Hyundai will make new Kia MPV

The production version of a Kia Geneva show concept, more of which was revealed today, will make a little history for the Hyundai-Kia group here in Europe: it will be the first Kia to be built in the new Hyundai plant in Nosovice in the Czech Republic.

As just-auto reported yesterday, the Kia plant in neighbouring Slovakia is now building Hyundai's Tucson small SUV for Europe, a logical step as it shares its platform with Kia's Sportage version. The Nosovice assembly line, meanwhile, is capable ultimately of assembling up to eight different body styles, and will soon add two B-segment MPV models, one for Hyundai and one for Kia.

The Kia model, codenamed YN, will be launched in November 2009 and will closely resemble this concept car - now called 'No 3' - that will be unveiled at Geneva next week. Hyundai's version follows in early 2011.

Kia announced some details of the concept two weeks ago and has now released more photos. It said then the concept would feature a 'dramatic glass-roof treatment and provide astounding spaciousness in a compact package'. The roof has a diagonal supporting bar and an automatic sun visor.

The 4,045mm long concept is is smaller than a Slovak-built C-segment Ceed, and based on the same platform as the upcoming Soul.

The European mini MPV market segment is occupied by supermini platform based cars such as Vauxhall/Opel's Meriva, Nissan's Note and Fiat's Idea.

The Geneva car is the first Kia to be designed from conception by Peter Schreyer, who formerly worked as a designer for Audi.

It also features the new 'face of Kia' with the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation arrangement.

Kia Rio new corporate look headed for the states

Slowly but surely, Kia's new corporate look is filtering through its entire lineup. We've seen it in play on the Forte range, the Soul, and the updated Sorento so far. Now you can add the entry-level Rio to the list. At least we think you can. The photo above shows the newly-facelifted South Korean domestic-market Kia Pride (the Kia Rio in the U.S. market), which is reportedly set to go on sale shortly.

As you can see, the car boasts an revamped front fascia, sporting Kia's dog-bone grille, new lighting, and a rehaped, Ford-like lower air intake. As for the car's tail, we'll have to wait and see -- pics haven't hit the web yet.

Kia-World.net, which was first online with the new shots, also reports that the interior is also revised, featuring a new steering wheel, a mildly reconfigured center stack, updated instrumentation, and a stereo system with integrated Bluetooth connectivity. Will we get this update Stateside as the 2010 Kia Rio?

Well, the Rio's certainly due for a freshening, so we don't see why not, especially as the automaker makes a move toward a more unified, distinct styling language.

Kia Soul: 'Most Exciting Cars of 2010' List

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the all-new 2010 Kia Soul was named to the "Most Exciting Cars of 2010" list by TIME.com, the online edition of TIME magazine.

A recent addition to the expanding Kia lineup, Soul's head-turning style was modeled
under the brand's current design evolution and offers consumers an attractive
vehicle with myriad personalization options as well as numerous standard
comfort and safety features. Also a recent recipient of a "Top Safety Pick"
by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and named to the "Top 10
Back-to-School Cars" by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, Soul was recognized by
TIME.com for its roomy interior, large cargo volume, standard convenience
features and impressive value.

"Being recognized by TIME.com is further proof that the Kia Motors brand hit a
home run with the Soul and we are confident we are on the right track with
vehicles including the Forte compact sedan, Forte Koup two-door and upcoming
Sorento CUV,'" said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors
America (KMA). "Consumers are looking for vehicles that offer an unbeatable
combination of style, fuel efficiency, technology, convenience and safety
features, and Soul offers the complete package in addition to the ability to
personalize and emotionally connect with your vehicle."

With a starting price below $14,000(1), Soul is available in four trims, Soul,
Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. Kia Motors' newest five-door offers
consumers an immense amount of style and value, equipped with such
driver-friendly standard convenience features as an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system
outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three months
complimentary service(2), and USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center
console with full iPod(R)(3) and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit
and steering wheel controls (achieved with an optional accessory iPod cable).
Soul also offers an optional Audio Upgrade Package that includes a center
speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the
beat of the music to truly enhance the personal lounge atmosphere.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors
Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of
vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008,
KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia
Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe
and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are
exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise." Kia
Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information
about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web
site - www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit
www.kiamedia.com.

(1) Price shown for base model and does not include destination charge of
$695.

