2011 Kia Pro_Cee’d

Kia recently released the first official images of the refreshed Pro_cee’d hatchback. To be unveiled at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March.

A handful of images of the facelifted Kia Pro_Cee’d have managed to find their way to the internet via Kia World. The Kia Pro_Cee’d with communal H-shaped grille make an appearance on the model for the first time, and new, aggressive fog-light insets help give the vehicle a little more personality, too.

The three-door configuration will be also powered by a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, according to a report by kia-world.net, which develops a maximum of 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque.

New headlamps, a wider bumper accommodates larger air intakes , changes that will traverse the 5-door and SW models, in terms of the engines is expected to update the current engines that will meet Euro 5 emission standard. We enjoyed the first image as more data arrive.

But the aesthetics aren’t the only thing on that’s changed on the punctuation-laden Pro_Cee’d. Kia World also suggests that the Kia will now come with a slightly warmed-over diesel engine under its hood. The new lump is expected to churn out 128 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque from 1.6-liters of displacement.

via: autoblog

2010 Kia KV7 Crossover Concept

Kia decided to play Santa early and gifted us with a teaser of its KV7 Concept, which is scheduled to debut next month at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

The company has tagged it as a convention-challenging concept, and certainly, those rear gullwing doors do capture the attention in a big way. The vehicle’s lines are reminiscent of the Soul’s, and it does look like a – rather – stretched version of the latter.

Aside from the teaser rendering you see pictured above, the Korean firm didn't really reveal any details on the funky crossover model that features a set of Gullwing-style rear doors, but if you insist, we've added the press release after the jump.





Press Release

For the past several years Kia Motors' design-led transformation has been delivering production vehicles – such as the Soul, Forte Koup and Sportage – that bear a very close resemblance to the original concept designs that preceded them. At the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia will make another dramatic design statement with the world debut of an all-new, convention-challenging concept vehicle named "KV7."

Further information will be released in early-January.

2012 Kia Picanto

Kia has released the first teaser images of the 2012 Picanto, which offers a general view of the next generation model. The world debut of the 2012 Kia Picanto will take place next year, at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2011.

Styled at the company's European design studio, the new Picanto promises "to stand out from the crowd" by "exuding self confidence, solidity and maturity." Furthermore, it will be available in three- and five-door configurations.

With an exterior that looks more confident and mature, the new Kia Picanto will go on sale across UK in Spring 2011, although no details regarding motorisation and pricing are available at this moment.




Press Release

Kia sketches out future with 'stand-out' newcomer

• Kia reveals first design sketches of stylish next generation Picanto city car
• Newcomer brings confidence, solidity and maturity to the A-segment
• Production vehicle to be unveiled at 2011 Geneva Motor Show
• On sale in the UK from late Spring 2011

Kia has today released the first official design sketches of the next generation Picanto city car designed to stand out from the crowd.

The new model has been styled by Kia's European design team based in Frankfurt, Germany, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

Exuding self confidence, solidity and maturity, the next generation Picanto is designed to break the city car mould and will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2011 and will be on sale in the UK from late spring.

2011 Kia Sportage UK Pricing

Kia has announced UK pricing and equipment levels for the new Sportage model,

The Sportage’s engine range includes two diesel units and two petrol powerplants. The entry level engine is a 1.6 liter direct injection petrol unit. This is followed by a 2.0 liter CVVT petrol engine. The diesel side of the line-up includes a 1.7 liter CRDi and a 2.0 liter CRDi. Customers can choose between a manual or an automatic gearbox.

The 2011 Kia Sportage UK price list for the two-wheel-drive versions starts at 16,645 GBP for the entry level 1.6 GDi '1' 2WD and goes up to 21,595 GBP for the 1.7 CRDi '3' 2WD. The all-wheel-drive version are a little more pricey. The 2011 Kia Sportage UK price list for the AWD versions starts at 20,800 GBP for the 2.0 KX-2 AWD and goes up to 26,170 GBP for the top of the line 2.0 CRDi KX-3 Sat Nav AWD Auto.




Press Release

With spectacular demand in showrooms for the just launched Sportage First Edition 2.0 CRDi AWD, the full-range is going on sale 1stNovember this year. The 16 models consist of three trim grades – badged1, 2 and 3 in line with the rest of the Kia range, with all-wheel-drive(AWD) versions at the mid and high grade level given the familiar KX preface.

