Kia unveils the first image of all-new cee’d today ahead of the car’s world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

New Kia cee’d combines styling typically found on a sporty coupé with the space and functionality of a five-door hatch.

Upmarket exterior design immediately gets your attention, with details like chrome framed windows and muscular lines on the bonnet. The stunning exterior design is complemented by an ergonomic, driver oriented dashboard and refined interior, with a strong focus on quality of materials.

The new Kia cee’d is a technically sophisticated, highly competitive, C-segment entry wrapped up in Kia’s award-winning design and industry leading seven year warranty.

New cee’d will be available across Europe from the second quarter of 2012 with UK deliveries expected to start from June.

The Kia Optima, the all-new flagship saloon that is the latest model to be launched in Kia’s design-led product offensive, goes on sale in the UK from 1 February bringing fantastic design, high levels of standard specification and low running costs to the D-segment, from just £19,595 on-the-road.

Unveiled back in 2010 at the New York Auto Show, Optima has proven to be a global success since day one.  It became Korea’s top-selling car within a month of going on sale – the first Kia ever to reach that exalted position – and is in such demand in the United States that Kia has had to build in Georgia just to keep pace.  Nearly 300,000 Optimas have been sold across the world to date and it is already accumulating international design awards.

The Optima’s looks alone ­will ensure it enjoys UK sales success previously unheard-of for a large Kia saloon.  Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, likens the car’s clean, stylish and uncomplicated cut to that of a fine Italian suit.

But the Optima has also been configured to appeal to the business community who make up the vast majority of D-segment customers in the UK.  It will be sold only with a diesel engine – a new 134bhp version of Kia’s smooth and efficient 1.7-litre CRDi ‘U2’ power unit – while all four specification options contain every essential for the business user.

The arrival of the Optima means that for the first time Kia has a seriously competitive car in all the key sectors for the UK’s fleet and leasing industry – Picanto, Rio, cee’d and now Optima. Three of those cars are all-new models introduced within the last eight months.

Even before the arrival of the Optima, Kia’s corporate sales were going through the roof – up by 145% between 2010 and 2011, for a market share which improved from 1.58% to 2.42%. With the introduction of the Optima, further progress is confidently expected.

The Optima offers features never previously attainable on a Kia, including a high-end Infinity audio system.  It delivers 550W of high-fidelity sound through 12 speakers in eight different locations throughout the car, including a boot-mounted subwoofer.  Self-parking, heated and cool-ventilated seats, cornering lights, panoramic sunroof, reverse parking camera and an automatic cabin defogging system are also available, as is a six-speed automatic transmission that is among the most advanced currently produced by any car manufacturer.

Specification and range

The Optima is available with an extensive list of features.  Sold in the UK with Kia’s familiar 1, 2 and 3 trim grades, but the mid-range 2 versions offer buyers the options of ‘Luxe’ or ‘Tech’ variants.  Standard features include alloy wheels, air conditioning, LED daytime running lamps, leather steering wheel, Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, all-round electric windows and electric folding mirrors as well as cruise control and a speed limiter.

Move up to the mid-grade 2 specifications and you can expect to have solar glass with auto defogging, automatically activated wipers, an eight-way adjustable powered driver’s seat with memory setting, heated front seats, dual zone auto air conditioning in place of air conditioning, reverse parking camera, iPod connectivity and a premium Supervision instrument cluster and paddle shifts on automatic models.

The Optima ‘2 Luxe’ version has grey leather seats with a grey cloth trim, panoramic sunroof with electric blinds, 18-inch alloy wheels, black front calipers, black and chrome radiator grille surround, sculptured side sill mouldings and front and rear valances and a reversing camera in the rear-view mirror.

The Optima ‘2 Tech’ is equipped with black leather and cloth upholstery, a 12-speaker premium Infinity audio system – including a centre speaker, an external 11-channel amplifier and an eight inch subwoofer – 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touch-screen satellite navigation system with European mapping and an integrated reversing camera.

Optima 3 is a combination of the mid-grade 2 models with additional features.  It includes a panoramic sunroof, auto light control, Infinity audio system and touch-screen satellite navigation with integrated reversing camera.  Xenon headlamps with automatic levelling, full black leather upholstery, a cool-ventilated driver’s front seat, heated rear seats and an automatic parallel parking assist system are unique to the 3.  Smart key with start/stop ignition button, stainless steel door scuff plates with front illumination, mood lighting and alloy pedals complete the top-of-the-range version’s high specification count.

As with all Kias, the Optima comes with Kia’s unique seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to conditions covering wear and tear items.  The warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners.

Care-3, Kia’s servicing package for retail customers, is available for Optima and offers a fixed cost and inflation proof servicing for three or five years. All work will be carried out by trained product technicians, using genuine Kia replacement parts and specified oils.

The Care-3 package is just £299 including VAT, which covers the first three services – either 36 months or 30,000 miles, or the Care-3 Plus package is £549 including VAT which covers the first five services – either 60 months or 50,000 miles.

The UK model line-up and pricing

A seismic shift in design

Kia’s shift from a purely rational to a design-driven brand in recent years has resulted in a succession of new cars that all deliver the ‘must have’ quality demanded by Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer.  Sorento, Soul, Venga, Sportage, Picanto, Rio… each new model created under Schreyer’s watch has changed the way that buyers perceive Kia.

So, the team behind the look of the Optima knew there had to be an equally seismic shift in the design of Kia’s large saloons, which had hitherto focused on functionality and value.  In short, the team had to raise the bar to an even higher level and create a car that people would never previously have expected from Kia.

The Optima was created by Kia’s design teams in Frankfurt and California and immediately began to draw praise from media critics since its global debut in 2010.  ‘Gorgeous’ and ‘the best car to come out of Korea yet’ were among the comments made, and these were to be repeated when the Optima made its European debut at the Paris Salon de l’Auto later that year.  In 2011 the Optima was named ‘Best of the Best’ in Germany’s Red Dot design competition, which attracted nearly 4,500 product entries from all aspects of life, not just the automotive sector.

The Optima is a clean-sheet design.  It is longer, lower and wider than Kia’s previous D-segment car, and has a longer wheelbase and a coupé-like profile, emphasised by its cab-back proportions, shallow glasshouse, short boot and the sweeping chrome arch that flows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.  High, pronounced shoulders flow seamlessly between the sculpted front and rear light clusters, giving the Optima a muscular appearance that is reflected lower down in bold, flared wheel arches.

Aircraft-inspired cabin

The interior is youthful and sporty, giving the driver a hands-on, totally engaged feel.  The fascia, tilted towards the driver at an angle of almost 10 degrees, has been designed on aircraft principles so that all the major controls are within the driver’s sight-line for best visibility and ease of use.

The entry-level Optima has Kia’s familiar three-cylinder instrumentation, while all other versions have a premium Supervision cluster with a 3.5-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) full-colour information screen flanked by a tachometer on one side and a speedometer on the other.  The information screen can be programmed with the driver’s preferred menus and images.

Slender armrests in the doors have integral audio speakers, freeing up more storage space in the panel beneath.  In the top-of-the-range Optima 3, mood lighting in the lower part of the doors and the centre fascia adds to the cabin’s already sophisticated ambience.

Space and safety

The Optima is based on an all-new platform which ensures it has class-leading passenger and luggage space and safety features while being no larger than its competitors.  The Optima is 45mm longer (4,845mm) and 25mm wider (1,830mm) than Kia’s previous D-segment saloon, but of greater significance is the 75mm increase in wheelbase (2,795mm).  Front passengers, in particular, benefit from significantly more legroom, and there has also been a small increase in headroom, despite a 25mm reduction in overall height (1,455mm).

The boot capacity has been enlarged to 505 litres (VDA), and there is a lower lip to make the business of loading the car less strenuous.  The 60:40 split folding rear seats allow longer loads to be transported.

And the team which designed the Optima’s interior did not focus solely on aesthetics: useful storage spaces, shaped to accommodate the things which real owners like to carry, abound. There is a cooled glovebox, a centre console box, cupholders front and rear, a sunglasses holder, space for bottles in the front and rear doors, pockets in the backs of the front seats and a centre fascia tray large enough for a mobile telephone, conveniently located adjacent to AUX and USB points.

The Optima is built around an incredibly stiff safety structure featuring almost 60% of high-tensile steel plates.  This ensures outstanding front, side and rear impact protection without adding to the car’s overall weight.

There are large disc brakes on all four wheels, ventilated at the front, with anti-lock (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, giving the car class-leading emergency stopping power in all conditions, regardless of the force applied to the pedal by the driver.  Models with automatic transmission feature a foot-operated parking brake.

Kia’s democratic approach to safety is once more evident with the Optima.  All versions have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to counter any tendency of the car to skid out of control because of bad weather or over-exuberant driving.  This is linked to Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which senses when the wheels on one side of the car are on a lower-grip surface than those on the other side, VSM then stabilises the car by reducing the amount of steering assistance if the driver is applying too much steering effort or increasing it if the driver is applying too little.

To alert other motorists to emergency braking, an Emergency Stop Signalling system (ESS) is also fitted.  This flashes the brake lights rapidly to warn following drivers.  Every Optima is fitted with front, side and curtain airbags, plus active front-seat head restraints to minimise the risk of whiplash injuries.

Business with pleasure

In the UK, the Kia Optima has been configured to appeal to the business community who make up the vast majority of buyers of D-segment cars.  It goes on sale with just one engine – a new 134bhp version of Kia’s acclaimed 1.7-litre U2 turbodiesel – and a choice on the mid and top spec models of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

All manual versions feature Kia’s EcoDynamics fuel-saving, CO₂-reducing measures, including Intelligent Stop & Go and aerodynamic drag-reducing measures, while automatics have an Active ECO button which alters the operation of the engine’s electronic control unit and the compressor on the climate control system, bringing potential fuel savings of around 9%.

The U2 diesel, engineered at Kia’s European research and development centre in Germany, was first introduced on the Kia Sportage, but has been uprated for use in the Optima.  It features high-pressure common-rail fuel injection for maximum efficiency and a variable geometry turbocharger to enhance low-speed driveability while ensuring strong top-end power for the high motorway speeds common in Europe.  It develops its maximum power at 4,000rpm, but of greater significance is the peak torque of 325Nm (239lb ft) from 2,000-2,500rpm.

The U2 engine in the Optima develops similar power and torque to the 2.0-litre units in European and Japanese rivals, but from a smaller capacity.  Acceleration from 0-60mph takes 10.2 seconds in manual versions and 11.5 seconds with automatic transmission, while the respective top speeds are 125mph and 122mph.

The manual can achieve 57.6 miles per gallon, with CO₂ emissions of 128g/km, while the figures for the automatic are 47.1mpg and 158g/km.  Both attract vastly lower company car taxation rates than any previous Kia D-segment model.  In fact, the new car with automatic transmission matches the CO₂ emissions of the previous manual version.

With automatic transmission, Kia joins an elite group of just three automotive manufacturers to have designed, developed and built its own six-speed automatic gearbox.  It features innovative Neutral Control, which shifts the transmission from ‘D’ to ‘N’ when the car has been stopped for a few seconds, reducing the load on the engine and, therefore, fuel consumption.

A gate-type shift pattern offers the driver a choice of two operating modes – fully automatic for town use, or drive for a more involving driving style.  In drive, the driver can perform clutch-less sequential manual changes – up or down – via steering column-mounted paddles.

The Optima’s ride and handling have been optimised to provide the perfect combination of stability and agility with refinement and comfort on the long motorway drives that are a fact of life for many business drivers.  Kia’s motor-driven power steering (MDPS), which delivers assistance only when needed to reduce the load on the engine and save fuel, offers just the right degree of help and weighting in all circumstances.

Extensive noise-reduction measures ensure minimal transmission of engine and road sound, while the  low co-efficient of drag – down to 0.29 from the 0.32 of Kia’s previous D-segment saloon – not only helps fuel economy but also minimises wind turbulence.

Kia Motors introduced Korea’s first electric vehicle, with the launch of the new Kia Ray EV – a zero-emissions city car with lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge.

For supply exclusively to the domestic Korean market, the Kia Ray EV is a close relative of Kia’s 1.0-liter gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month.  It shares that model’s major dimensions and, in a global first for an EV manufacturer, can share a production line with conventional combustion-engine cars.

The front-wheel drive Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack that is engineered for a 10-year life cycle and skilfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.

Although the Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, the electric motor’s generous torque – 167 Nm (an increase of 77%) – ensures responsive performance.  The EV’s acceleration is brisker than the gasoline models (0-to-100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph (81 mph).  Recharging times are six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

The Ray EV’s automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes while in ‘D’ drive.  ‘E’ (or ‘eco’) mode optimises the delivery of the motor’s torque to achieve minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range.  ‘B’ (or ‘brake’) mode can be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximise braking power.

Bearing the same striking exterior styling as its gasoline cousin, the Kia Ray EV has four small distinguishing points.  A flap in the front radiator grille covers an electricity inlet for a 220V supply for the slow recharge mode, another inlet (for the fast recharge mode) is fitted in the same location as the fuel intake of the regular models, special decals on each front door proclaim the ‘Zero Emissions EV’ message and super-smooth 14-inch alloy wheels improve aerodynamic performance by minimising drag.

Inside, the Ray EV features a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge. It is also equipped with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that features a seven-inch screen and provides crucial information for EV drivers such as the nearest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations.  The display shows a circular shaped area in which the model can travel with its current level of battery power, so that drivers can see which destinations are reachable without a recharge.

Currently there are 500 slow/fast recharge stations in Korea, and the government plans to increase that figure to 3,100 stations by the end of 2012.

The Kia Ray EV embodies numerous innovations.  The electric motor achieves 93% efficiency, which is the best in its segment.  The lithium ion polymer battery’s cell is optimised and highly integrated, which has enabled its weight to be reduced by 13% and its energy density to be increased by 15% compared to competitors’ systems.

The on-board charger, current inverter, high-low voltage converter and EV-specific VCU (vehicle control unit) each features advances over previous equipment.

Ray EV is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system featuring an Active Hydraulic Booster that utilises the electric motor, instead of the gasoline engine in the regular model, to create hydraulic pressure for the brake system.  The result is consistent brake pedal force throughout a wide variety of driving conditions and the ability to harvest excess energy and use it to recharge the car’s battery.

Unlike regular gasoline vehicles, Ray EV generates no engine noise, which can be a potential problem with pedestrians being unaware of the approaching car.  To prevent accidents, Kia has fitted Ray EV with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System).  When driven at speeds below 20 kph (12 mph) this system delivers a mixture of recorded gasoline engine noises, which are also emitted whenever the car is backing up.

