Is this the much anticipated Kia K9 luxury sedan, based on Genesis’ rear-wheel-drive platform?
The attendees of the Songdo design conference, held in South Korea, have been revealed a very interesting designer sketch from Kia’s chief designer, Peter Schreyer. During his on-stage presentation, an image of mysterious Kia vehicle appeared on the back-screen.
Many believe that this was the very first sneak peak preview of Kia’s upcoming rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan, codenamed CH, which has been expected to hit the Korean market in late 2010 and will be positioned above the just recently launched Kia K7 luxury sedan.
The rumoured Kia K9 sedan is expected to share its rear-wheel-drive architecture with Hyundai Gensis sedan. It is also expected to be equipped with Hyundai-Kia’s all-new 8-speed automatic transmission which will soon be applied to the high-end Hyundai Equus luxury sedan.
If we speculate further, the K9 luxury sedan will likely feature similar engine line-up as its sibling model from Hyundai, but according to some reports from various Korean magazines, the automaker also plans to introduce a brand-new, high-performance 4.0L V8 engine in the K9 sedan.
Sometime ago, we published a leaked document that outlined the release dates of Kia’s upcoming vehicles. According to the document, the all-new CH should have been unveiled in September 2010, but recent rumours suggest its January 2011 release. [Source: aboutcar.co.kr]
Kia K9 gallery:
December 9th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
The cadenza k7 it’s replace the magentis ? and the k9 replace the Amanti / optima ?? . Kia it’s better to focus on small cars like ford fiesta in B segment and the A segment to replace the old look picanto WITH LOW CO2 EMI ENGINES.
December 9th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
As a hardcore fan of Kia, I really don’t want this type of design!
The Kia K9 compete with BMW 7 series, Mecedes S-class, Lexus LS.
RIGHT?
Luxury car buyers want something SPECIAL.
They don’t want same design style with Kia Optima!
Please reconsider this design.
Please completely redrawing its design!!!
It need completely distinguished design language. lexury car buyers don’t want that Grill design, it same grill design with Kia Rio, Kia optima!!
Look, Even Hyundai genesis have distinguished its design from other normal hyundai models (eg. Hyundai accent).
And name of K9 is a “dog”.
Go to google image search, and type “K9″ and see it.
Please schryer! please!!! reconsider its design!
its fvcking fugly as hell!
December 9th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
K names are applied to Kia’s domestic market only. And this is only a deisgner sketch so please, don’t panic about its design!
December 9th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Even toyota’s high end model “Lexus LS” have distinguished its design from toyota camry, corolla.
Honda, Nissan, Ford, GM, VW…. all makers high-end flagship model have distinguished design from normal models.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
It just looks like a FAT version of Kia Optima.
Is it luxury? hmmmm…
December 9th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Well could it be any more clear about the need to compete with other car makers WHAT ARE YOU THINKING KIA ? The Japanese remain out front and always will it appears because they do one thing very well small cars perfected , now i dont drive a Japanese car but have looked at them and The Soul being my 3rd spectra LOL my loyalty remains with Kia they have served me well But … The days for Borragio and Amanti and some larger milage veihicles days may be numbered . Not all the answers are with hybrids either but unless the K( has good numbers like 6/8 per 100 leter your just barking woof woof K9
December 9th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Talk about blowing things out of proportion!!!
IT IS A DRAWING!!!!! Nothing else. The idea is to see reaction of people……
I think it is a daring design, in accord with Kia visual image and should be seen as a flagship containing the latest in tech. available in the brand.
I like it…. A LOT!!!! have you seen the new S-class from Mercedes???? that is ugly. But sells good becouse the gadgets and safety features, not becouse is the prom queen of luxury cars…..
December 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Well, This is Kia version Equus.
Do you really think luxury car buyers want just ‘FAT version of Kia optima’????
Dear, Peter Schreyer.
Kia is not your company, You are just ‘hired gun’ of Korean company. I don’t want Kia K9 fail because your WRONG design direction.
Luxury car should have luxury design, such as elegeant, triumph, dignity, etc.
This design have none of that!
Dude: “I bought a Kia.”
BMW Dude 2: “Oh…
Dude: “No — it’s different.”
BMW Dude 2: {look at front emblem} “oh yeah?”
Dude: “Yeah… you really gotta see its interior”
BMW Dude 2: “how bout them Ravens?”
December 9th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
btw, Please don’t use Kia optima grill at front.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
After seeing all of the other designs that Schreyer has penciled, and what the resulting production model has come out looking like (i.e. the newest Kias in the lineup)…
I’m betting that this will be a winner.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I hated the Cadenza sketch, but love the finished product.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Greg, you finally came around and now you like the Cadenza’s snout? Good for you. I am starting to fall for the Kia Cadenza, especially after watching the video where the new world order Sorento is chasing it through Korean city streets. Great vid! And really, any of y’all freakin’ out over this SKETCH…have a margarita early in the morning and try to mellow out, it’s just a SKETCH. It’s intended to give you an early OVERALL KIND of look at what a future car might look like. Sheesh!
December 9th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
i think Kia should fire schryer.
Actually, He was not good designer.
The only good designs Kias are Soul and Forete.
However, Soul design derived from original Kia mesa concept, and it directly came from 2006 NAIAS Kia soul concept, before shcryer join in Kia.
Kia forte design in Kia california studio, i based on Kia Koup concept. its designed in 2005 before shcryer join in Kia.
None of fascinating works from Schryer.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Forte, Soul => It was not a Schryer’s work.
Because these design already completed before Schryer join Kia
December 9th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
It’s just a sketch…RELAX
December 9th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Sorento Owner, can you please just shut the hell up? Your incohernet, asinine rants are beyond tiresome.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
S H I T ! OMG THAT LOOKS A M A Z I N G ! Check out the BMW headlights! OMG THIS THING IS AMAZING! OMG OMG OMG! I THOUGHT THE K7 WAS THE BEST LOOKING KIA EVER BUT OMG!
December 9th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Thank you Kid Icars someone who noticed it being a sketch besides me. As for SorentoOwner, saying they should fire Peter? What? Before he was hired a Kia didn’t get noticed on the streets and didn’t you see the spy shots of the next Optima? He is doing his job. the headlighs look like the family the Sorento, Kue and KND-4.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
What Sorento Owners says “It need completely distinguished design language. lexury car buyers don’t want that Grill design, it same grill design with Kia Rio, Kia optima
It’s called the family signarute grille duh it’s found on on Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Mazda and the recently deseased Pontiac, and some of those are luxury cars duhhh.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Whatelse Sorento Owner says “Even toyota’s high end model “Lexus LS” have distinguished its design from toyota camry, corolla.