(2) Customers must renew SIRIUS subscription after trial period if they wish
to retain service. SIRIUS three-month complimentary subscription not
available in Canada, AK, or HI. For full terms and conditions, visit
sirius.com. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of
SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.

(3) Accessory cable required for iPod(R) mobile digital device. Cable and
iPod sold separately. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

First Drive: 2011 Kia Sorento

It's been in the on-deck circle for about a year--and at last, the 2011 Kia Sorento arrives in our hands as the Korean automaker lets the first dozen journalists in the U.S. free with its new crossover.

The Sorento enters production later this year at a new factory in West Point, Georgia, and goes on sale early next year. It slots between the smaller Kia Sportage and the seven-seat Borrego sport-ute.

The new 2011 Sorento is a marked change from the outgoing vehicle, which was introduced in 2002 and updated significantly in 2005. The new version, for one, isn't built on frame rails. It's a car-like unibody as are all the crossovers in its general size class, from the Toyota RAV4 to the Honda CR-V and Honda Pilot--and you may as well throw in the next Ford Explorer, too.

On the outside, the biggest changes come in terms of proportion. The new Sorento is longer and sits shorter than its predecessor, and the new grille is definitely more appealing than the dated facade of the outgoing model. The new Sorento, Kia says, will offer more passenger room and seats than the previous five-seat model.

For world markets, Kia is offering the new Sorento with four engines. There's a 172-horsepower four-cylinder; a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6; and a smaller four-cylinder and a diesel engine. The U.S. version will likely stick with the V-6 and, perhaps, the four-cylinder. The new Sorento will offer better fuel economy than the 2010 model, Kia says. Buyers will also be able to choose between five and six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, and front- or all-wheel drive.

Kia is also predicting five-star safety ratings in the European crash-test NCAP.

Features on the new vehicle are expected to include audio systems with MP3 and iPod connectivity; flexible third-row seating; and a navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity built in, along with a music and data hard drive

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi sign up for Middle East's premier automotive event

Good news for the hundred thousand motoring enthusiasts expected to visit this year's Dubai International Motor Show, is the confirmation that Germany's top three motor manufacturers - Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz - will showcase some of the most exciting models on four wheels during the 10th anniversary event in December.

The big name brands join a growing list of international exhibitors preparing to unveil their latest models, concept cars and technological innovations during the five day event running from 16 - 20 December 2009 at the Dubai International Convention Centre (DICEC).

"With a number of motor shows either cancelled or substantially scaled down, it is testament to the region's resilience that the Dubai International Motor Show has maintained its scale and importance as the largest and most prestigious automotive event in the Middle East. We are delighted to have such heavyweights as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all launching new models during the show," said James Raffoul, Industry Group Manager, Dubai World Trade Centre.

BMW is scheduled to unveil two of their groundbreaking hybrid vehicles, with the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and BMW X1 models joining a line-up of models demonstrating BMW's industry leadership in technology and luxury performance.

"The Middle East is a key market for BMW Group and its importance is reflected in the scale of our participation at this year's landmark Dubai International Motor Show," said Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. "We are sure that the latest innovations and models taking centre stage on our stand will create the excitement, passion and joy for which BMW is renowned. In addition, this year MINI turns 50 so we'll have two limited edition models on display that have been produced to celebrate this landmark birthday."


Celebrating its centenary this year, Audi promises to make a powerful statement at this year's Dubai International Motor Show by showcasing several of its latest lighthouse models, including the A5 Sportback, an innovative 5-door Coupé concept, the new A5 Cabriolet and the fantastic Audi R8 V10. Jeff Mannering, Managing Director of Audi Middle East, comments "Amidst the financial crisis Audi has moved from contender to industry example, earning strong profits, increasing market shares and hiring in times when others are firing. With the Middle East being one of our core markets, the participation in the Dubai Motor Show is unquestioned and we will use the opportunity to show the source of our success: simply our cars."

Set to display a total of 17 cars this year, with the fabulous 'gullwing' sports car Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG taking pride of place, the premium German manufacturer will also showcase its sporty range of AMG models and highlight its 'green' credentials with the debut appearance of the impressive S400 - the first series luxury production car to feature a hybrid drive system with a lithium-ion battery to go on sale in the Middle East and Levant.