Japan and the USA are already considering the introduction of a legal requirement for EVs to have a virtual engine sound, and Kia has taken the first step to commercialise this system in order to anticipate the global industry’s trend.

To ensure that the Ray EV is as safe as gasoline cars, it is equipped with six air-bags, and electronic stability features – VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) – as standard.

During 2012, Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 units of the Ray EV, which will be provided to government departments and public offices as part of Kia’s long-term real-world research and development program to provide environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the world during the next decade.

Ends

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuDA_qlUjn4

The New Kia Picanto advert has been named by YouTube as one of its 2011 UK top 10 most popular video ads. The New Kia Picanto advert featuring a tree swinging, dog scaring cat is listed as 6^th against the likes of T-Mobile, ASOS and Google Chrome.

The top 10 videos ads were uploaded to YouTube in 2011 and achieved the biggest number of views from people in the UK. Ranked in order of UK popularity, they are:

1. T-Mobile- The T-Mobile Royal Wedding
2. Google Chrome – Google Chrome: Jamal Edwards
3. ASOS – The ASOS Urban Tour in London- preview
4. VW – The Force: Volkswagen Commercial
5. Listerine – Listerine Mouth vs. Life
6.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSLOnR1s74o

> Kia - The New Kia Picanto
7. John Lewis – John Lewis Christmas Advert 2011
8. Twinings – Gets you back to you
9. Flora – Flora Cuisine Vernon & Gladys introduce new healthy way to cook
10. Nokia – Nokia N8 Pink – Freedom

John Bache, Database & Digital Marketing Manager at Kia Motors UK Ltd., says of the success “With 48 hours of video uploaded every minute to YouTube the Kia Picanto advert has achieved great cut through, we are now approaching 4million video views of our uploaded videos for the year confirming to us, this is a great medium that consumers are willing to embrace.”

Commenting on the whole results Dara Nasr, Industry Head of Display for YouTube UK said, “2011 has been a bumper year for online video advertising. Advertisers are increasingly taking advantage of the social nature of online video by creating ads that are likely to be shared, liked and commented on”

Just months after its launch, the sporty Kia Picanto three-door, available exclusively in Europe, has been honoured with the coveted iF product design award 2012.  This award recognises design quality alongside a number of other criteria, including workmanship, innovation and eco-friendliness.

Picanto’s commendation is Kia’s fourth iF product design award in three years, following prizes for the Venga B-segment MPV, Sportage compact SUV and Optima mid-size saloon.  Additionally, the brand has won the red dot design award four times in recent years.

“Receiving the iF product design award for the new Kia Picanto is a great success for our design team and it is welcome recognition of our brand’s design-oriented strategy,” said Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.  “The second generation Picanto displays a very purposeful, self-assured design, and its sportiness is particularly underscored by the three-door version.”

The Picanto boasts bold and dynamic styling, high-quality interior fittings and a host of class-leading features.  It is specifically aimed at the steadily increasing number of discerning consumers wishing to ‘downsize’ to a smaller car.

In most markets, Picanto is available with two highly-efficient petrol engines that, in combination with the optional automatic stop-start ISG system, reduces CO₂ emissions to as little as 95 g/km.  Kia’s unique seven-year/100,000 mile warranty comes as standard.

The new Picanto is the first to be offered in three-door form where it is expected to account for 45 per cent of total Picanto sales in the UK.

Since its launch in 1953, the iF product design award has been conferred annually and is among the world’s most important prizes for excellence in design.  The award has its origins in the “Die gute Industrieform” (Good Industrial Design) product shows initiated by Hanover Messe and is now one of the world’s largest design competitions.  For 2012, a total of 2,923 products were registered in 16 different categories.  The Kia Picanto was honoured in the ‘Transportation Design’ category, which includes cars, ships, trains and aircraft.

In 2009 a new word entered the Kia lexicon: EcoDynamics. In just 11 characters it sums up Kia’s intention to continue to make cars which are fun to drive, practical, appealing and good value while reducing their impact on the environment. And with the all-new Rio it will reach a remarkable high.

EcoDynamics is a green umbrella for a wide range of technologies. Ultimately it will lead to alternative-fuel cars with zero tailpipe emissions, a process that is already well advanced. Kias with electrified drive trains will be emerging as early as 2012 and already the company has its first hybrid on sale in some markets, based on the new Optima.

But the biggest impact will come about through radical improvements to the economy and emissions of cars with petrol and diesel engines, which will continue to be the dominant power source for at least the next two decades.

More fuel-efficient cars do not come about by accident. They require huge investment in new engines, transmissions, materials and technologies. Efficiency has to be designed in from the start, so it is with the new Rio featuring an advanced three-cylinder diesel delivering up to 88.3 mpg whilst being the cleanest internal combustion engine in the world, emitting just 85g/km of CO₂.

In 2008-09, when the world was reeling in the aftermath of the global banking collapse, Kia made the decision to invest heavily in a range of sleeker, lighter cars with advanced new powertrains and state-of-the-art fuel-saving technologies.

Soon afterwards the revised cee’d appeared with an Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) system to stop the engine when the car is stationary in traffic and restart it again when the driver is ready to move off. Manual versions also advise the driver of the most fuel-efficient points to upshift. These features have appeared on selected versions of almost every Kia launched since. Together, they can achieve fuel savings of 10-15%.

Every new model seems to be accompanied by the introduction of smaller and more fuel-efficient engines. The 2009 Sorento saw the arrival of the R family of turbo diesels, plus a world-class six-speed automatic transmission; the Venga featured a smaller, 1.4-litre version of Kia’s European-made U2 diesel; for the Sportage, a 1.7-litre U2 diesel was added plus Kia’s first direct-injection petrol engine – a 1.6 belonging to the Gamma family; and the latest Picanto has new 1.0- and 1.25-litre Kappa family engines. A turbocharged version of the 1.0 was displayed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and is scheduled to start appearing in various models in 2012.  And the all-new Rio has a 1.1 CRDi engine capable of 85g/km CO₂. In every case, lower CO₂ emissions have been achieved at the same time as greater performance.

Gasoline direct-injection (GDi) petrol engines will continue this process. The recently launched Soul facelift has a 1.6 GDi engine with increased power output and better emissions. The Optima, a car which has yet to come to the UK, was introduced in the USA with a 2.0-litre GDi turbo engine delivering V6 performance without the fuel penalty. It is only a start to what Kia has in mind.

Kia is also working on a double-clutch transmission to deliver the convenience of an automatic with even better fuel economy than a manual. And it has developed its own continuously variable transmission for hybrid vehicles, which is cutting fuel consumption by 7% compared with a conventional automatic.

The company has set itself the target of making its entire range 10% lighter by 2015, which would bring about a 3.2% reduction in fuel consumption. Lightweight materials will replace steel where it is feasible, and the number of parts will be reduced. The kind of detailed thinking that Kia designers are applying is seen to good effect in the case for the air conditioning unit in the Optima. It is made of glass bubbles rather than polypropylene and is therefore 10% lighter.

An Active Eco system that deters unnecessary acceleration by restricting engine torque in certain circumstances is under development, as is a Smart Cruise Control that can brake and accelerate the car as well as maintain a set speed. Both are showing promising fuel consumption improvements.

And just to show that fuel-saving need not be po-faced, Kia’s engineers have developed a system that rates how efficiently you are driving on a scale of zero to eight. Reach eight and a flower symbol appears on the dashboard. Maintain that over a period of time and the flower becomes a bouquet.

• Zero per cent VAT across the cee’d range (excluding VR-7)
• 7 Year Switch programme available on all cee’d models – saving up to £3,300
• £500 Loyalty offers for existing Picanto owners
• £500 – £2,000 off Soul, Sorento, Sedona and Carens ranges

Kia Motors UK Limited has announced a whole range of customer-friendly offers that will run at all Kia dealerships until the end of December.

Zero per cent VAT savings are available across the cee’d range – excluding VR-7 models. Customers can now purchase a cee’d model from £11,207 for the entry pro_cee’d 1.4 ‘1’ and £11,373 for the five door cee’d 1.4 ‘1’ and just £13,251 for a cee’d SW 1.6 ‘2’.  Although the VR-7 models are not available with the zero per cent VAT offer it is however eligible for its own offer of £750 contribution towards a PCP agreement.

The 7-Year Switch programme is now available on all cee’d models until the end of December 2011. Introduced after the end of the government’s scrappage scheme, the programmes enables customers with a seven to ten year old car that has less than 100,000 miles on the clock and a valid MOT can trade in their vehicle and get £2,000 off a brand new cee’d VR-7 or £3,300 of all other cee’d models. Current cee’d owners whose cars were registered before the 31^st December 2008 are also eligible for the 7-year Switch programme.

Owners of the previous generation Picanto are eligible for a £500 loyalty reward against the purchase of an all new Picanto three or five door model. Rio owners are eligible for a £600 – £750 customer saving on the all new five door Rio version making the car available from just £9,995. Alongside this, customer savings are available across the range, up to £500 off a Venga and up to £1,500 off a Sorento and £2,000 off a Carens. The new facelift Soul is available with a £500 saving.

Customers opting to buy through Kia Financial Services could benefit from a further £1,000 PCP finance contribution towards a Sportage, £500 for an all-new Picanto five and three door and £750 on the all new Rio. Both customer savings and PCP finance contribution offers can be used in conjunction with one another, increasing the potential amount a customer can save.

For further information, visit www.kia.co.uk/offers

Kia’s innovative and hugely successful urban crossover, the Soul, has been refreshed from top to bottom for the 2012 model year. New or revised 1.6-litre engines and the introduction of a six-speed gearbox on all models improve performance while lowering fuel consumption, emissions and running costs. The distinctive and highly original exterior styling is now even sharper while continuing to emphasise Kia’s obsession with quality. This is reflected in the cabin, where changes to the fascia, console and trim raise standards even higher. And all versions have more equipment.

The revised model is now on sale offering a choice of two regular trim grades, badged Soul 1 and Soul 2, and two ‘Soul Originals’, the Hunter and Quantum. ‘Soul Originals’ is a rolling programme of special versions with unique styling and trim, changed at regular intervals.

Lifestyle-driven, but practical with it

Soul is an urban crossover – small enough to be ideally suited to the world’s urban jungles, but totally different to conventional, workday small cars.  By combining the charm and desirability of the MINI and Fiat 500 with a hint of SUV ruggedness, Soul opened up an entirely new market sub-segment when it first appeared in 2008.

Like conventional superminis, Soul is a five-door, five-seat front-wheel-drive hatchback.  But within those parameters, it defies convention thanks to its fun-to-drive character, expressive interior and a seating arrangement which offers the flexibility of a medium-sized MPV or SUV within the footprint of a supermini.

Soul’s style is ‘tough not rough’.  It has a high bonnet with rounded forms, bulging wheel arches and a wide track.  The wheel arches are joined by a body side crease, while the roofline appears to slope gently down to the tailgate.  The beltline, which rises from the front wheel arch to create a gentle wedge shape, is continued under and around the third side window.  There are decorative air vents in the front wings, these incorporate sleek side repeaters on the entry-level version.

For 2012, Soul’s rugged charm has been given an even sportier twist with changes to the grilles, lights, front bodywork and wheels. A new bumper with a wider, lower air intake changes the proportions of the car and gives it a wider stance, and the grilles are now set off with cubic effect inserts which give it a more premium look. The new front grille is reflected at the rear, where a large tusk-shaped section in the bumper helps to visually stretch the width of the car.

The vertical rear light clusters have been revised and incorporate brake lights that wrap around the side of the car, while daytime running lights – bulb-type in Soul 1 and 2 and LED in the two ‘Soul Originals’ – add a touch of style to the black bezel headlamp units and make the car easier to see. The rear light pattern on models with LED rear lamps is identical to that on the 2006 Detroit Show Soul concept to which the production model so faithfully adheres.

Soul 1 now has body-coloured door handles and mirrors and a top-tinted windscreen, while Soul 2 gains muscular surrounds around its front foglights, 16-inch alloy wheels and folding electric door mirrors containing stylish indicator repeaters. All versions are 15mm longer than before to accommodate the new powertrains under the bonnet, yet remain extremely compact at 4.12 metres long.

The practical and spacious interior features a totally redesigned centre fascia, centre console and gearshifter which improve both usability and the feeling of quality. The upholstery in Soul 1 continues to be stylish all-black cloth, while Soul 2 has a new design of luminous ‘Soul Shine’ cloth. Soul Hunter is trimmed in either black or beige, depending on the exterior colour specified, with matching tartan colour trim that adds a charming and fun flavour to the interior.  Soul Quantum is trimmed in luxurious black leather.

More performance with lower running costs

Soul was the first Kia to use an all-new platform that has since been adopted in modified form for Kia’s other B-segment models, the Venga and new Rio.  It is powered by two 1.6-litre engines – a new direct-injection (GDi) petrol unit developing 138bhp – up 14bhp on the previous 1.6-litre – and a modified 126bhp turbodiesel (CRDi).  A six-speed manual gearbox replaces the five-speed unit previously used, while the CRDi engine is optionally available with a six-speed automatic in place of the former four-speed transmission.

The new powertrains bring significant gains in performance, economy and running costs. The diesel manual is now 0.6 seconds quicker from rest to 60mph (10.3 seconds), while more than 3mpg more fuel-efficient (57.6mpg). This is sufficient to bring its CO₂ emissions down by 8g/km to 129g/km, which means owners are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the car’s first year.

The new petrol engine and six-speed gearbox combination, meanwhile, ensures the Soul delivers sparkling performance with impressively sparing use of fuel. It can accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 10 seconds, while its official combined-cycle economy is 44.1mpg.  With CO₂ emissions of 149g/km, it sits in band F for VED, which saves owners £35 a year compared with the previous model. Both engines deliver the outstanding torque vital to modern UK motoring, with excellent power for motorway use.

Soul has a long wheelbase and wide track, with inherent benefits for stable handling and a comfortable ride.  The suspension of right-hand-drive models was fine-tuned in the UK ahead of the car’s initial launch.  Soul was the first of several Kias to have followed this path, recognising the particular characteristics of UK roads.  It has Kia’s motor-driven electronic power-assisted steering, which contributes three per cent to fuel savings compared with a conventional engine-driven hydraulic rack-and-pinion system.  Power assistance is provided only when needed, reducing power draw on the engine.

Soul comes as standard with electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD).  ESC intervenes to prevent skids by braking one or more wheels, reducing engine power or both if sensors detect the car may be in danger of going out of control.  EBD, meanwhile, automatically ensures that stopping power is directed to the four wheels in such a way as to ensure the car is brought to a halt in the shortest possible distance.

