Kia Venga EV Concept live in Geneva 03.03.2010

Plug it in, plug it in

Kia has unveiled the Venga EV concept at the Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the standard Venga, the concept features an electric motor with 80 kW (109 PS / 107 hp) and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the EV to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 11.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h).

The electric motor is powered by two 24 kWh lithium ion polymer batteries, which allow the car to travel up to 112 miles (180 km) on a single charge. Once depleted, the batteries can be recharged to 80 percent capacity in 20 minutes with a rapid charger or fully recharged in eight hours with a normal charger.

Kia has not mentioned if and when a production version would become available.

Press Release (Click to expand)

ELECTRIC VENGA CONCEPT PLUGS IN FOR KIA AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

Kia is debuting its first all-electric plug-in concept car – based on the just-arrived Venga – at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Venga EV concept car is identical to the regular Venga B-segment MPV but features an electric motor producing 80 kW and maximum torque of 280 Nm. Venga EV is capable of accelerating from standstill to 62mph in 11.8 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 87 mph.

Venga EV includes a twin-pack 24 kWh battery using innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types, and provides a driving range of 112 miles on a single charge.

Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW) the battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 20 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kW), 100 percent power is attained after eight hours.

Venga EV is a front-wheel drive vehicle with the electric powertrain placed within the existing engine bay. The battery pack is located under the boot floor.

As an all-electric, zero-emissions vehicle that is solely powered by electric energy stored inside its battery, Venga EV will contribute to increased environmental protection.

Venga EV represents Kia Motors’ continuing commitment to earth-positive R&D and marks an additional dimension in the company’s development of eco-friendly vehicles.

The Ray is not the first car by Kia Motors designed to go easier on the environment.  The Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Forte LPI Hybrid, the petrol cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Sorento Hybrid have all set the open road.

This Gurnee Kia PHEV car has a whole new exterior look.  It is very futuristic.  The design is supposed to help the car be more efficient on the highway.  You’ll notice that the car’s design is very clean, without a lot unnecessary edges and ridges.  Furthermore, the back end of the car is higher, which results in less drag.

How does the hybrid technology work in the Ray?  Well, this new Gurnee Kia auto has a lot to offer.   Like other hybrids on the roads, it couples a gasoline direct inject engine and an electric motor.  Also in the engine/motor mix, a driver will find a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).  The engine has 153 HP and is 1.4 L.  Definitely less than other larger SUV’s found at your Kia dealer Gurnee.  But, the auto’s mission is to be friendly to Mother Nature first and foremost!

As we mentioned earlier in this article, the Ray’s design helps it have better aerodynamics and less drag.  The further exemplify this, the headlamps on the car’s front will slide back.  This allows for better air intake.   Upon another glance of the Kia Ray, you’ll notice there are no side mirrors extending from the car!  Where are they?  This PHEV doesn’t have them.  Instead, the auto has motion-detector cameras that allow for safe lane changing and monitoring.

There is so much more for you to find out about the Kia Ray, but hopefully this information gets your wheels turning to do so!  It’s going to be a great hybrid for Kia.

Source: Classic Kia Blog

2012 Kia Forte Hatchback First Spy Photo 01.03.2010 / Copyright: SB-Medien

Spies have picked up a set of photos showing off the 2012 Kia Forte hatchback for the first time.  The five-door was spotted on a frozen lake in Scandinavia where Hyundai and Kia have been testing several vehicles.

In one photo, the car can also be seen with the Kia Forte Koup.  If these pictures are any indication, look for the five-door to share similar front end styling, with a- and c-pillars matching up accordingly.  As such, the side windows are noticably similar.

Kia has yet to announce the launch date for the five-door version of the Forte.  The car will likely compete with the Ford Focus and Mazda 3.

2011 Kia Sportage live in Geneva 02.03.2010

Kia wheeled out the third generation of their Kia Sportage compact SUV earlier today.  The all-new SUV is bigger in all dimensions except height and ground clearance when compared to the previous model.

The 2011 Kia Sportage is now on display at the Geneva Motor Show.  When it goes on sale later this year, customers in some markets will likely be able to choose from four different engine options.  Horsepower ratings on the two petrol and two diesel units range from 115 PS (85 kW / 133 hp) to 163 PS (120 kW / 161 hp), with emissions as low as 138 grams per kilometer.  Both manual and automatic transmissions will be available in certain markets, as will two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions.

“With the all-new Sportage, we have created a five-seat compact SUV with maximized customer appeal.”  said Kia Motors president Hyoung-Keun Lee  “Despite the recent and ongoing global economic difficulties, Kia’s market research indicates that demand for C-segment SUVs in Europe will grow steadily over the next five years as customers down-size their vehicles and new models focus attention on the segment.”

Kia decided to make their SUV bigger in every direction, measuring 90mm longer, 15mm wider, and 60mm taller.  This makes the vehicle smaller, wider, and shorter than the current Honda CRV.  In a press release, Kia claims their car provides “a commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and powerful road presence.”

Market-specific pricing should be released closer to the SUV’s launch date.  You can read much more about the 2011 Kia Sportage in the press release below.

Press Release (Click to expand)

1               INTRODUCTION
Kia Sportage – the all-new urban-friendly compact SUV

With a new bodyshell, new engines and fresh, bold styling that introduces a new kind of dynamic aesthetics, the latest Kia Sportage is an urban-friendly compact SUV for today’s families – consuming less fuel and emitting less CO2.

Longer, wider and lower than the previous model – by 90 mm, 15 mm and 60 mm respectively – the all-new design successfully retains the key SUV features – a commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and powerful road presence – that made the second-generation Kia Sportage so popular.

The second-generation Sportage was introduced in 2004 and marked a huge step forward for Kia. Over the next six years, it attracted thousands of new customers to Kia, and achieved global sales of more than 860,000 units – including 150,000 units in Western Europe.

Now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, the Kia design teams have created a third-generation Sportage incorporating Kia’s new design DNA and many features from the 2007 Kia Kue concept car, to be immediately identifiable and to stand out from potential rivals in an increasingly crowded segment.

“With the all-new Sportage, we have created a five-seat compact SUV with maximized customer appeal. It is urban-friendly and fully in tune with changing consumer expectations and demands,” commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.

