Autoblog

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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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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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

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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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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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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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Kia prices 2010 Forte Koup at $16,595*

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Budget, Kia

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

Back in July, Kia announced that its two-door Forte would begin hitting dealerships across the United States later this summer. Well, that time is now, and the Korean automaker has just announced pricing on its fashionable ~~coupe~~ Koup. Pricing for the 2010 Forte Koupe will begin at $16,595, to which you can immediately add $695 for destination.

For those paying attention, that's puts the Koup a not-insignificant $2,900 over the base cost of the Forte sedan, which we found to be a credible entry into the popular compact car segment currently dominated by the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Add another grand if you'd like an automatic transmission (with just four forward ratios on the EX, sadly).

Stepping up to the SX model will cost you $17,695 to start with a manual transmission or $18,695 with a five-speed auto (plus destination) and will put a 173-hp 2.4 liter four cylinder underhood. A leather interior will add $1,000 to any trim level and a sunroof goes for $600. Click here to build your own - we added every option to our Koup and came up with an asking price of $21,505, which runs right in line with the car's intended competition.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

Kia prices 2010 Forte Koup at $16,595* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford to become world's 4th largest automaker

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai, Kia, South Korea

2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were shocked by the news from around this time last year that the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group had jumped up to 5th in the global standings of the world's largest car manufacturers, you'll be just as surprised by the latest sales figures that place the Korean automaker this year in the fourth slot, leapfrogging past Ford to slot in (significantly) underneath Volkswagen.

The figures come from the Automotive News Data Center, which places Hyundai-Kia's global sales for the first half of 2009 at 2,153,000 units, just edging out Ford's 2,145,000 units so far this year. Of course, these numbers count the Nissan-Renault Alliance as two separate units, with 1.5 million and 1.1 million units respectively, but if combined they'd knock Hyundai (as well as Ford) out of position with over 2.6 million units. After Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Ford, French automaker PSA Peugeot-Citroen comes in sixth, just barely ahead of Honda, with Nissan in 8th, Suzuki in 9th and Renault rounding out the top ten. Check out Kia's official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - First Drive

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford to become world's 4th largest automaker

Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford to become world's 4th largest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Kia moves up from No 3 in Geneva to Venga

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST

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

Kia Venga - click above for high-res image gallery

When we saw the Kia No 3 concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March, it was largely agreed that in spite of its unimaginative name, it appeared to be a pretty decent little vehicle. As we move on to the Frankfurt auto show next month, we'll be seeing it again, only this time it will be shown in production form and badged as Venga.

Judging from these first photos released today by Kia, the concept was made from a prototype Venga body shell that went through relatively few changes. The biggest differences for the roadgoing version are the front fascia and the lights, the latter of which loses the cool neon look in favor of something more conventional and presumably less expensive. The bizarre windshield header that ran diagonally across the concept's glass roof is now replaced by a conventional version as well.

Under the hood, the 13.35 foot long Venga gets a choice of 1.4-liter gas or 1.6-liter diesel engines, both available with Intelligent Stop and Go, Kia-speak for fuel-sipping auto start-stop technology.

Unfortunately, Kia appears to have no plans to market the Venga in the States. That's too bad, as it would make an interesting addition to the burgeoning B-segment in the U.S. market. High-res images below, official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Venga

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Kia No 3

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Kia moves up from No 3 in Geneva to Venga

Frankfurt Preview: Kia moves up from No 3 in Geneva to Venga originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Next generation Kia c'eed

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST

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

_{2010 Kia cee'd - Click above for high-res image gallery}

At the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show Kia plans to debut the latest version of the cee'd hatchback, it's most popular model in Europe. As you'd expect, the new cee'd is bestowed with the latest version of the Korean automaker's front grille and fascia, which joins restyled headlamps, tail lamps and bumpers to complete the exterior refresh. Inside, a new steering wheel, gear shift lever and red interior lighting are the main updates.

More interestingly, the new cee'd will get a new 1.6-liter diesel engine to replace the previous 2.0-liter unit. The diesel mill will be available with either 148 or 187 horsepower and will be mated up with a six-speed manual gearbox. Also on the menu is a new Intelligent Stop and Go ECO-dynamics model that promises excellent fuel efficiency and carbon emissions of just 110 g/km. Kia also claims to have revised the car's suspension setup, though no further details are provided. Check out the gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: ECO-dynamics Kia cee'd

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Next generation Kia c'eed

Frankfurt Preview: Next generation Kia c'eed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia releases first renderings of next premium sedan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Luxury, South Korea

2010 Kia VG renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

This past April at the Seoul Motor Show, Kia showed off the KND-5 concept, the Korean automaker's vision for its next-generation "near luxury" model. Based on the front-wheel drive platform shared with the Hyundai Azera, the car is known internally as VG and is slated to go on sale in Korea later this year. Even better, the sedan should make it Stateside in early 2010 after making its American debut at next year's Detroit Auto Show. Expect a range of engines, possibly including Kia's 2.4-liter direct-injected four and 3.8-liter Lambda V6.

It's not often that concepts keep their most distinctive features when they reach production, but if these latest renderings from Kia are anything to go by, we like where this is heading - especially when compared to the ugly-duckling Amanti. Says Hyoung Keun Lee, Kia's Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division:

"VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia's design evolution and showcases our new design principle of 'sophistication by simplicity'. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance."