Mr Frank Bernthaler, Director of Mercedes-Benz, Middle East and Levant commented: "The Dubai International Motor Show has always been of vital importance to Mercedes-Benz in the Middle East, allowing us to showcase our market-leading range of luxury sedans and SUVs and reach a knowledgeable and growing audience from across the region. And to mark this year's 10th anniversary, we are planning the Middle East debut of our latest sports car, the fabulous SLS AMG 'gullwing', that pays homage to the original vehicle that made its first appearance at the 1954 New York Motor Show."

Joining Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz, exhibitors at this year's motor show include Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Daihatsu, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, KTM, Lexus, Mitsubishi, MINI, Peugeot, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Shelby Super Cars and Volkswagen, with first time appearances from AC Cars and Luxgen.
The Dubai Motor show also incorporates two events that run in conjunction with the main show - MotorPlus and Motor Parts & Accessories, featuring a host of automotive-related products and services from high-end car finishes, car entertainment, kit cars and racing gear to motor parts and components, accessories and forecourt equipment.

Pre-launch praise for Kia's upcoming Venga MPV

It's not yet on sale but Kia's upcoming Venga MPV has already won one of the most prestigious international design awards.
The stylish new B-segment car, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009, has been awarded the iF product design award that recognises design quality as well as a number of other criteria, among them workmanship, level of innovation and eco-friendliness.

An international jury of experts said the German-based iF Design Award recognised that the Kia Venga completely redefined the conventional minivan profile of the traditional MPV

“B-segment MPV's have been the type of vehicles bought out of necessity – they are cars of function and practicality," explained Kia's chief design officer, Peter Schreyer.

"Now all that is about to change. With the new Venga, we have designed a car that will fulfill European consumers' practical requirements while being genuinely desirable and fun to drive.

“The Venga is going to re-ignite interest among buyers in B-segment MPV's by setting new standards for the class. This award is a welcome recognition of the success of our design strategy."

He led the design team.

The Venga, designed, engineered and assembled in Europe, will be available across Europe with a choice of seven engines - two petrol and five diesels.

The 4.068m five-door claims to have an exceptionally spacious cargo bay thanks to a two-tier boot floor and sliding rear seats, giving a total volume of 1253 litres.

Kia's all-new Sportage coming to Geneva Motor Show

Kia's all-new Sportage crossover SUV is scheduled to show its front end for the first time at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.
The South Korean manufacturer is promising that the latest generation of the Sportage will feature a "fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design", along with being "longer, lower and wider" than its predecessor – meaning there will be more space for the passengers and luggage, and the ride will be smoother than ever before.

"The Sportage was the car that really made the breakthrough for Kia in Europe and the all-new version will make people sit up and take notice just as the original did. I am convinced it will begin a remarkable new chapter in the Kia story," says Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors UK.

With the equally impressive new Sorento SUV making its debut this month along with the much talked about Venga supermini, Kia's current line-up of cars really is starting to look a little tasty, in our eyes. The names of its cars (Venga?) still need a bit of work, mind.

Sketches of the upcoming Kia Magentis released

Yesterday, Kia released a couple of sketches of the upcoming Kia Magentis, known in the U.S. as the Optima , which will make its debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. According to Kia spokesman Michael Choo, a hybrid version of the mid-sized sedan will enter production in Dec. 2010 and will be on sale in the U.S. market in early 2011. 
The gasoline version of the 2011 Kia Optima will go on sale in the fall.

Choo said that both versions of the Kia Optima will be on display alongside each other in New York.

The 2011 Kia Optima is longer, wider and lower than the current generation. It also sits on a longer wheelbase, allowing for more interior room and cargo space. We’ll have more details for you from the 2010 New York Auto Show next month.

New Kia Magentis set for New York debut

Used Kia Magentis cars are set to become cheaper in the near future following the manufacturer''s upcoming launch of a new version of the vehicle.
Kia has announced the updated Magentis will make its international debut at the New York Motor Show, which is taking place next month between April 2nd and 11th 2010.

The Kia Magentis has been given a sportier makeover by the manufacturer and the car is due to be sold in the US later this year.

Among the changes made to the vehicle is the introduction of a wider wheelbase to help the auto carry more luggage and offer more space to passengers.

It is expected that the updated Magentis will arrive on European forecourts from early next year.

The used Kia Magentis has received praise for its space and reliability from motoring journalist Jason Dawe.