“Despite the recent and ongoing global economic difficulties, Kia’s market research indicates that demand for C-segment SUVs in Europe will grow steadily over the next five years as customers down-size their vehicles and new models focus attention on the segment.

“Customer response to the new Sportage in Europe has been entirely positive and we are confident that our latest model will significantly increase Kia’s share of the compact SUV market,” concludes President Lee. 

New Sportage has an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.37 – down from 0.40 – and a reduction in weight of 91 kg compared with the previous model enhancing fuel economy and refinement.

Choice of engines with enhanced economy and lowered emissions
When the full range of new Sportage models is on sale later this year, it will be available with four engines – two petrol and two diesel, ranging between 115 ps to 163 ps – manual and automatic transmissions and two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The model range presented to customers will vary country-by-country across Europe to suit local requirements and preferences. Final decisions on the UK range are yet to be made but all the engine variants will be available and Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., plans to take all the transmission and drive options.

For new Sportage the 2-litre diesel and petrol engines available at launch will be joined by smaller capacity engines available with fuel-stretching ISG (Intelligent Stop & Go) technology and with CO2 emissions from as low as 138 g/km.

Enhancing occupant and pedestrian safety
Fitted as standard in most European countries, new safety features will include ESC with a new Roll-over Sensor that deploys the side airbags, curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners when required, Hillstart Assist Control to prevent roll-back when starting on an incline, Downhill Brake Control to limit speed during a steep descent and an ESS system which flashes the brake lights during an emergency.

A new rear-view safety camera providing on an LCD colour display integrated into the interior rear-view mirror will be available as an option on all models.

Appealing to existing and new Sportage customers
New Sportage will be manufactured at Kia’s factory at Zilina, in Slovakia and buyers will be offered a choice up to 10 exterior colours and a black interior, trimmed in cloth, part-leather or full-leather that can be personalised with dark, light or orange accents.  The quality of the cabin has been greatly improved. Available high-tech features will include: Xenon HID headlamps, LED running lights, keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera, built-in sat-nav and full-length panoramic glass sunroof.

Kia’s latest compact SUV will benefit from the brand’s unique 7-Year Kia Warranty in Europe. The all-new Sportage range will begin to appear in showrooms across Europe during the summer. 

2              STYLING & DESIGN
Introducing a new kind of dynamic aesthetics

The new Sportage marks a dramatic shift in design direction for Kia’s compact SUV.  Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Sportage is immediately identifiable by its ‘tiger’ face – incorporating Peter Schreyer’s striking signature grille design that links all new Kia models.

“The new Sportage is fresh and bold and could not be mistaken for anything other than a Kia,” said Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “It embodies Kia’s new-found visual dynamism by successfully taking the key features of an off-road vehicle – the raised ground clearance, the commanding driving position and heightened sense of security – and enveloping them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal. With its athletic and muscular design the Sportage fits its name perfectly.”

Sitting below the central bonnet-mounted badge, the ‘tiger face’ sweeps out to effectively frame the grille before broadening out and encompassing the car’s large and piercing headlamps to create a distinctive and powerful face. The strength of this look is reinforced by the clamshell bonnet and its contours that run into raised shoulders as they flow down to meet the headlamps. 

“The clamshell bonnet gives a sense of strength and solidity to the front end,” said Schreyer. “Together with the grille, these shoulders create a strong three-dimensional feel to the face of the new Sportage, and they also help the driver accurately place the car on the road.”

The new Sportage’s athleticism is reinforced by its rakish windscreen angle, which sweeps seamlessly into the low roofline. And the top of the screen itself reflects the grille profile. “The profile line of the top of the windscreen mirrors that of the grille,” explains Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Europe.

“We first featured this element on the Kee concept car, at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. This is followed through to the rear, which has the same distinctive outline at the base of the rear windscreen. These two features instantly heighten the Sportage’s on-the-road visibility – as do its sculpted flanks featuring a striking concave motif in the door panels and the flared wheel-arches.”

The key design element of new Sportage’s purposeful stance is the relationship between its high shoulders and narrow glasshouse, explained Schreyer.  “We’ve created a vehicle with a sportscar-like ratio between sheet metal and glass.  The side-windows are very narrow that gives 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, and as you can see on our new Sportage, it determines the entire look and feel of the car,” he added.

Using a tape-measure against the new Sportage confirms it is slightly lower than the previous generation, but the design makes it look significantly lower, and both sleeker and more assertive.

Mirroring the large headlamps up front, the rear of the new Sportage features prominent taillights that flow across the tailgate and into the car’s broad rear shoulders. Raising the rear spoiler-topped hatch reveals a large, deep and regular-shaped cargo bay.

Many of the new Sportage’s external design features – the rakish windscreen angle, the radically angled C-pillar and the signature sculpting of the car’s flanks, were first hinted at in the Kue concept car, star of the 2007 Detroit Motor Show. 

“It’s crucial that we draw real design inspiration from our concept and showcars, like the Kue, and inject that motivation into our production cars. The new Sportage is clear proof of that,” commented Schreyer.

A raft of details – the ribbed roof, the chunky door handles, the roof-rails, the raised ride height and the large wing mirrors – serve to further reinforce the Kia’s go-anywhere credentials.  The new Sportage’s spacious cabin looks as dynamic and sporting as its exterior.  It’s dominated by the sweeping dashboard, which broadens from the edges and then narrows dramatically in the middle to create an eye-catching centre console. This emphasises the width of the car, making those on board feel protected, safe and secure.

Guillaume explained: “The horizontal layers break up the dashboard, so you are not facing a vast cliff of plastic, while the high centre tunnel bisects the front cabin. It’s anything but the typical T-shaped dashboard/console layout you will find in most vehicles.”

Those high shoulders and the narrow glasshouse hint at the new Sportage’s dynamic driving position, enhanced by the chunky small-diameter three-spoke steering wheel and deep-set cowled instruments.

“The exterior design is very sporty for a car of this type, and although you sit high in the cabin there’s still something very sporting about it because the windscreen has a very fast angle and the shoulder line is very high,” said Guillaume.  “This gives you a cocooned and safe feeling, and yet from a practical point of view there is still plenty of rear headroom.” 