For 2012 these safety measures have been supplemented by Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). VSM uses the ESC sensors to detect when one side of the car is traversing a more slippery surface than the other, such as when there is ice, stranding water or wet leaves at the edge of the road. It then intervenes to stabilise the car. HAC holds the car on its brakes when setting off on inclines until the driver touches the accelerator pedal. In this way it is impossible for the car to roll backwards.

All the advantages of an SUV with none of the disadvantages

The first thing Soul drivers will notice, particularly those downsizing from an SUV or MPV, is the familiar command-post driving position.  The cockpit is compact and sporty, with a thick-rimmed four-spoke steering wheel and a three-dial instrument cluster beneath a tightly-curved cowling.  Yet Soul is anything but a self-indulgent car.  The unusually high roofline, which has its highest point just above the windscreen, and generous wheelbase, may lend Soul a bit of SUV attitude, but they also give the interior cavernous space.

In keeping with Soul’s rebellious, individual and urban character, Kia has ensured that every model has a six-speaker audio system capable of being linked to digital music players or other portable music devices.  From Soul 2 upwards, an iPod cable is standard, and all models now have steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Further up the range, the hi-fi grows to eight speakers, including a boot-mounted subwoofer and a dashboard centre speaker, and is powered by an external amplifier.

The standard specification is generous, with air conditioning, all-round electric windows, remote central locking and six airbags fitted to every model.  The 2012 Soul 1 gains Bluetooth with voice control, and sun visors with illuminated mirrors in addition to remote audio controls, electric mirrors, body-coloured door handles and a top-tinted windscreen.  Soul 2 has new 16-inch alloys, unique upholstery and folding mirrors. To top it off, all versions have Kia’s pioneering seven-year, 100,000 miles warranty.

Hunter and Quantum – the latest ‘Soul Originals’

In the spirit of a fashion collection, the Originals are frequently updated with new colour schemes and specifications and have proved popular since the first trio appeared in 2009.  Hunter and Quantum are the latest to arrive and each brings a unique style and high level of specification.

In addition to the well-specified ‘2’ trim level, both of the new Originals gain metallic paint, distinctive LED daytime running lights, an uprated eight-speaker stereo system with external amplifier and boot-mounted subwoofer, heated door mirrors and privacy glass to the rear windows and tailgate.  Cruise control is standard on automatic versions and will feature on manual versions from the end of the year.

The Hunter adds to this with 18” alloy wheels, an electrically operated sunroof and a colour reversing camera which conveniently displays inside the rear view mirror when reverse gear is engaged. Hunter is available in Olive Green metallic, with a beige and tartan interior, or Moonlight Blue metallic with black and black tartan upholstery.

The Quantum is only available in Titanium Silver metallic and comes with 18” black five-spoke alloy wheels, piano black bumper inserts and chrome exterior door handles.  On the inside is a black leather upholstery, heated front seats, climate control and reverse parking sensors.

Kia Soul – Performance and Economy figures

Kia Soul – Pricing

While the all-new Kia Rio five-door hatchback is generating positive media coverage around the world and arriving in dealer showrooms across Europe this month, Kia is celebrating the world premiere of its new Rio three-door model at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Designed primarily for the European market, the new Rio three-door will expand the appeal of Kia’s latest B-segment model to attract a new group of consumers to the brand for the first time – boosting conquest sales after its introduction during the first quarter of 2012.  Ultimately, Kia expects the Rio three-door to account for approximately 20 to 25 per cent of total Rio sales.

Rio three-door has the same key dimensions as the five-door model (length 4,045 mm, width 1,720 mm, height 1,455 mm and wheelbase 2,570 mm) and retains the same roofline that is one of the lowest in Kia’s European product range, emphasising its purposeful, sporty stance.

In most European markets, Rio three-door will be available with the same range of powertrains, equipment and options as the five-door.  The new model will offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines – with a 75 to 109 ps power range.

The fastest Rio three-door will accelerate to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds and be able to reach a top speed of 114 mph.  Fuel consumption will be as low as 88.2 mpg for the newly-introduced EcoDynamics diesel model, which will also deliver an industry-leading CO₂ rating of just 85 g/km – the lowest emissions of any non electric vehicle, including hybrid vehicles.

With two bodystyles for new Rio, plus the already-popular five-door Soul and Venga B-segment models, Kia is confident of capturing an even larger share of the increasingly popular compact car market in Europe.  The three-door Rio will go on sale from early 2012.

Popular Soul enjoys a major make-over

Completely refreshed, the latest Kia Soul being shown for the first time to a European audience at the Frankfurt Motorshow will offer consumers a more refined appearance, new powertrains, a higher specification, a more premium feel to the cabin and even greater potential for personalisation.

Styling improvements for the new model give Soul a wider, more stable appearance and more refined proportions thanks to an extended nose (by 15 mm) taking its overall length up to 4,120 mm.  The front air intake is wider and larger fog lamps are also given a more prominent design.  At the rear, the black bumper inset panel is extended, moving the fog lamps out towards the extremities of the car.  As standard, new more powerful twin-bulb headlamps with black bezels and twin-bulb daylight running lights are fitted, while LED light clusters, front and rear, are standard on higher specification versions.

New style 18-inch alloy wheels and the ‘pull’ door handles enhance the Soul’s profile, while redesigned exterior mirrors feature integrated LED side repeaters.

Inside, the cabin benefits from a revised centre console, circular-type LCD heater controls, a wider choice of new interior fabrics (Tartan Check, Houndstooth and Leather) and the availability of a Supervision (high definition) instrument cluster on certain versions.  For greater durability key touch-points in the cabin are coated in a nano-layered, multi-metal paint.  The steering wheel has both tilt and telescopic adjustment to ensure a comfortable driving position for all drivers.

A number of significant technical updates for refreshed Soul, include the introduction of a new 140ps 1.6-litre GDI Gamma gasoline engine and the continued availability of the popular 128ps 1.6-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine.  The gasoline engine delivers 166 Nm of torque at 4,850 rpm, the diesel generates 260 Nm at just 1,900 rpm.

In most European markets, both engines will be offered with a choice of new six-speed manual or automatic transmissions – bringing the latest Soul’s specification in line with the rest of Kia’s modern product range.

Kia has sold more than 45,000 Soul cars in Europe since its launch in early 2009 and expects the refreshed model to continue to appeal to thousands of consumers as a popular, bold alternative to conventional B-segment vehicles when it goes on sale in October.

Powerful, dynamic and forward-looking, Kia’s new concept car signals the company’s distinctive new design direction.  This four-door sports sedan with a rear-wheel drive layout – a Kia first – marries sleek and muscular proportions with a sophisticated and elegant four-seater cockpit.

Although work on the Kia GT concept first started in November 2010, the idea of a powerful rear-wheel drive Kia saloon had been percolating in the minds of Kia’s European designers for some time.  “This concept allows us to explore exciting new design directions, as using a rear-drive layout creates very different proportions compared to a front-wheel drive car,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer.  ”The classic front-engined, rear-wheel drive layout of a performance saloon has distinct appeal not just for the domestic Korean audience, but also for the European and American markets.”

“At the onset of this project,” adds Gregory Guillaume, Kia’s European Design Chief, “the design team was inspired by the spirit of iconic 1970s GT cars: sumptuous and elegant vehicles capable of whisking passengers from Paris to the South of France in effortless style and at high speed.  We wanted to create something similarly graceful, athletic and confident, but not aggressive or overbearing.”

This focus of dynamism and pace is sharpened by the car’s aeronautical theme, headlined by the multi-piece propeller-style alloy and carbon-fibre wheels, the jet-themed rear-view cameras, the low-slung front air intake, the aerodynamically efficient rear diffuser and the winglets that curve in from the front flanks and flow into the headlamps.

This particular design motif draws inspiration from the seminal Kia Kee concept car, shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007.  Indeed, Kia GT has a strong design lineage, with a number of central design elements that link it to last year’s Pop concept and the Kee, ensuring a high degree of visual continuity despite their divergent styles and themes.

One of Schreyer and Guillaume’s key goals was to ensure that the car’s proportions couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than a rear-wheel drive performance saloon.  Hence the extended bonnet with the front wheels pushed right to the very front of the car, the cab-rearward stance, powerful rear shoulders and truncated rear end.

The Kia GT’s silhouette accelerates away from the A-pillar towards the rear of the car, and this impression of athleticism is enhanced by the copper signature line that runs from the base of the A-pillar and along the roofline to end ahead of the base of the rear windscreen.  And in a neat touch, the tick-shaped motif recalls the front quarter-light windows of the rakish GT cars that inspired the Kia design team.

The inspiration for the use of copper came after a visit by Kia’s colour and trim team to the DMY International Design Festival Berlin – Germany’s key event for contemporary and conceptual design – where this warm tactile metal was one of the stand-out materials of the show.  The material’s warmth is balanced by the coolness of the Kia GT’s pale grey paintwork, with its mica flakes, that subtly captures nuances of light.

There’s a tangible sense of strength and coherence to the Kia GT’s flowing lines – from every angle it brims with intent and purpose, a vital element of Schreyer’s approach to design.  This impression of solidity is further reinforced by the way the roofline extends past the C-pillar to meet the rear screen, hunkering the car closer to the ground.

This powerful confidence is balanced by a raft of eye-catching details.  The brake calipers are finished in copper, creating a neat visual link with the car’s signature line.  The contours of the castellated top of the windscreen flow into the roof, itself subtly bubbled to create further headroom for driver and front passenger.  And the bonnet features a discreet power bulge and air intake, hinting at the car’s performance potential.

Both Schreyer and Guillaume are particularly passionate about the Kia GT’s lights.  The alloy-framed central grille is flanked by complex headlamp units that each house a bank of six deeply recessed LED illuminators, to create a highly distinctive nocturnal signature.  The advanced construction of the headlamps is mirrored by the single sweeping wing-shaped tail light that flows around the car’s flanks and incorporates two sets of three upright stanchions.

The front doors and rear-hinged rear doors open outward at a slight upward angle, imbuing the car with what Schreyer describes as an air of grace and confidence.  Despite its low stance, fast roofline and shallow glasshouse, the Kia GT’s clean and uncluttered cabin architecture has created a spacious and airy interior with generous accommodation for the driver and three passengers.

The single-piece seats float on arched supports, further accentuating the cabin’s spacious dimensions.  The Kia design team deliberately chose to emphasise the proportions of the transmission tunnel to reinforce the power and performance of the saloon, but then balanced this muscularity by moving away from a button-laden centre console and creating a strongly driver-centric layout.

The glass instrument panel – similar to that first seen on last year’s Pop concept car – features three layers of organic LEDs.  These not only give it a three-dimensional depth but also allow a wealth of information to be displayed at the driver’s command, freeing up the centre console from the usual proliferation of controls, buttons and displays.  Fingertip controls mounted on the small, dished, three-spoke steering wheel allow the driver to select the desired data display.

This sophisticated instrument panel floats above the muscular centre console, further enhancing the cabin’s sense of space.  The large red starter button and twist-and-go transmission selector are combined in a single compact unit, further freeing up space on the central transmission tunnel.  Playback from the cigar-shaped rear-view cameras is displayed on a pair of compact and thin LED screens mounted on the doors – perfectly positioned in the driver’s line of sight.

The warm shades of copper used along the top of the glasshouse create a visual link with the buffed surface of the metallic-treated leather used throughout the cabin, and this russet cabin hue is enriched by the golden tint of the glasshouse.

The idea behind this leather surface treatment is simple – the areas with which the driver and passengers come into regular contact become buffed and smooth, creating a warm and welcoming patina to the cabin.

Schreyer believes this concept is less about design specifics and more about a general feeling of stance, proportion and balance – elements that will influence and guide his design team’s approach to their next project.

“One of the great things about working on this project was that this is a very real car,” says Schreyer.  “It felt good to be working on a car that could roll down the road tomorrow.  Yes, it would be a dream to put this into production – it has a logical layout, with four seats, and good luggage space, and it’s also engaging and dynamic and makes a strong statement.  It’s exactly the kind of car Kia should be making.”

Technical Details:

Engine:            Lamda V6, 3.3-litre T-GDI [turbocharged, gasoline direct injection]
Transmission:    8-speed automatic
Max power:       395 PS
Max torque:      534 Nm

Dimensions:
Length              4690 mm
Width                1890 mm
Height               1380 mm
Wheelbase        2860 mm

Following on from the recent launch of the all-new Picanto city car Kia is introducing a three-door version to the line-up for the first time since the model appeared in 2004.  The distinctively styled three-door version, with a new range of trim levels, will go on sale in the UK from 1^st September.

The three-door Picanto has a unique, sporty character while still managing to deliver the same, seemingly contradictory, upgrades as the more family-focused five-door: stronger performance with lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, the safety and luxury features of a large car without an outrageous price tag, and practicality within a compact package. If the five-door Picanto is ‘the small car, grown up’, then the three-door is the same but with a twinkle in its eye.

Why we’ve created the three-door

City-car sales – referred to as the A-segment in Europe – are increasing all over the world as the costs of buying and owning cars gets more prohibitive and many people are downsizing.

Globally, the market for Picanto-sized cars in 2014 will be around 2.4 million. By 2015 – well within the second-generation Picanto’s life cycle – that will have grown to 3.3 million. Around a million of these will be three-door cars. Without a three-door model, Kia would have nothing to offer 30% of buyers in one of the most dynamic sectors of the market.

In the UK, the importance of the three-door car is even more pronounced: the sales split between body styles in the A-segment is a slender 55:45 in favour of five-door models.

Two unique cars from one central concept  

The dimensions of the three- and five-door Picanto are identical in order to ensure they enjoy the same levels of interior space and crash safety. However, that simple statement does not do justice to the wealth of detailed work undertaken by Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer and his creative teams to ensure the three-door has its own, unique character.

The changes are most obvious in profile, where new doors, rear panels and glass aft of the A-pillar give the three-door Picanto a fresh, dynamic appearance, accentuated by the rising belt line that slices through the door handle on each side, and the aerodynamically shaped side sill mouldings. Unique alloy wheels on the upper two trim versions are other distinguishing features of the three-door Picanto.

At the front and rear the three-door Picanto reveals its own personality, too. The main grille opening is larger than that on the five-door and is available with silver or red trim surrounds. The front bumper has been re-profiled to make the car appear wider and lower. It contains a slim, full-width lower grille, housing large black-bezelled foglamps with the two upper trim grades.

The rear bumper has a rectangular black central section in place of body colour, a relatively simple measure that makes the three-door Picanto instantly appear sportier. The finishing touch is created by exposed twin chromed exhaust outlets in place of the hidden single tailpipe of the five-door car.