The line-up includes four engines, including the brand new highly efficient, start of the range 1.6 litre direct-injection petrol unit with an OTR price of £16,645 and 1.7 litre turbodiesel unit starting at £18,145 OTR. Following the usual trim levels, ‘2’ starts at £20,020 OTR and ‘3’ starts at £21,595 OTR.

2.0 litre AWD models start at an OTR price of £20,800 with a top of the range 2.0 CRDi KX-3 Sat Nav AWD Automatic with an OTR price of £26,170. Flagship models are available with a fully integrated satellitenavigation system, featuring a 7” full-map colour touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the central dash console providing access to alarge selection of UK and European maps and Points-of-Interest.

Metallic or mica paint is an optional £435 including VAT and all models are exceptionally well-equipped, as customers have come to expect. As with every new Kia, an industry pioneering seven year warranty comes as standard.

New Sportage Pricing
Derivative	OTR
1.6 GDi ‘1’ 2WD	£16,645
1.7 CRDi ‘1’ 2WD	£18,145
1.7 CRDi ‘2’ 2WD	£20,020
2.0 KX-2 AWD	£20,800
2.0 CRDi KX-2 AWD	£22,320
1.7 CRDi ‘3’ 2WD	£21,595
2.0 CRDi KX-3 Sat Nav AWD Auto	£26,170
*Full range, specification and pricing will be available from 1st November

2010 Kia Electric POP Concept

Kia is presenting a car concept ‘POP’ new all-electric mini at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in September, The model will shows an all-new compact electric concept car.

Kia will bring this year at Paris Motor Show a new concept, already predicted by several teaser images. The South Korean automaker plans to attract the public attention to an electric vehicle for urban areas, but adopting a non-conformist design, drawn by the same Peter Schreyer.

The Kia Pop is 10 feet long and defined by such cues as pincer-like headlights, a panoramic roof and oval side windows mounted on the diagonal. The tiny concept has LED lights and a power point in the rear. It is slightly longer than the tiny Toyota iQ. The cabin features a purple interior with a front bench for two and a rear seat for one.

The new Kia Pop are sketchy, but at 3m long and with a triple-seat arrangement, it could be that Kia has its sights set on creating a rival to the Toyota iQ. In fact, we can see from the bird's-eye shot that the seating plan mimics that of Toyota's baby with two positions in a front bench and a single rear seat behind the front passenger. Whether the Pop can replicate the tiny-footprint practicality of the iQ remains untested for now.

For all its progress in recent times, the Korean maker is currently lacking an electric or hybrid model in its western line-up, and a battery-powered city car would allow it to take the fight to Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and the forthcoming Peugeot iON.




Press Release

ELECTRIC KIA POP CONCEPT TO SPARK INTEREST AT PARIS

Kia Motors will continue its tradition of unveiling convention-challenging and design-led concept vehicles at motor shows when it reveals an all-new electric concept car at the Paris Motor Show on the 30th September.

Called the 'POP', Kia's latest concept car boasts zero-emissions – whilst in use – and at three metres long, yet with a three seat layout, brings innovative design chic and dramatic styling to the city car segment.

Further information will be released in due course. The 2010 Paris Motor Show runs from the 30th September to the 17th October

ENDS

Kia allegedly abandons Soul

When the KIA Soul’ster Concept premiered at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, it turned heads. Even though the 2dr open-top SUV design was well-received by the media and public, rumours surfaced of a production model, planned for the near future. Apparently, Kia has now cancelled its plans to build the Soul'ster for production.

In order for Kia approve the Soul’ster, Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, said “You have to have broader appeal” to justify the development time and money it would take to bring the model to market. He added that a production Soul'ster would be an “almost all-new vehicle,” due to structural and weight differences from the regular Soul.

“The business case is really what we have to keep studying all the time,” said Hedrick, noting developing and selling Soul variants would be a challenge, “especially in this environment.”

Hedrick also confirmed that the Soul will undergo revised front and rear fascias, as well as receive more upmarket features for the mid-cycle change in 2012.

Kia allegedly abandons Soul

When the KIA Soul’ster Concept premiered at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, it turned heads. Even though the 2dr open-top SUV design was well-received by the media and public, rumours surfaced of a production model, planned for the near future. Apparently, Kia has now cancelled its plans to build the Soul'ster for production.

In order for Kia approve the Soul’ster, Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, said “You have to have broader appeal” to justify the development time and money it would take to bring the model to market. He added that a production Soul'ster would be an “almost all-new vehicle,” due to structural and weight differences from the regular Soul.