In the generously proportioned rear cabin, the boldly angled C-pillar cuts back on itself well behind the rear passengers, to enhance the car’s low-slung profile without encroaching on their view out.

Peter Schreyer intends to transform the public perception of Kia all around the world.  “I want to give Kia global appeal – I want that appeal to be about design above all else. The new Sportage is a major step towards achieving that goal.”

Exterior Dimensions Comparison (mm)

*excluding door mirrors

3              COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
Top-quality trim and equipment with high-tech features

Kia is confident that when current Sportage owners and new customers to the brand visit dealer showrooms to view the all-new Sportage, they will be mightily impressed by the newcomer. Its showroom ‘presence’ will be both impactful and surprising. 

New Sportage will be available in a stunning new metallic colour – Techno Orange – and first impressions will also be enhanced by the new bright chrome finish for the front grille- the strong Kia ‘face’ – as well as the bold reverse-angle C-pillar, the wider track, purposeful stance and much closer relationship between the wheels, tyres and wheel-arch – creating a premium appearance and echoing the precision and care that has been applied to the entire vehicle.

Inside new Sportage, the styling echoes the new kind of dynamic aesthetics created by the exterior appearance and establishes a new kind of ambience, with top-quality fit, discreet trim accents and the availability of numerous high-tech features. New Sportage will be built with a choice of two equipment levels, LX and EX (for details see Section 8), plus a wide range of options.

The longer bodyshell and longer wheelbase, plus the extra interior width ensure that occupants of the new Sportage will enjoy its spacious cabin.  The adoption of a reverse-angle for the C-pillar moves it 186 mm further back – compared with the previous model – placing it behind the rear seat passengers to provide them with a clear view out. Entry and exit from the cabin is made easier by lowering the seats by 29 mm and the top of the door sills by 31 mm.

Driver comfort is enhanced by the adoption of a floor-hinged accelerator pedal that allows smooth control of the throttle and by the increased range of fore and aft sliding movement available for the driver’s seat – 24 mm more than the previous model. As an option, heated front and rear seats can be specified.

The thick-rimmed four-spoke steering wheel and the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster are becoming Kia trademark features. Similar to the cluster fitted to the Soul, Sorento and Venga, the new Sportage’s instruments have clear and precise graphics. A ‘Super Vision’ cluster with red lighting will be available as an option.

New Sportage’s interior comes trimmed in black cloth as standard – and unusually, an all-black headliner can be specified. Options include part-leather and full-leather seat trim, with a choice of contrasting stitching. LX models feature a Dark Gunmetal dashboard and centre stack, while colour options include Medium Grey, Light Alpine and Orange door inserts, plus Alpine Metallic centre stack trim. 

Manual air-conditioning is standard. The audio system for new Sportage features an RDS radio and CD player with MP3, USB and iPod connectivity – with door-mounted speakers and a tweeter at each end of the dashboard. An all-new audio visual navigation system with a 7.0-inch screen, Bluetooth and voice recognition will be offered. 

Other available high-tech ‘comfort & convenience’ features include a Smart Card for keyless entry, together with an engine start/stop button, ‘welcome home’ escort lights, Xenon headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lights and a tailgate-mounted reversing safety camera with interior mirror display monitor.

A total of 10 exterior colours available will be: solid colours x 2: Cassa White and Clyde Blue and metallic colours x 8: Dark Gunmetal, Techno Orange, Sand Track, Black Pearl, Pheonix Silver, Sirius Silver, Machine Silver, and Byte Blue.

More space for people and cargo, and a quieter drive 
Luggage space in new Sportage benefits from the 70 mm increase in the vehicle’s rear overhang. With the rear seats upright, the cargo bay is 80 mm longer and 110 mm wider at floor level, thanks to the more compact design of the rear suspension.  Cargo capacity is among the best in class and ranges from 564 litres with the rear seats occupied to 1353 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Storage space within the cabin includes the larger glovebox – cooled in some models, a larger 6.0-litre centre console – up from 3.0-litres, and four door pockets. Two large cup-holders are located between the gear selector and the centre console, while the folding centre armrest in the rear seat has twin cup-holders.

New Sportage is significantly quieter and more refined than its predecessor. The all-new bodyshell design and greater use of high tensile steel have resulted in a stiffer and safer vehicle in which occupants will be aware of fewer vibrations from the road surface or mechanical components.

4              ENGINES
New diesel and petrol engines to power new Sportage

Manufactured at Kia’s world-class facility in Slovakia, the all-new Sportage will ultimately be available in Europe with a wide choice of engines. At launch this summer, the engine line-up will comprise 2-litre diesel and 2-litre petrol engines – with a 1.7-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre GDI petrol unit to follow later this year, reducing the new model’s base-line CO2 emissions to less than 140 g/km.

Diesels demonstrate Kia’s world-class engineering
At the Geneva Show and making its premiere in the new Sportage, is a 2.0-litre version of Kia’s next-generation ‘R’ family diesel. All-new, the ‘R’ family diesel engine first appeared in 2.2-litre, 197 ps form, in the new Kia Sorento confirming that Kia’s engineering capabilities are indeed world-class.

The R2.0, which is expected to prove the most popular engine choice with new Sportage buyers in many European countries, generates a maximum of 136 ps and 304 Nm of torque from just 1,800 rpm. As well as guaranteeing strong performance, the new diesel enables the Kia’s compact SUV to deliver highly-competitive fuel economy and emissions figures.

Later this year, a new 1.7-litre version of Kia’s ‘U2’ diesel will become available.  Designed and engineered at Kia’s R&D Centre in Germany, this 115 ps engine meets Euro 5 emissions regulations and is cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient than previous U2 engines. It has been developed for optimum driveability, with more than 90 per cent of the maximum torque available from just 2,000 rpm.

Petrol engines blend power with economy
Now fitted with upgraded electronics and low-friction components, Kia’s revised 2.0-litre ‘Theta II’ petrol engine delivers more power, improved durability, enhanced refinement and reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

This four-cylinder 1998 cc powerunit has dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) for both the intake and exhaust valves, four valves per cylinder and features weight-saving, all-aluminium construction with a cast aluminium block, cylinder head and sump.  Fitted in new Sportage, maximum power is 163 ps, with 194 Nm of peak torque at a modest 4600 rpm.