The VG obviously subscribes to the en vogue four-door coupe concept with an appropriately low roof and rising beltline. Up front, we note a prominent version of Kia's latest corporate grille, flanked by dramatic headlamps with LED eyebrows overhead and deep-set foglamp sockets below. Another remnant leftover from the KND-5 concept are the sweeping swage lines that add visual interest to the car's side profile. Out back, the LED pattern is repeated in the large tail-lamp clusters. See the renderings for yourself below and click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Kia VG Official Renderings

Continue reading Kia releases first renderings of next premium sedan

Kia releases first renderings of next premium sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia bigwig reportedly says mass-produced fuel cell cars would cost $50,000 if made today

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Kia, Electric, South Korea

Kia Borrego FCEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's face it: Hydrogen technology still has a ways to go before there's any real chance that we'll all be driving fuel cell cars in lieu of electric or fossil fuel-burning machines. Chief among the issues confronting the widespread adoption of hydrogen for automotive use is manufacturing cost, though that obstacle is currently being worked on. According to Byung Ki-Ahn, general manager of Kia's Mabuk-ri site, "Even if we were producing 50,000 fuel cell cars a year, they would currently have to cost $50,000 each."

While it would be easy for hydrogen proponents to latch on to this statement as good news - and, if true, that pricing is considerably better than we would have predicted - there's more to overcome than just the pricey fuel cell stack. For instance, even if Kia were indeed building 50,000 fuel cell cars per year, there would need to be an adequate infrastructure to support those vehicles. Further, a low cost and eco-friendly process for capturing, storing and transporting large amounts of hydrogen still needs to be developed.

Regardless, it's clear that Kia, along with corporate cousin Hyundai, believe these issues will be worked out in time. When asked where the Korean automaker currently sits on a production-ready hydrogen vehicle, Ki-Ahn said, "On a scale of one to 10, I'd say we we're at six or seven. Before 2020, many people will be hearing about fuel cell vehicles made by Hyundai-Kia."

Gallery: Kia Borrego FCEV

[Source: Galway Independent via Hydrogen Discoveries]

Kia bigwig reportedly says mass-produced fuel cell cars would cost $50,000 if made today originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First shots of updated Kia Rio surface... is it headed for the States?

Alex Nunez — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:37:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Kia

Kia Pride/Rio facelift - Click above for a photo gallery

Slowly but surely, Kia's new corporate look is filtering through its entire lineup. We've seen it in play on the Forte range, the Soul, and the updated Sorento so far. Now you can add the entry-level Rio to the list. At least we think you can. The photo above shows the newly-facelifted South Korean domestic-market Kia Pride (the Kia Rio in the U.S. market), which is reportedly set to go on sale shortly. As you can see, the car boasts an revamped front fascia, sporting Kia's dog-bone grille, new lighting, and a rehaped, Ford-like lower air intake. As for the car's tail, we'll have to wait and see -- pics haven't hit the web yet.

Kia-World.net, which was first online with the new shots, also reports that the interior is also revised, featuring a new steering wheel, a mildly reconfigured center stack, updated instrumentation, and a stereo system with integrated Bluetooth connectivity. Will we get this update Stateside as the 2010 Kia Rio? Well, the Rio's certainly due for a freshening, so we don't see why not, especially as the automaker makes a move toward a more unified, distinct styling language. Hat tip to Andy R.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Pride / Kia Rio

[Source: Kia-World.net]

First shots of updated Kia Rio surface... is it headed for the States? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Kia Amanti making switch to Genesis RWD platform?

Chris Shunk — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Rumormill, South Korea

From its divisive baroque styling to its status as the court jester of the rental car circuit, the Kia Amanti has so far lived a less than charmed life. The Amanti's tough luck story could change in a big hurry, however, if a new story from Motor Trend is true. MT is reporting that the Amanti is will be going rear-wheel drive as soon as late 2011 on a smaller version of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan platform.

Since Kia is more value-oriented as a brand than Hyundai, most expect the new Amanti to be a few thousand dollars cheaper than the Genesis Sedan. The current Amanti has a lofty starting price of $26,045, but boatloads of incentives are needed to move them off dealer lots.

Motor Trend speculates that the 375-hp Tau V8 engine probably won't make its way under the hood of the next Amanti, with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.8-liter V6 being the more likely powertrains. We're thinking that a range of four- and six-cylinder engines would be sufficient, especially when considering tough new fuel economy laws scheduled for 2011 and beyond.

We do have one question, however. With such a radical rethink apparently in store and not having a great deal of brand equity tied up in the Amanti brand, wouldn't Kia be better off finding a new name? They haven't seemed too reluctant to change model names in recent years when bringing out new models, so perhaps they'll consider a change in designations.

Either way, with its hip and stylish Soul, the surprisingly competent Optima, along with the pretty new Forte and Koup models, Kia's lineup has gotten a radical overhaul for the better. If the next-gen Amanti is anywhere near as good as Hyundai's Genesis Sedan, the competition should keep a very close eye on boys from South Korea.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: Kia Amanti making switch to Genesis RWD platform? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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