June 22, 2009
Crash Test Videos: 2009 Kia Forte
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- Posted by: Scott Oldham June 22, 2009, 1:20 PM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Kia, Sedans
June 22, 2009
June 11, 2009
2010 Honda Civic
2010 Kia Forte
The Insurance Institure for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released bumper tests on 7 "minicars" as it likes to call them and the results weren't pretty.
Smart Fortwo -- Acceptable
Chevrolet Aveo -- Marginal
Mini Cooper -- Poor
Toyota Yaris -- Poor
Honda Fit -- Poor
Hyundai Accent -- Poor
Kia Rio -- Poor
In the case of the Kia Rio, IIHS noted that repair costs from a 6mph frontal impact would result in $3,701 in damage, which equates to rougthly 30% of the car's original cost. The solid rating for the Smart car was largely a consequence of its easily replaceable pre-painted body panels.
IIHS: Mini and Micro Car Bumper Allow Pricey Damage
May 29, 2009
April 9, 2009
#NYIAS We didn't know it was going to show up, but calling the 2010 Kia Forte Koup a surprise is a bit of stretch. The production version of the Kia Forte sedan debuted in February and a concept version of the Koup was shown in New York at last year's show.
If anything, we're surprised how faithful the production Forte Koup is to the original concept, and that it kept its kooky Koup name. Strangely, the rear of the production model is actually more aggressive than the concept thanks to a finned diffuser that hugs a pair of chrome exhaust tips. Can't remember the last time that happened.
It's a nice-looking package though. At 176.4 inches long, 55.1 inches high, 69.5 inches wide and riding on a 104.3-inch wheelbase, the Koup is within an inch or so of the Honda Civic coupe. It even shares the Honda's front-end design to some degree, yet thankfully the Koup goes its own way toward the back.
April 6, 2009
The Kia Soul is the latest entry into the burgeoning box-car market, following the trail blazed by the Scion xB six years ago and soon to be trod on by the Nissan Cube. And like the youth-targeted Scion, the Soul comes with a surfeit of bells and whistles for a vehicle priced well below $20,000.
But while our top-of-the-line Sport-trim test vehicle (sticker price $18,345) came with premium audio, Bluetooth and other electronic accoutrements, it's not on par with what you'll find in, say, a current BMW.
Or arguably a fully equipped Ford Focus.
March 24, 2009
Kia used the Seoul auto show to unveil its first every production hybrid vehicle. The Kia Forte Hybrid, aimed at the South Korean automaker's home market, is slated to go on sale later this summer.
It combines a 1.6-liter liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engine with a small electric motor-generator, a continuously variable transmission and what the company says will be the world's first lithium-polymer battery pack.
Green Car Advisor: Despite Economy, Kia Sticks to Schedule With Summer Launch of Next Hybrid
February 24, 2009
Kia originally called this MPV concept the "Million Possibilities Vehicle", but it has now settled on something slightly less grandiose. Now known as the Kia No. 3, this compact people mover concept is essentially a tamer, more car-like version of the Soul.
At 159 inches long, the No. 3 is about two inches shorter than the Soul and its roofline is clearly lower and more streamlined. The front fascia treatment is described as the "new face of Kia" so expect to see similar designs on U.S. bound vehicles in the future. As for the No. 3, it appears as though it's suited for European consumption only.
February 12, 2009
#CAS09 Kia isn't shy about using self-effacing humor. At its 2009 Chicago Auto Show press conference, it openly admitted that the current Spectra doesn't attract many buyers on looks alone. "It's all about value, we know that," said Tom Loveless, VP of Sales.
Of course that didn't stop Tom from pitching style as a selling point with the new 2010 Kia Forte, the Spectra's slightly less generic-looking replacement.
Kia was also quick to point out something the Spectra never had much of either: power. The Forte's optional 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes it one of the most powerful cars in its class, and even the base 2.0-liter engine delivers a decent 156 hp.