Later this year, new Sportage buyers whose priority is fuel-economy, will be able to order Kia’s 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine fitted with GDI (petrol direct injection) technology. Producing a highly competitive 140 ps, the arrival of this engine marks the first appearance of GDI technology in a Kia vehicle.

GDI lowers emissions while raising power and torque outputs and improving fuel economy. The typical range of benefits include delivering 7% more torque at low revolutions, 12% more torque at high revs and 10% better fuel economy overall – compared to a conventional engine of a similar capacity.

Stop and Go available for two engines
By the end of 2010, Kia will be offering its fuel-stretching ISG (Intelligent Stop and Go) system as an option on both the 1.7 diesel and 1.6 GDI engine. ISG automatically switches the engine off whenever the vehicle is stopped in congested city driving and instantly restarts the engine when the driver selects first gear. Combined with other technologies in new Sportage, ISG helps to reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. 

Several innovative fuel-saving technologies are fitted to the new Sportage as standard, including a gear-shift up/down indicator on all manual models, an ECO indicator to encourage economical driving on all automatic models and a power-saving alternator management system.

5             TRANSMISSIONS & DRIVETRAINS
Choice of 2WD and AWD systems, plus three gearboxes

Buyers of the all-new Kia Sportage in Europe will be offered a choice 2WD or AWD drivetrains, and five-speed or six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. 

For diesel Sportage models, the standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, upgraded with improved synchronization, reduced power loss, enhanced efficiency and durability. Both the larger petrol and diesel engines can be specified with the optional six-speed automatic.

Ultra-compact six-speed automatic transmission
Developed by the Hyundai-Kia Group for fitment in a wide range of future vehicles, the all-new six-speed automatic transmission now available for the new Sportage is ultra-compact – and can feature a new optional ‘paddle shift’ system which allows drivers to change gear without taking their hands off the steering wheel.

The driver can choose from two operating modes – fully automatic or ‘Sport’. For city driving, fully automatic mode is ideal, while ‘Sport’ mode allows for clutch-less manual gear changes for greater driver involvement – either using the selector lever or the new steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Whenever the car is stopped for more than a few seconds, the new transmission’s innovative ‘Neutral Control’ function automatically shifts the transmission from ‘D’ to ‘N’, improving fuel economy especially in city driving.

Customer choice of advanced drivetrains with 2WD and AWD
Depending on individual markets, consumers ordering a new Sportage will be able to select from five models with 2WD and four with AWD – employing advanced drivetrain systems similar to those introduced with the new Sorento in 2009. 

On every Sportage model, traction is also boosted by the available Hillstart Assist Control that prevents the vehicle rolling backwards, and Downhill Brake Control that limits vehicle speed to just 8 km/h (5 mph) on steep descents.

For customers who drive on-road most of the time, the new Sportage with the 2WD drivetrain offers lower weight, faster acceleration, enhanced fuel economy and good traction, aided by the standard-fit Traction Control System.

For new Sportage buyers who regularly face difficult driving conditions, go off-road or tow trailers, the AWD drivetrain will be ideal.  It will be available with both the 2-litre petrol and diesel engines and manual or automatic transmissions as appropriate.

This AWD drivetrain is a single ratio (High) system, which delivers 100% of engine torque to the front wheels when driving in normal conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency.  Whenever a front wheel loses grip a percentage of torque is automatically transferred to the rear wheels to maintain forward momentum.

When driving a new Sportage with AWD in slippery conditions – such as rain, snow, mud, unpaved roads and off-road – the driver can manually select ‘Lock Mode’ for better stability. This mode shares the torque equally, between the front and rear axles and maintains that split up to a speed of 40 km/h (25 mph).

6              SUSPENSION & RUNNING GEAR
New electric steering and new multi-link rear suspension

All around the world, more than 860,000 Kia Sportage owners have enjoyed this model’s special blend of on-road talents and off-road abilities since the second-generation model was introduced in 2004.

Now, determined to rival the best vehicles in the compact-SUV class with the all-new Sportage, Kia engineers were given the goal of improving the earlier model’s ride/handling balance, whilst also achieving more precise and rewarding responses to driver inputs, with increased riding refinement.

Kia’s Sportage engineering team designed the new electric power steering system to deliver good steering feel and precise vehicle control, with low effort during parking and city driving and more substantial feedback during out-of-town motoring.

The new MDPS (motor driven power steering) rack-and-pinion system is speed-sensitive and requires just 2.96 turns of the steering wheel from lock-to-lock. Switching from the previous model’s hydraulic system to electric power assistance offers a 3.5% improvement in fuel economy.

Both the front and rear suspension systems are mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe, with carefully fine-tuned rubber bushes to help isolate the occupants from irregularities in the road surface.

At the front, the compact MacPherson Strut suspension receives a little fine-tuning to smooth its operation and is largely carried over from the previous model. Small changes to the suspension geometry improve feel and stability, while new side-load coil springs reduce friction.

The new Sportage benefits from an all-new, multi-link, fully-independent rear suspension system. For the new model, the dampers and coil springs are mounted separately to minimize intrusion into the cabin and trunk space. 

At the rear, new amplitude selective dampers (ASD) can be fitted as an option.  These dampers combine the ability to deliver firm control over bumpy roads and when travelling at higher speeds (stiffer, high amplitude dampening), with a smoother city ride (softer, low amplitude dampening) at lower speeds.

All new Sportage models sold in Europe are equipped with an all-disc braking system, backed up by ABS anti-lock and EBD brake-force distribution systems as standard.  For maximum stopping power, ventilated front discs and solid rear discs are fitted – with larger diameter discs fitted to AWD models.

Although the new Sportage’s handling bias is focused more towards on-road motoring, the new model with AWD and its manually selected ‘Lock Mode’ that splits torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles, will be a capable performer in slippery conditions and off-road. 

Off-road credentials for the new Sportage include a 172 mm ground clearance, an approach angle of 22.7 degrees, a 28.2 degrees departure angle and a ramp-over angle, which is 17.7 degrees.  For drivers interested in tackling more demanding terrain, the maximum climb angle is 44 degrees and the potential roll over limit angle is 45 degrees.