“The business case is really what we have to keep studying all the time,” said Hedrick, noting developing and selling Soul variants would be a challenge, “especially in this environment.”

Hedrick also confirmed that the Soul will undergo revised front and rear fascias, as well as receive more upmarket features for the mid-cycle change in 2012.

Kia Picanto voted the most reliable car (UK)

A car reliability survey carried out by consumer magazine Which? have acknowledged that the Kia Picanto is the most reliable new car on sale.

Although being one of the cheapest new cars on sales at £7,195, the petite Kia beat every other car to the top spot with a customer satisfaction score of 98.1%. Only 1.9% of people experienced problems and found the 7 year warranty offered something to fall back on. But, Which? doesn’t vouch for the Picanto thanks to its lack of safety features and poor Euro NCAP crash test rating. So in its place, the 2nd placed Mazda3 received the Which? Best Buy gong.

Asian car manufactures primarily dominate the chart, with seven making it into the top 10 list. Only Volkswagen and Mercedes represent Europe.

Most reliable new cars:

1 - Kia Picanto – 98.1%

2 - Mazda3 – 97.6%

3 - Daihatsu Sirion – 97.0%

4 - Honda Insight – 97.0%

5 - Honda Jazz – 96.2%

6 - Toyota iQ – 96.1%

7 - Toyota Prius – 95.4%

8 - Volkswagen Golf Plus – 93.3%

9 - Mercedes-Benz SLK – 93.3%

10 - Mazda2 – 93.2%

Kia Picanto voted the most reliable car (UK)

A car reliability survey carried out by consumer magazine Which? have acknowledged that the Kia Picanto is the most reliable new car on sale.

Although being one of the cheapest new cars on sales at £7,195, the petite Kia beat every other car to the top spot with a customer satisfaction score of 98.1%. Only 1.9% of people experienced problems and found the 7 year warranty offered something to fall back on. But, Which? doesn’t vouch for the Picanto thanks to its lack of safety features and poor Euro NCAP crash test rating. So in its place, the 2nd placed Mazda3 received the Which? Best Buy gong.

Asian car manufactures primarily dominate the chart, with seven making it into the top 10 list. Only Volkswagen and Mercedes represent Europe.

Most reliable new cars:

1 - Kia Picanto – 98.1%

2 - Mazda3 – 97.6%

3 - Daihatsu Sirion – 97.0%

4 - Honda Insight – 97.0%

5 - Honda Jazz – 96.2%

6 - Toyota iQ – 96.1%

7 - Toyota Prius – 95.4%

8 - Volkswagen Golf Plus – 93.3%

9 - Mercedes-Benz SLK – 93.3%

10 - Mazda2 – 93.2%

Kia 'Domino' and 'Echo' Black and White Special Editions (UK)

Kia has introduced new special editions of the Picanto city-car, Rio supermini and Soul crossover.

The Domino models offer extra equipment for less money, including fog lamps, air-conditioning and electronic stability control. The Picanto Domino is priced from $12,100, while the Rio Domino starts at $14,100.

The Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine. Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic.

The Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295. Kia says these prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the ‘2’ versions upon which they are based.




Press Release

• Two new black and white themed special editions
  
• Domino: new to Picanto and Rio – extra equipment with savings of up to £400
  
• Echo: new luxurious addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up
  
• On sale now
  

Kia has introduced two new special editions – 'Domino' and 'Echo' – that both play on classic black and white colour schemes and are now on sale across the UK Kia dealer network. Domino, available on the Picanto and Rio superminis, offers additional equipment for less whilst the Echo, available on the Soul urban crossover, comes with an array of luxury features more usually associated with larger vehicles.

Picanto Domino & Rio Domino
The Domino special edition is available on Kia's two practical and stylish five-door superminis –Picanto and Rio. Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission; Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine.

Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic. Their body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles can be offset with an optional contrasting black or white 'domino effect' stripe. Front fog lights complement the stylish 14-inch alloy wheels (Rio) and 14-inch wheel trims (Picanto) whilst additional reassurance is provided from Electronic Stability Control, which is now fitted as standard across all Picanto and Rio versions.

Inside, both models benefit from air-conditioning, iPod connectivity, remote central locking and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob. Rio Domino adds rear electric windows to the list of standard equipment.

As with every new Kia a seven year warranty comes as standard – Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 OTR and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295 OTR. These prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the '2' versions upon which they are based.