No pricing was announced, but Loveless said the Forte will maintain the Spectra's position as one of the more affordable sedans in the segment. So yeah, they're not betting the house on styling just yet. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
Inside Line News: 2010 Kia Forte
February 6, 2009
Behold the next Kia MPV. What's an MPV you say? Most sane people figure it to mean "multi-purpose vehicle", but not Kia.
Nope, those crazy loons figure this nifty concept is a "Million Possibilities Vehicle". Ok, we'll just have to see about that next month at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.
February 5, 2009
First shown at the 2008 New York Auto Show, the Kia Koup was a Spectra-based two-door with obvious production intentions. Now Kia World, an apparent alternate universe where the Korean brand rules with an inexpensive, but heavily-warranteed fist, has procured photos of an actual prototype.
As expected, the production prototype looks very similar to the show car. It retains the unique rear window line that defined the concept and looks to be about the same size as well. A boring set of production wheels and tires is the most obvious change and we would bet there's not a turbocharger on the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder under the hood. ,
Look for the production version this new Spectra-based coupe in showrooms late this year.
January 11, 2009
Nothing like a game of press conference volleyball to take your mind off a snowy day in Detroit. Least that's what the Kia folks believed as they unveiled the Soul'ster concept car (truck?) amid beach balls and ice-cold Corona.
Based on the new five-passenger Soul, Kia calls the Soul'ster an "efficient front-drive car" with an abbreviated truck bed. The Soul'ster gets a shortened windshield, fold-flat rear seats, and manual crank windows.
Power comes from a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, or a 140-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder with either the five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Kia estimates fuel economy for both engines at 30 mpg.
Beach balls (and beer) not included. -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor
January 9, 2009
#DAS09 Well, it was destined for a debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but thanks to the leaky pipes of internet, the Kia Soul'ster concept has been revealed early.
This is actually a good thing, as it will give us more time to ponder the hidden meaning buried within the oddly-placed apostrophe. What has been left out one might ask? An inquiry with Kia would inevitably yield something along the lines of, "It can stand for anything you want it to. Just insert your own letters and drive!"
So there you go, it's the Kia SoulnSter, or SoulasSter, the possibilities are endless, and at the same time meaningless. For a more substantive look at this little Korean wonder, check our full test of the 2010 Kia Soul instead.
January 6, 2009
#DAS09 For your viewing enjoyment, yet another teaser shot of the Kia Soul concept destined for Detroit. And judging from this little snippet, the slightly anticipated new concept will arrive under the Soulster nameplate.
Well, no one was really expecting a huge showing from the Big Three, but it's the absence of several of the Asian automakers that will really make this year's show seem slow. With nothing from Acura, Hyundai, Infiniti, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan or Suzuki, the show schedule is a little light. Much of the void will be sucked up by some major debuts by Honda and Toyota along with a few interesting additions from Kia and Subaru for good measure.
November 20, 2008
Everything substantive you'd like to know about the 2010 Kia Soul is in our first drive.
At today's official unveiling at the LA Auto Show, Kia indulged in a little self-effacing wackiness. At least a dozen Souls were in attendance, easily surpassing Ford's collection of Mustangs, lending a packed-in feel to the press conference.
As Tom Loveless, vice president of Kia Motors America, spoke, his apparently college-age twins appeared on web cam, LOL-ing and OMG-ing via IM as he told us the story of the Kia Soul. We don't need to tell you much about target demographics, then.
We were also touched by the metallic "SOUL" sculpture that inflated like Jiffy Pop (in the images below), as Loveless and Tom Kearns, chief of Kia's U.S. design team, closed out the conference. There's no functional need for this bit of installation art, but it reminded us of the giant Fiat 500 at this year's Geneva show. It's just fun and weird. That's all.
Now for the informative stuff: The U.S.-spec 2010 Kia Soul goes into production in January 2009 and will be at dealers by early spring.
Kia doesn't want to talk about pricing, yet -- other than to let you know that it will be "aggressively priced," Loveless said. We take that to mean that you'll be able to get into a decent one for about $15,000.