7              SAFETY
A safer drive thanks to new ‘active’ and ‘passive’ technology

Kia invests heavily in R&D programmes directed at enhancing both the active and passive safety of its vehicles to deliver the highest levels of occupant protection.

To ensure that owning and driving Kia’s latest compact SUV will be a safe and rewarding experience for all occupants, the new Sportage offers buyers a range of state-of-the-art safety systems and equipment as standard – or as options, depending on model and market.

In most European countries, standard ‘active’ safety technologies fitted to the new Sportage will include Electronic Stability Control, and three new systems – Hill-start Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control and an Emergency Stop Signal system. 

HAC prevents slip-back during stop-start driving up inclines, while DBC ensures safer travel down the steepest slopes by maintaining a steady 8 km/h (5 mph) speed.  ESS automatically ‘flashes’ the brake lights whenever the ABS or ESC systems are triggered.

The performance of the Sportage’s all-disc braking system during extreme conditions is boosted by three systems – a regular ABS (anti-lock system), plus EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) to adjust the front/rear brake pressure and BAS (brake assist system) which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers maximum braking power.

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

A second option is the new rear-view camera mounted on the tailgate. This camera is fitted with a 130-degree, wide-angle lens that provides images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view mirror, or to the navigation display if fitted. Simultaneously it enables the driver to check the rear view and the blind spot below the rear window.

A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is available as an option to alert the driver if any tyre suffers a pressure drop of more than 25%.

For new Sportage, a new roll-over sensor is part of the upgraded ESC system (standard in most European countries), and can be ordered as an option in all others.  This sensor monitors possible roll-over situations and triggers the deployment of the side airbags, curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners if appropriate.

Achieving maximum protection through ‘passive’ technology
The new Kia Sportage has been designed to score a 5-Star rating in Euro NCAP’s crash tests and maximum scores in the USA’s two crash test programmes. The all-new platform and bodyshell employs a much greater proportion high strength and extra-high strength steels than the previous model.

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.

In most European countries, new Sportage will be fitted with six airbags as standard.  Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags (linked to the new rollover sensors in the ESC system as well as the impact sensors) offer head protection for all occupants.

Active head restraints for the front seats of all models are standard in most European countries and protect occupants against whiplash injuries.

8             STANDARD & OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT / EUROPE

Kia Sportage LX

Exterior

16-inch alloy wheels with 215/70 R16 low-rolling-resistance tyres

Projection headlamps with manual levelling adjustment

Body-colour door handles

Black door mirror mountings

Manual-adjustable door mirrors

Matt silver radiator grille (LX) – Bright chrome radiator grille (EX)

Tinted glass

High gloss black rear spoiler

Body-colour bumpers (2.5 mph impact resistant)

Roof-mounted radio antenna

Rear fog lamps

High-mounted stop light in rear spoiler

Comfort and convenience

Manual air-conditioning

Gear shift indicator (manual transmission only)

ECO driving indicator (automatic transmission only)

Heated rear window

Electric windows front and rear – driver’s window with one-touch auto up/down

60/40 split second row seat

Rear-seat centre armrest with cup holder

Power outlets in front centre console and boot

Dual front sun-visors with vanity mirrors

Remote tailgate and fuel-filler flap releases

Central cabin courtesy lamp

Cargo bay lamp and roller-blind luggage cover

Cargo bay under-floor storage box

Four-speed heating and ventilation system

Headline-mounted map-reading lamp with sunglasses holder

Interior

4-spoke soft polyurethane steering wheel

Tilt adjustable steering wheel

Cloth-covered seat upholstery

Silver-finish door handles

Height adjustable front seats

RDS Radio & CD player with MP3 and 4 (door-mounted) audio speakers

Two tweeter audio speakers in dash-top

AUX, USB and IPod compatibility

Large front centre console storage box with armrest

Two front cup-holders

Lockable, illuminated front glove box

Safety & Security

ABS (anti-lock brakes)

EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with roll-over sensors

DBC (Downhill Brake Control)

HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)

Driver and front passenger airbags

Front row, side airbags

Full-length curtain airbags (with roll-over sensor)

Active front seat head restraints

3-point seatbelts for all occupants

Height-adjustable head restraints for all occupants

Audible seatbelt warning (front seats)

Central locking

Engine immobilizer

Battery saver system

Tyre mobility kit

Kia Sportage EX
Additional factory-fitted standard equipment over LX model

Electric heated and adjustable door mirrors

Body-colour door mirror mountings

Front fog lights

Painted door interior centre panel trim

Artificial leather door armrest

Luggage area cargo net

Dual front sun-visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Lumbar support for driver’s seat

Keyless-entry with alarm system

Trip computer, odometer and digital clock

Chrome-coated radiator grille

Optional Equipment

17-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R17 low rolling-resistance Silica tyres

18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 R18 low rolling-resistance Silica tyres

Full size alloy spare wheel

Privacy glass (from B-pillar rearwards)

Rain-sensing automatic windscreen wipers

Dusk-sensing automatic light control

Cruise control

Chrome exterior door handles (EX only)

Roof rails

Electric-adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors (EX only)

Turn ‘repeater’ lights in door mirror housings

LED Daytime Running Lights

Xenon HID headlamps (EX only)

Front fog lights (LX only)

Cornering lights

Aluminium door kick-plates

Telescopic adjustment for steering wheel

Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever (EX only)

Cooled, lockable, illuminated front glove box

Heated front and rear seats

Part leather/part cloth seat upholstery

Full leather seat upholstery

Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition

Remote steering-wheel mounted audio controls

7-inch Navigation system

Super Vision instrument cluster (EX only)

Adjustable instrument lighting

Rear parking assist system

Rear-view safety camera with Interior mirror display

Parking assist automatic manoeuvring system

Dual zone climate control automatic air-conditioning

Smart card entry with engine start button (EX only)

Tyre-pressure monitoring system

Paddle-shift, steering wheel-mounted gear selector system (Automatic models)

Panoramic powered tilt/slide glass sunroof

9              TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS / EUROPE

Body & Chassis
Five-door, five-seater compact SUV, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. 