Honda, Nissan, Ford, GM, VW…. all makers high-end flagship model have distinguished design from normal models”
Yeah right.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Amen to Nick! Why is everyone acting like Peter is the SOLE designer!!??
He is just the head – that does not mean he is in charge of every aspect and every detail of each car, he just oversees and of course designs himself. But, car designing is group work. Who knows, he might not have even made this sketch, he could have just been presenting it on behalf of the design team
December 9th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
jtz is also right. It’s called a FAMILY LOOK – and it’s what Kia has been missing for years but is just starting to gain now with the new H-shaped grille!
Look at a BMW 7-Series and tell me the design is completely different to a 5-series or 3-series!
December 9th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Woops excuse my comment about the sketch not being Peter’s but still I’m sure you all see what I was trying to say LOL
December 10th, 2009 at 4:08 am
“it looks exactly like a bigger version of the Kia Forte, not bad at all… ”
bigger version of the Kia Forte????
quite disappointing.
The Kia design chief schryer must think twice, the high end car buyer really want bigger version of the Kia Forte?
December 10th, 2009 at 4:12 am
unified design them is not always good.
the kia design is still not well acclaimed design and established brand.
“It looks like a BMW!” sound good.
“It looks like a Kia!” not good at all.
if high end car looks like a Kia, who buy it?
schryer must wake up from his dream.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:32 am
Sorento Owner, don’t get you’re knickers in a twist, theres no way that this car will ever compete with the 7 Series, S-Klasse, A8 or the Lexus LS. These are all proper high end luxury limousines with more technology than you can imagine and a price to match. These cars will never compete with a KIA.
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This K9 will simply be a large sedan that will compete with other large sedans in similar price range, not $250,000 luxo German limos…
December 10th, 2009 at 4:58 am
Martin
the kia’s large sedan is a cadenza.
The K9 fall between genesis(E-class) and equus(S-class).
they are not really compete with those tradional high end german luxury, but it certainly compete with japanee pseudo luxury like inifniti Q, Lexus LS, Acura’s flagship.
Its engine and chassis are a world class.
Its chassis built on ultra high strenth steel.
It will have plenty of IT technology gadgets which come from south korea’s samsung co-developed technology.
And, Its Tau V8 engine recognized as world best V8 engine.
See. Ward’s 10 Best Engines for 2010, 2009
“Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. also reclaims a spot among this year’s winners with its 4.6L Tau V-8, the only 8-cyl. engine to make the cut in 2010. In the Genesis sedan, the Tau continues to dazzle with its combination of silky, smooth power delivery, aggressive tip-in, satisfying exhaust note and admirable fuel economy.”
It will be a technically great car.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:04 am
What dds“it looks exactly like a bigger version of the Kia Forte, not bad at all… ”
bigger version of the Kia Forte????
quite disappointing
says: ”
So is it disappointing that the facelifte Outlander looks like the Lancer? That looks more alike than this looks like the Forte. What about the Lexus ES and the Toyota Camry. Or the 2010 Lexus GX and the Toyota Rave 4? Huh they look alike. So they can look like each other but Kia can’t?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:08 am
What dds also says also: It looks like a Kia!” not good at all.
if high end car looks like a Kia, who buy it?
schryer must wake up from his dream”
How do you know this is Kia’s first time coming out with a luxury car. First lets see how the Cadenza sales first. The Borrego is selling pretty good. last month they sould more Borregos than Mitsubishi’s entire linup .
December 10th, 2009 at 5:08 am
jtz
the problem is, Kia’s brand image and design theme is not established.
Even good looking Forte accused as copycat of honda civic.
“bigger version of the Kia Forte” is quite disappointing for luxury car buyers.
the Kia design theme is not established, it is not good design apply to luxury.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:12 am
If you really take a look at it, it takes on a very distinctive shape. The front looks quite flat, the headlights are thinner than we have ever seen on any Kia. The tabs are much more pronounced than on any other Kia (well, other than the Sorento), the corners of the grille are much boxier than we have seen yet. The wheels look to be pushed out quite a bit giving it the most aggressive stance we have seen yet. The lower grille has a very sharp upward inflection. Compared to this (from what I can tell) all other Kia designs are looking very conservative. If you look past JUST the tabbed grille and headlights, this thing looks very Audi-ish, and MUCH, MUCH different than anything we have seen from Kia yet.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:14 am
SWEET ITS A FUCKING KIAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 10th, 2009 at 5:15 am
What dds says: “It looks like a Kia!” not good at all.” Define this. What is a Kia suppose to look like if they can’t have their own signature grille? Huh? This grille is more original than the Lancer’s and 2010 Outlander’s face which is a rip off of Audi or the VW IROC concept or even Toyota Tundra. At least Peter didn’t do that.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:18 am
himi – the “luxury” part of the title is obviously confusing a lot of people. This vehicle will NEVER cross the 40k mark, therefore it will never be in any kind of “luxury” market. Putting this into the league of BMWs or Mercedes’ is absolutely PREPOSTEROUS!!! All BMWs have the kidney grille, all Mercedes have the “four headlight” design. So, exactly why is it so wrong for a car under 40k, not necessarily in a luxury segment to have vaguely the same grille design. I mean get real people.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:18 am
jtz
“It looks like a Kia!”
You confused this mean.
The typical Kia image is a “econo box” still.
I disagree this typical econo box shape apply to luxury car.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:18 am
“jtz
the problem is, Kia’s brand image and design theme is not established.
Even good looking Forte accused as copycat of honda civic.
“bigger version of the Kia Forte” is quite disappointing for luxury car buyers.
the Kia design theme is not established, it is not good design apply to luxury”
So what the Pilot’s back end is a copycat of the Scion XB and the Fit is a copycat of the Chevy Aveo from the side. Don’t get me started. I could make a 10 page eassy of allllll the copycats. You want me to start with Mitsubishi, Ford or Honda?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:20 am
“This vehicle will NEVER cross the 40k mark”
>> It will 90k mark in south Korea, 60k mark in US.
or this vehicle is korean domestic market only.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:20 am
You are confusing yourself. If Kia copies so is everyone else. That’s the point. You never said nothign about the Pillars from the Infinti M sedan coming from the 2009 LaCross.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Don’t get mad because the Koreans took Nissan’s Murando design and made it better. Chrysler took the Murando’s design too and you didn’t say they copied. The 300 took the Rollsroyce design you didn’t say they copied.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Correction: So, exactly why is it so wrong for a car under 40k, not necessarily in a luxury segment to have vaguely the same grille design as the rest of the manufacturer’s line up? Are we trying to confuse people? If we have a vehicle without the same face, we are just confusing the car buying public. First Guy: “Hey, was that a Kia?” Second Guy: “I don’t think so, it didn’t have the signature Kia grille.” First Guy: “Oh, it must have been something else then.”