Annual sales numbers, too, are anybody's guess, but, says Loveless, "There are two ways to look at 2009. One way is doom and gloom, oh my gosh, it's a 13-million-unit market.
"But we don't think we're held by the industry. The Soul is going to change the way people think about us. And we're coming right behind that with the redesigned Spectra."
Erin Riches, Senior Editor
October 20, 2008
Okay, that's all we know, and it's noted in the last paragraph of this article.
More important, this is an interesting commentary on the "State of Subaru;" where it's been, and why it's been so difficult for the Subaru brand to break out, and really establish itself as an automotive powerhouse--despite having all the engineering and unique brand DNA ingredients necessary to do so. Being a long-time Subaru fan, I found this to be a very interesting read, and I agree with the writer for the most part.
__________
So why can't Subaru implement strategies to make it what it could be -- a more profitable small-scale car company.
In a word, it's the weight of Subaru's rigid corporate culture. As with many Japanese companies, Subaru has not made the moves needed to shift from the usual obsession with market share to creating value in products that increase profit margins.
__________
Unlike many, I strongly supported the now-abandoned, and admittedly controversial, design language championed by former Subaru design head, Andreas Zapatinas. What they've now done--as the article correctly states--is gone "back to its flavor-of-the-month styling." It's safe. It doesn't offend anybody. It's also boring and is no way going to make Subaru stand out from the crowd. You can swap the logo on the grille of any current Subaru for that of a Kia, Hyundai, or any other nondescript vehicle brand, and few would know the difference. You can't say that about any of the Euro-brands that many of us so covet.
So let's see, once again, if Subaru can come up with a distinctive look that they can call their own--and this time successfully sell it to the masses.
August 22, 2008
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The new Kia Forte appears to have success written all over it, that's assuming the car performs as good as it looks.
The car will be powered by two 1.6L engines, one gas the other diesel. The oil-burner is the more powerful in that it puts out 128 horsepower, and the gas model offers up 121 horsepower. A 2.0 engine will be offered later.
Full story here and here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Kia Unveils 2009 Forte in Korea
August 8, 2008
The Asian "Davids" of the auto industry are showing their stuff as the "Goliaths" stumble in this new automotive world.
Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and Suzuki are all showing gains in sales (and market share) in these tough times. A lot of it is luck (as in timing), but also in having the right products at the right time--and they are are not saddled with a large percentage of huge profit-sucking vehicles in their product portfolio.
Yeah, Subaru has the Tribeca, which is still hurting them despite the refresh from a year ago. Even so, their market share is up from about 1 percent or so to about 1.52 percent. Still not huge by any means, but it is certainly heading in the right direction. Their all-new Impreza and Forester models are selling at a record rate. Hyundai's market share is now up to 4.22 percent, Kia is at 2.39 percent, and Suzuki is at 0.83 percent; all records for each of these brands.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Down Market Equals New Records for Second-Tier Asian Automakers
More good news is expected for Subaru in future months as the much-needed refresh of the '09 WRX is getting good initial reviews on the Subaru fan sites (unlike last year when the car debuted). Better news still is the '09 WRX price will begin close to that of the '08 model.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2009 Subaru WRX Priced Below $25,000
July 7, 2008
More evidence of the world-wide popularity of the Korean auto giant Hyundai-Kia, as they passed Honda in global sales in 2007. Hyundai-Kia is now ranked fifth in terms, which is previously the rank Honda held.
The Korean automaker was ranked 11th place in 1999, but moved up to 5th place in 2007 by out-selling rivals such as Honda, Nissan, PSA / Peugeot, Chrysler and Fiat.
Now Hyundai-Kia's global sales for 2007 were 3,961,629, whereas Honda sold 3,831,000 vehicles. Hyundai-Kia has shot up six places in just eight years, according to Automotive News' 2008 Global Data Book.
June 4, 2008
Kia released a sketch of their Forte, which is slated to replace the Spectra. Other than this image, not much is known about the car, which is reportedly coming in August.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Next-Generation Kia Spectra Sketch Makes the Web Rounds
May 8, 2008
Bad news for Kia and truck fans. Mike Levine of PickupTruck.com is reporting (via a conversation with Jalopnik editor, Ray Wert) that the Kia pickup is not going to happen.