Choice of four transversely-mounted diesel and petrol engines driving the front (2WD) or front and rear wheels (AWD) via a five-speed or six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission – depending on model.

Engines

S = available as standard

*trailer with brakes
**fuel consumption and CO2 data, manufacture’s estimated figures

NB:  All technical and equipment specifications are ‘factory’. Exact UK trim levels, drive train combinations and specification will be announced closer to the on sale date, later in 2010.

In the development of this hybrid vehicle Kia chose to use a “less is more” approach for the exterior model. The exterior has a certain curvature that increases aerodynamics; designers even used airplanes as a model for the Kia Ray. Kia has many popular models like the Chicago Kia Soul and the Kia Ray will likely be another popular option once it reaches production due to its many unique features including appearance.

The Kia Ray was presented as a concept car and with this title comes some incredible new features. The model on display boasted  a four-door model which uses recycled material as well as a solar panel in the roof which powers the lighting, interior cooling fan, and climate controls of the automobile. The car also utilizes nano-laminate films and cool-glazing material to help keep the car cool. The interior also features a touch screen instrument panel. Round Lake used car dealers also believe the white leather and mesh interior will be popular as well.

As a hybrid concept vehicle the Kia Ray is powered by a 1.4 liter gasoline DI engine with 153 horsepower this is connected to a CVT. The car is also powered by a 78kw electric motor. This automobile is capable of 77.6 miles per gallon in hybrid mode and 202.3 miles per gallon when running on electric only power. The Kia Ray does need to be plugged in to reach its full potential.

The Kia Ray is just one example of how Kia automaker is continuing to create innovative automobiles. Kia is clearly aware of customer demands and as a result created an attractive, functional hybrid vehicle. To find out more about Kia automobiles near you in Chicago, the Kia Soul, Sportage and other models, contact your local Kia dealership.

Source: Classic Kia Blog

The new Sportage takes after a few other Kia autos, such as the Soul, Cadenza, and Sorento.  It does have some design specifics seen in other European vehicles.  Also, the Sorento shares it’s shape with the new Hyundai Tucson.

Engine wise several engines may be available.  Keep in mind that nothing has been set in stone yet, as they’re still developing the models that will be sold at your Round Lake used cars dealer.  The gasoline engines will use the gasoline direct injected concept that Kia-Hyundai has developed.  One option is a 1.6 L that offers 140 HP and another that gives 2.0 L and 166 HP.

The design of the crossover is very nice.  It is longer and lower than other Round Lake used cars Sorento models.   The 2011 model will also have a wider shape, offering driver and passengers alike more cargo and body space.   Makes for a happier traveling crew for sure!

Another feature on the Sportage that’s really cool is the hexagonal shape that is part of the body on both the front and rear left and right side doors.   Check out the picture and see what you think?  I also like the rear bumper.  It’s got a clean and “higher than the front” look.  Overall, this crossover is one beauty!

The 2011 Sportage will be at your Kia dealer Gurnee later this year!  It will hopefully be a great money maker for Kia.  If you’ll be in the market for a new vehicle, keep this one in mind!

Source: Classic Kia Blog

2011 Kia Magentis / Optima Teaser Sketch Released for New York Debut – 22.02.2010

The third generation Kia Magentis will get its debut at the New York International Auto Show.  The car, sold in the U.S. as the Kia Optima and in Korea as the Lorentz, will go on sale this fall in America and in Europe in Spring 2011.

Despite the introduction in the U.S., it appears that the Optima name will still be used in the American market.

Look for the all-new Magentis to get more aggressive styling, integrated daytime lights, and a potentially shorter roofline.  Aside from this, Kia says the new model will be longer, with an extended wheelbase, and also wider.  The company says this will provide much more space for cargo and passengers.

The all-new Kia Magentis will debut on April 2.

Press Release (Click to expand)

WORLD DEBUT FOR NEXT KIA MAGENTIS AT NEW YORK

The next generation Kia Magentis will make its public world premiere at the New York International Auto Show on Friday 2 April 2010.

A fresh design from the ground up, Kia’s all-new version of its popular mid-size saloon is completely transformed and embodies a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous model, the new Magentis features a significantly longer wheelbase and will offer considerably more space for both people and luggage.

The new Magentis will go on sale in the USA and in non-European markets – where it is known as Optima – from autumn 2010, while sales in Europe are expected to begin in the Spring of 2011. No on-sale date for the UK has yet been announced – keep an eye on www.kia.co.uk for details in due course.

The world premiere of the next generation Magentis will take place at the Kia Stand on Level 1 of the ‘Jacob Javits Center’ located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.

“Our editorial team realized the moment we got behind the wheel of the Forte that it would be a top contender for our NADAguides.com Car of the Year, but it wasn’t until we extensively drove the sporty four-door sedan and the two-door coupe that it solidified our decision,” said Michael Caudill, NADAguides.com auto expert and spokesperson. He said the decision was difficult, “But when you add up the low price point, Best in Class features, and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, it made our decision to award the Forte much easier.”

The 2010 Kia Forte has two engine options: a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 156 hp or a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 173 hp.  The 2.0 models come with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions, while the 2.4L models each receive an additional gear.  The Fuel Economy Package (available with the EX trim only) adds even more unique elements: electronic power steering, a smart alternator, low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic improvements to achieve 27 city/36 hwy mpg.  And you know what that means – Fewer trips to the pump, and more money in your pocket. Car of the year, indeed.

The interior features techie treats like Bluetooth hands-free calling, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS satellite radio and IPOD connectivity coming standard in every trim. The EX and SX trims also come with power steering wheel mounted controls, cruise control and optional sunroof and heated leather seating.

Rounding off the long list of winning attributes to the 2010 Kia Forte is a low base price of $13,695 and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. With all those performance and design features at an affordable price, there’s a lot to love. Stop by your Round Lake used cars dealer and in Waukegan, buy used cars at Classic Kia and save time and money with a huge inventory of affordable pre-owned models!

Source: Classic Kia Blog

Kia has always been known for producing very basic and affordable cars.  The company still wants to produce autos affordable to the average person, but also offer a line that has improved style, luxury, and performance….The Sorento may just be the ticket!