December 10th, 2009 at 5:21 am
haha ha…
This is funny. The Kia fanboy and employee really does not know how Kia’s design theme and image are still poor.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Don’t get me started I could get cars from A to volvo. Want me to get Volvo. That three door volvo came from the VW IROC CONCEPT.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:23 am
“haha ha…
This is funny. The Kia fanboy and employee really does not know how Kia’s design theme and image are still poor.”
So is Nissan and Toyota’s design you didn’t say that. The Venza’s headlights came from the Ford edge.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:23 am
dds – how can you be sure of yourself?? Kia isn’t competing in a luxury segment!! No one EVER in their right mind would EVER buy a 60k Kia, EVER. Especially when you are making them look cheap with your comments. Get your train of thought straight!!
December 10th, 2009 at 5:24 am
Kia’s design suck lets get on Subaru. Can you tell the differance between the Accord and the Legacy from the sides?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:24 am
So if Kia’s image is poor, why would anyone pay 60k for one??
December 10th, 2009 at 5:25 am
I can get any design and make and model.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:25 am
The 2010 Dodge Charger’s greenhouse looks like a mix of the 2010 LaCross and Acura TL
December 10th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Jeep Campass, Outlander, Mazda 3 look at the side profiles.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Nissan Maxima and Honda Civic coupe hint taillights.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:28 am
Want me to get mercedes bwm or audi or do you think they are orignal too?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Greg
“No one EVER in their right mind would EVER buy a 60k Kia”
>>
However, this car is a high end luxury (S-class fighter) at least in south korea. not sure this car will selling at overseas market.
I point out the typical econo box shape is a error design for s-class fighter.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:30 am
People say the new Sorento looks like the Lexus RX so what the Lancer looks like a Lexus IS you didn’t say that.
The Ford Taurus’ headlights came from the 1996 Nissan Altima’s.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:30 am
And no one ever in their right mind would ever buy a 60K Mazda or Mitsubishi.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:33 am
Even in Korea this will not have the features to challenge the s-class. Are you thinking of the Eqqus? The Eqqus is an s-class fighter. ECONOBOX SHAPE!?!?!? IF YOU LOOK PAST THE GRILLE AND HEADLIGHTS, IT IS AN AUDI!
December 10th, 2009 at 5:34 am
GUY, GUYS, GUYS!!!!
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Cant you see?
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This is just a building up of the brands. John Krafick stated that Hyundai-KIA Motors would be an Aspirational brand, but thrifty as well.
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Hyundais and KIA are becoming the cars that everybody will want.
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KIA as an Economy Sport brand with Sport Luxury on the top.
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Hyundai as a “eco Near Luxury brand” with fuel economy as the main concern.
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Hyundai is Becoming Chrysler at lower prices, better fuel economy, and better reliability.
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KIA is Becoming SAABish at much lower prices, better fuel eocnomy, and better reliability.
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We will still compete with Honda and Toyota somewhat, but we will dominate the near luxury world too. Afterwards we will purchase a weak Luxury make like Jaguar or Aston, and really bring those cars into the 21st century.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:35 am
And how you know it’s going to be 60K? How you know it would start under 30K? So what if it can’t compete with BWM or Audi can Mitsubishi do it? Huh? Can they? Can Suzuki do it? Huh? Just because they are coming out with high tech luxury now just go head to head with BMW and Audis. Why? This Cadenza right now is going to be their first true luxury car something the Amanti could never do. So what if it doens’t out sell the BMW 7 class? Mitsubishi can’t do neither and as for this looking like the Forte so what it still different from the Forte but not the Lancer and the new oUtlander.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:36 am
S classes come with V12 engines, and the non-hybrid version starts at 150k.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:36 am
It will be a technically great cat.
use award winning engine, use great plaform from award winning genesis sedan, top safety rating car as genesis sedan, ultra high strength chassis, cool gadget from south korea’s it technology.
but its design is fail. only design is suck.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:40 am
hOW YOU know the design suck? You saw the actually car?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:40 am
JTZ, you have to get past Mitsubishi. They are pretty much dead. I have traveled in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington DC, in addition to crossing though 16 states this year. I saw probably 5 Mitsubishis. I saw probably 20 Mazdas, but I saw uncountable numbers of Kias. Please don’t compare us to Mazda or Mitsu. Both brands are in their last days in the US.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:41 am
And it’s not a cat it’s a K9.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:42 am
jtz Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 5:35 am
And how you know it’s going to be 60K?
——————–
It is certainly upper class car than Cadenza.
It engine displacement, and grade.
You can guess it will have similar price tah with Equus, Genesis.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Yeah, you have seen a 2-dimensional SKETCH. You don’t even know what this car looks like. Also, how can the 4.0L V8 be award winning if this is the first we have ever heard of it, and it isn’t in production.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:42 am
You can guess it will have similar price tag, between Equus and Genesis.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Yeah you’ll right Kia and Hyundai are no. 4 now in the USA and no matter what Sorento owner says (I think he changed his name) a fact is a fact.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:45 am
What you mean you can guess? What about the Cadenza? Huh? What’s that priced around? And jsut because it’s the Cadenza’s big brother doesn’t mean it’s worth 60K They are supposed to be cheaper than others not around the same price. If I a fan boy know that.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:45 am
From what I know about the CH, it will be the same size of the Genesis, if not a little smaller. The Cadenza BARELY crosses 30k when it is full option. The Equus is way out of the league of the CH. With a 4.0L V8, the engine is smaller than the Genesis, and ESPECIALLY the 5.0L in the Equus.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Kia want make the same mistake VW did on the Phaton. Pricing that thing at 80K. That’s why it didn’t sale.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:46 am
jtz
According to rough sketch design, It is 100% sucks.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:47 am
jtz Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Kia want make the same mistake VW did on the Phaton. Pricing that thing at 80K. That’s why it didn’t sale.
———————
Don’t worry. It seelling like a hot cake, at least in Korea.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:48 am
I gurantee it selling like a hot cake, at least in Korea.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:48 am
So you and rough sketch design have the same subjective big deal.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:49 am
It doesn’t go on sale until 2011. How is it selling like a hot cake?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:50 am
Why won’t you answer my questions???…..You KNOW I’m right!!
December 10th, 2009 at 5:51 am
OK. I quit.
I retire from this forum.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Yeah why won’t you answer his questiosns?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:52 am
However, I must say this.
According to rough sketch design, It is 100% sucks.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:53 am
What you mean you retire this blog don’t pay. All this crap because of a sketch.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:53 am
If the CH is going to compete with a Mercedes, it will compete with the C-class. The Equus will compete with the E-class, as Hyundai confirmed that.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:54 am
And the VG’s sketch sucked so what’s your point? the Kia Mesa’s sketch sucked even the Soul’s sketch sucked so what’s your point?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:55 am
jtz Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 5:49 am
It doesn’t go on sale until 2011. How is it selling like a hot cake?
