- Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia Soulster
Our initial guess that Kia would bring a Soul coupe to next week's Detroit Auto Show seems to be holding up with the release of a new teaser bearing the name "Soulster." Naturally, the two-door Soul will keep its boxy profile, with a redesigned hatch that incorporates blacked-out pillars into the tinted windows of the greenhouse. Unfortunately, that means that a Soulamino is out, but we see how well that worked for GM.Detroit Preview: Kia Soulster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech, Hatchbacks, Kia
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia cee'd
Stop/start technology is like a trial membership for hybrids: it lets drivers in on the fuel savings and lower carbon emissions without forcing them to become a card-carrying member of the hybrid brigade. Kia is will be offering buyers just such an opportunity by introducing ISG, or Idle, Stop, and Go (also called Intelligent Stop & Go) on the new cee'd.
The ISG will be available on the 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline-engined c'eeds, and unlike other stop/start technology, this ISG shuts the engine down not only when the car is stopped, but when it's moving less than four mph. To engage the ISG while the car is moving, the driver puts the car in neutral and depresses the clutch, the engine is shut down, and he or she will be rewarded with 15% better fuel economy in the urban cycle.
The frugal-ized cee'd also benefits from a lighter five-speed gearbox and low-rolling-resistance tires as standard fitment. Later in 2009, the 1.6-liter diesel c'eed will be offered with ISG technology.
[Source: Kia World]2009 Kia cee'd gets Intelligent Stop & Go originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Kia Soul
A little birdie sent us a memo addressed to Kia dealers outlining the prices and specifications for the 2010 Kia Soul, due to hit dealers this April. The base model, equipped with the 122 hp, 1.6-liter inline-four and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox will be sold at an introductory price of $13,995 (including destination charge), and includes six airbags, ABS, ESC, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with three months of free Sirius satellite radio, along with USB and auxiliary inputs. For the money, the plain-old Soul is a stonkin' good deal and could cause first-gen Scion xB owners to avoid a repeat trip to the ToMoCo dealer.
The Soul + gets a bump in displacement and output, with a 142 hp 2.0-liter four, 16-inch wheels, rear disc brakes, tinted glass, body matched door handles, power mirrors, Bluetooth integration, keyless entry and cruise control. The Soul + will start at $14,950 with a five-speed manual and rise to $15,900 when equipped with the four-speed automatic.
Both the Soul! and Soul sport get the same 2.0-liter mill, but benefit from 18-inch rollers, fog lamps, an upgraded stereo, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and metal interior trim. The Soul! can be equipped with a sunroof and sand/black seats, while the sport model gets unique front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler, a "sport-tuned" suspension, red/black interior scheme and metal pedals. Both models start at $16,950 with a manual or $17,900 with the four-speed auto 'box.
Kia claims that the Soul will have "the most comprehensive list of accessories ever developed for Kia vehicle" ranging from body kits, to wheels, to interior lighting packages and performance upgrades. We're looking forward to getting behind the wheel to see if the Soul can pick up where the second-gen. xB went astray. Hit the jump to read the memo.
Continue reading Leakage: 2010 Kia Soul starting at $13,995
Leakage: 2010 Kia Soul starting at $13,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Kia, Earnings/Financials
Click either image for a high-res gallery
Hot on the wheels heels of Toyota slashing its recently amended profit forecast by another 90%, Hyundai and Kia have cut their sales forecasts by 12.5% and told managers there'll be no extra fat in their paychecks this year. The combined company predicted sales of 4.8 million vehicles, that's now been reduced to 4.2 million. And it's not only Hyundai's cars that are affected -- they have limited the production schedule at a plant that manufactures busses. In what sounds like the onset of martial law, the company has established an "emergency management structure to overcome the crisis."
[Source: Detroit News]Hyundai, Kia slash 2008 forecasts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Minivans/MPVs, Wagons/Estates, Kia
Click above to enlarge Kia's Detroit-bound Soul teaser
Just when we thought that we'd seen every possible variation of the Kia Soul that the Korean automaker could whip up, news comes from Kia that one more concept is on its way to the Detroit Auto Show in January. Kia's not talking much about the car, but there is one early picture that's actually quite revealing. Take a good look at the rear profile of the front driver's side door. We think that the new concept could sport a new two-door take on the original boxy Soul theme. Could this be a panel van, like the one that Chevy introduced on its HHR retro-mobile? Could it be a sporty coupe alternative to the funky utilitarian nature of the standard Soul? How about a Soulamino? We have no idea, but it's always fun to speculate. Feel free to do just that in the comments below.Continue reading Detroit Preview: Kia bringing Soul Coupe to Detroit?
Detroit Preview: Kia bringing Soul Coupe to Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Kia
Click above for more detail shots of the Kia Forte
Despite the downbeat news out of Motown, good things are on the way from some of the transplants. Kia, in particular, is feeling pretty upbeat these days and is the only automaker that's decided to throw a holiday shin-dig in Detroit (so far) this year. While Honda and Nissan have cancelled plans for press conferences at the Detroit Auto Show, Kia will have debut new models in the Motor City, as well as in Chicago and New York. Fedorak told us that a brand new concept would be unveiled in Detroit while the US version of the compact Forte sedan will be shown in Chicago. Fedorak also promised something new for New York, but didn't give up any hints.
But one no show to the party was the Kia Soul. Immediately after the LA Auto Show, the Soul was packed on a truck and sent off in the general direction of Detroit. Unfortunately, a large snow bank ambushed the truck somewhere in the western states, causing it to run late and miss the party.
[Source: Kia]Kia not slowing down 2009 Auto show plans, lots of debuts coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - 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.
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Archive for the 'KIA' Category
Wednesday, January 5th, 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:
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Wednesday, January 5th, 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:
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Wednesday, January 5th, 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 »
Tuesday, January 4th, 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 »
Tuesday, January 4th, 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:
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