The basic Waukegan new car will start out just under $20K.  It will have a 4 cylinder, 6 speed transmission, air conditioning and a pretty decent sound system.   The fully loaded Sorento will cost around $30,000.  This supped up model will offer the driver heated leather seats, ipod hookup, Sunroof, and more.  It’s been reported that the high end Sorento compares very well amenity wise as it’s more expensive, European counterparts.

How does the ‘10 Sorento drive compared to other Round Lake Beach used cars?  The 2010 Sorento weighs around 475 lbs less than the current model.  Less weight helps improve performance, along with the V6 engine.  It’s said to get around roads pretty well.

Also, since this Waukegan new car is a crossover, it’s larger than a coupe or sedan, which is perfect for transporting a few kids and their sporting gear.  The newly designed vehicle has plenty of cargo and passenger room.  It is a Crossover that compares positively to other vehicles in its class.

The 2010 Sorento is worth checking out.  It drives well, has many of your standard technologies, and a nice interior….Plus, it’s affordable…In this economy, you cannot go wrong with that!

Source: Classic Kia Blog

Kia Ray Concept – 10.02.2010

Unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show, the Kia Ray concept is a futuristic plug-in hybrid that seats four. Targeted to the eco-conscious, the Ray Concept has a driving range of 746 miles (1,200 km). It can travel 50 miles (80.5 km) on electric power alone plus a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon (1.2 l/100km).

Powering the Ray Concept is a direct injection 153 hp (114 kW) 1.4-litre engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in addition to a 78kw electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, power is routed to the front wheels via the gasoline engine while the electric motor pushes the rear wheels, or both simultaneously.

“It is important to imagine early in the design process what people will want in the future from a green perspective. People want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,” said Peter Schreyer, Kia Chief Design Officer.

“Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia “Ray” exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers,” he added.

Based on the Kia Forte platform the Ray Concept features a streamlined body for reduced aerodynamic drag. This is particularly noticeable in the long tail with U-shaped deck lid which extends out from the rear at higher speeds for improved aerodynamics. Despite the “mono-volume shape” the Ray Concept still manages to convey some striking curves topped off by an aggressive snake face front end.

Technologies featured include touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery. Naturally, infotainment is handled by Kia’s all-new UVO voice- and touch-activated controls.

See press release below for further details.

Press Release (Click to expand)

KIA MOTORS’ “RAY” PLUG-IN HYBRID CONCEPT DEBUTS IN CHICAGO

Kia Motors has unveiled its “Ray” plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, to highlight its innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.

Following the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Forte LPI Hybrid, the petrol cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Sorento Hybrid the “Ray” concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact saloon based on the Kia Forte platform.

Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel to power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia “Ray” boasts a range of up to 746 miles.

“It is important to imagine early in the design process what people will want in the future from a green perspective. People want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,” said Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer for the Kia Motors Corporation.

“Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia “Ray” exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers,” he added.

The stylish, aerodynamic “Ray” combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimising unnecessary edges giving a flowing profile and a pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly higher deck for reduced drag.

The “Ray” also features touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery – all possible indicators of future technology from Kia. As a plug-in hybrid, “Ray” is designed to cover driving distances of more than 50 miles using just its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon for a total range of 746 miles.

Striking Aircraft-Inspired Exterior Design

A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette give the Kia “Ray” concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles.

Strong, lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics philosophy. The LED Kia badge is covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer occupants a spacious, airy feeling.

A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer “tail” improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece integrated underbody panel, narrow tyre width and flush wheel design.

The front headlamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the petrol engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag.

Instead of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors. The result is an airframe on wheels. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The purposeful rear-hinged coach doors add a stylish touch and their height and shape improves entry and exit.

The “Ray” employs new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials to dramatically reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool will reduce air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.

Light and Airy Interior

The “Ray” interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones to create a sense of purity while also reflecting the heat of the sun, keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy. Front and rear seats made of lightweight composites, mounted on the side sills, create a floating effect in the cabin and utilise elastomeric materials to support body weight.

Fresh and sustainable trim materials combine with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout incorporating the push-button start and gear shift toggle. The centre console features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft® providing voice- and touch-activated controls for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation.

Adding to the list of green technology features “Ray” also employs the all-new GreenEdgeTM system by Infinity® Audio. The loudspeakers reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self heating temperatures coupled with increased acoustic performance providing a better synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle. The amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50 percent of current Infinity speakers and employs a lower dissipation design for significant savings in overall weight.

To reduce overall weight through materials and design the hexagon/honeycomb shape can be found throughout the cabin, used as a repeated design element while tying the interior theme together. Used also in the door inserts and seats, this lightweight and breathable mesh serves to reduce overall kerb weight as well as being a unique design element.

Other materials found in the cabin are soft to the touch with a matt finish, including white leather, offering a more luxurious, but inviting and tranquil, atmosphere.

Hybrid Architecture

The “Ray” Concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78kw electric motor.

Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the front wheels from the petrol engine, the electric motor, or both together.

The “Ray” is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift indicator to encourage economical driving. Custom-designed low-rolling resistance tyres featuring a hexagon pattern in narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) construction also improve efficiency.

Specifications

In Chicago, Kia Soul buzz is relatively old news, but the new Ray is the wave of the future for Kia, who in the last year has pulled out all the stops to show that they absolutely can compete with the longer-tenured, bigger-named automakers in the world. In late January, a teaser picture was leaked to the press that showed the Ray in all its glory, cruising through some sort of futuristic, poorly-lit tunnel.

While the setting looks like something from the movie “iRobot,” the car itself is like a gorgeous little silver bullet. It appears to be some sort of sporty four-door sedan with dark-tinted panels on the roof that also slope down the back of the car. This could just be tinted windows, but it’s also possible that they include solar photovoltaic technology designed to use the sun’s rays to charge the car’s battery or keep the interior of the vehicle cool in summer months. Considering the car is named the Ray, it would make sense to utilize some sort of technology benefitting from sunlight.

The drivetrain is expected to be similar to that of Hyundai’s Blue-Will concept because the configuration for this vehicle is based on the configuration for the upcoming hybrid Hyundai Sonata. Whatever this car ends up being, we’ll get a chance to see it for ourselves on February 12th at McCormick Place in the Windy City. The media gets a preview of all the goodies a few days earlier, so less ambiguous pictures should be available even sooner than that, with more details to go along with them.