Apparently this cancellation is a victim of the high gas prices, and the effect that is having upon the light truck market. The truck was to built in Georgia...
March 20, 2008
Lightly refreshed for the 2009 model year, the Kia Optima was the other Kia off to the side at this morning's unveiling of the Koup concept.
"If there's a poster child for the old school of Kia, it's got to be the Kia Optima," Communications Director Alex Fedorak admitted. "But as Edmunds.com put it, 'When it comes to design, the Optima looks like it was styled by the witness protection program.'" (Credit for this now famous turn of phrase goes to Edmunds Automotive Editor James Riswick.)
Kia wants to be the sporty half of the Hyundai-Kia alliance, but that just hasn't come through in any of the brand's production cars. That might change if the Kia Koup concept goes into production, and it almost certainly will: "This is a production-ready design that could find its way into the Kia lineup and perhaps sooner than one might think," said Tom Kearns, chief designer for Kia Motors America (and owner of a '71 Porsche 911 S). When we do see it, expect "Spectra" to be part of its name, as the Koup is built on the company's front-drive, C-segment platform.
It comes straight out of Kia's new Irvine design studio, so it's no surprise to see styling cues borrowed from cars like the Honda Civic coupe and Scion tC. There's also some early '80s Lotus Esprit in there, as the lead designer, Kurt Kahl, bought one just before starting in on this 10-month project. The very angular look of the wedge-shaped coupe is quite intentional. As Hyundai goes for more organic designs (i.e., Genesis coupe), Kia will use harder lines to differentiate itself.
March 18, 2008
A while back there were some rumblings about a possible Kia pickup. Now PickupTruck.com (here) has some more info on this vehicle.
Apparently it will be based on the next generation Kia Sorento, which will move to a FWD-based unibody. So it sounds like Kia is following the Honda Pilot/Ridgeline formula here...
January 13, 2008
During the Detroit press conference for the 2009 Kia Borrego, Len Hunt, CEO of Kia Motors of America, noted, "The front end of the Borrego conveys strength and toughness -- like a fist in the wind." That gave rise to an odd mental image in our IL brain, but maybe it was a reference to Detroit's Joe Louis monument.
Like nearly every other vehicle introduced today in Detroit, the Borrego will be getting "clean diesel" in the near future. Hunt didn't give any details on timing but said that it would happen during the SUV's initial model cycle. Until then, the Kia Borrego will use a 3.8-liter V6 and a 4.6-liter V8.
January 5, 2008
Kia has just introduced the Mohave SUV in Korea. We will see it here next week, but badged as the Borrego, at the Detroit Auto Show. Straightline did a blog entry a bit earlier on this vehicle (2009 Kia Mohave (Borrego) undressed). The general specs look to point this vehicle squarely at the Explorer and Pathfinder, as it will come Stateside as a 7-passenger model with either a 3.8L V6 or a 4.6L V8, hooked up to a 6-speed automatic...
November 29, 2007
A whole slew of photos of the upcoming Kia Borrego/Mohave showed up at Carscoop.com (here). It's interesting that the images here differ a bit from the image that was posted on Straightline (below) a while back. It could be that what we see here is a Korean-spec Mohave, and that the vehicle we get will have some visual differences, as well as a different name.
November 26, 2007
Looks like Hyundai and Kia are jumping on the AWD bandwagon. Word is that both companies are working with the Haldex people, out of Sweden. Interesting that the Haldex system is proving so popular with so many different automakers.
Actually, this really no surprise, as it seems everyone is going that route; maybe not with all models, but at least offering AWD to those who want it...
November 15, 2007
Something funny happened on the way to the auto show...well, not so funny if you're Kia.
En route to the LA show the Kia Kee concept smashed its face inside the car carrier, leaving the Kia KND-4 concept as the solo North American debut. The compact SUV concept made its worldwide debut at the Seoul auto show in April.