Changes inside

The three-door Picanto is a practical small car with five seats and a big boot within an overall length of less than 3.6 metres, just like the five-door. And while its primary role might not be as a family runabout, Kia has done everything to make access to the back easy for those occasions when owners might want to give a lift to friends or relatives. Sliding and tilting front seats provide a wide ‘walk-in’ to the split rear bench.

The three-door Picanto has its own colour schemes and trim structure that reflect its role as the sportier model in the range.   The entry-level model – badged Picanto 1 or, with air conditioning, Picanto 1 Air – comes with all-black upholstery.  Above that, the models are called Halo and Equinox rather than 2 and 3. Halo has premium black and grey interior trim, while Equinox is finished in premium ‘Chilli’ red.

Depending on engine and trim combination, there is a choice of four exterior colours, and alloy wheels are standard on all but ‘1’ and ‘1 Air’ grade cars.

Efficiency across the range

The three-door Picanto offers brand-new 1.0- and 1.25-litre Kappa-family petrol engines, which deliver fuel economy of up to 67.3mpg with CO₂ emissions as low as 99g/km. The larger engine is available with Kia’s EcoDynamics fuel-saving technology – an Intelligent Stop & Go engine stop/start system – or, alternatively, with automatic transmission.

The three-cylinder 1.0-litre unit develops 68bhp and 95Nm of torque. The 1.25-litre four-cylinder engine is offered in three guises, all developing 84bhp and 121Nm of torque. In standard form it averages 60.1mpg. With a four-speed automatic transmission fuel consumption is an impressive 53.3mpg. Finally, there is the EcoDynamics version with fuel consumption at 65.7mpg.

The same new running gear developed for the five-door Picanto also appears on the three-door. It features MacPherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear, a layout which gives the best combination of ride and handling while minimising intrusions into passenger and luggage space.

The new set-up ensures the Picanto is stable in a straight linear speed and supple over typical British bumps. A stiff rear axle aids agility while also contributing to the car’s impressive stability and comfort.

Four trim grades

Whilst the five-door Picanto follows Kia’s simple trim naming structure of ‘1’ for the entry model, ‘2’ for the mid-spec and ‘3’ for the top-of-the-range version a different approach has been taken with the three door.

Picanto three-door is offered in four trim specifications: 1, 1 Air, Halo and Equinox.  The 1 and 1 Air carry over from the five-door and offer buyers a great value specification whilst the Halo and Equinox are new to the range.

Halo and Equinox are similar in concept to the popular ‘Originals Collection’ versions of the Kia Soul, such as the Soul Echo, Burner and Searcher, and each offer a very high level of specification.  By offering both entry level and characterful, more luxurious specifications Picanto three-door appeals to a broad customer audience within the growing A-segment.

Standard features on all versions include a trip computer, height-adjustable seat, a tilt-adjustable steering column and Motor Driven Power Steering. In-car entertainment is provided by a RDS radio and CD player with MP3 compatibility. Picanto 1, 1 Air, and Halo have four speakers and Picanto Equinox has six. Picanto Halo and Picanto Equinox also have USB and AUX ports, an iPod cable and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.  On the outside body-coloured mirrors and bumpers and twin chromed exhaust outlets are all standard.

The Picanto 1 Air is for those customers who want air conditioning, and the fantastic value of the 1 specification, but without upgrading to the even more highly specified Halo or Equinox versions.

Whilst the Halo and Equinox versions have differing equipment levels they share certain items such as Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, automatic lights, LED front daytime running lights and LED rear lights, body-coloured side sill mouldings and a red front grille surround.

The Halo version adds to this with unique 14” alloys, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, reverse parking sensors, alloy pedals and a Supervision Cluster – Kia’s comprehensive electronic instrument binnacle.  Inside the black and grey upholstery is complemented with a high gloss white centre fascia and steering wheel arm, on the outside the Halo is finished in Lunar Glow metallic paint.

The Equinox spec changes the interior to premium red ‘Chilli’ upholstery with a contrasting high gloss black fascia and gearknob.  Distinctive 15” telephone-dial style alloy wheels lend a more sporting look to the exterior which is finished in Galaxy Black metallic paint.  Automatic air conditioning and a smart key with a start/stop button are on top of the shared level of specification.

All versions have electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS), ensuring maximum stopping power regardless of the pressure applied to the pedal by the driver.

Should the worst happen every Picanto has front, side and curtain airbags to cushion heads and torsos against impacts from any angle. Front seat-belt pre-tensioners and load limiters brace occupants against a crash impact while reducing the risk of chest injury.

Picanto, in line with every other Kia, comes with the best warranty in the business – seven years or 100,000 miles on all non-wear and tear parts, including labour, subject to terms and conditions. The warranty is fully transferable to the next owner if the car is sold before the time or mileage limit expires.

The new Picanto three-door model range:

The all new Kia Picanto which went all sale on Friday 17^th June, is the first Kia vehicle to be available with the company’s new all inclusive national servicing package. Customers can now add a three or five year service package to a Picanto purchase.

The Care-3 package is just £259 including VAT, which covers the first three services – either 36 months or 30,000 miles or the Care-3 Plus package is just £499 including VAT which covers the first five services – either 60 months or 50,000 miles.

These packages are not just excellent value for money, they offer a fixed cost and inflation proof servicing for the full three or five years. All work will be carried out by trained product technicians, using genuine Kia replacement parts and specified oils. After the Care-3 package or Care-3 Plus package is complete, the vehicle will have a full service history.

Customers can purchase the Care-3 or Care-3 Plus service package after the vehicle has been collected – customers have 45 days after initial registration to add this. If a customer wishes to retain the Picanto after three years and originally only had the Care-3 package, a top up can be added for £275 including VAT, to extend the package to the full five years.

The Care-3 and Care-3 Plus package stays with the car, so is fully transferable to another customer. If a second owner would like the five year service package – on a vehicle with a Care-3 package, the new owner can top-up this package to cover the next two years.

Customers opting to buy a new Picanto with Kia Financial Services, can also pay for the Care-3 or Care-3 Plus service package within this agreement.

Hamish McCowan, Director of After Sales and Logistics, said “This is a new direction for Kia and a real cost saver for customers. We want the Kia brand to stand for more than just delivering great products with great quality and a 7 year warranty; we want Kia to be known as a brand that stands for delivering value for money service excellence. Picanto is a fantastic product and this package allows buyers to guarantee the lowest possible service costs throughout their ownership.”

The new, second-generation Kia Picanto goes on sale in the UK on 17 June and sets out to prove that small cars can offer more of everything without ballooning in size and cost.

Kia’s smallest car offers stronger performance with lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions than its predecessor; more style with much higher quality, without a premium price tag; more space, despite barely increasing in size; and huge steps forward in safety and luxury.

The car goes on sale with brand-new 1.0- and 1.25-litre Kappa-family petrol engines, which deliver fuel consumption improvements of up to 8.5mpg with CO₂ reductions of as much as 15g/km – yet in every respect performance is significantly better. The larger engine is available with Kia’s EcoDynamics fuel-saving technology – an Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system, or, alternatively with an automatic transmission.

The three-cylinder 1.0-litre unit develops 68bhp and 95Nm of torque and has an outstanding combined fuel economy of 67.3mpg. The 1.25-litre four-cylinder version of the Kappa engine is offered in three guises, all developing 84bhp and 121Nm of torque. In standard form it averages 60.1mpg. With a four-speed automatic transmission fuel consumption is an impressive 53.3mpg. Finally, there is the EcoDynamics version with fuel consumption at 65.7mpg.

New Picanto v previous model (standard five-speed manual)

Specification

The Kia Picanto five-door goes on sale with four easily understood trim grades, badged 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3. And as buyers have come to expect from Kia, there has been no skimping on the specification.

Standard features include body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, Radio/CD player, trip computer and an immobiliser. A height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-adjustable steering column provide driver comfort whilst all occupants are protected by a total of six airbags.  A 60:40 split folding rear seat allows rear luggage space to grow up to 870 litres (VDA).

The Picanto 1 Air provides an option for those customers who want air conditioning, and the fantastic value of the 1 specification, but without upgrading to the well specified mid-grade 2 version.

Picanto 2 adds a host of additional equipment typically seen on cars from the B-segment and above such as Bluetooth connectivity, with voice recognition and full iPod control with USB & AUX ports – both of which can be operated by the steering wheel controls – and electrically operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters.  Air conditioning, rear electric windows, 14” alloy wheels, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, an alarm system, premium black upholstery and chrome exterior detailing complete the comprehensive spec package.

The top-of-the-range 3 spec adds premium features such as automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, a 6-speaker stereo system, 15” alloy wheels, body-coloured side skirts and automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights and unique LED rear lamps.

As with all new Kias, a seven year or 100,000 miles fully transferable warranty is standard on every new Picanto.

The new Picanto UK 5-door model range:

Styling
Under Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, Kia has undergone nothing less than a design metamorphosis in recent years. That process continues with the bold new Picanto, which advances Kia’s reputation as a manufacturer of trend-setting cars. The new Picanto sees a courageous change of direction. Where the previous model was regarded as ‘cute’ and ‘feminine’, the new model has muscular wheel arches, low and wide rocker panels and wide-set alloy wheels on the two upper trim levels.

The expressive front end blends into strongly sculpted and dynamic sides which emphasise the car’s strength and maturity and give it a premium presence. Attention to detail is everywhere and has resulted in the new Picanto having a drag co-efficient of Cd 0.31 – far better than the majority of A-segment cars and a useful contributor to its significantly improved fuel economy and emissions.

Later this year the five-door Picanto will be joined for the first time by a three-door version with its own distinctive style. The three-door model will have a unique C-pillar, bumpers, grille and exhaust to give it a subtly sportier look.

The Picanto’s new-found maturity is reflected in the interior design and the choice of sophisticated trim materials, which set a new benchmark in the A-sector for quality. The major controls are arranged in a way that is attractive while ensuring they are easy to use. The layout emphasises the width and space of the cabin.

The new Picanto is only 60mm longer than its predecessor so that it still occupies slightly less than 3.6 metres of road space, but an increase of 15mm in wheelbase allied to some clever packaging ideas have resulted in significantly more cabin space. Front legroom has increased by 36mm, for example, while luggage capacity is 27% greater at 200 litres – and all with no change in the Picanto’s height or width.

Mechanical
The new Picanto comes with revised running gear. Featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear, a layout which gives the best combination of ride and handling while minimising intrusions into passenger and luggage space.

The front suspension helps towards improved straight line stability, while longer wheel travel and softer springs give a suppler ride. The rear axle is stiffer in the new Picanto to improve agility. Stability and ride comfort also benefit.

The steering system features Kia’s acclaimed motor-driven power steering (MDPS). This delivers the twin benefits of reduced fuel consumption by drawing on engine power only when needed while reducing the driver effort needed for parking and manoeuvring.

Safety
The new Picanto’s defences begin with an incredibly stiff all-new body structure featuring a high percentage of high-strength steel and numerous reinforcements and additional bracing throughout the vehicle.

All versions have electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS), ensuring maximum stopping power regardless of the pressure applied to the pedal by the driver.

And should the worst happen, every Picanto has front, side and curtain airbags to cushion heads and torsos against impacts from any angle. Front seat-belt pre-tensioners and load limiters brace occupants against a crash impact while reducing the risk of chest injury.

Pedestrian safety is enhanced by a new cross member beneath the front bumper, plus a deformable cowling ahead of the windscreen and a bonnet striker plate which is offset by 50mm from the centre-line of the car.

Kia Motors UK Ltd., has introduced a new top line pro_cee’d to its family car line up.

Surpassing the existing pro_cee’d ‘3’, the facelifted pro_cee’d ‘4’ features the Schreyer grille and a new higher output 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 126bhp @ 6,200rpm – 13bhp above the current engine.  Top speed is 122mph and 0-60 acceleration in just over 10 seconds.

The new pro_cee’d ‘4’ comes on 17-inch alloy wheels and black bezel headlights and privacy glass to help create the ‘sporty’ exterior appearance.  The interior has full black leather upholstery combined with front heated seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel to add a luxurious feel.  Cruise control is fitted as standard with controls on the steering wheel for driver convenience.

For the first time in the cee’d range, the new ‘4’ grade adds, as standard, a fully integrated Sat-Nav system with a seven inch full colour touch screen system.  A variety of extra features includes a large selection of European maps, points-of-interest and multi-route planning.

The Bluetooth system can be operated through the touch screen with the ability to download mobile phone directories from up to eight mobile phones.  An advanced reversing camera system offers a view of obstacles to the rear of the vehicle and is displayed though the Sat-Nav screen.

The new pro_cee’d 4 is available with on the road pricing of £18,495 and of course benefits from Kia’s pioneering seven year, 100,000 miles, fully transferable manufacturers warranty.

Making its world premiere at the Seoul Motor Show today (Thursday), the Kia Naimo electric concept car combines Korean heritage with innovative modern features.

Taking its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo”, (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’), the Naimo electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV) was conceived by Kia’s international design team in Seoul, and is characterised principally by its simple lines and solid, muscular stance.

The simple overall design is accentuated by a number of striking key details, such as the wrap-around windscreen and asymmetric sunroof, and the front and rear dot-style LED head- and positioning-lamps. This mix of simple and complex is a common trait of many traditional Korean arts and crafts.

Kia’s design team also made use of innovative technology to give the car a premium feel and to ensure the car’s exterior remained uncluttered. For example, Naimo has no traditional wiper blade on the windscreen – instead it employs a high-intensity air jet at the base of the windscreen that performs an ‘air wiper’ function. Conventional door mirrors have also been replaced with miniature cameras installed in the A-pillars.

Naimo’s interior was designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout. Korean oak is used to trim the interior door panels and the entire interior floor, Korean “Han-ji” paper is used for the head lining. Alongside these traditional elements sit modern features such as a transparent organic light emitting diode display instrument panel and full connectivity.

“Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition. It was heavily inspired by the purity and grace of traditional Korean arts and crafts, but combines this with cutting edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience,” commented Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

The third electric vehicle design to be unveiled by Kia Motors Corporation in a year, the 3.9-metre long Naimo concept explores the practicalities of introducing a zero-emissions, five-door, four-seater city car into a future niche market.

Measuring 3,890 mm in length, the Naimo’s generous wheelbase, width and height (2,647, 1,844 and 1,589 mm respectively) – plus the short overhangs which place a wheel at each corner – ensure that the cabin provides exceptional head, leg and shoulder room for the occupants.

The concept car has no B-pillars and features rear-hinged rear doors to maximise easy access to the cabin, and a three-way split opening boot-lid, allows versatile access to the load bay for varying luggage sizes.

