Kia’s Brand New Optima Hybrid

Kia is ready to talk pricing on its first ever hybrid vehicle in the States, the all-new Optima Hybrid, which we first saw at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. A sister model to Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid, with which is shares the same gasoline-electric powertrain, the Optima Hybrid will reach U.S. showrooms in June with a starting price of $26,500, not including a $750 destination and handling fee that lifts the cost to $27,250. By comparison, the hybrid version of the Sonata starts at $25,795, excluding destination charges.

The Optima’s parallel hybrid powetrain makes use of a modified 2.4-liter Theta II engine without direct-injection that runs on the Atkinson cycle and delivers 166HP and 151 lb-ft of peak torque. The four-cylinder gasoline unit is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor capable of delivering 40.2 horsepower (30 kW) and 151.2 pound-feet of torque when electric only. When in hybrid mode, the combined output of the two motors comes to 206.2 horsepower and 195.4 pound-feet of torque. A set of lithium polymer batteries from LG Chem completes the hybrid package.
Kia claims the Optima Hybrid can deliver up to 35 miles per gallon in city driving and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with smart key and the company's UVO powered by Microsoft hands-free, voice-activated infotainment and communications system.
For an additional $5,000, customers can opt for the Hybrid Premium Technology Package, that ups the luxury ante with several comfort and convenience features. These include a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloys, four-way power adjustable front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID headlamps with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a navigation system with back-up camera and SIRIUS Traffic, and an upgraded eight-speaker Infinity audio system.

GALLERY

Read more In Cars

Post Title → Kia’s Brand New Optima Hybrid

ADVERTISEMENTS

All-New 2012 Kia Rio 5 Hatchback

Kia’s brand-new Rio small sedan was joined by the hatchback version of the sub compact model named Rio5 at this week’s New York Auto Show. Unlike the four-sedan that received its world premiere in the Big Apple, we got our first taste of the Rio5 at the Geneva Salon in March. The only visible styling changes over the European model, concern the colored turn signals up front and the market-specific trim options inside.
The 2012 Rio5 is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. The direct-injection four-pot delivers 138 horsepower, and thanks to the addition of Kia’s ISG start-stop technology, it returns 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Kia’s newcomer will be offered with a choice of three trim levels, LX, EX and SX. The base LX includes 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, driver's seat height adjuster, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which coordinates the car's ESC and ABS.
Moving up to the EX gets you standard power windows with automatic up/down on the driver's window, Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls, 60/40 split folding rear seats and leatherette door trim and power door locks with keyless entry.
Finally, the range topping SX trim adds 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, dual chrome tip exhaust, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, cruise control, UVO powered by Microsoft in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display, and chrome-coated accents throughout.
Pricing and availability in the States will be announced at a later date.

GALLERY

Read more In Cars

Post Title → All-New 2012 Kia Rio 5 Hatchback

ADVERTISEMENTS

New Kia Cadenza Sedan in California

An undisguised example of the new Kia Cadenza sedan has been spotted by a carsandtec reader rolling around in California for the second time since the beginning of the year. This one was caught by Sanjay Patel. "Saw this Kia Cadenza with Michigan plates going 55 North in Orange County, California," 

The sleek looking sedan which is already on sale in South Korea as the K-7, is longer and wider than the Amanti it will replace. It is expected to be revealed this year in U.S.-spec with sales to follow before the end of 2011. In its home market, the K7/Cadenza is offered with three gasoline engines ranging in output from 165HP for the four-cylinder unit to 295HP for the 3.5 liter V6. 

Read more In Cars

Post Title → New Kia Cadenza Sedan in California

ADVERTISEMENTS

Kia Rio 2012

Kia's product assault continues with the presentation of the all-new Rio subcompact, which will receive its world premiere together with the new Picanto at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.  

The latest car to be revealed by Kia boasts a far slicker exterior design than the current Rio bringing it in line with the rest of South Korean company's passenger model range. There are no photos of the interior, but Kia says its newcomer "will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models" along with a wider selection of trim options.
The Korean firm's Ford Fiesta-sized vehicle features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) compared to the outgoing Rio thus promising to offer improved passenger space together with an increased cargo capacity to 292 liters for the hatchback body style. Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width). 

In Europe, the firm's B-Segment contender will be offered with a comprehensive range of petrol and diesel engines including a 1.1-liter diesel unit delivering 70-horsepower and CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. 

But the big surprise is the announcement of an all-new 1.2-liter Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that will be available from 2012, and which will offer the Koreans a significant advantage over its Japanese rivals.
Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing for Kia, commented: “This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car that people will want to buy for its looks.”
The new Rio will go on sale in Europe as a 5-door model this fall, with a 3-door to be introduced into the range in early 2012. Pricing and full range details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.

Read more In Cars

Post Title → Kia Rio 2012

ADVERTISEMENTS

2012 kia picanto

Kia has released images of the domestic market version of its Picanto city car, which will be sold as the Morning in South Korea. From the looks of it, there won't be any notable differences between the local and European market specification Picanto, which will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Salon in the beginning of March. You can read our previous post for more details including the powertrain options here. For the high resolution image gallery and the official brochure of the KDM Morning, follow the jump below. 

photos and video

Read more In Cars

Post Title → 2012 kia picanto

ADVERTISEMENTS

Concept Car : Kia POP

Kia POP concept car has been unveiled by KIA as its latest concept car just a few weeks before its official debut at Paris Motor Show this year.



Kia POP concept car is a compact and electric powered car concept which has an odd shape. This concept car’s power will comes from an all-electric drivetrain. While for its interior, Kia POP concept car featuring two seat for its passenger.

Post Title → Concept Car : Kia POP

ADVERTISEMENTS

Concept car : Kia Sorento 2010

The new car will be slightly more than its predecessor and will have more powerful engines.

Official information about the new 2010 Sorento not known yet. This model is present only in April at the motor show in Seoul. According to preliminary data, Sorento 2010 model year, will receive the latest diesel engine volume 2.2 liters, which will give 200 hp.

Post Title → Concept car : Kia Sorento 2010

ADVERTISEMENTS

Concept Car : Kia Soul

Concept cars serve a few purposes, they allow designers to run free without practical limitations, while leading to the creation of new technology that eventually finds its way to every day cars.



The EFIJY is one such concept, which although is bold and wins over many fans, would struggle in the showrooms. Nonetheless as a concept car, it has reached the very top.
The modern day expression of the iconic Australian FJ Holden, has just been awarded the United States concept car of the year award.
“This award recognition of that and a further advertisement for the talent and versatility of the designers we have here at GM Holden.” GM Holden’s director of design Tony Stolfo said
The EFIJY was designed by Holden in 2005, and has been touring around the world ever since, it beat over 33 concept and 11 production vehicles for the award.

Unlike some of the current cars in the Holden lineup, the EFIJY is a compromise free, mobster themed monster. Powered by a 480KW V8 engine, the EFIJY is not all just looks.

Holden designer and project leader Richard Ferlazzo has always said, there were no plans to go beyond the concept stage.

Post Title → Concept Car : Kia Soul

ADVERTISEMENTS