Writing in his regular Sunday Times column about used cars, Mr Dawe noted that the Magentis could well be the "true future of motor transport" thanks to its cheap running costs – something especially important in an era of repeated rises in the cost of fuel.

Kia to Disclose Pop, a Zero-Emissions Concept Car, in Paris

Kia describes the Pop concept as a zero-emissions city car.

Kia has offered a preview of a zero-emissions city car concept that it will unveil at the Paris auto show on Sept. 30. The Pop concept, as it is called, is about a foot longer than a Smart Fortwo and offers seating for three.
Kia has released little information about the concept, which it describes as zero-emissions and convention-challenging — as well as “design-led.”

The design is apparently Pop Art-inspired in its playfulness. Teaser images show a vehicle whose style owes more to electronic and other product design than to automobile design traditions. The car is equipped with gogglelike oval side windows, which are shaped something like drug capsules. Its wheels wear a central cross pattern, like an oversize Phillips screw head.

These shapes could have been drawn with a set of basic drafting templates — or perhaps borrowed from the kit of imagery characteristic of the designer Karim Rashid.

Other details speak of a jarringly different style, like the more biomorphic headlamps, with insectoid, multiple lenses wrapped inside shapes like a set of parentheses. The taillights appear to sprinkle LEDs through the bumper area and have a science-fiction quality to them.

The Pop comes with its own logo, whose “o” is oval like the side windows.

As for passengers, the three-seat configuration has become popular in recent city car designs. It’s one of several seating configurations offered in Gordon Murray Design’s recently unveiled T.25 city car. Kia’s designers appear to be contemplating installing parents in front and a single child in a back seat.

Under Peter Schreyer, a former Audi design chief, and Tom Kearns, a former Cadillac designer, Kia has become known for pushing the edge of design innovation with vehicles like the Soul compact S.U.V. Electric car technology offers designers new possibilities. Without a bulky engine to accommodate upfront, electric cars tend to become more podlike, passenger capsules, riding rafts of batteries.

There appears to be a rationale behind the Pop: because they are now electronic devices, automobiles should resort to the imagery of such devices. Cars of the future, perhaps Kia is arguing, can look like MP3 players or mobile phones.

New Kia Sportage Gets Fresh Engine Option, Body & Style

A new body, new engine options and fresh, bold styling – that’s the new Kia Sportage coming to South Africa soon.

The SUV is longer, wider and lower than the previous model, but retains its commanding driving position and solid handling.
Kia's chief design officer Peter Schreyer, who was formerly the man responsible for creating Audi's beautiful shapes, is responsible for this third-generation of the Sportage.

The new models are available with three engines - two petrol and one diesel, covering a 122kW to 130kW power spread - with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions and two-wheel or all-wheel drive.

New safety features include electronic stability control, hill-start assist, downhill brake control and a rollover sensor that deploys the side and curtain crash bags and seatbelt pretensioners when required.

A new rear-view safety camera, which transmits an image to an LCD colour display integrated into the interior rear-view mirror, is standard on all AWD models.

The new car marks a dramatic shift in design direction for Kia's compact SUV. It retains Peter Schreyer’s striking signature 'tiger' grille design but has a fresh and bold look.

The key design element is the relationship between its high shoulders and narrow glasshouse, explains Schreyer. "We've created a car with a sports car-like ratio between sheet metal and glass. The side-windows are very narrow which gives you an almost rally-car feeling.

"Follow the shoulder and roof lines and they meet at the striking reverse-angled C-pillar. The size, the shape and the proportion of the C-pillar on any car is absolutely crucial to its appearance," says Schreyer. "And as you can see on our new Sportage, it determines the entire look and feel of the car."

The new model will be available in nine colours, including two new metallic colours.

The longer bodyshell and longer wheelbase, plus the extra cabin width ensure that occupants of the new Sportage will enjoy a spacious cabin. The adoption of a reverse-angle for the C-pillar moves it 186mm further back (compared with the previous model), placing it behind the rear seat passengers to provide them with a an unrestricted view.

Air-conditioning is standard on the Ignite, while all other 2WD and AWD models have dual climate control as standard.

The boot is 80mm longer and 110mm wider at floor level. Cargo capacity is among the best in class and ranges from 740 litres to 1547 litres with the back row folded.