——————–
the genesis and equus selling well in south korea market, so you can guess it will also selling well.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:56 am
the Sorent’s sketch wasn’t that hot neither so what? Neither was the Kue’s.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:57 am
And the Genesis took out the G8 HERE in the States. So what makes you think this want sell well in the states. The Borrego is doing ok for a bof
December 10th, 2009 at 5:57 am
Greg
The Equus will compete with the S-class, But Price like a E-class
The Genesis compete with the E-class, But Price like a C-class
December 10th, 2009 at 5:58 am
who cares exactly what the Equus is competing you think I give a s**t about Mercedes and their poor quailty?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:58 am
Does anyone know when to expect K2 or K5 spy shots??
December 10th, 2009 at 5:59 am
What’s the K2 the Rio? The K5 is the Optima right?
December 10th, 2009 at 6:00 am
My guess is early next year.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:01 am
jtz Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 5:57 am
And the Genesis took out the G8 HERE in the States.
——————-
According Strategic Vision,
The genesis attacting The MB C-class and BMW 3 series buyers.
And more than 60% of current Genesis owners never own any hyundai before.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:01 am
Yeah.
K1 = Picanto
K2 = Rio
K3 = Forte
K4 = Sportage
K5 = Optima
K6 = Sorento
K7 = Cadenza
K8 = Mohave
K9 = CH
Just to clear that up.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:02 am
typo fix
“The genesis attacting The MB C-class and BMW 3 series buyers.”
attacting (x) -> attracting (o)
December 10th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Yeah, the Genesis is luring C-class buyers – Why??? Because the Genesis competes with the C class!!
December 10th, 2009 at 6:04 am
Greg Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Yeah, the Genesis is luring C-class buyers – Why??? Because the Genesis competes with the C class!!
——————
Only price.
Check, Its wheel base length and interior pacakge and interior spacious, and performance.
Even Lexus GS, MB E-class, BMW 5 series are not match with it.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:05 am
We should see spy shots of those in like Feb or Mar. They are probably making concepts and decided what is going to at which auto show. We did see the K5 on spy shots.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:07 am
That’s true, we did see the K5. I wonder when Kia will incorporate all of their vehicles into their new scheme?
December 10th, 2009 at 6:08 am
Like i mentioned, typical Kia’s econo box shape is not working at luxury area.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Kia reconsider this stupid design, This is ’sincerely advice’ for Kia company.
If Kia persons are smart, they realize how stupid if typical Kia’s econo box shape incorportate into their high-end luxury car.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Colin over at KIA told me this is the KIA version of the Eqqus, and its under consideration.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:12 am
That’s because Kia’s not competing in a true luxury area. Not to mention, do any new Kias actually look like an econobox…..NO!
December 10th, 2009 at 6:13 am
HOW is it a stupid design!! You haven’t even seen it! A Hyundai Equus is foolish. A Kia Equus is simply retarded.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:14 am
Again, if all of Kias designs don’t look the same, no one will know that the K9 is a Kia…
December 10th, 2009 at 6:15 am
jtz Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 5:58 am
who cares exactly what the Equus is competing you think I give a s**t about Mercedes and their poor quailty?
———————-
Ther mercedes is poor quality and reliabilty and safety.
They quality and reliabilty ranking is not above than industry average.
Even their E-class gets a 4 safety rating, not 5 stars.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:19 am
Greg Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 6:12 am
That’s because Kia’s not competing in a true luxury area.
————————
No. Accoring to hyundai habit, They really want competing in a true luxury area.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:25 am
Greg Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 6:13 am
HOW is it a stupid design!! You haven’t even seen it! A Hyundai Equus is foolish. A Kia Equus is simply retarded.
———————
Even toyota made Japanese S-class fighter, Lexus LS in 1989.
Even Japanese did it, Why Korean can’t?
But, I’m not sure K9 will selling in global market. Probably, This car will be a Korean domestic market only.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:26 am
The brand has to grow, and learn new things. It makes the product line better, and it makes them say “Well if they can build this, then I will trust this cute little Rio, or this sporty Soul/Forte/Optima here.”
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We have to do over the top cars like this to draw people into the dealers to buy everything else.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:31 am
Yeah, but this dude is sayin that the K9 is going to compete with the s-class!! The s-class is 150k++ I mean, I doubt if the K9 breaks 45k (of course I mean USD)
December 10th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Greg Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 6:31 am
Yeah, but this dude is sayin that the K9 is going to compete with the s-class!!
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Technical spec, It will compete with S-class.
Yes, Its price wiill not be a s-class price.
I guess it will almost as E-class price.
Again, I’m not sure K9 will selling in global market. Probably, This car will be a Korean domestic market only.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:39 am
TECHNICAL SPEC!?! The S class has a V12 engine. The K9 has a small V8.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:40 am
And Hyundai and Kia relations are pretty fair relation. If Hyundai made Genesis and Equus, Kia will do.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:42 am
Greg Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 6:39 am
TECHNICAL SPEC!?! The S class has a V12 engine. The K9 has a small V8.
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It compete with V8 engine model of s-class.
I gurantee this car wheel base length and interios spacious will surpass S-class.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:45 am
Look, Even Japanese S-class figher, Lexus LS have NOT V12 engine.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Ok, this maybe not compete with an S-Class.
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I just have one question though, name one near Luxury make that has a Rear Wheel drive sedan this size? The answer is VW, this segment is usually only reserved for top echelon makes like BMW. Therefore, there’s people wanting to get into a big supersized sedan like this, but the price has been unobtainable.
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Hyundai/KAI will make the prices even more obtainable, as the Phaeton is $60k. This will be $50-$45K.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Enough people buy Phaetons, for them to keep selling them. So VW didnt have a true failure on that.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:52 am
Wow….way to judge a car that you have no clue what the interior space, wheelbase, overall length, competitors, or features will be like….from a sketch and what little information you know from this Kia-World press release. Kia knows that there is no market for two Equus sized vehicles from the same company. When Hyundai introduced the RWD Genesis, they said that there would be three additional chassis variants: a coupe RWD, a larger than Genesis RWD, and a smaller then Genesis RWD. Well, we already have the coupe RWD (Genesis Coupe) and the larger RWD (Equus). All that leaves is the smaller RWD…..that is simple process of elimination.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:52 am
They just want to have one but $10-$20K cheaper. Hyundai KIA will provide them with that.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Smaller RWD=Azera.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Azera is supposed to ride on Cadenza platform??