Newly promoted Kia president and CEO Len Hunt says the KND-4 is "a vital vehicle because it showcases dynamic and sophisticated styling cues that are strongly indicative of future Kia SUV models."
The KND-4 is powered by a 2.2-liter Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) diesel engine with Kia's Active Torque Transfer (ATT) system...
November 9, 2007
Poor Kia has just given real meaning to the phrase "damage control," as their new Kee concept was damaged on the way to its North American debut at the LA auto show. The vehicle somehow worked its way loose of its cargo restraints inside the car transporter, and, well, was... damaged.
So, it's back to Italy to fix its broken nose, and thus will be M.I.A...
November 7, 2007
The new Kia Borrego will debut at the Detroit auto show in January. Not much info has been released yet, other than it will be a body-on-frame 7-passenger SUV, and will be powered by either a V6 or a first-ever (for Kia) V8. With the V8, it should tow like a Peterbilt; well, maybe not quite like a "Big Pete," but pretty darn good, nonetheless. The Borrego is expected to go on sale early next summer as a 2009 model...
October 24, 2007
While it's several months out, and we still have Tokyo, SEMA and the LA shows to do, the folks running the Detroit show have let loose with some teaser info regarding this January event.
From the NAIAS October newsletter:
Ford will unveil a new small concept vehicle for the U.S. market that will share the underbody with a concept that Ford unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Ford Verve (rendering pictured above), revealed in Frankfurt, is a crossover vehicle carried on a small B-segment platform...
September 20, 2007
Kia Motors America, Inc announced today that it will be building a 7-passenger SUV for the US market. Derived from the Mesa concept vehicle and larger than the company’s Sorento model this vehicle’s third row seating is designed to comfortably accommodate adults.
This yet-to-be-named SUV code named the HM will be available as a 2009 model and will make its debut at the upcoming 2008 North American International Auto Show.
Here's Inside Line's take: Teased: Kia SUV Concept
September 11, 2007
Kia unveiled a design concept here that will set the tone for future styling from the Korean automaker. The lime green Kia Kee sport coupe is marked by uncluttered body panels that exude a simplicity rarely seen in automotive design. The front is a bit busier with an LED strip that arches from the headlight to the lower fascia. In place of the overly used quarter-panel vent, Kia has left a small accent crease...
September 4, 2007
Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) today launched its official global blog, Kia BUZZ (here), to bring it closer to its customers, industry opinion leaders and car enthusiasts through online dialogue with a wide range of Kia experts from across the organization.
With approximately 80% of Kia’s sales taking place in overseas markets, the blog will cater to an international audience by delivering all content in English, and it is the first of its kind by a Korean company. The site will carry the views of a broad range of Kia employees from departments including design production, environmental management, product planning, marketing, after sales service as well as contributions from top level management. It will feature discussions on a number of topics about the company – its products, industry trends and upcoming events.
“The Kia BUZZ blog will open up previously untapped direct lines of communication between our company, our customers and our partners throughout the world,” said Mr. Yong-Mo Ahn, Executive Vice-President, Overseas Marketing Division...
August 29, 2007
We bid a fond farewell to our long-term Kia Sedona EX after 25,000 miles and a year of hard labor.
Boy, did we use that car in all of its seating configurations. It helped us move, picked up furniture we were too cheap to have delivered, carted around kids, withstood cookie crumbs and soda spills.
The Sedona was a very practical vehicle and will be missed...
August 21, 2007
We knew it was coming, but these are the first spy photos of an actual prototype for the 2009 Kia Soul. Looking much like it did in concept form at last year's Detroit auto show, the production Soul should give the Kia lineup a much needed boost in the styling department. Small four-cylinder engines will provide the power, so don't expect any serious speed from this sleek looking hatchback. Expect to see the production model debut early next year with sales beginning in the fall of 2008...
August 16, 2007
Pickup.com is reporting that the previously rumored Hyundai and Kia pickups are either on hold or have been canceled.
