesta, a car we've gone on record multiple times as admiring. In any case, the Kia Venga is a somewhat derivative but all-in-all attractive take on the single-box hatchback bodystyle.

If you're hoping to put a Venga in your driveway and you live in the United States, sorry to burst your bubble. While anything is possible, Kia has yet to give any indication that the Venga is headed Stateside. That being the case, feel free to gaze longingly at our gallery of live shots below. If you happen to live in Europe, all you need to do is wait a few months as the Venga is set to hit the showroom floor later this year.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Kia Venga

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Kia Venga is nice... and a little Fiesta-riffic to our eyes

Frankfurt 2009: Kia Venga is nice... and a little Fiesta-riffic to our eyes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Kia

2010 Kia c'eed -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Kia c'eed has come in for a voluminous number of changes, all of which are explained in the massively massive press release after the jump. The short of it is a restyled exterior, new interior elements, new mechanical structures such as a revised subframe for better NVH performance, the addition of hill-assist, a new diesel engine among the 5-engine range... see what we mean? This is not the Kia c'eed you knew...

What you really need to know about the new c'eed is that it takes a rightful place among the lead group of entry-level hatches in Europe. Sometimes you get in a cheap car and it looks cheap and feels cheap. That isn't the Kia c'eed - a little car that gives you a 6-speed manual to make the most of what power it offers. As has been the case with Hyundai and Kia lately, this one's probably going to be another good one.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation

Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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