Power comes from a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with a maximum output of 80 kW (109 ps) and maximum torque of 280 Nm, enabling Naimo to reach a top speed of 150 kph (93 mph).

A twin-pack 27 kWh battery is located under the boot floor and uses innovative Lithium Ion Polymer technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types. Equipped with this battery, Naimo provides a driving range of 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch diameter alloy wheels.

Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW) the Naimo’s battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 25 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kW), 100 percent power is attained after five and a half hours.

Naimo will join Kia’s growing test fleet of hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles being extensively driven in widely varying conditions to develop future production models with zero or significantly reduced emissions.

The all-new Kia Picanto, making its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, has been redesigned and re-engineered with stand-out styling to completely redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in the global ‘city car’ A-segment.

With looks that convey a sense of solidity and maturity, new efficient engines and reduced CO₂ emissions from 90 g/km, high levels of specification and safety features, the Picanto will be offered for the first time with a choice of 5-door and 3-door body styles.

“Our new Picanto is now a small car, grown-up,” comments Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation.  “It is such a complete car, such a high quality package, offering numerous premium features and multiple trim choices, that it will raise the fundamental perception of A-segment models to a higher level.

“We anticipate that global demand for A-segment cars will be in the region of 2.4-million units annually over the next six years and we are confident that new Picanto will enable us to capture a larger share of this market,” adds Mr Lee.

“The first generation Picanto marked our debut in the A-segment in 2004 and went on to achieve more than 1.1 million sales globally over the following seven years, with sales in the UK totalling 77,810.  I am sure that this new small Kia will become even more popular than the current vehicle,” concludes Mr Lee.

UK consumers will benefit from the next generation Picanto’s greatly reduced CO₂ emissions, improved fuel economy and reduced ownership costs when the model goes on sale later this year.

More space and more style

The Picanto is the newest member to join the exciting and stylish Kia family.  Kia has taken a courageous new step with the latest version of its smallest model.  The character of the car has been transformed from ‘cute’ and ‘feminine’ into mature and handsome, designed to turn heads on the high street, thanks to its good looking, sexy proportions and dynamic design language. With a greater sense of stability and strength which is emphasised by the muscular wheel arches and wide set alloy wheels.

Up front, the face of the Picanto expresses the same assertive vigour and refinement as its bigger brothers, the Venga and the Sportage, and shares with them the same signature ‘tiger nose’ grille.  Picanto’s daylight running lights emphasis the high level of design and high tech sophistication.

This bold front end is supported by a strongly-sculpted and dynamic body which embodies the strength and maturity of the Picanto and gives the vehicle a real ‘premium presence’ on the road.  The strong body feature line along the flank brings a dynamic tension to the car’s profile and beautifully integrates the exterior door handles.  This is just another example of the attention to detail which will set the new Picanto apart from its competitors.

Looking from the rear, the Picanto’s new design theme emphasises modernity, with its large rear window framed by the unique rear lamp graphic and supported by a strong purposeful bumper.

The 3-door model, with its unique treatment to C-pillar, bumpers and grille, offers an exciting exterior theme which will broaden the Picanto’s appeal to a wider audience when it goes on sale later in 2011.

The graphic composition of the 3-door Picanto’s front face has been subtly moulded to increase the sporty characteristics of the vehicle.  The expression is more aggressive, the message is livelier – this car is looking for action!  Likewise from the rear, the contrasting bumper insert emphasizes the car’s width and strength.  It’s all finely tuned to create a car with a distinctly different character to the 5-door model.

While becoming more stylish, the new 3.6-metre long Picanto will also remain an extremely practical car.  On the outside, overall vehicle length has increased by 60 mm, and the wheelbase has grown by 15 mm.  These increases, and some clever interior packaging, have enhanced the cabin space for people (front legroom is up by 36 mm), and for luggage, with boot capacity increased by 27% to 200 litres.

Attention to small details of the exterior design have improved the new Picanto’s aerodynamics, reducing its drag figure to just Cd 0.31 – better than the vast majority of A-segment cars.

Projection-style headlamps and LED rear lamps will be available, together with a choice of steel or alloy wheels up to 15 inches – bringing added sophistication to the exterior appearance.

Kia expects the new 3-door model to account for around 30% of Picanto sales.  The sportier-looking 3-door will be key in driving ‘conquest’ sales to new, younger consumer groups.

Raising the benchmark with ‘big car’ comforts

Manufactured exclusively at Kia’s Seosan plant in Korea, Picanto’s new found maturity is also reflected in the interior design, which sets a new benchmark in its class for material quality and trim choices, new Picanto will be presented in the UK with a wide range of six exterior colours.

New Picanto’s sophisticated interior will offer buyers numerous ‘big car’ comfort and convenience features – many of them fitted for the first time on a car in this segment.

The interior architecture shows the same chic functionality as the exterior with major controls arranged in an attractive and easy to use layout which emphasises the width and space of the interior.  The thick rimmed two-spoke steering wheel and the signature Kia ‘three cylinder’ instrument cluster with its clear and precise graphics, reflect the consistency with which the new design philosophy is being used throughout the Kia product line-up.

New Picanto will also be available with automatically controlled air-conditioning, electronic and heated folding door mirrors with side repeaters, automatic light control with ‘escort’ and ‘welcome’ modes, steering wheel mounted audio controls, retractable dual cup holders,

Other new features available include smart-key entry system with engine start/stop button, AUX, iPod and USB connections for the RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free with voice recognition,  heated front seats and Intelligent Stop and Go that further enhances fuel economy.

Highly efficient engines deliver great fuel economy

In Europe, every new Picanto will come with a highly efficient Kappa engine that helps lower this model’s CO₂base-line to just 95 g/km and improves fuel consumption to as much as 67.3 mpg.

Three versions of the Kappa will be offered – two in the UK.  A four-cylinder, 1,248 cc engine that generates 85 ps and 121 Nm of torque tops the line-up.  Two three-cylinder, 998 cc units will present customers with a choice of petrol or Bi-fuel technologies (LPG + petrol) – Bi-fuel is available in selected countries but not the UK.  The petrol engine produces 69 ps and 95 Nm of torque.  The Bi-fuel unit delivers 82 ps and 94 Nm of torque.

Made in Korea, the Kappa family of engines share many common characteristics, including dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing), a cast aluminium block, off-set crankshaft, maintenance-free long-life timing chain and low-friction ‘beehive’ valve springs.

This combination of advanced technologies means that exhaust emissions have been significantly reduced, so that the new, petrol only, Picanto line-up will have a CO₂ rating of 99 to 125 g/km.  Fuel economy will range from 67.3 to 42.2 mpg, contributing to lower running costs.

Selected models will also be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching EcoDynamics technologies (automatic stop-start – ISG, advanced alternator control, upgraded starter motor and low-rolling resistance tyres), cutting emissions even further – to between 95 and 102 g/km.

The standard transmission for all engines in new Picanto will be a 5-speed manual, while a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.25-litre 85 ps engine.

Improved ride, stability and braking

New Picanto’s suspension and running gear has been developed from the previous model to retain that car’s responsive handling while improving ride quality and refinement.

The MacPherson strut front suspension features an increased castor angle of 4.1 degrees, for enhanced straight-line driving stability, 12% softer springs and longer wheel travel with 20mm shorter bump-stops.

At the rear, the Coupled Torsion Beam Axle is 60% stiffer to reduce under-steer, with 29% softer springs, 15 mm shorter bump-stops and larger trailing-arm bushes for improved stability and a more compliant ride.

The Picanto’s all-disc braking system, which is standard on all models fitted with Electronic Stability Control, is backed up with standard ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and emergency ‘brake assist’ systems.  Stopping distance from 100 kph (62 mph) is among the class-best at 41.0 metres.

Enhanced safety for occupants and pedestrians

The all-new bodyshell created for the Picanto uses a higher percentage of high-strength steel and incorporates ring-shaped reinforcing loops within the B- and C-pillars, plus additional bracing at the front between the cowl and suspension towers for improved rigidity.

For greater side-impact protection, the B-pillar and side sills are reinforced with high-tensile steel plates, the anti-intrusion door-beams are extended to overlap the B-pillar and polyurethane pads are fitted within the front door trims.

Available safety equipment will include up to six airbags, electronic stability control and hill-start assist.

For additional safety, an Emergency Stop Signal system is standard in Europe.  Sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then flash the brake lights three times to alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly.

Pedestrian safety has also been improved by fitting a new cross-member below the front bumper, creating a deformable cowling ahead of the windscreen and off-setting the hood striker by 50 mm from the car’s centre line.

NVH counter-measures include larger hydraulic mountings for the engine and transmission, a triple-layer dashboard bulkhead sound-deadening panel, dual door sealing strips, and two measures to reduce wind noise – sound-blockers within the door mirror mounts and moving the radio antenna towards the rear of the roof.

Engine

Transmission

Suspension, steering and braking

Dimensions and weights

Performance and fuel consumption

* Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates

** Combined cycle

Kia’s all-new fourth-generation Rio, revealed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the latest model into line with the rest of Kia’s striking design-led product range.

Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the international sales success of the previous generation model, Kia’s engineers and designers have created a new Rio which appeals to consumers’ aesthetic tastes. However, new Rio will also drive sales through its low running costs and class-leading CO₂ emissions – with target figures for the model range starting at just 85 g/km.

Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the third-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units.  It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units, sales in the UK total 52,626 units.

The new Rio model is longer by 20 mm, wider by 25 mm, and lower by -15 mm and features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm to 2,570 mm – greatly enhancing passenger space and cargo capacity.

Manufactured for the first time with a choice of 5-door and 3-door bodystyles, the new Rio is set to completely redefine its position and Kia is confident of capturing a larger share of the growing B-market segment.

To lower fuel consumption and help achieve Rio’s class-leading emissions, Kia engineers have carried out an extensive programme to shed weight across a broad range of components.  As a result, although new Rio is a significantly larger car than the third-generation model with extra equipment, its weight-gain has been kept to a minimum.

The 5-door version of new Rio will go on sale in the UK from September with the all-new 3-door model on sale from early 2012.  Both versions will be manufactured exclusively at Kia’s Sohari plant in Korea.

‘Premium presence’ for compact new car

This new car is no evolution of its predecessor, it is a revolution.  The bold and distinctive personality of the new Rio represents a complete departure from its predecessor and fits perfectly into the revitalised new family of Kia products.

Viewed head on, new Rio has its own unique interpretation of the Kia corporate grille which is integrated with the front lamps to create a new twist on the Kia family look.  In this latest form, the Kia logo now sits above the grille.  Below the grille, the treatment of the front bumper and spoiler again shows signs of the Kia design DNA. In profile, the ratio of body to glass and the car’s strong wedge form give Rio a dynamic stance.

The Rio shows its connection with the Sportage, too, through its strong and stable rear, flowing C-pillar and dominant high shoulder.  The coupe-like roof-line contrasts dramatically with the rear bumper and gives a power and solidity to the rear view.

This bold but elegant appearance is strengthened by the distinctive feature line which adds tension to the flanks and accentuates the dynamic stance of the car.  The careful balance of window graphic, wheelbase and overall proportion give Rio a refined and premium presence.

To maximise the impact of Rio´s striking appearance is a fresh new palette of 10 body colours.  Kia’s colour and trim team have developed a spectrum of exclusive colours for Rio which underline its stylish character.

With the introduction of the new Rio, the Kia product portfolio has just taken the next important step towards becoming a family of vehicles which has an attractive and coherent brand style but still manages to retain individual product character.

Sophisticated and spacious interior

To complement the striking exterior, Rio’s interior design has also been transformed, with a clean sophisticated theme.  The concept follows the corporate Kia interior philosophy with the characteristic horizontal instrument panel, accentuating the feeling of width and space.

As in other recently-launched Kia models, the signature interior architecture – with its ‘three cylinder’ instrument cluster, precise instrument graphics and clear functionality – has been retained.  New for Rio, however, are the centrally-located toggle switches, which are neatly integrated into the central heater unit, and control some of the secondary functions.

The sophistication of this interior concept is also reflected in the breadth of trim options which give the car a genuine premium feel.  The bespoke feel of the interior underlines the new focus for Rio as a mature and compact premium car.

The current trend towards downsizing of vehicles which is being seen across Europe means that cars in the B-segment require more refinement, more features and higher quality but above all more choice and distinctive design is in demand.

The radically-new Rio is Kia´s answer to these new market conditions, and numerous ‘big car’ comfort and convenience features will be offered to consumers when new Rio goes on sale in Europe.

Optional features available on new Rio cars for the UK market will include smart-key entry system, RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections, Bluetooth^® handsfree (with voice recognition available from December 2011), climate-control air-conditioning, heated front seats and LED daytime running lights.

The new Rio’s cabin is more spacious.  The base of the windscreen is moved forwards by 156 mm and up by 18 mm, while the 70 mm longer wheelbase and 25 mm wider bodyshell bring space benefits for all occupants and luggage capacity.  Front legroom is increased by 45 mm, front headroom by 8 mm.

The boot space is 100 mm wider and the capacity is now 288 litres – a 7% improvement over the previous model.  The backrest of the rear seat is split 60/40 for maximum versatility.  Users can fold the backrest down, to create an almost flat-floored load area.

Cabin storage includes a larger, 15-litre glove box, a larger centre console with 3-litres of extra capacity and pockets to hold a 1.5-litre bottle in the front doors and a 0.5-litre bottle in the rear doors.

Four highly efficient engines with 70-to-109 ps output

In the UK the new Rio will offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines – with a 70-to-109 ps power range – and a CO₂ base-line rating from just 85 g/km, plus fuel consumption as high as 88.3 mpg.

In many countries, diesel power is the preferred option in this segment and Rio will be available with two versions of Kia’s ‘U2’ power unit – both fitted with 16-valves and a Waste Gate Turbo.  The 1.4-litre generates 90 ps and 216 Nm of torque, while the 1.1-litre produces 70 ps and 162 Nm.  Both engines deliver maximum torque from just 1,750 rpm.

Buyers who prefer their new Rio powered by petrol can select from a 1.4-litre Gamma or 1.25-litre Kappa engine.

A well-proven power unit in the Kia line-up, the updated ‘Gamma’ has friction-reducing modifications and dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, to achieve a responsive performance and competitively modest fuel consumption.  With maximum output of 109 ps and peak torque of 136 Nm, this engine powers the fastest Rio – accelerating to 100 kph (62 mph) in 11.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 181 kph (112 mph).

Kia’s advanced ‘Kappa’ family of engines – also appearing in the New Picanto at the Geneva Show – features dual CVVT, a cast aluminium block, off-set crankshaft, maintenance-free timing chain and low-friction ‘beehive’ valve springs.  These technologies significantly improve efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions.  The 1.25-litre engine in Rio delivers 85 ps and 117.8 Nm of torque, while achieving fuel economy of 58.8 mpg.