On the other hand the Mahindra pickup from India has been green-lighted. Mahindra & Mahindra plans to start importing them by early 2009, and it will be priced below any pickup in the market, and that includes the 25% tarrif for imported trucks.
Full story here...
August 15, 2007
Kia released a teaser image of their upcoming 2+2 Sport Coupe concept, which will debut at the Frankfurt auto show next month.
Designed in Europe, under the guidance of Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the all-new 2+2 Sports Coupe Concept, whose name remains a secret at present, will demonstrate an uncluttered, pure and timeless execution and represents a new design ethos for the Korean automotive company.
“The new Sports Coupe Concept is a clear and emphatic statement that the future of the Kia brand is set to be one that will excite and surprise an entirely new audience of consumers,” commented Peter Schreyer. “In making this design departure for Kia it was essential to my thinking that we did not lose sight of the fact that the Kia brand must continue to appeal to customers in the mainstream. It would have been easy to present an extreme supercar at Frankfurt that would attract plenty of attention, but could have no place in Kia's future...
August 10, 2007
There have already been teaser shots of the 2009 Kia Mesa, but these latest spy photos from Death Valley reveal even more of the big SUV. There's nothing very dramatic about the styling, which is a shame as we really liked the Mesa concept from a couple years ago. One important piece of hardware worth noting is the independent rear suspension. It should open up plenty of space in the back of this three-row SUV giving it true seven- or even eight-passenger capacity...
August 8, 2007
You might accuse Kia of being overly cute with the "Pro-cee'd" name and its trick spelling, but I kinda like it. I also like what I see so far here of the car, which admittedly isn't much.
The 3-door hatch will be built in Slovakia, and sold in Europe. Hmmm....
July 24, 2007
Teaser images of the 2009 Kia Mesa can be found over at Carscoop. It appears to be very close to the concept (bottom image on Carscoop site) that was shown, and that was a handsome vehicle.
This is a vehicle to watch, as there are a number of unanswered questions, a couple of which are: Is this just another good looking full-size SUV, but with rather bad market timing? Do we really need another SUV like this?..
July 16, 2007
Kia showed the spiffy Soul concept (image above) at the New York auto show in 2005. Now there are some spy shots of the production version up on Kiaworld.
Not a whole lot is known about the specifics yet, although he concept car had a 2.0L engine. As to be expected, the production model is a bit more conservative looking...
June 6, 2007
Finally some good news for Ford as the Mustang, Lincoln MKZ and the Mercury Milan all get top scores from the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. Other winners are the Porsche Boxster and Kia Rio.
Specifically the winners of those listed are:
Compact Premium Sportycar: The 2007 Porsche Boxster
Midsize Sporty Car: The 2007 Ford Mustang
Midsize Car: The 2007 Mercury Milan which beat out such competitors as the Honda Accord and Mitsubishi Galant
Entry Premium Car: The 2007 Lincoln MKZ, which was ahead of the Acura TSX and the Cadillac CTS
Subcompact Car: The Kia Rio
Power noted that 14 Ford models placed in the top three of the respective segments...
May 9, 2007
Interested in what Kia's up to?
If so stop by Edmunds tonight at 6-7 pm PT, 9-10 pm ET, and put your questions to Kia's Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer, Len Hunt.
As anyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows, Kia has been making huge strides forward here in the USA, and Hunt has played a big part in their success. So this is your chance to get the inside scoop as to what Kia may be planning for down the road...
April 9, 2007
Last week Inside Line and Straightline did stories on the rumored upcoming Hyundai pickup (Hyundai is considering a pickup for the American market). Now I've found another story on this truck over at PickupTruck.com. In addition, there's now news that Kia too, may also be planning a pickup.
Full story here on both trucks (Kia on page 1, and the Hyundai on page 2)...
April 5, 2007
Big news from Kia today was limited to a production announcement for the 2009 Kia Soul crossover. Kia first unveiled the concept at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show in silver paint, and it showed up in New York dressed in Storm Trooper white.