December 10th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Also, if Azera rides on RWD, that means Kia doesn’t get a RWD, because Hyundai only has four RWD platforms planned.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:55 am
As iI have said a KIA employee has told me K9=KIA version of Eqqus.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Do you mean that wannabe Colin from Kia-Buzz??? ROFLMAO!!!
December 10th, 2009 at 6:58 am
I asked him a question a few days ago “Will the K9 be the KIA Genesis?” He said “No K9 will be the KIA version of the Eqqus.”
December 10th, 2009 at 7:01 am
I read many articles that K9 is a Kia’s high end model, it aim at S-class luxury territory.
Sure, it is NOT a real competiotor of S-class. everybody know it.
But, At least, it will eat Lexus LS market in Korea.
It is a killer of Japan pseudo luxury.
So, it should benchmarking more high-end luxury model (german luxury) than Japanese luxury.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Wow, 123 Comments on a car that we havent seen its body yet. COuld you imagine the peopel on some of the Anti KIA sites that could have gotten this story.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Colin is in the consumer affairs department. He has absolutely no real link to anyone too far behind consumer affairs. His job is to tell you something – be it true or false – just to shut you up and make you happy. He probably only vaguely knows what the Equus is. Stop for a moment to think about the Equus. Look at the segment and how many people are buying those cars. OK, now look at the Genesis segment, and who is buying those cars. Now, there are a lot more buyers in the Genesis market. Think business sense…..would you rather have two cars in a better selling segment or two cars in a slower selling segment. Not to mention, if the K9 was an Equus, Kia would have no car in the Genesis-sized market. That leaves an unhealthy gap in the line-up.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:05 am
dds – I would like a link to those articles please……
December 10th, 2009 at 7:07 am
If this is a Korea only model, Korean rich person don’t like “bigger version of the Kia Forte”.
Again, This design is really sucks.
Think about it.
If i am a K9 buyer, I want be a something special.
But, My friend scold me it looks like a “hey! it looks like a bigger version of the Kia Forte”. Am i happy this?
December 10th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Tell me this…..why would Kia pay to develop a vehicle and make a new exterior and interior design, then R&D it, then only sell it in Korea?? The USA is the world’s biggest market for large RWD sedans!!
December 10th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Tell me…..where do you see the Kia Forte in this car??? This sketch shows the CH looking NOTHING like the Forte!!
December 10th, 2009 at 7:31 am
The front is 100% civic type-r looking.
the peter schryer have no shame.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:32 am
If i am a K9 buyer, Maybe The Japanese friend scold me “hey! it looks like a bigger version of the Honda Civic”. Am i happy this?
December 10th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Greg, Hyundai had the Centennial (Eqqus) years before they had the Genesis. I think they are doing the same with KIA. They will have this car for years over in Korea and the Middle east, and then if it gets enough appeal it migth sell in the North American Market.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:55 am
North America would be its most important market. Instead of looking and basing everything on past trends, think of what would make the most business sense. What is going to sell best, and in what markets will it sell best? That is why they don’t sell the Picanto in the states, and it is why they don’t sell the Mohave in most Euro countries. Tell me, what country is the largest market for Genesis sized sedans? What country has the largest market for Equus sized sedans? Would you rather have two cars in a better selling segment (Genesis segment) or two cars in a slower selling segment (Equus segment). These are the things Kia takes into consideration. Why do you think Kia developed the cee’d for Europe and the Forte for the USA?
December 10th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Ok, lets take a look at the Civic type-r. The K9 has a much more dramatic headlight taper. The K9 has a MUCH larger, more muscular grille. The K9 has a flowing lower grille design, with pronounced upward inflections on both sides. And again, how can you even begin to start comparing this to anything. The sketch of the VG/Cadenza looked like an old Lexus ES330. Does it look like a Lexus ES330 now?
December 10th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Wow, Greg and Jtz…why are u guys debating with someone who can’t even spell or write complete sentences? (dds) lol! ….oh and Jtz im amazed at how well u know your cars….=)
December 10th, 2009 at 9:15 am
At least, Cadenza looks like a Audi.
It is not a disadvantage.
However, this car front exactly same as Civic type-r Concept….
the compant’ high-end luxury car looks like a cheap econobox. It is a disadvantage.
OK? Understand this?
Peter Schryer have no shame.
And, Greg
It is possibly this car will not selling at north america market, Like first generation Equus did, Because, North America consumer does not ready for accept Kia’s luxury MB S-class fighter. However, Korean can accept Kia’s luxury MB S-class fighter.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Think about it.
If this car selling at North America Market as “MB S-class fighter”, and you buy it, and feel happy it.
However, You friend see your car and scold you “hey! it looks like a bigger version of the Civic”. Are you happy this?
Again, Peter Schryer have no shame.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I agree Greg, but Korea and the Middle east has us edged out when it comes to the big Sedans. They drive big sedans over there despite gas being $8 a gallon. They dont care at all. At $8 a gallon even us here in the US would stop driving big sedans.
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The Chinese still drive big sedans there too, and gas is set by their government at close to $5.00 a gallon.
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Just Remember, people used to gasp at the idea of Hyundai selling Eqquses here. Now people are begging Hyundai to bring them over, and Hyundai will take them up on their offer.
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The same will go for KIA too.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:29 am
All of this over a car we don’t even know what it looks like. But I am going to continue. Like Greg said there are 4 Genesis platforms and Kia is getting the SWB version. It is completly risky to bring a Equus version for Kia when they do not really know how the K7 will be.They might as well reconsider bringing a pick up truck. The Genesis base is good enough. This car company still has a lot of growing to do. They still have to rid that more value for the money image.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
dds is incompetent. he uses the same argument over and over again, after I have already contradicted it. I mean, he doesn’t know what this car looks like, and he is already freaking out, he has no idea what features or size this car will be, but he is already plugging it is “high end luxury” JUST BECAUSE it is larger than Cadenza (which topped out costs appx. $35000). I mean, what do you want from a sketch. Also, you are calling it a bigger version of the Civic r-trpe, when i don’t actually think the latest r-type went on sale, and many differences include (AS I HAVE ALREADY SAID) The K9 has a much more dramatic headlight taper. The K9 has a MUCH larger, more muscular grille. The K9 has a flowing lower grille design, with pronounced upward inflections on both sides. I mean, for all we can possibly know (even though it probably won’t) this car could be a “cheap econobox” in its class. All we know at this point is that it is RWD.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I think Hyundais are more value for the money than a comparable Chrysler or MINI. I think KIAs are more value for the money than a Comparable VW. Those makes in the US Market are looked upon by some still very highly, despite their sometiems unacceptable reliability troubles weird looks, etc….