Rio models will have a CO₂ rating of 94-to-124 g/km.  In the UK, these figures can be further reduced by specifying Kia’s optional fuel-stretching ISG technologies (automatic stop-start, advanced alternator control, upgraded starter motor and low-rolling resistance tyres) – available on selected UK models.

Equipped with ISG, Rio’s emissions will range from 85-to-114 g/km, so the two diesel models (under 100 g/km) qualify for local emissions-based tax savings, where available.  For these models, fuel economy will range from 88.3 to 58.8 mpg, contributing to lower running costs.

Standard transmission for both diesels and the larger petrol engine will be a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.25-litre 85 ps petrol engine has a five-speed box.  A four-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.4-litre 109 ps petrol engine.

Improved stability, ride and refinement

Developed from the previous model, the New Rio’s suspension and running gear has been engineered to carry over that popular car’s responsive handling while improving stability, ride quality and refinement – in line with heightened customer expectations.

The electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering now features a combined torque/angle sensor to protect against side wind gusts.  It is geared to require 2.8 turns (lock-to-lock) and the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach.

Mounted on a sub-frame to isolate road shocks, the MacPherson strut front suspension is largely unchanged, with small alterations to accommodate the new model’s longer wheelbase, wider track and different weight distribution.

The Coupled Torsion Beam Axle at the rear is stiffer therefore reducing under-steer and the strength of the connection between the trailing-arms and the stub-axles is doubled, improving stability.  Wheel travel is increased by 10 mm and the geometry is improved to reduce bump-steer and deliver a more compliant ride.

An all-disc braking system – with 256 / 262 mm (front / rear) diameter discs – is standard on all new Rio models fitted with Electronic Stability Control.  The performance of the braking system is supported by ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and emergency ‘brake assist’ systems.

Comprehensive ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety

For new Rio, an all-new bodyshell was created using a higher percentage of high-strength steel than the third-generation model, enhancing strength and rigidity.  Special attention was given to strengthening the engine-bay longitudinal side members, floor panel side members, floor level cross-member between the B-pillars and the transverse dashboard bulkhead.

Kia’s engineers are confident that new Rio will achieve a 5-Star safety rating in EuroNCAP crash tests, following the top ratings scored by cee’d, Venga, Soul, Sportage and Sorento.

In the UK, standard safety equipment will include electronic stability control, six airbags and ‘active’ front seat head restraints, to protect against whiplash injury in a rear impact. A new system called Emergency Stop Signal will be available for additional safety.  To alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly, sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then automatically flash the brake lights three times.

Measures to minimise NVH include increasing the rigidity of the car’s bodyshell structure with a stiffer steering column support bracket, reinforced panels within the C-pillar, strengthened rear fascia and increased stiffness for the inner and outer skins of the tailgate, plus larger hydraulic mountings for the engine and transmission to dampen vibrations.

Engines

Transmission

Suspension, steering and braking

Dimensions and weights

Performance and fuel consumption

* Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates

** Figures are for combined cycle

Kia Motors has revealed the first photos of the next generation Rio, to be unveiled at Geneva Motorshow alongside the all new Picanto.

The Rio is the latest car to be revealed by Kia, boasting a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia’s striking design-led passenger car range.

The Rio will be on sale in the UK from September as a 5-door version and a 3-door will be available from early 2012. Pricing and full range details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.

New Rio has its own interpretation of Kia’s signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Rio a dynamic stance.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres for the hatchback. Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width).

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models – together with a wide selection of trim options.

Kia’s B-segment newcomer will be offered with an extensive range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 petrol and diesel engines, depending on market – including a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 70 ps, with CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available from 2012.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, 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.” Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units. UK sales from launch total 52,626 units.

Cost-conscious motorists will benefit from the next generation Kia Picanto’s greatly reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy when the company’s latest A-segment hatchback goes on sale in the UK in late Spring.

Making its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Picanto has been redesigned and re-engineered with stand-out styling delivering a sense of solidity and maturity. Longer than the previous model, and with an extended wheelbase, new Picanto promises more passenger comfort and 27% increased cargo space.

Offered for the first time with a choice of five-door and three-door bodystyles – the three-door will not arrive in the UK until the autumn – it is set to completely redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in the ‘city car’ A-segment.

Across the globe, buyers of new Picanto will have a choice of up to four all-new super-efficient powertrains – three versions of the 1-litre, three-cylinder Kappa engine (petrol, flex fuel and bi-fuel) and a single 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol Kappa power unit. The exact choice will depend on individual markets.

Power outputs will range from 69 to 85 ps, with maximum torque between 94 and 121 Nm. Exhaust emissions have been significantly reduced, so that regular models in the new Picanto line-up will have a CO2 rating of 95 to 105 g/km. The bi-fuel 1-litre engine will generate 82 ps and 94 Nm of torque. Fuel economy for all of the engines is also improved.

In the UK, some models will be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG technologies, cutting emissions to between 90 and 100 g/km and further improve fuel economy.

The engines will be mated to a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, depending on model.

New Picanto is destined to be a highly competitive newcomer in the A-segment. As well as offering new levels of powertrain efficiency, it boasts a distinctive exterior, sophisticated interior, and numerous ‘large car’ advanced comfort and safety features like LED daytime running lights, button-start with smart key, grip-type outside door handles and six or seven airbags, depending on model.

Pricing for the UK and European markets will not be announced until closer to the launch date.

Kia Motors’ design-led transformation has delivered eye-catching vehicles such as the Soul, Sorento and Sportage that bear strong resemblances to the concept cars that preceded them, and today at the 2011 North American International Auto Show the brand’s U.S. design studio unveiled its latest design statement – the ‘KV7’ concept.

Conceived as a modern-day “activity MPV”, the KV7 was designed by Kia’s California design team to challenge the notion that MPVs are strictly for family transportation. KV7 reveals a vision for a vehicle with the functionality to transport a large number of people, and their belongings, while also serving as a connected social hub for groups of friends and adventure-seekers.

The KV7 concept’s design stands in sharp contrast to the dramatically raked windshields and wedge-shaped noses found throughout the MPV segment, and builds on the philosophy of “embracing the box” established by Kia’s funky Soul urban crossover to create a unique and alluring design language that brings SUV-like qualities to the segment.

“From the outset, we felt the category was in need of an honest reassessment due to the fact that everyone seems so desperate to attach the word ‘sporty’ to their MPV even though MPVs, at their very core, are simply a box,” said Tom Kearns, Chief Designer, Kia Motors America.

“Rather than reject the box we chose to celebrate it, just like we did with the Soul, and the result is a straightforward yet sophisticated vehicle that retains the functionality MPVs are known for and meets the changing and diverse needs of today’s consumers.”

Modern, Confident Exterior
Inspiration for the KV7 concept was found in the simplicity of elegant box shapes such as sleek smart phones and classic pieces of luggage.

The lounge-like interior is accessed by a striking passenger-side gullwing door which, when opened with the pillar-less front passenger door, provides extraordinarily convenient access. It also allows the vehicle to open up to the outside world and become the sociable hub of an outdoor event.

Paired with an A-pillar and windshield design that is less vertical than traditional MPVs, KV7’s wide stance and its smooth exterior skin and 20-inch wheels exude a modern appearance while projecting the confidence and strength of an SUV.

The KV7 concept’s inviting face is highlighted by an interpretation of Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille with vertical LED headlamps integrated within the design to create a clean, smooth look. The KV7 features several LED lighting elements that Kia’s design team is evaluating for future production vehicles, including a continuous line of LED fog lights that span the entire front end of the vehicle and directional turn indicators on the outside mirrors and the rear of the vehicle that pulse in the direction being signalled.

Uninterrupted views of the passing scenery are provided by the concept’s distinctive windshield, which follows the unique designs found on the new Sportage crossover and Optima saloon, and a series of near-continuous windows starting at the A-pillar.

Despite its non-traditional look, the KV7’s exterior dimensions are consistent with the MPV segment and allow flexible seating configurations and a multitude of storage options.

Open, Relaxed Interior
Rather than being a predominantly functional vehicle to transport children and everyday paraphernalia the KV7’s interior has been envisioned to meet the needs of an entirely new group of consumers. This group are busy organizing road trips, social outings and new adventures for themselves and their friends to experience together.

As such, the KV7 concept’s interior employs four custom-built swivelling seats, including the driver’s seat, and a rear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three and integrated storage compartments to promote interaction in an open social environment.

The simple yet sophisticated theme is brought to life inside the KV7 concept through its modern colour palette featuring soft beige and green tones and the use of unique seat and surface materials. The KV7 utilizes a variety of unconventional textures, including reclaimed teak wood flooring and sustainable wool and felt materials help to foster a warm and inviting atmosphere.

When the KV7 concept’s push button start is engaged, the entire front dash moves more than six inches toward the driver, bringing all controls within easy reach, including the large multi-use display which integrates infotainment, climate and navigation systems in one simple-to-use interface controlled by a trackball mouse mounted in the dash.

Rear passengers have their own, separate interface in the form of a floating tabletop touch-screen computer display. The KV7 is Wi-Fi enabled, providing both the front and rear displays with internet capabilities and the ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones to the vehicle at one time and sign on to social networking sites.

Building on the experimental use of LED lighting elements found on the exterior, the KV7’s concept’s interior also features multiple flush-to-the-floor accent illumination points and standout green LED lighting throughout the front dash, instrument panel and rear display area to compliment the vehicle’s colour palette.

The final element that separates the KV7 concept from the rest of the MPV crowd can be found under the hood – the concept is powered by Kia’s new Theta II 2.0-litre GDI turbocharged engine, as found in the new U.S. spec Optima saloon. Capable of delivering up to 285 hp and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission it delivers V6-type power and performance while enhancing fuel efficiency.

KV7 specification summary

Exterior Dimensions
Length: 191.85 in. (4873mm)
Width: 80.0 in. (2033mm)
Height: 68.1 in. (1729mm)
Wheelbase: 122.0 in. (3100mm)

Exterior Features

Wide stance, smooth exterior skin and 20-inch wheels with 225/45 tyres
A-pillar and windshield design that is less vertical than traditional minivans
Passenger-side gullwing door which creates a massive point-of-entry to when opened in conjunction with the pillar-less front passenger door
A continuous line of LED fog lights that span the entire front end of the vehicle
LED Directional turn indicators on the outside mirrors and the rear of the vehicle that pulse in the direction being signalled
Interpretation of Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille with vertical LED headlamps integrated within the design
A distinctive windshield and series of near-continuous windows starting at the A-pillar for maximum visibility
Interior Features

Four custom-built swivelling seats, including the driver’s seat
Rear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three
Integrated storage compartments
Modern colour palette featuring soft beige and green tones
Unique seat and surface materials
Variety of unconventional textures, including reclaimed teak wood flooring and sustainable wool and felt materials
Front dash moves more than six inches toward the driver when push button start is engaged
Large multi-use display which integrates infotainment, climate and navigation systems in one simple-to-use interface controlled by a trackball mouse mounted in the dash
Rear floating tabletop touch-screen computer display
Wi-Fi enabled cabin
Ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones simultaneously
Multiple flush-to-the-floor accent illumination points and standout green LED lighting throughout the front dash, instrument panel and rear display area

Kia Motors Corporation has released the first official photos of the next generation Picanto city car boasting a bolder, more mature and more self confident look.

Completely redesigned and re-engineered, the new car has grown in overall length and wheelbase and is set to redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in its segment.

Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said, “In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.”

While the current Picanto is available only as a five-door hatchback, the next generation version will be offered as a five-door globally but a sportier three-door body style will also be made available in the UK and European markets.

The new Picanto will feature four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-litre displacements, all boasting class leading CO2 emissions levels. In addition to the standard petrol engines, LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variations will be available depending on local market requirements.

The next generation Picanto will receive its official unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday March 1 2011.

The exact timing of the car’s arrival in the UK market is yet to be decided.

Kia’s newly-launched Sportage crossover and Sorento SUV have both walked away with wins in Total Off Road magazine’s 2011 4×4 of the Year awards. Kia itself also scooped the ‘4×4 Manufacturer of the Year’ award completing the hat-trick for the Korean firm.

The Sportage won the category of ‘Junior SUV’ fending off competition from 18 mainstream and premium models including the Volkswagen Tiguan, Volvo XC60 and the Ford Kuga. The Sorento came away with top prize in the SUV category, ahead of 12 rivals, and overcame strong opposition from luxury brands such as Range Rover and Lexus.

Alan Kidd, Editor, Total Off Road magazine commented: “Kia’s won a string of value for money awards from us in the past, but the new Sportage and Sorento are about much more than just that. If money were no object, they’d still be really strong contenders – even the Sorento, in a category where it’s up against some absurdly expensive rivals. Fact is, it’s way more practical inside than many SUVs costing twice as much. And in the style-conscious junior SUV market, the Sportage’s looks blow most of its premium opposition out of the water.”

Explaining their decision to award Kia a third trophy Kidd added: “The fact that Kia has managed to introduce two such outstanding vehicles in the last 12 months, and do so at incredibly keen prices, makes it our Manufacturer of the Year, too: no contest.”

Michael Cole, Managing Director, Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: “We’ve always been confident about the abilities of Sportage and Sorento and are delighted that these have been recognised by one of the UK’s leading off-road magazines. Being chosen as Total Off Road’s manufacturer of the year is the icing on the cake.”

The full Sportage line-up, including 2WD versions, went on sale in November priced from £16,645 and comes with a choice of two petrol and two turbo-diesel engines. Equipment levels are generous with even the entry-level version coming with features more usually associated with more expensive vehicles such as cruise control, Bluetooth & iPod connectivity and automatic rain-sensing wipers.

Sorento is also available in 2WD and AWD versions and with either five or seven seat layouts. The powerful 2.2 CRDi turbo-diesel engine was recently joined by an efficient 2.0 CRDi engine and a new range-topping ‘3 Sat-Nav’ version – with integrated touch-screen satellite navigation and a premium audio system – was also added to the line-up. The Sorento range is priced from £22,495.

Kia Motors has scooped product design awards for its two latest vehicles – the Sportage crossover and Optima saloon – in the recently announced 2011 iF product design awards.

In addition to design quality, the jury also recognized a number of other criteria, including workmanship, level of innovativeness, eco-friendliness, ergonomics and safety. One of the main focuses in this year’s awards was on the participants’ brand image.

