- Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia
Click above for more live shots of the Kia Soul in LA
Kia put on quite a show today, prancing out a slew of new Souls at the LA Auto Show. Expected to drop as an early 2010 model in late '09, the new boxy Soul will go head-to-head with the equally-new Nissan Cube for the affections of ex-xB buyers here in the States. While the Cube really goes after the square-edged look, Kia has softened the Soul. The box's rising beltline starts lower in the front and gradually sweeps skyward at the rear, adding a unique look to the little crossover. A standard 1.6L four banger pushes roughly 120 horses through a five-speed manual tranny and an optional 2.0L unit with about 140 horsepower can be mated with either the stick or a four-speed automatic on uplevel models. Each should exceed 30 mpg on the highway.
The Korean automaker promises that there will be an abundant number of customization possibilities for its new Soul and there will be three separate Soul models in addition to the base kit, including the Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. We think that they may be trying a bit too hard to be young and hip with these odd model designations, but standard auxiliary and USB input jacks in the center console with full iPod control through the steering wheel audio controls strike us as an excellent idea for its target demographic. Details on what each model gets are in the press release pasted after the break.
Live Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading LA 2008: Kia's Soul-ful debut
LA 2008: Kia's Soul-ful debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia, Canada
Click above for more official images of the U.S. Kia Soul
Official images of the new Kia Soul have just begun making their first rounds on the interwebs. The boxy little crossover will see its first U.S. unveiling at the LA Auto Show later this month and we'll be on hand to capture the event in all its glory. Until then, take a look at these early shots of the U.S.-spec version to whet your appetite. The U.S. market Soul will get a 142-horsepower, 2.0-liter gasoline-fed four-cylinder engine that can be mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox.
Kia is set to take on the Scion brand with the new Soul and is hoping to compete on level footing by offering a slew of factory customization options right from the dealer. Our second gallery shows some of those options that are being made available in Canada and should be a decent preview of what U.S. buyers are likely to choose from. Expect the new mini 'ute to go on sale in the Spring of next year.
[Source: Kia-World]Official U.S.-spec Kia Soul images pop up on web originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, SUVs, Kia
Click above for high-res gallery of the Kia Borrego Limited SEMA Concept
With the Escalade on the ropes, it looks like Kia might step in to rescue all those lovers of blacked-out blinged-up chromed-out big-wheeled SUVs. The metallic black Borrego Limited Concept that debuted at SEMA today gets chrome exterior mirrors, chrome upper and lower grilles, chrome door handles, a chrome rear bumper insert, and "flashy 22-inch Avarus chrome wheels." Inside it gets (faux) alligator skin. That's right. A Kia Borrego with (faux) alligator skin. And what good is a (faux) alligator without a TV and a DVD player to complete that "assertive and sophisticated stance fit for a motorcade as much as cruising down the Vegas strip." True, this would be generic medication compared to the Escalade's real deal, but it'll be much cheaper and probably still get the job done. Maybe. But watch out for the side effects. Have a look at the not-quite-reptilian Borrego in the gallery of high-res photos below. Oh, and for the record, the Soul will be officially revealed on the 19th, at the LA Auto Show.
Continue reading SEMA 2008: Kia Borrego Limited Concept does its best Escalade impression
SEMA 2008: Kia Borrego Limited Concept does its best Escalade impression originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Tech, Hyundai, Kia
Ford won't be the only automaker in the U.S. to have Microsoft technology underhood for long, as Hyundai has hooked up with the software giant on new infotainment technology partnership. The first new jointly produced system will provide voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices for Hyundai and Kia vehicles beginning in 2010. Microsoft will also work with Korea's Institute for IT Advancement to open an Automotive IT Innovation Centre in Seoul. The Korean auto giant will partner with Microsoft on auto telecommunication, telematics, navigation systems, and improving Human Machine Interface technology.