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I agree JTZ, but the company doesnt agree. Maybe they have additional plans we dont know about in store for the brands. They did hire a boatload of designers from nothing but Premium brands In the past they used to steal Honda and Toyota guys. Now they are stealling Audi, BMW, and Cadillac guys.
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To me this means the days of competing with Honda and Toyota are over. Just look at the product line coming out, Honda and Toyota cant cmopete with almost anything coming out of Hyundai-KIA Motors. Its like instead of playing the usual footsie with Toyota and Honda it seems they looked at every segment from A to G, and said; “Lets benchamrk all of our cars against the all of the premium brands on the planet to: slighly miss, meet, or even exceed the targets in some cases they set for their products.”
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Talk about value for Money That Cadenza for Example is a whale of a Value compared to a typical Passat or Lucernne.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Volvo and SAAB are the ‘Cheap Econoboxes” for upper midle class people. Maybe Hyundai-KIA Motors has decided to take their place, but for a new Generation and less pricey to make them more obtainable to all, Greg? Who Knows?
December 10th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
They probably figure “Hey if VW can do it, we can too.” Benchmark Premium products and sell them at non-premium prices is the smartest idea these guys ever came up with. It will pay off big time over the years, youll see.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I think we (Kia i mean, definitely not Hyundai) are still competing full force with Honda and Toyota, and what makes you think that they won’t start offering the same technologies? They are just a little slower than us. Remember when the Spectra was the first compact to have six standard airbags? Nowadays, that goes without saying. They are just a little slower. The Avalon is still comparative to the Cadenza. The Civic and Corolla are comparative to the Forte. The Rav4 and CR-V are the Sorento’s main competitors. We are still wholeheartedly competing with Honda and Toyota. If you say that we are moving upmarket, they are too. Sure we offer many standard technologies, but within five years, they will offer the same things. Don’t think that just because we have upmarket designs and high tech features means that we are automatically going upmarket. So far, we are just the only company who’s figured out how to offer it AND undercut their prices. Once they get with their game, they will be fully competitive with us. We have had a very unusual number of new vehicle rollouts, which makes it look like we’re jumping ahead, and we are…..to a point.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I have a feeling Toyota and Honda are going to begin buying Korean models and take it to their lab and figure out how it works. I think it’s called reverse engineering. I think they want to know how Hyundai/Kia’s mpg has increased.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:28 am
Greg, Honda/Acura says it going to make cheaper products with cheaper interiors, becuase they can not compete against unamed competitors on price. They also plan eventually to build products in lower cost markets like China to export them to countries like the US to compete on price. Remember how Acura was a Lexus, BMW, Benz competitor, now they are classifying themselves as a “Near Luxury Make.” They said they are going downmarket. Look at a Honda Civic Engine and compare it to a Forte Engine. The Honda Civic has the same setup as a 10 year old chevy cavilier. Thus, you have to take it to the dealer to even service the spark plugs beucase they have to lift the engine to get to the plugs. Honda succeeded becuase their cars were not only reliable and offered good features for the price, but they were easy as hell to service. The KIA is easy to service, the Honda is not anymore.
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Toyota/exus has recalls everyday or every other day now and their interiors are getting cheaper. They are GM ing themselves more and more by the day.
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JTZ strange how we used to reverse engineer their products, the irony.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:44 am
The Honda Cross Tour looks like a SWB Kia Kue.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:19 am
That grille especially JTZ.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:41 am
The Insight is $15,000 that Veloster wannabe CR-Z(Fit Coupe) will be $12-13K. I have been inside an Insight, and its like a 10 year old Accent interior but all black. Hard plactics everywhere Chinese quality fabrics, etc.. etc.. .
December 11th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
the Honda CR-Z looks like the VW IROC concept. Why is so many japenese products using the old VW Iroc concepts (Tundra, Lancer, CR-Z Volvo 3 door)? What’s so special about it? As for the Cross Tour that interior is just a cloned Accord’s. They didn’t even try to design it instead just cloned it. Wow, how disappointing.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
That insight is ugly HyundaiSmoke. The face came off the VW CC but they made it uglier. Did you guys ever noticed that Honda didn’t start copying off Audi or VW until Kia unveiled their EX Audi designer back in 2006? Look at the Acura MDX’s tailights and then look at the Audi Q7’s.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I can’t say that about the Civic’s tailights coming from the A4 becasue the 06′ Civic debuted first. But all the Civic’s tailigths are is the Ford Focus’ tailights but they are horizantal instead. The Mazda Tribute’s headlights came from the Honda Ridgeline’s.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
bigger version of Kia optima.
cheap econobox civic, forte looking = FAIL
December 11th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Why won’t you elaborate on why this looks like an Optima?? Please, tell me what is so similar. Please be very specific.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I certainly don’t see an Optima; perhaps Sorrento Owner needs to get his prescription checked. Looking at the one sketch and the lines of the car that Schreyer has lain down, I see it as a coupe (aka Genesis Coupe) as opposed to a luxo-sedan.
The considerable angle of the A- and B-pillar lines, as view from essentially the front bumper, seem to shape-up as a coupe instead of anything with four doors.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Hey Sorento owner if you don’t like Kia’s new family face, Why did you buy the 2011 Kia Sorento then?
December 11th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
It looks like they plan on turing the KND-4 concept into a sedan. There is some new rumors about the size of this car now. I’m hearing don’t expect this car to be as big as the Cadenza but the size of the BMW 3 series.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was 3-series sized as it looks that way from the design. Maybe this is really the Optima as the closest thing to a 3-series from Kia is the Optima/next Optima/Magentis.
December 12th, 2009 at 1:43 am
They need the Kia Kee to have this same platform with a V8.
December 12th, 2009 at 5:30 am
But a 3 Series Sized Sedan=Forte? That wouldnt make sense to name a smaller car K9, and have a Big car like Cadenza be K7, either?
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You got a point about copying JTZ.
December 12th, 2009 at 5:33 am
The wheel base looks too bulky to be a 3 Series sized car. Wheel base look like it can be in the A8 Sedan, 7 series class, Genesis at least.
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Yep, Im in firmly with the Big car camp.
December 12th, 2009 at 6:44 am
I think Q is onto something. I mean, it would make a lot more sense if it were a coupe, because it sits on a short Genesis platform.
December 12th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Yeah that makes since why call it the K9 then? So I’ going back to a large sedan now. They do need some kind of RWD car rather its a sedan or coupe.
December 13th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Yeah, but it is absurd that HKAG would have only one Genesis sized vehicle, and two Equus sized vehicles, when Genesis sized vehicles sell better. And if Kia calls it the K9, the Borrego is the K8, so where would they put a Genesis sized car in the line-up?
December 13th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Korean domestic market want luxurious vehicles, and Korean luxury selling well in Korea. Korean consumers no more want small or mini car.