“These latest awards for the all-new Kia Sportage and Optima are positive proof of the tremendous strides Kia has made in revolutionizing the styling of our product line-up,” said Tae-Hyun Oh, Senior Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Corporation. “Our global management team’s focus on design since the mid-2000s is now clearly paying dividends, and, in conjunction with the rapidly improving quality of our vehicles, Kia’s enhanced brand reputation is being driven by the stunning designs being created by our design teams around the world, led by Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer.”

Since its launch in 1953, the annual iF product design award has been one of the world’s most important prizes for excellence in design. For the iF product design award 2011, the organizers received 2,756 submissions from 43 countries for products registered in 16 categories. Kia Sportage and Kia Optima won in the category “Transportation Design.”

The official presentation ceremony for the iF product design awards will take place on 1 March 2011, the first day of CeBIT – the world’s largest trade fair showcasing digital IT and telecommunications solutions for home and work environments. A special exhibition, showcasing all the award-winning products, will also open at the Hanover Exhibition Centre on the same day and will run until August 2011.

The award-winning third generation of the Kia Sportage marks a dramatic shift in design direction for the compact SUV. Embodying Kia’s newfound visual dynamism, the new Sportage crossover successfully blends the key features of an SUV – the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – and all of this is contained in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal. The key design element of new Sportage’s purposeful stance is the relationship between its high shoulders and narrow glasshouse. “We’ve created a vehicle with a sports car-like ratio between sheet metal and glass,” explains Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. The feeling of safety and protection the design projects is backed up by hard data: the new Sportage received “5 Stars,” the highest possible rating, in its recent Euro NCAP crash test – as have all new Kia models since 2007.

The dynamic and stylish Kia Optima, which celebrated its European debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and will go on sale in the UK next summer, has emerged as a top-seller in several countries. Optima is the first Kia to ever top the very competitive D-segment sales chart in its domestic Korean market. The Kia Optima is an all-new car and it embodies what Peter Schreyer calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy.”

These are not Kia’s first major product design awards. Last year the Kia Venga was awarded both the iF design prize and red dot award, while the Kia Soul is also a recipient of the red dot award.

Kia has today released the first official design sketches of the next generation Picanto city car designed to stand out from the crowd.

The new model has been styled by Kia’s European design team based in Frankfurt, Germany, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

Exuding self confidence, solidity and maturity, the next generation Picanto is designed to break the city car mould and will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2011 and will be on sale in the UK from late Spring.

Kia’s stylish urban crossover, Soul, has added a stylish twist to the acclaimed Soul Originals quartet with the arrival of the new Soul Searcher. Searcher is the latest bold addition to the Soul ‘Originals’ line-up – a collection of distinctive versions each with their own personality – following on from other ‘Originals’ of the Burner, Shaker, Tempest and Echo. The Soul Searcher will be on sale from the 4th January 2011 across the UK dealer network.

With an impressive list of unique features the Searcher is available with stunning light green metallic paintwork, a high quality cream and brown full leather interior, chrome front grille, chrome door handles, roof rails, black bezel headlights, front and rear mud flaps as well as 18-inch silver alloy wheels.

Soul Searcher has a superb standard specification, as well as the stunning paintwork the exterior features handy reversing sensors, front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors and privacy glass whilst inside offers a bespoke brown and cream full leather upholstery, offset by a cream and black dashboard.

Whatever the weather is outside, inside the Soul Searcher the temperature can be adjusted to suit all passengers, with dual auto air conditioning and heated front seats, whilst an upgraded 8 speaker sound system (with subwoofer and external amplifier), Bluetooth and iPod connectivity ensure the Searcher has plenty to keep everyone on board satisfied at all times. For the driver a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise control and steering wheel mounted audio controls means that everything is available at close hand.

The Soul Searcher is powered by the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine and is available in either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Its occupants are protected by a host of safety features including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TC) and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The Soul Searcher is available from the 4th January 2011 from just £16,965 OTR for the manual and £18,025 for the automatic (including VAT at the new 20% rate).

Kia Motors Corporation today held the world premiere of its all-new Optima Hybrid sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Created primarily with the US market in mind, the latest model in Kia’s design-led transformation employs a truly innovative Kia-developed powertrain that promises to deliver exceptional hybrid performance and 48 mpg class-leading fuel efficiency.

Arriving in US Kia dealer showrooms early next year, the Optima Hybrid is the brand’s first-ever hybrid for North America and uses a ‘full parallel hybrid system’ to deliver a unique blend of performance – acceleration to 62 mph in 9.2 seconds, top speed 121 mph – and economy, achieving a 40.7% mpg improvement compared with a regular Optima.

“Kia Motors is proud to unveil its first-ever hybrid for the North American market,” comments Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman of Kia Motors Corporation. “The new Optima Hybrid features a unique architecture and is packed with innovative technologies that demonstrate Kia’s on-going commitment to investing in R&D, and to developing environmentally friendly vehicles for the future.

“Although these new technologies presented our engineers with a series of complex challenges to overcome, the resulting Optima Hybrid delivers a fully automatic, seamless and enjoyable drive, together with real-world benefits for our customers,” adds Mr. Lee.

The Kia Optima Hybrid is equipped with an ingenious, simple and cost-effective ‘parallel hybrid system’. The 2.4-litre petrol engine is mated to a small electric motor and drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission – without the traditional torque converter. A special clutch is fitted between the engine and motor, enabling the petrol engine to be de-coupled from the powertrain so that Optima can be operated in zero-tailpipe-emissions, full-electric drive mode from standstill up to 62 mph. The system’s configuration does not require a high-capacity electric motor and generator, saving weight and cost.

Automatic, seamless daily driving experience

When setting off the Optima Hybrid operates in Electric Mode. As vehicle speed rises, the Hybrid Starter motor/Generator (HSG) starts the petrol engine and the clutch is closed, allowing the engine to take over the task of propelling the car. The electric motor switches into hybrid operation and serves as both a secondary engine (during full acceleration and hill-climbing) and a generator to recharge the battery pack as necessary. Whenever the car comes to a stop for more than a few seconds, the petrol engine automatically shuts off to completely eliminate tailpipe emissions.

When braking, the electric motor converts kinetic energy into electricity for storage in the battery pack. The 8.5 kW HSG also functions as a generator to re-charge the battery pack if the state of charge is low and when the car is stationary. Throughout the entire driving experience, under all conditions, the entire hybrid operation is automatic and seamless.

An unusually responsive and rewarding drive is guaranteed by the Optima Hybrid’s 30kW Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor, which produces 40.7 ps and 205 Nm of torque from 0-to-1,400 rpm in electric mode, and the combined (electric motor plus petrol engine) hybrid powertrain output of 209 ps and 265 Nm.

Described by Kia engineers as a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED), the 30kW IPM electric motor sits within the car’s extended transmission casing (between the petrol engine and the automatic gearbox) and is the world’s first oil-cooled system.

Kia’s Optima Hybrid employs a lithium polymer battery array developed in partnership with LG Chem. Lithium polymer offers the benefits of lithium-ion (used in laptops and cell phones), but adds robustness and packaging flexibility, making it ideal for automotive applications. These new batteries provide an optimum balance between power delivery, energy density and thermal stability.

Compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium polymer batteries weigh 20-to-30% less, occupy 40% less volume and are 10% more efficient. They also hold their charge for 25% longer than nickel metal hydride batteries and are so reliable that the Optima’s battery pack will not require replacing during the vehicle’s lifespan – at least 10 years and 150,000 miles.

The power and energy density of this new type of battery enabled Kia engineers to create a lighter more compact power pack – with a 34 kW output and weighing just 43.6 kg – designed to minimize intrusion of the Optima’s boot space.

The complete hybrid system is controlled by the Optima’s Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) which acts as the car’s mastermind and integrates the smooth operation of the engine’s ECU, transmission’s TCU, battery management system (BMS), low voltage converter (LDC). This brain also gives the Optima a ‘Fail-Safe’ back-up capability and a ‘Limp-home’ mode.

Optimizing the Theta II petrol engine

Taking advantage of the instant and continuously available torque from the electric motor, Kia modified its popular 2.4-litre Theta II engine to operate on an Atkinson cycle, raising the compression ratio by 20% to maximize its efficiency and achieving a 10% fuel saving over a regular Theta engine. This cycle generates a little less torque, but the electric motor compensates for any loss and consequently, the Optima Hybrid’s overall power and torque outputs are greater than the regular model.

For the Optima Hybrid, Kia has modified the six-speed automatic transmission found on the conventional Optima for hybrid application. The traditional torque converter is replaced with an electric motor and a high-efficiency oil pump. This new gearbox allows EV mode operation, maximizes regeneration of kinetic energy during braking and also provides a more responsive drive than a CVT system.

To maximize the Optima Hybrid’s performance and minimize its fuel consumption, special attention has been paid to its aerodynamics. The car is lowered by 5 mm and new features include an ‘active air flap’ in the front grille, smooth underfloor panels, low-drag wheels and low rolling resistance tyres. The drag coefficient is lowered to a remarkable Cd 0.26.

Energy and fuel-saving technologies features in the Optima Hybrid include a regenerative braking system, electric – rather than hydraulic – assisted power steering, and an electric air compressor capable of delivering high air-conditioning performance.

Two independent liquid cooling systems are fitted to the Optima Hybrid powertrain. The standard high-temperature circuit manages engine cooling and passenger compartment heating. The second low-temperature circuit cools the hybrid starter-generator and the power electronics. The boot-mounted battery pack does not require liquid cooling and its temperature is controlled by a simple ventilation fan beneath the rear parcel shelf.

Stylish luxurious sedan with premium features

Aside from its unique hybrid powertrain the new Optima Hybrid incorporates all the technical features and the multiple choice of premium comfort and convenience equipment offered by its regular stablemates.

All Optima models share common major dimensions and a unitary construction. Featuring front-wheel-drive, Optima utilizes independent suspension systems, with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link layout at the rear.

Outside, new Optima Hybrid offers dual chrome-tipped exhausts, heat-reflective glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tyres. 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55/R17 tyres will be available as an option.

Inside, the instrument panel has an ECO Guide to promote economical driving habits and is contoured toward the driver to suggest a cockpit feel with precise gauges and controls for an overall sport performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess.

Modern standard features such as six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors and a trip computer further expand the cabin’s luxurious qualities. In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including a Sat-Nav CD/Audio system.

Kia Optima Hybrid / Specifications

Exterior Dimensions

Overall Length: 4845 mm

Width: 1830 mm

Height: 1450 mm

Wheel base: 2795 mm

Powertrain / 2.4-litre Hybrid

Petrol engine

Capacity/type 2.4-litre, DOHC, 16-valve

Power 168 ps / 166 hp

Torque 209 Nm / 154 lb ft

Electric motor

Power 40.7 ps / 30 kW

Torque 205 Nm / 151 lb ft

Combined System

Power 209 ps / 206.2 hp

Torque 265 Nm / 195.4 lb ft

Transmission

Automatic 6-speed (without torque converter)

Clutch Wet type, laminated

Weights & Capacities

Kerb weight 1,583 kg

Fuel tank 65 litres

Boot 280 litres

Fuel Economy*

Urban 43 mpg

Extra-urban 48 mpg

Combined 45 mpg

*manufacturer’s estimated figures, Imperial (UK) gallons.

Kia Motors has launched Soul Flex, Korea’s first Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV), at the Brazilian Motor Show in São Paulo. Scheduled to go on sale in Brazil early next year, Soul Flex is the latest in a long line of alternative-fuel production and concept vehicles from Kia.

Able to run on 100 percent ethanol, 100 percent gasoline or an ethanol-petrol mixture, it has been especially designed for the Brazilian market, where ‘flex’ models account for more than 85 percent of the new car sales.

Brazil is currently ranked second in the world, in terms of ethanol production, and consequently its motorists enjoy the low cost of ethanol, which is priced at 40 percent less than petrol. As well as lower fuel costs, the industrial product tax (purchase tax) on new flex vehicles is only 11 percent – 2 percent lower than petrol models.

Soul Flex comes with unique exterior design features and boasts a 44 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the existing petrol model. Power and torque outputs are also improved at 128 ps (up 3.2 percent) and 16.5 kg/m (up 3.7 percent) respectively.

Differences from the petrol model include the newly adapted fuel injection & catalyst system as well as engine compression ratio – changes which combine to achieve enhanced fuel economy.

Changes made to accommodate the more abrasive nature of ethanol fuel include reinforcing the fuel pump, pillar cap and fuel line, and fitting a petrol tank assistance system in order to aid engine ignition at low temperatures.

Kia aims to further strengthen its presence in the Brazilian market by introducing new flex models into each market segment – starting with an all-new Sportage FFV towards the end of 2011.

Brazil has been one of Kia’s best performing markets so far in 2010, with sales increasing by 151 percent year-on-year, reaching 40,865 units up to the end of September.

Kia’s stunning new Sportage crossover goes on sale across the UK Kia dealer network today as a full 16-model range following the huge sales success of the early First Edition version that went on sale on 1 August.

The line-up includes four engines, including brand-new highly efficient 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol and 1.7-litre turbodiesel units. These engines come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, while with the 2.0-litre engines buyers are offered the choice of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic on the petrol and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions on the diesel.

All 1.6 and 1.7-litre versions of new Sportage feature Kia’s Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) technology and sit under Kia’s ‘EcoDynamics’ banner, while the new Dymax intelligent all-wheel-drive system is standard on every 2.0-litre model.

The 16-model range is based on Kia’s familiar 1, 2 and 3 trim designations, with all-wheel-drive versions given the KX preface. There is also a special range topping ‘Sat-Nav’ grade of new Sportage 3 and KX-3, featuring a fully integrated 7-inch touch screen satellite navigation with built in reversing camera and upgraded audio sound system.

All versions are extremely well specified, as buyers have come to expect from Kia, and are covered by Kia’s pioneering seven-year warranty that can be transferred to subsequent owners as long as the 100,000-mile limit has not been reached. Yet even with such a high level of standard equipment and warranty, prices start from £16,645

The First Edition model, which allowed Kia to put new Sportage on sale earlier than had been originally anticipated, is discontinued with the arrival of the complete line-up.

Sportage Design – A fresh start

When Kia’s design teams under Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer began work on the new Sportage a little over three years ago, they identified that the then largely unheard-of crossover type vehicle – combining much of the stance and attitude of a compact SUV, but with sleeker looks and a greener conscience – would play an increasingly important role in buying patterns of the future.

The car they have created is a five-door, five-seat crossover with the style to attract people who might otherwise have looked at a Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga or Volkswagen Tiguan. It has been designed to meet the requirements of young families – or the young at heart – who lead busy, primarily urban-centric, lifestyles.