Kia says the car is significantly than its predecessor because of greater use of high tensile steel for a stiffer and safer vehicle. The company says it has invested heavily in programmes to enhancing active and passive safety levels, to “ensure that owning and driving Kia’s latest compact SUV will be a safe and rewarding experience for all occupants”.

Active safety technologies include electronic stability control, and two new systems – hillstart assist control and downhill brake control.

Two active systems are available to assist drivers with reversing manoeuvres. The rear park assist system helps the driver to avoid contact with pedestrians by triggering an audible warning whenever the vehicle approaches an obstruction.

An improved rear-view camera mounted on the tailgate, is standard on the AWD package. This camera is fitted with a 130-degree, wide-angle lens which transmits images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view mirror.

Structural improvements include stronger and straighter longitudinal side members in the engine bay floor, an enhanced B-Pillar design that links to upper and lower cross-members to form an internal rollover hoop, reinforced floor members in the trunk floor and a rerouted and better protected fuel filler pipe.

The new Sportage comes standard with six crash bags – dual front crash bags, dual front side crash bags and full-length side curtain crash bags. Active headrestraints for the front seats protect occupants against whiplash injuries.

Kia Will Get a Sports Car Says Design Boss

While Kia‘s recent success has a lot to do with the new platforms and engines underneath its products, not to mention the improved quality and low purchase price, the automaker is putting the focus on its dramatic designs. The top man behind Kia’s “design revolution” is Peter Schreyer and so it only makes sense that he has a lot of input into the future of the brand.

That being said, it’s no trivial statement when Schreyer recently told Automotive News that “sooner or later” the brand will get a sports car that will help define Kia and serve as a halo model.

Kia hinted at such a vehicle back in 2007 with the Kee Concept, but since then we’ve heard nothing. In the past Schreyer comment that a Kia sports car based on the Kee Concept would have to be rear-wheel drive and that as there is already a rear-drive platform available to Kia (the Hyundai Genesis Coupe) then such a car us certainly possible.

With the Genesis Coupe already several years old we have to think that at this point Kia is unlikely to get such a rear-drive sports car until after the launch of the second-gen Genesis Coupe.

Kia Released Design Sketches of its Stylish Picanto Upcoming City Car

What city car manufacturers strive for while blueprinting a new vehicles design, is how they can accommodate the utmost amount of features in the seemingly smaller space of the compact car. With fairly similar ambition, Kia has revealed first design sketches of its next generation city car the Picanto, which the company claims will bring ‘confidence, solidity and maturity’ to the A-segment.

Although city cars are widespread on European and Asian streets, the American market has yet to demonstrate such popularity as seen in the other two regions. Kia aims at redefining this segment in America with its newcomer Picanto. With increasing interest of consumers of this western continent in smaller and fuel efficient compact cars, the popularity graph of city cars is expected to eventually incline in this western sub-continent.

Finessed by Kia’s European design team based in Frankfurt, Germany, supervised by Peter Schreyer, the Chief Design Officer, the Picanto is announced to be exhibited at 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle is slated to arrive in the UK by late spring 2011.

Kia to Add Third Shift Due to High Demand

To keep up with rising demand for Kia models in Europe, the South Korean has decided to introduce a third shift at its Zilina plant in Slovakia and hire another 1,000 new employees. The company expects the recruitment process to be completed by December and have the three-shifts operational in the first quarter of 2012.


“The creation of the third shift at Zilina is the latest step in Kia’s long-term process of building cars locally to best meet local consumers’ needs and tastes,” commented Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe. “Strong demand for all our models and especially our new Sportage compact SUV, made here in Europe, means we need to significantly increase production at our Slovakia facility.”

The Zilina factory produces the Sportage SUV, the Venga compact MPV and all versions (3-door, 5-door and estate) of the C-segment Cee’d. Kia has invested more than €1 billion ($1.35 billion USD) in its European production facility in Slovakia, which is flexible enough to produce completely different models and adapt to demand.

Yet with sales increasing 18.7% in Europe, 24.4% in China and 36.9% in the USA, Kia was compelled to add a third shift at Zilina, creating more jobs not only in its own plant but also to local suppliers.

The Korean carmaker will also add a third shift at its West Point plant in Georgia, which produces the Sorento SUV and the Optima saloon, and increase its workforce to 3,000 employees.

In 2010, 34.2% of Kia’s total production of 2.1 million units, which accounts for 729,000 cars, were manufactured outside of South Korea.