K9 is a Korean BMW 7 series fighter.
K5 – next optima
K7 – next amanti/opirus
K9 – You can guess this is a most expensive and largest Kia in the lineup.
Like above comments, The most expensive and luxurious Kia is a cheap econobox Civic looking. this is not a good design. Peter Scryer really don’t know what is the proper design of luxury car.
December 13th, 2009 at 9:09 am
“Korean consumers no more want small or mini car.”
>i corrent this comments.
The korean consumers moving upscale slowly.
December 15th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Hey, The Aussie’s Auto site made CG rendering from that rough sketch.
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“Kia’s chief designer Peter Schreyer is said to have unveiled a sketch of what is currently only being referred to as K9 in Seoul a few weeks ago. Our graphic artists have been hard at work and put together the above illustration of what the car may look like. The original sketch can be found below:”
caradvice.com.au/50910/kia-k9-artist-illustration/
December 15th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Yeah, that’s how I imagined it. it looks very good.
December 15th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Take note to all the negative rubbish narrow minded Australians post too though. No wonder so many great new Kia’s will never make it here.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
People are still taking about how this car will not be all that big like the Cadenza is. My idea of the size of this car is a liitle longer than the next Optima yet inches shy of the Cadenza. I think it’ll be about that size.
December 17th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Hey HyundaiSmoke, you have information on the inside right? Tell me should we expect to see both the K8 and K9 in 2010? Do you think the K8 or K9 will be in concept form at the 2010 NAIAS?
December 17th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
This car will be nearly the same size as the Cadenza (within inches), and will be marketed as a RWD performance car, while the Cadenza is a FWD premium sedan.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:45 am
JTZ, I dont know about the NAIAS, but its possible something will come out. I do think Miami and Detroit will be Rio and Accent Shows, as Accent and Rio debut there about 6 months before they hit dealers. Both Shows wll be in a few weeks. Hyundai KIA both love debuting big cars at New York, and thats the next big show after Detroit.
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Thats if things run Normal. However Hyundai/KIA now have a habit of debuting vehicles that you can buy within 2 weeks-4 months after they have been shown at an Auto Show.
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I do think Hyundai will announce the new Name for the Equus, and show a US Spec model. They probably will even have an MSRP ready too. I think they will show concepts of K8 and/or K9 instead of actual production models.
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However, in terms of production Models Accent Sedan, Elantra Sedan, Optima, Sportage are the only things even close to being show ready.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:47 am
Out of all of them that Elantra looks the most finished, so I think thats the next batter-up.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:52 am
The Elantra doesnt even have a pre-production interior anymore as well, its by far the best in class it runs circles around everything from Civic to Astra.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:56 am
The Rio hasn’t been on spy shots yet. Is it possible the Rio have escaped spy shots? Wait a second if the K9 is Kia’s version of the Equus and the K8 is their version of the Genesis, what is the Optima K6 or K5? And if the Optima is the K5 what is the K6?
December 18th, 2009 at 3:59 am
Within the next 75 days you have Miami Detroit and New York shows. If they dont show Rio and Accent Prototypes they will show small car concepts.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:17 am
JTZ you have a point, What is the K6? I think youll get small car concept before a prototype. KIA always does the concepts first now.
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With Hyundai you get a prototype unveil in different markets just for one car. It gets people talking about it and then people will want to go to the show to see that new thign from Hyundai, becuase they already know about it.
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We steal the show from prior knowledge, you steal the show from surprise. “KIA, the power to surprise”, remember.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:25 am
Thats part of the “Aspirational” effect from Hyundai. That would be great, like “KIA,the power to surprise.” “Hyundai, drive with Aspiration.” Hyundai, the Aspirational effect.” “Hyundai, Aspirationally Drive your way.” “Hyundai, the Aspirational Machine.” Anything is better than “Hyundai, Drive your way.”
December 18th, 2009 at 6:44 am
Just to keep you all informed:
Soul = Soul
cee’d = cee’d family
K1 = Picanto
K2 = Rio family
K3 = Forte family
K4 = Sportage
K5 = Optima
K6 = Sorento
K7 = Cadenza
K8 = Mohave
K9 = CH
Sedona = Dead after 2010
Rondo = Dead after 2010
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I am really looking forward to the new K8. With the eight passenger seating that thing will be SWEET! It’s too bad the Sorento missed the naming scheme. The “K#” system works for me in Korea. It is nice to be able to refer to a car that way.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:47 am
According to what I have heard, should Kia debut an Equus sized vehicle, it would not fall under the K# naming scheme.
December 18th, 2009 at 8:20 am
I wish KIA brought a Picanto over to the US with a 1.4L engine. That would be nice to fill out the lineup. The Next gen version. I unlike a lot of people like the Picanto. It’s a little car that looks like it has some heart. Not many city cars look like they have heart.
December 18th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Sedona = Dead after 2010????
Sedona is only Minivan/large MPV by Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group.
And only Minivan earned Gold Top Safety Pick by IIHS.(safest minivan ever)
If Sedona dead after 2010, it is most dumbest decision.
Kia is not only auto comapny for US, but also Other continents.
World consumers want sedona(large MPV), rondo (mid MPV) from Kia.
December 18th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Kia believes that it is better to offer vehicles to stronger markets no matter what. I love the Rondo, and I love the Sedona. I really wish Kia would keep them, but they are not. In Hyundai-Kia’s production expansion plan, it calls for closing the Sohari plant, and killing some vehicles to free up manufacturing space. The K8 is the eight passenger MPV/CUV replacement for the Borrego. The K6 (Sorento) is a mid-size MPV/CUV replacement for the Rondo. Kia never will truly replace the BL (03-09 Sorento).
December 18th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Wait the Borrego is being redesigned already?!! Why, it’s hardly a year old? Why change it into a CUV now?
December 18th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
It make sense to ger rid of vans why buy a slow big stupid van when you can just get a CUV with DVD and 3rd row (I hate 3rd row but it is needed to stay in perfect competition with rivals though).
December 18th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Back on the Borrego though, I don’t think it’s a good idea to change the Borrego from bof to cuv because they already made a FCEV out of it’s bof. That means they have to rework the FCEV so it can fit the new car base.
December 18th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
I take that back, turning the Borrego into a cuv will be a good idea that way it’ll shut up GM’s stupid annoying Treverse Commercial. “It’s more fuel efficient that the 8 passenger Pilot and Toyota Highlander and has more caro room too” Yes Kia please change the Borrego into a CUV just to shut up GM.
December 18th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
The Borrego is like the most fuel efficient bof truck in it’s class and Kia don’t brag about that.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:29 am
How could the Sorento be the K6 when in it’s home market it is the Sorento?