Chief Design Officer Schreyer says the aim with new Sportage was to make it an object of desire rather than a mode of transport. ‘The allure of a Kia should extend well beyond the fact that it moves people from one place to the other,’ he says.

Sleek and rakish, new Sportage is a radical departure from the 2004 model it replaces. It successfully incorporates the key features of an SUV in a more urban-friendly, more athletic and more muscular package, and features the tiger’s nose grille surround that Schreyer is turning into a Kia trademark and an instant identifier.

The high shoulder and low roof lines meet in striking reverse-angle C-pillars that improve the view out for rear passengers. The ribbed roof, chunky door handles, LED day-time running lights and large wing mirrors are as much signs of new Sportage’s street-wise urban toughness as its capability in difficult conditions.

The spacious five-seat cabin is as dynamic as the exterior and is dominated by a multi-tier dashboard that narrows as it sweeps in from the sides towards the middle, leading into an eye-catching centre console. The design deliberately emphasises the width of new Sportage and also gives occupants a feeling of protection and safety.

Sportage Performance – More for less

The new Sportage is longer, lower and wider than the more traditional SUV it succeeds. It also weighs around 90kg less and has a sleeker aerodynamic profile, with a drag coefficient down from 0.40 to 0.37 Cd. All of this has ensured that it is not only more stylish and sporty, but also more environmentally friendly.

Widened front and rear tracks enhance stability and driving enjoyment, while the reduced ground clearance aids fuel consumption and emissions at the same time as reflecting that the car’s role is increasingly less likely to be as an off-roader. All-wheel-drive versions of new Sportage are still more than capable when called upon to perform in adverse conditions, thanks to their intelligent, drive system – Dymax – from Magna Powertrain.

With the new 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine and the fuel-saving assistance of ISG, new Sportage is capable of average fuel economy of 54.3 mpg, while CO2 emissions are only 135g/km – on 16”/17” alloys. Yet it is still a sprightly performer thanks to its 114bhp and 255Nm (188lb ft) of torque. The new 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine, which develops 133bhp and 165Nm (122lb ft) of torque, gives new Sportage even livelier performance, yet not at the expense of fuel economy or emissions. With the help of ISG, average fuel consumption is 44.1mpg, while CO2 emissions are 149 g/km.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel develops 134bhp at 4,000rpm and 320Nm (236lb ft) of torque from just 1,800rpm, which means new Sportage has a better power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratio than the previous model with the older 2.0-litre diesel engine. Yet it is more fuel-efficient and less damaging to the environment.

With the six-speed manual gearbox new Sportage 2.0 CRDi achieves (on 16” or 17” alloys) combined economy of 49.6mpg – 9.8mpg better than the old car – with CO2 emissions of 149g/km, a huge reduction of 38g/km. But it also accelerates more quickly and has a higher top speed. Even with the six-speed automatic it betters the previous manual model, with fuel consumption from 40.9mpg (versus 39.8mpg) and CO2 emissions from 179g/km (formerly 187g/km). It is also quicker and faster than the previous manual Sportage.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine is the most powerful of the four options in new Sportage. It develops 161bhp, with 194Nm (144lb ft) of torque, and has continuously variable valve timing to ensure good driveability in all circumstances. In manual form it allows new Sportage to achieve fuel consumption from 37.2mpg with CO2 emissions from 181g/km, while the automatic is only fractionally behind with 34.4mpg and 195g/km.

The Dymax intelligent electronically controlled single high ratio all-wheel drive system from Magna Powertrain continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates when all-wheel drive will be needed, whereas other systems only react to changing conditions. With Dymax, the new Sportage is always in the correct drive mode for the prevailing circumstances.

Dymax normally delivers 100% of engine torque to the front wheels. But the torque can be redistributed up to a maximum of 60:40 front-to-rear to enhance cornering stability or if road conditions deteriorate. For off-road driving, owners can manually select lock mode, which gives a 50:50 torque split at speeds of up to 25mph.

All versions of new Sportage feature a new electronic motor-driven power-assisted steering system that ensures light, easy manoeuvrability in the busy urban environments the car has been designed to slip into, with just the right weightiness and feedback to make the car agile and stable at the higher speeds common on motorways.

Kia engineers conducted final testing on UK roads to ensure that the all-independent suspension delivers agile and safe handling and an absorbent and comfortable ride, despite the unique, challenging demands that British roads present.

A number of new electronic features have been added to new Sportage to increase both safety for on-road driving and the car’s capability for those owners who wish to go off-road or who live in areas where bad weather and poor driving conditions are facts of life.

Sportage Equipment – Fully specced

New Sportage is a fully-specced car even in the entry-level 1 trim grade. Standard items include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, all-round electric windows, a reach & rake adjustable steering column, LED daytime running lights, body-coloured electric door mirrors, remote central locking, a leather-covered steering wheel and gearlever knob, front fog lights and cornering lights, automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted controls and an iPod connection.

New Sportage 2 and KX-2 add part-leather upholstery, roof rails and privacy glass, reversing sensors, panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, folding LED mirrors, a luggage net, vanity mirror illumination, adjustable drivers seat lumbar support and a trip computer.

The flagship Sportage 3 and KX-3 versions additionally have full leather upholstery with heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, Xenon headlights with washers, automatic headlights, front wiper de-icer, premium vision instrument cluster, auto-dimming rear view mirror and 18-inch alloy wheels.

All versions of new Sportage 3 and KX-3 are also available as a special range-topping satellite navigation model which includes a rear-view safety camera that transmits an image to an LCD colour display integrated into the 7 inch in-dash screen. This model is also available with an upgraded audio system with external amp and sub woofer.

Sportage – Performance figures

* Figures based on 16” or 17” wheels dependant upon trim level

Sportage – Pricing & Insurance

The striking new Kia Optima is making its European debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The bold and dynamically-styled D-segment saloon made its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April this year.

When Kia Optima goes on sale in Europe in mid-to-late-2011 it is expected to significantly grow the company’s market share in the D-segment – inspiring and challenging consumers to consider a Kia.

Kia Optima is an all-new car from the ground up. Longer, lower, wider and with a longer wheelbase than any previous D-segment offering from Kia, it embodies what Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy”.

The product concept behind the creation of the newcomer focused on four key areas. Stand-out Styling – a unique exterior with a driver-oriented interior, Class-leading Performance – down-sized but more efficient engines with six-speed transmissions, Superior Packaging – new, longer wheelbase platform and Advanced Features – high-tech premium options.

The car which resulted from this product concept has already had a rapturous reception. Launched in the Korean market earlier this year, the car was an instant hit, with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units in June and July to claim the “best seller” position for Kia for the very first time.

The Kia Optima’s specification will be tailored to European tastes, with buyers offered a choice of either petrol or diesel engines – both with performance and economy figures among the very best in class.

The engine line-up will comprise either a new highly-efficient “U2″ 1.7-litre VGT diesel engine which produces 136 ps and promises best-in-class emissions (113 g/km when fitted with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG Start/Stop system) or an all-new technically-advanced “Nu” 2.0-litre CVVL (continuously variable valve lift) gasoline engine producing 170 ps.

The new model will also offer a dynamic and responsive driving experience, combined with a high standard specification and a range of optional high-tech features usually associated with premium brand vehicles.

“With the new Kia Optima, our global design team has penned a vehicle with distinctive dimensions and proportions that stands apart from everything else in its segment. Using an all-new mid-size platform and an all-new bodyshell, it moves our saloon product up to the next level of our design revolution,” commented Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing, Kia Motors Europe.

“In spite of the ongoing global economic uncertainties, Kia’s market research indicates that demand for D-segment saloons in many countries will grow steadily over the next three years. We anticipate segment sales rising by 23% from 4.3 million last year to 5.3 million in 2013. While we expect the segment to shrink in Western Europe, Kia wants to gain a bigger share of this sector.

“Customer clinics with the new car have generated strongly positive responses and we are confident that the all-new Kia Optima will greatly boost our presence in the segment around the world,” concludes Oeyen.

As with all Kia models sold in Europe, the newcomer will be offered to consumers with the manufacturer’s unique 7-Year / 100,000 mile warranty, which is fully transferable to subsequent owners.

Styling – “a bold declaration of intent”

Designed under Schreyer’s guidance by Kia design teams in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California, the new model inspires and challenges European D-segment consumers to consider a Kia.

“With our new sedan, we have created a product that people previously would not have expected from Kia and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve!” asserts Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer.

“Kia Optima is more than one step ahead of the car it replaces – it’s a clean sheet design that owes nothing to its predecessor. In every detail you will recognize our bold declaration of intent to grow Kia’s market share in this segment. Through the balance of its muscular proportions and the elegant simplicity of its raked roofline, our design results in a car that radiates self-assurance and confidence from every angle.

“It marks a new strand in Kia’s evolving design DNA with a blend of simple and fluid lines and elegant but uncomplicated shapes drawing the attention of the eye in much the same fashion as a perfectly-tailored fine Italian suit,” adds Schreyer.

The high, pronounced shoulder line, sculpted flanks and boldly flared wheel arches create a saloon with a graceful, muscular stance. Kia Optima’s coupe-like profile enhances the feeling of dynamism whilst also delivering improvements in aerodynamic efficiency. With a coefficient of drag figure of 0.29 – down from 0.32 for the previous generation model – refinement, performance and fuel economy are all enhanced.

A special ‘sport Package’ including a unique front mesh grille, new front and rear bumpers, sculpted side sills, rear “lip type” spoiler, LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lamps, aero-blade windscreen wipers, plus high performance dampers, larger disc brakes with black callipers and machine-finished 18-inch, 10-spoke, flush-faced, alloy wheels will be available.

Engines – offering best-in-class performance and low emissions

The new model will be available to European consumers from launch with a choice of two engines – a 2.0-litre 170 ps petrol engine and a 1.7-litre 136 ps diesel, which is expected to account for the majority of sales in Europe. Also offered at a later date will be a higher output (160 ps) version of the 1.7-litre diesel.

Reacting to market demands for smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, the diesel powerplant offered is a new 1.7-litre version of Kia’s popular “U2″ engine. Fitted with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) the new engine produces 136 ps and 330 Nm of torque for excellent driveability, and delivers best-in-class performance for an engine of its displacement (83 ps per litre).

A number of measures designed to enhance engine efficiency, including fitting an overrunning alternator decoupler and an innovative battery management system, also mean that Kia Optima will have the best emissions figures in class – producing just 122 g/km CO₂.

Drivers keen to reduce the environmental impact of their car even further can select Kia’s optional ISG Start/Stop system, which automatically switches off and restarts the engine in heavy traffic conditions. Fitted with ISG, Kia Optima is able to deliver a remarkable CO₂ output of just 113 g/km, placing it among the lowest vehicle tax bands in most European countries.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine is an all-new powerplant. Code-named, appropriately, “Nu” the new lightweight engine offers best-in-class performance (85 ps per litre), and competitive fuel economy. Continuously Variable Valve Lift (CVVL) boosts performance and economy (5.5 per cent improvement, compared to non-CVVL engine of the same displacement).

In the interests of increasing fuel efficiency, Kia’s engineers employed various technologies in developing the Nu powerplant, including a two-stage variable induction system, an electronic throttle body and an off-set crank.

In all markets, the all-new Kia Optima will be offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Enhanced standard and optional premium features

True to the company’s philosophy of producing cars that present excellent value for money, Kia Optima will be fitted with generous levels of specification as standard, and buyers will also be offered a number of optional high-tech features typically found on vehicles from premium brands.

Fitted as standard for all trim levels is a powered lumbar support for drivers seat, and although the final standard specification may vary country-by-country, a typical lower trim vehicle will feature bright chrome A- to C-pillar trim moulding, manual air-conditioning, electric windows front and rear, CD/Stereo with 6 speakers, keyless-entry with alarm system, outside mirror LED turn signals, aero blade wipers, windshield de-icer and folding rear centre armrest with twin cup-holders.

Available as standard on higher trim levels or as options are features such as automatic folding mirrors and Smart Parking Assist (SPA) – a feature which automatically parks the vehicle.

Buyers will also be presented with a range of state-of-the-art active and passive safety systems and equipment as standard – or as options, depending on model and market.

Technical specifications:

2.0-litre petrol

Type: “Nu”, 1999cc four-cylinder with CVVT and DOHC

Power / Torque: 170 ps @ 6200 rpm / 196 Nm @ 4300 rpm

Emissions: TBC

1.7-litre diesel

Type: “U2″, 1685cc four-cylinder with VGT and DOHC

Power / Torque: 136 ps @ 6300 rpm / 330 Nm @ TBC

CO₂ Emissions: 122 g/km (113 g/km when fitted with ISG Start/Stop system)

Suspension & Damping

Front: Fully independent. MacPherson struts, with coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.

Rear: Fully independent multi-link. Coil prings and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.

Steering

Type: Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion

Gearing: 2.94 turns lock-to-lock

Turning circle: 10.9 metres

Brakes

Front: 300 x 28 mm ventilated discs (320 x 28 mm for 18-inch wheels)

Rear: 284 x 10 mm solid discs

Wheels & Tyres

Standard/base spec: Steel 16 x 6.5J with 205/65R16 tyres

Optional/higher spec: Alloy 16, 17 or 18-inch, with 205/65R16, 215/55R17 or 225/45R18

Dimensions

Overall length 4845 mm

Overall width 1830 mm (excluding door mirrors)

Overall height 1455 mm

Wheelbase 2795 mm

Front overhang 965 mm

Rear overhang 1085 mm

Front track 1601 mm

Rear track 1601 mm

Capacities

Fuel tank: 70-litres

Luggage (VDA): 505-litres

With spectacular demand in showrooms for the just launched Sportage First Edition 2.0 CRDi AWD, the full-range is going on sale 1^st November this year. The 16 models consist of three trim grades – badged 1, 2 and 3 in line with the rest of the Kia range, with all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions at the mid and high grade level given the familiar KX preface.

The line-up includes four engines, including the brand new highly efficient, start of the range 1.6 litre direct-injection petrol unit with an OTR price of £16,645 and 1.7 litre turbodiesel unit starting at £18,145 OTR. Following the usual trim levels, “2″ starts at £20,020 OTR and “3″ starts at £21,595 OTR.

2.0 litre AWD models start at an OTR price of £20,800 with a top of the range 2.0 CRDi KX-3 Sat Nav AWD Automatic with an OTR price of £26,170. Flagship models are available with a fully integrated satellite navigation system, featuring a 7″ full-map colour touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the central dash console providing access to a large selection of UK and European maps and Points-of-Interest.

Metallic or mica paint is an optional £435 including VAT and all models are exceptionally well-equipped, as customers have come to expect. As with every new Kia, an industry pioneering seven year warranty comes as standard.