Still no full spec list available, although Kia has confirmed it'll be front-wheel drive with a 2.0-liter inline-4 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, the five-passenger Soul gets a standard list of amenities and flat-folding rear seats to maximize cargo volume...
February 22, 2007
Kia is going to show this very attractive ex_cee'd convertible (cabrio in Euro-speak) concept at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks.
At the moment not much is known about what's under the skin, or if in fact a production version is in the works—however, it is based on the ex-_cee'd 3-door hatchback, which is scheduled for European sale next year.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2007 Geneva Auto Show: Kia Drops Top on Ex_cee'd Cabrio Concept
February 8, 2007
At the last newsworthy press conference of the day, Kia breathed some life into the Chicago show with its light-hearted unveiling of the Kia Rondo SX concept car. The Rondo's new marketing campaign includes a rainbow of singers belting out "Let the Sun Shine In," and that same cheery group made a live appearance on stage this morning.
The Rondo SX concept is based on the all-new Kia Rondo which went on sale in December 2006. Compared to the standard Rondo, the SX gets more aggressive front and rear fascias, a dramatic new grille and 18-inch cast-alloy wheels with 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires...
January 21, 2007
Hard to tell if these recent spy photos are really the 2009 Kia Mesa or not, but now that the Hyundai Veracruz has been unveiled it's not much of a stretch to think Kia would want a three row SUV of its own. You can see a few styling cues from the Mesa concept in this prototype like its broad grille and boxy shape. Those six-spoke wheels also look straight out of the Kia/Hyundai parts bin. With the Veracruz scheduled to go on sale later this year, expect to see the Kia version hit the streets about a year later.
January 8, 2007
Kia gets Soul
Improbably, Kia announced today at its press conference that it would produce the Soul, a boxy little sport-ute/people carrier. The Soul concept was unveiled at last year's Detroit auto show. The production model, which will remain faithful to the concept's style according to Kia, will go on sale in 2008. -- Daniel Pund
Und now is the time at Kia ven ve dance.
With a new design center nearing construction in Irvine, California, and a new global design chief in former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, Kia is feeling pretty designer-y. So it should come as no surprise that Kia is saying that unique design will be their way forward (if Ford will excuse the use of its catchphrase). Proof of this came in two forms:
1...
November 30, 2006
Kia also showed us the 2007 Kia Amanti. The body has had a mild, and welcome face lift, but there is really much more going on than that.
The old, and heavy, 3.5-liter Mitsubishi-derived engine is gone, replaced by a 3.8-liter aluminum V6 that puts out 264 horsepower, a 32% increase over last year. New suspension and 17-inch tires and wheels - up from 16-inchers - reportedly help handling and ride...
We saw the shortened Kia Sedona earlier this year in Paris, and so were not surprised to see it here on the Kia stand here at the LA Auto Show.
While the wheelbase is just over 5 inches shorter, overall length shrinks by over 12 inches due to additional trimming to the rear overhang.
Unlike the one we saw in Paris, the shorty Sedona shown in LA had center-row captain's chairs and 7-passenger seating capacity. Because of the all the shortening, the third-row seat no longer folds into the floor. It goes on sale in January, alongside the current Sedona, which we now have to refer to as the long wheelbase version. - Dan Edmunds
November 21, 2006
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2007 Top Safety Picks have been announced. Thirteen cars and trucks from foreign brands won "Top Safety Pick" honors for 2007 models from the IIHS, including seven varieties of SUVs. More info can be found here.
Top safety picks
Large car
Audi A6
Midsize cars
Audi A4 , Saab 9-3, Subaru Legacy
Minivans
Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona
Luxury SUVs
Mercedes M Class, Volvo XC90
Midsize SUVs
Acura RDX, Honda Pilot, Subaru B9 Tribeca
Small SUVs
Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester
October 3, 2006
Kia had the Carnival minivan, a.k.a. the Sedona, on display at its stand in Paris. If it looks small to you that's because in Europe only a short, 114-inch-wheelbase version is offered, compared to our 119-inch WB Sedona. However, Kia has told us a short-wheelbase Sedona will be coming to the U.S. late this year to provide a lower-cost alternative for smaller families. A diesel engine is available on the Carnival, but a V6 is all but assured on the U.S. version, though probably something smaller than the 3.8L in the larger van.