In Round Lake, used cars are probably going to take a hit when this new wave of hybrid vehicles hits dealerships in the next couples of years, and in Antioch, used cars are likely to experience the same issues. But those are good problems to have. After all, as much as dealers love to find homes for pre-owned vehicles and make some money off of the work their auto plants have already done, new vehicles always will be the big money-makers, and when those money-makers also just so happen to be good for the environment, everybody wins.

Source: Classic Kia Blog

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept Teaser Sketch – 1280 – 21.01.2010

Kia has released another teaser image to build hype for the Kia Ray.  The four-door concept will debut next week at the Chicago Auto Show, likely as a plug-in hybrid.

While a previous image gave us an idea of what the car’s back end will look like, the new image gives us a close-up at the front.  Here, we see razor thin headlights, and with an LED cluster integrated into the bumper.  The rendition of the front implies that the vehicle will be painted in four different colors, including two shades of white, gray, and maroon.  The last image showed a long, thin tail light, and hints of a glass roof and large rear windshield.

In a press release, the automaker makes it clear that a hybrid Kia is not yet scheduled for market release.  However, “on-road testing of petrol and diesel hybrid vehicles is due to start in Britain this year.”

The Kia Ray concept will be introduced in Chicago on February 11.

Press Release (Click to expand)

KIA LOOKS TO THE PLUG-IN FUTURE WITH “RAY” CONCEPT AT CHICAGO SHOW

As Governments and motorists keep up the interest levels in an electric-car future Kia Motors Corporation has revealed the first preview rendering of its latest concept car – called Ray – which will make its global debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show next month.

Styled by the team at Kia Design Centre America, the Kia Ray project was undertaken to demonstrate how Kia’s evolving design direction would be applied in the packaging of a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

The actual car will form the centre-piece of the Kia Motors America display at Chicago and the vehicle will contribute to Kia’s on-going development of alternative-fuel vehicles.

Already Kia has pioneered potentially real-life fuel cell vehicles and has working prototypes operating in California and Korea. Additionally Kia has various hybrid-engined vehicles providing real-world data in various locations and plans to commercialise Liquefied Petroleum Gas hybrid vehicles in Korea within the next 12 months.

Currently no date has been set for hybrid Kia models to be put on sale in the UK but on-road testing of petrol and diesel hybrid vehicles is due to start in Britain this year.

The Kia Motors press conference for the 2010 Chicago Auto Show will be staged at 1:30 p.m. on February 11, 2010.

Look at the first official photos of the next generation 2011 Kia Sportage that will be unveiled at the upcoming 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Sportage carries the new Kia family look as seen on the Soul, Cadenza sedan and Sorento SUV, but it appears to have a more European flavor to it.

The five-door crossover shares its platform with the also new Hyundai Tucson, known as the Hyundai ix35 in Europe. It is longer and wider than the outgoing Sportage, something that should translate to improved cabin space.

The 2011 Sportage will be offered with the same 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four cylinder engines coupled to six-speed transmissions as the Tuscon in North America, while in Europe, it will most likely get the same 1.7-liter and 2.0 liter diesels, and 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline units as the iX35.

Source: Kia fan blog

2011 Kia Sportage – 1280 – 03.02.2010

The third-generation Kia Sportage will be formally introduced to the world at the Geneva Motor Show.  The small SUV will go on sale shortly after the March 2 premiere.

Information about the vehicle’s debut was officially released shortly after images from the European Union Patent Office were discovered.

Pictures of the SUV show the new model with a completely new front end, redesigned roofline, sculpted side panels, and LED lighting at various points.  The vehicle will be built on the same platform as the Hyundai Tucson (ix35), and will be “longer, lower and wider” than the second-generation vehicle, according to a press release.

“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,” said Kia executive Michael Cole.  ”I am convinced it will begin a remarkable new chapter in the Kia story.”

The new Sportage has fallen under the design guidance of former Audi designer, Peter Schreyer.  Under his authority, Kia’s newest models have transformed the Kia brand into a credible global player.

Petrol and diesel engines will be announced at the debut.

Press Release (Click to expand)

World premiere for all-new Kia Sportage at Geneva

The all-new Kia Sportage will show a dramatic shift in design direction when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March, 2010.

Embodying Kia’s new visual dynamism, all-new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV – the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – in a sleek and urban-friendly design.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, all-new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: “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.”

The all-new Sportage comes to the UK later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and petrol engines.

The world premiere of the all-new Sportage will take place at 08.45 on 2 March, 2010 on the Kia Stand (No 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Kia Rio Hatchback

The Kia Rio Hatchback was created South Korean designers to the most refined high requirements of European consumers. Preserving their passionate, incendiary name, it became a dynamic and sports a more conservative predecessor. Expressive optics made the car more noticeable individual and in the flow.

Kia Rio Hatchback

The spacious lounge with decoration of high-quality materials, solid seat noble forms allow convenience settle with the driver and passengers of any size and growth. New models have Rio functions such as fully automated temperature control, the system will alert the rear, the electronic access to the car.

Kia Rio Hatchback

Even with the standard set of options the Kia Rio Hatchback will be a decent competition in the class of lawmakers fashion small cars from the Old World and the countries of the Rising Sun.

Kia Rio Hatchback

Along with the comfort of the new Kia Rio Hatchback gives its owner the confidence and calm because this model is equipped with every imaginable modern security systems: ABS system, exchange rate stability program, dual front, side and upper airbags. Larger distance between the front and rear axles and the wheels of each axis provides additional stability during movement. Independent front and rear suspension enable soft and comfortable ride even in rough road surface.

Kia Rio Hatchback Interior

Kia Rio Hatchback

Customers are offered three types of engines to choose from: volume 1.4 litre petrol and 1.6 litre and 1.5 litre diesel volume. For power – they are among the leaders in its class, while maintaining fuel economy and a high level of environmental safety.

Kia Rio Hatchback photo gallery

Kia Rio Hatchback

KIA RIO Hatchback

Kia Rio Hatchback

Kia Rio Hatchback Interior

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