Recent developments in automotive technology show that infotainment tech like Ford's SYNC and BMW's in-car Internet systems are hot. Microsoft appears to be capitalizing on the new trend by netting a second automotive partner, while Hyundai gets the new interactive tech that customers are craving. If its cars are anything to go by, Hyundai's version of the technology will probably cost less and do more.
[Source: Hyundai]Continue reading Hyundai/Kia teams up with Microsoft on in-car infortainment
Hyundai/Kia teams up with Microsoft on in-car infortainment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Kia
Click above for high-res gallery of the Kia Soul
The Scion xB may have written the book on small-and-boxy, but it appears that Kia may add another volume to the work with the Soul. We have no idea how the new Soul will go on the road, or how it will hold up - either materially or financially - but taking a seat in the giant shoe on wheels was a revelation. For a car that isn't expected to cost too much, the details alone would almost have to be worth the price: the chunky moldings around the grille and bumper, the contrasting surrounds for the headlights and contrasting panels for the doors, the gearshift knob housing a ball within a plexiglass ball, the court jester seats. And when we put the driver's seat all the way back, we could sit in the back seat without our legs touching anything else. And we're not short. If the Soul can mind its manners on the road, there's no reason it shouldn't go straight to sales heaven. Get the scoop on the Soul after the jump, and the check out the gallery of high-res photos below.
Continue reading Paris 2008: In love with Kia's funky Soul
Paris 2008: In love with Kia's funky Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Kia
2008-'09 Kia Rondos packing four-cylinder engines are being recalled to fix a fuel pump issue that could lead to fuel starvation. Nearly 7,000 Rondos in EX and LX trim are effected, and will get an improved fuel pump to resolve the issue. The NHTSA has warned that the problem is unusually severe, and vehicle behaviors such as poor starting and hesitation could lead to a crash. If you own Kia's funk-tacular MPV with the 2.4-liter engine, get thee to a dealer, or call Kia at 800-333-4542.
[Source: Inside Line]Kia Rondo recalled for fuel pump issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Kia
Kia's will have at least two new tricks at the Paris Motor Show, one of them being the Kia Soul. The other will be a Kia cee'd gas-electric hybrid. Already available in coupe, 5-door hatch, and sportwagon variants, a hybrid addition based on the five-door would be a perfect addition to the line. So far, the only details we have is that the c'ee hybrid isn't planned for sale until 2010, when it will join a train of new hybrids from other makers. Kia apparently decided that is when they'll be able to sell enough of them to make a profit. But we will get the complete scoop on it at next week's Paris Motor Show, so you won't have to wait that long.
[Source: Kia World]Paris Preview: Kia cee'd Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Kia, Rendered Speculation
So the Kia VG mule that has kept spy photographers busy the last few weeks has now been given a computer animated face and body. It's a nice looking ride, though has a surprising amount in common with the Hyundai Genesis... which means we also see, well, a lot of other cars in it. But that's not a bad thing, really, because the result is a tasty little creation, especially coming from Kia. The lines are a touch more forceful than those on the Genesis, which goes along with Kia being the sporting brand, or so they say. If the final version looks even close to this rendering, and they give it performance to match... well, then Kia will have taken a giant leap forward. Thanks for the tip, miha!
[Source: Kia World]Rendered Speculation: Kia's big VG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Kia
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia Soul
In the lead up to the Kia Soul's production debut at the Paris Motor Show, we've seen dozens of images, a trio of concepts and a spy shot or two, but today we finally get a taste of what Kia's answer to the Scion xB will be packing underhood.
When the Soul goes on sale in Europe this February, Kia's targeted demographic of hip, urban youths will be able to choose from either a 1.6-liter inline-four putting out 124 hp and 115 lb.-ft. of torque or a 1.6-liter turbodiesel producing the same amount of horsepower and 188 lb.-ft. of torque. Those of us in the States will have only one engine to choose from -- a 140-hp, 2.0-liter four - when sales begin early next year. All three engines will be available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Hit the jump for all the details.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Paris Preview: More Kia Soul images, engine specs
Paris Preview: More Kia Soul images, engine specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Economy, Hatchbacks, Kia
A glimpse inside the Kia Soul has revealed a lot of black tape and some shiny knobs, but nothing that's any cause for alarm. In fact, if lit properly -- that is, lit cool enough to please the demographic the car is aiming at -- it should be pretty swish inside. The center pod looks to keep things quite simple, but we would like to know what the button-like appendage above the radio screen opens; just a cubby, or navigation? The tape on the top of the dash is hiding quite a few lumps -- we would expect the semicircle up top to be interesting, while the bands over the passenger area are anyone's guess. Also of note: the Soul appears to have an enormous key fob for just two buttons...