September 29, 2006
Sitting in a corner all by itself was the refreshed 2007 Kia Opirus, which you might recognize as a Kia Amanti. Despite the modest surroundings and lack of fanfare, a lot is going on with this car.
The easiest thing to notice is the grille. Gone is the ovoid fish mouth, which used to look really large until Audi came out with its new signature grille. In its place is a broader and lower shape that draws less attention to itself, allowing the eye to zoom out and see the front of the car as a whole.
August 16, 2006
It's that time of the year again; back to school time... If you've got a third-grader, you're probably thinking about note books and pencils. If you have a kid in high school you might be thinking about clothes or a computer—or at least your kid is. If you're shipping your offspring off to college, besides everything else he or she needs, maybe a cheap but reliable car is also on the list?..
August 1, 2006
Kia hires top designer Peter Schreyer to head their global design team. Schreyer's resume includes the VW New Beetle and the Audi TT. Not too shabby...
Snippet: "Mr...
July 19, 2006
The new Kia ED is designed specifically to compete in the European C-segment size car market. Not only is it designed for Europe, but it is also going to be built in Europe, as Kia will be building a factory in Zilina Slovakia to produce it.
It will be powered by a choice of 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 CVVT gasoline engines, a 1.6 VGT diesel engine, and will go on sale in December of 2006. The car was just introduced at the British International Motor Show in London...
April 13, 2006
More power never hurts. Get the full story on the 2007 Kia Sorento with eight photos from the show floor.
On the Kia stand located in the lower level of the convention hall, Len Hunt, Kia's charismatic executive vice president and COO said, "Everyone knows the best stuff at Macy's is in the basement, and the same is true here."
The 2007 Kia Sorento gets 36 percent more horsepower from a new aluminum 3.5-liter V6 engine, and boasts an upgraded interior, too.
Two-and four-wheel drive options are available with either LX or EX trim, and a Sport package can be added to the LX, and a Luxury package to the EX.
Only transmission option is a five-speed automatic that can be shifted as a manual.
Kia just announced a new partnership with Sirius satellite radio.
Every 2009 Kia will have Sirius radio and include a free three-month subscription.
March 14, 2006
Sooner or later it had to happen, the Koreans building car factories here in the USA that is; and Kia will be the first.
The plant is scheduled to open in 2009, and could build as many as 300,000 cars per year.
February 20, 2006
I gotta be honest here. Korean cars, as good as they've gotten recently, still don't excite me. To me they're like inexpensive Toyotas, another brand that generally doesn't excite me. Same with minivans; they too don't excite me...
January 11, 2006
East meets West with the Kia Soul Concept. According to the chief designer for Kia Motors of America, Tom Kearns, "The Soul really was a collaborative effort between our design studio in California and our design studio in Korea." During the project, one of the American designers even went to Korea for a month and a half. The meaning of the car's name is two-fold, it implies a car with character as well as pays homage to Seoul, the capital of Korea.
Full Detroit Auto Show coverage: Kia Soul concept
Kia Soul concept photos
December 26, 2005
Len Hunt, formerly executive vice president of Volkswagen of America,
and now executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America, has a big marketing challenge
in front of him. Hunt states that half of Kia's potential customers are
not aware of Kia, and that the other half have bad memories of Kia's
poor quality, poor safety and other negative perceptions about the
brand.
December 16, 2005
Kia will show the Soul crossover concept at the upcoming NAIAS in Detroit next month. The design builds on the Kia Mesa concept that was shown last year at the Detroit show.
A wrap-around windshield, muscular wheel flares, stylish front headlamps and a sloped roofline convey an athletic attitude for the Soul, which is geared toward an active lifestyle. Though small on the outside, it is big inside with practical interior room and a reconfigurable cargo space...
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