Due to the increased demand and the expanding operations in the Slovak Republic and the US means that this number is about to increase substantially.

Kia expand motorsports involvement with Rio

Coming off its first two motorsports championships in company history in the 2011 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSSC), Kia has announced plans to increase its racing footprint next year with the unveiling the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door B-Spec racecar by Kinetic Motorsports that is set to compete in the newly established Sports Car Club of America's showroom stock racing class in 2012 against a variety of competitors.


“The Kia Racing program is just two years old, but with the Street Tuner Team and Driver championships already under our belt we are excited to expand to new forms of racing, and the B-Spec series is a great way for grassroots racers and Kia enthusiasts to get involved in motorsports and experience the outstanding driving dynamics and class-leading horsepower1 the all-new Rio 5-door subcompact has to offer,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.

The Rio 5-door B-Spec racecar will compete against a variety of subcompact competitors such as the Mazda2, Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta in a range of motorsports events sanctioned by various organizing bodies, including World Challenge, GRAND-AM, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National Auto Sport Association (NASA). Showroom stock racing provides an affordable avenue for auto enthusiasts to participate in the excitement of competitive motorsports with a vehicle like the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door that is fun to drive, fuel efficient and stylish.

Once potential racers purchase their 2012 Rio 5-door, a B-Spec kit that costs $14,000 is available for purchase from Kia’s racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports, that includes everything needed to transform the 2012 Rio 5-door into a proper racecar: roll cage kit, racing seat, quick-release steering wheel, racing harness, race shocks, lightweight wheels, spec-series tires, oil sump pan expansion kit and complete build instructions. If preferred, the racer can have the team at Kinetic Motorsports assemble the Rio at their shop in Buford, Georgia, for an additional $6,000. As racers do battle on the track, Kinetic will also be their source for replacement parts.

Kia Reveals Cadenza'KND-5 Concept Car': New Luxury Sedan

Kia Motors Corporation has unveiled the first official picture and export market name of the production version of its KND-5 concept car - an all-new sedan designed to satisfy drivers' desire for refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction by creating 'ideal' driving conditions.

The stylish luxury sedan, which is to be called 'Cadenza' in markets outside of Korea, will make its overseas premiere at the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai international motor shows, towards the end of the year.
The Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria. It perfectly symbolizes the dynamic sedan's striking design philosophy and upscale image.

Sporty and sleek in appearance, Cadenza features a bold headlamp design with attention-grabbing LED surrounds and a purposeful, athletic character line. The prominent front grille and stylish taillights emphasize the car's high-tech feel and are a continuing expression of Kia's dramatic design DNA.

On the inside, there is a futuristic 'floating' dashboard that highlights Kia's uniquely innovative design approach. The welcome system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to 'greet' the car owner, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs along the dashboard to the door trim, creates a warm atmosphere within the vehicle.
Kia Cadenza's dynamic design and driving performance, allied with a raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features, will make it a leader in the large, luxury sedan market segment.

Available new technologies will include a heated steering wheel (for winter driving in cold markets), powered extendable seat cushions (for extra thigh support), automatic defogging of the windshield and ventilated front seats (for cool comfort in hot markets).

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of the Overseas Marketing Group, Kia Motors Corporation, said, "New Cadenza will showcase the continuing evolution in Kia's striking design language through the harmonious blend of light and lines. It will also present a new concept in luxury sedans in terms of performance and technology."

Kia Cars in India Soon; Be Ready For Launch Kia Cars

Kia, is planning to enter in Indian market soon. Kia is one of the largest car maker in the world. Its cars produced in 14 plants that too located in major markets like the Germany, Australia, China and US.

Kia feels that the Indian auto market is promising these years than 4 years back when it attempted to enter but withdrew the plan. In order to understand the Indian auto market intensely, the South Korean maker has given this job to a global consultancy to conduct product clinics so as to test its cars on Indian roads.

Kia is very confident for India because of Hyundai is already selling their cars in India at good amount as well. Hyundai is the second largest car maker in India. It solds more than 40000 cars in India till May 2010.

It will be interesting to know about what will be the strategy for Kia to enter in India with their portfolio against Maruti Suzuki which is already no.1 car maker in India. But worlds 4th largest car maker Hyundai-Kia group entering with a host of cars, will stir the Indian auto market for sure!