Soul Echo
Kia's stylish urban crossover, Soul, has had a dose of luxury added with the arrival of the new Soul Echo. Echo is the latest bold addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up – a collection of distinctive versions each with their own distinct personality – following on from other 'Originals' such as the Burner, Shaker and Samba.

Echo is available in a choice of two striking colours – Clear White or Quartz Black metallic – and both come with contrasting features that make them the mirror image of each other. The white Echo features stylish black 18-inch alloy wheels, black high-gloss door mirrors and a corresponding black sports stripe. The black Echo features white 18" alloy wheels, white high-gloss door mirrors and a sports stripe in white.

Soul Echo is laden with luxurious features usually associated with more expensive machinery. Inside, a full black leather interior and high-gloss black dashboard fascia continue the external monochrome look whilst an uprated sound system (with subwoofer), Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and reversing sensors ensure the Echo has plenty to keep everyone on board satisfied at all times. Air conditioning and privacy glass keep passengers and their belongings cool and shielded from prying eyes.

On the move, Soul Echo is powered by a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engines and its occupants are protected by a host of safety features including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TC) and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The Soul Echo is available from just £13,995 OTR.

Soul Echo also benefits from some minor revisions being made to the entire Soul line-up: A trip computer, Emergency Stop Signal (which flashes the hazard warning lights under heavy braking), 'pull' style exterior door handles and illuminated electric window buttons are now standard on all Soul versions. Bluetooth connectivity is standard from the '2' version and above. Finally, Soul Shaker, previously only available in Vanilla, is now available in Chocolate Brown metallic and comes with fully colour-coded bumpers.

KIA Spectra

Kia Spectra hatchback car has a four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, MacPherson type front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Kia Spectra hatchback features include external 16 x 6.0 inch alloy wheels, all season

tires, a temporary spare tire, steel spare wheel, and mounted inside the spare tire. This car has variable intermittent wipers, an army behind, a rear spoiler and rear intermittent wipers. Instrumentation features are a tacòmetre, clock and low fuel warning.





Seats and interior features include a total capacity of seats for five people, front seats cube, upholstery fabric, and a height adjustable driver seat. To the rear, the Spectra 5 has a bench type seat and 40-60 split folding rear and a rear-seat divisible. Power Functions 2008 Kia Spectra 5 hatchback are remote power door locks, power windows, a window one-touch power, heated mirrors and electric mirrors.

Convenience features of this model include cruise control, steering hydraulic proportional to speed, tilt adjustable steering wheel, front and back and Hitch. The Kia Spectra 5 hatchback sports front and rear door pockets, front and rear outputs of 12V and 12V power. It also has a front storage console and a console with storage. Comfort features five spectra hatchback are air conditioning, front reading lamps, two mirrors and a leather covered steering wheel. Additional features include leather upholstery on the gear lever, front and rear floor mats, and light cargo area. Entertainment mind for this car includes an AM / FM radio stereo player and one CD player, six speakers total, a stick antenna, an auxiliary input and MP3 audio.

KIA Spectra

Kia Spectra hatchback car has a four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, MacPherson type front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Kia Spectra hatchback features include external 16 x 6.0 inch alloy wheels, all season

tires, a temporary spare tire, steel spare wheel, and mounted inside the spare tire. This car has variable intermittent wipers, an army behind, a rear spoiler and rear intermittent wipers. Instrumentation features are a tacòmetre, clock and low fuel warning.





Seats and interior features include a total capacity of seats for five people, front seats cube, upholstery fabric, and a height adjustable driver seat. To the rear, the Spectra 5 has a bench type seat and 40-60 split folding rear and a rear-seat divisible. Power Functions 2008 Kia Spectra 5 hatchback are remote power door locks, power windows, a window one-touch power, heated mirrors and electric mirrors.

Convenience features of this model include cruise control, steering hydraulic proportional to speed, tilt adjustable steering wheel, front and back and Hitch. The Kia Spectra 5 hatchback sports front and rear door pockets, front and rear outputs of 12V and 12V power. It also has a front storage console and a console with storage. Comfort features five spectra hatchback are air conditioning, front reading lamps, two mirrors and a leather covered steering wheel. Additional features include leather upholstery on the gear lever, front and rear floor mats, and light cargo area. Entertainment mind for this car includes an AM / FM radio stereo player and one CD player, six speakers total, a stick antenna, an auxiliary input and MP3 audio.