[Source: Global Motors]Spy Shots: See inside Kia's Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Economy, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia
Click above to see the Kia Soul in a kaleidoscope of colors
We've seen plenty early pictures of the upcoming Kia Soul, but only a few in any of the available production colors. No longer. Kia-World has managed to snag what appears to be some leaked official shots of the upcoming mini 'ute in all its production hues. We think there's a good chance that the Soul will fill a boxy void left when the last-gen Scion xB was lost as Toyota's entry-level brand went upmarket. Take a gander at the gallery below as Kia bares its Soul in Green Tea Latte, Cocktail Orange, Java Brown, Tomato Red, Moonlight Blue, Black Soul, and Clear White. Also available, though not officially shown as of yet, will be Blue Stone, Titanium Silver, Vanilla Shake and Bright Silver. That's a lot of choices, which is a good thing since buyers in this segment historically like to individualize their whips. The production model should debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and go on sale in the U.S. next April in all of its technicolor glory.
[Source Kia-World]Kia Soul to come in a rainbow of colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Kia
Click above for high-res gallery of the Kia Forte
The Kia Forte has been caught out again, this time in more press photos and the official Korean-market brochure. The 2009 Spectra replacement is a looker... even if it borrows some of those looks from other vehicles. Regardless, those shapely front fenders, strong shoulder line that terminates into the A-pillar and concave space right above the sills are definitely elements not usually found in the economy car class. The car will probably come to the U.S. with a slight price bump over the $13,000 Spectra, but there'll be more power, space, and fuel economy to go with it. Check out the gallery of hi-res photos below, and if you read Korean and see anything newsworthy in the brochure feel free to let us know in the comments.
[Source: Carscoop]Official Kia Forte brochure leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Kia
Click above for more detail shots of the Kia Forte
Kia's new Forte sedan will make its formal debut in Korea any time now, and, as often is the case, some shots have leaked just a bit early, including images of the interior. According to the press release that's pasted after the break, the Asian Forte will come with two separate 1.6-liter four cylinder engines, one gas and one diesel. Both of them pack a bit over 120 horses under the hood while the diesel, as expected, returns better fuel economy. The new Forte will begin at 11.9 million won in Korea -- about $11,300 in U.S. currency -- and reach 19.6 million won when totally loaded. We wouldn't put too much stock in those numbers when the car finally makes it Stateside, as the Spectra that it will replace costs over $13,000 to start. Unlike its Korean counterpart, though, the U.S.-spec Forte will likely be equipped with a larger 2.0-liter engine as its sole powerplant option. We'd imagine all that equipment, including the excellent iPod integration, will make it to our shores, as well.
[Source: Kia-World]Continue reading Tons of Kia Forte pics hit the web
Tons of Kia Forte pics hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Bentley, Kia
Kia's hungry for your business, which explains the pending arrival of the Forte. The Spectra is a good car, but blends in far more than the attractively turned out Forte. It seems the Forte also has an appetite, and it's for the good stuff. Kia wants to bolster its image, so what better way than a clever commercial that infers that inside the Kia is all the goodness of a partially digested Bentley? Of course it's hyperbole, that's why it's so cool! Video embedded after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Alberto!
[Source: kia-world.net]Continue reading VIDEO: Kia Forte eats a Bentley, yum!
VIDEO: Kia Forte eats a Bentley, yum! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Kia
Click above for high-res gallery of spy shots
Our spy photographers from KGP caught another vehicle out testing in the desert recently, though this time it comes to us all the way from Korea instead of Japan. Kia is supposedly developing a new near-luxury sedan using the best bits of the Hyundai Azera. These spy shots reveal some of the car's design cues, including a nice set of complex element headlights that reach far up the fender wall, LED taillights and exhaust tips integrated into the rear apron. Clearly this is going to be more upscale than any Kia with which we've crossed paths before, as the brand's current big sedan, the Optima, can barely compete in the midsize family sedan segment. This larger sedan, reportedly codenamed VG, appears to at least have a smooth and sophisticated design beneath all that covering. We expect to learn more about this car in the coming year when it debuts at either the Chicago or New York Auto Show. Check out more pics from every angle in the gallery below.
[Source: KGP Photography]Spy Shots: Azera-based Kia luxury sedan spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'KIA' Category
Monday, February 21st, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Sportage (2004-) (Europe)
Sportage (2004-) (North America)
Kia Sportage SUV 5d
for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Sales Company:
Kia Europe (Germany)
Available version:
2.0 16v 4WD
2.0 CRDi aut.
2.0 CRDi
2.0 CRDi 4WD aut.
2.0 CRDi 4WD
2.7 V6 24v 4WD aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
SUV 5d
Info:
Companion to the Hyundai Tucson, the new Sportage offers a cheap but refined and flexible alternative to the likes of Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
Monday, February 21st, 2005
Details info: for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Sorento (2002-) (North America)
Sorento (2002-) (Europe)
Kia Sorento SUV 5d
Sales Company:
Kia Europe (Germany)
Available version:
2.4 16v 4WD
2.5 CRDi
2.5 CRDi 4WD
2.5 CRDi aut.
2.5 CRDi aut. 4WD
3.5 V6 24v aut.
3.5 V6 24v aut. 4WD
Previous version:
Variation:
SUV 5d
(2002 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
Monday, February 21st, 2005
Details info: Kia Rio SF
for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Rio (2002-) (Mk.I. Facelift) (North America)
Rio (Mk.I. Facelift) (Kia Europe - Germany)
Sales Company:
Kia Europe (Germany)
Kia Rio Cinco (United States of America)
Kia Rio RX-V (Canada)
Available version:
1.3
1.3 aut.
1.5
1.5 aut.
1.5 16v
1.5 16v aut.
1.6 16v
1.6 16v aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Hatchback 5d
(2002 - 2005)
Limousine 4d
(2002 - 2005
Rio SF
(2002 - 2005)
Info:
Second generation of the Rio model featuring crisper styling and revised engine line-up.
Assembly Plants:
Avtotor (Russia)
Donors:
Kia - Rio (Mk.I.)
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
Sunday, February 20th, 2005
Details info: for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Rio (Mk.II.) (Kia Europe - Germany)
Kia Europe (Germany)
Kia Rio Hatchback 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.4 16v aut.
1.4 16v
1.5 CRDi
1.6 16v aut.
1.6 16v
Previous version:
Variation:
Hatchback 5d
(2005 - )
Limousine 4d
(2005 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
Sunday, February 20th, 2005
Details info: Kia Optima Regal - for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Kia Magentis (2002-) (Mk.I. Facelift) (Canada)
Kia Optima (Kia - People\’s Republic of China)
Magentis (2003-) (Mk.I. Facelift) (Europe)
Kia Magentis (Avtotor - Russia)
Optima (2002-) (Mk.I. Facelift) (United States of America)
Sales Company:
Kia Europe (Germany)
Available version:
2.0 16v
2.0 16v aut.
2.0 16v CVT
2.0 16v LPG
2.0 16v LPG aut.
2.4 16v 101 kW
2.4 16v 110 kW
2.4 16v aut. 101 kW
2.4 16v aut. 110 kW
2.5 V6 24v aut.
2.5 V6 24v
2.7 V6 24v aut.
2.7 V6 24v
Previous version:
Variation:
Limousine 4d
(2002 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Avtotor (Russia)
Kia (People\’s Republic of China)
Donors:
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