December 19th, 2009 at 2:43 am
Guys and girls,
There is no such thing as the K9. The sketch from Peter is an early drawing from the Magentis programme of designs. The K7 or Cadenza is big enough for now.
There is no decision to Kia to change the names of the cars to useing the K system. If it come in, Sorento will not be K6 but might be something like KX-something. Sportage will be KX-something as well.
Think why the Venga was called No3 at Geneva motor show. Was it because it was going to be launch as the K3? And don’t forget, Kia does not sell the same cars all over the world so how would it call the ceed K4 and the forte K4 when they are both the same size but different cars.?
Rio has not been spied on photographet yet because it is not finished. It is still in the clay,
December 19th, 2009 at 5:09 am
Yeah, there will be no 2010 Borrego in the US market. Like I have said before, the Sorento just missed the new naming scheme.
December 19th, 2009 at 6:13 am
No Borrego, thats a shame. Well I guess it would be a bad Idea since Hyundai is doing a Genesis Truck in a couple of years.
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I think its a bad idea to have a Minivan, regardless of how good the Sedona is in terms of what a minivan is supposed to do. Its still one of our most unreliable products. It brings the brand down, KIA could probably be 6th place in reliability if it wasnt for the Sedona instead of 9th place in the US.
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Minivans are a dying Market, almost everybody is pulling out of that market in the US. The Market is going back to Wagons, Crossovers, and Hatchbacks here in the US. I just think KIA needs to hurry up with that Forte Hatch and Soul 3 door and Truck(Soulster), make the Rio a 5 door and 3 door version care care of Sportage-AWD Option, Take Care of Sorento 4.0 Option, and call it a day.
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Think about this: US Market
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1. Rio Hatch Family 3 and 5 door.
2. Soul Family
3. Forte Hatch
4. Sportage
5. Sorrento
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To top it off, KIA should be allowed Access to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0 in the Forte. I know the Forte is getting a 2.0 Turbo. Let Hyundai put the 2.4 Turbo in the Geneiss Coupe, to shut the haters up. You guys wouldnt need a Toyobaru-like car with a 2.0T in the Forte, You would also save a lot of money. Money which can go towards making a better Rio, making a more refined version of the Forte for those who want a softer ride, a more aggressive Soul, and AWD Soul.
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Forget the Toyobaru Coupe. most people want you to just fix the Forte Koup, and give it that kind of performance as an option.
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That’s all KIA Needs for the US market, Besides Rio Sedan, Forte Sedan and Koup, and Cadenza.
December 19th, 2009 at 6:22 am
The Fotre Koup is Autoblogs 10 th place finalist in “Cars that promised a lot, but didnt deliver list” Simply put, they want more power.
December 19th, 2009 at 6:31 am
Gregory Schreyer, please make sure the Rio is a better car than the US Fiesta in every way? Im tired of that thing already and it wont be at the Ford dealers yet until May 2010. I know the Rio will have more than the Fiesta’s 40 MPG, Just can you at least offer leather in a Forte like Package?
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What’s so hard about getting leather/Leatherette materials in the small cars KIA? Im really pissed off about that Fietsa.
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And please, please, please, no more Tonka Toy looking Black Plastics on the bumpers. The Rio really pisses me off. Its a great small car product, but a destroyed opportunity too.
December 19th, 2009 at 7:00 am
For 2010, the black plastic is gone on the Rio. Why have a minivan, when you can have a crossover the same size. The interesting thing about the new Borrego is that even though more of a crossover, it will still be primarily RWD. The Sedona and Rio are built at Sohari. Once Sohari is done, Kia’s reliability will much improve. According the the HKAG production capacity increase plan, by 2012 the following plants will make the following Kia vehicles:
Hwasung: TD, VG, CH, TF, and XM
Gwangju: HM, SL, AM, Commercial Vehicles
Georgia: XM, TF
Ulsan: Next Rio
Slovakia: SL, ED
Czech: YN
December 19th, 2009 at 8:46 am
That Accent plant in Ulsan puts out the most reliable small car product on the planet. Its a high cost labor plant, but Im also worried about that Mexican Plant for the US Accent/Rio being built in 2013.
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Hecho En Mexico-POS quality for any make that builds a car there.
December 19th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Mexican plant? Since when? Every car ever built in Mexico (Brazil, too) absolutely sucks due to the cheap labor. Ala the Ford Fusion.
December 19th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Hyundai will build small cars in Brazil too. The Story behind the Plant is the Mexican govt is Saying Hyundai is going to build a Plant in the State of Veracruz for Accents and Rios. They are still negotianting the terms, but Hyundai is refusing to confirm the Mexican Plant Plans.
December 19th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I hate it when they speak in Spanish here in SE Arizona and I’m clueless as to what they’re saying. They can be horrible brats those Hispanics. I have personal experience with them, I know. All the time. One young Hispanic-American woman(very pretty, too) was trying to steal me from my wife. No kidding, a homewrecker in progress. And she’s frickin’ half my age-I kid you not. They’re quick to steal in that culture, even for spouses. I would wonder a bit about Kia car quality put together by them in Mexico. I’d want to eyeball the whole car first, trouble is it’s been covered up with body panels by the time you pick it up for purchase! Kia should advertise their quality-control expertise if they’re gonna head south of da border for production and assembly, dudes.
December 19th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
HyundaiSmoke, be patient. The cars are coming and they look good.
New Rio is a very importantt car for Kia and this will be clearly when the Rio is seen for the first time. Some say it will be three and five door. We will be waiting and see.
Sportage is next big car for Kia and it will make people look at Kia differently ways. No doubting, Sportage is nothing like the Hyundai iIX-35.
December 19th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Hyundai and Kia should stop build overseas plants. Current Korean factory made good quality.
December 19th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Turning the Borrego into a CUV should be interesting. So when does this debut? In 2010 there should be a lot of Kia models on spy shots.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:06 am
The new Borrego will be a 2011 model. They can’t sell a full BOF vehicle in the current market. They need to steal sales away from the horrible GM Lambdas!
December 20th, 2009 at 3:49 am
I wish so too Sorento, but the only problem with Korean factories is the higher labor cost. If Hyundai/KIA wants to put more goodies in their cars, they are going to have to move to cheaper labor sources. Euro Cars built in Slovakia, Czech Republic. North American cars built in Mexico, Southern and Midwestern United States, and Canada. Indian/Oceania cars built in India. South American cars built in Brazil. Everything else in Korea. However, I think African production is in the future too.
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Bryan, Mexicans are just as lazy as us Americans are in terms of the build quality. The American made Sonata is ok, but its surely not as reliable as the Korean Built Accent. That 2006 and 2007 Sonata had quite a few recalls; Major ones.
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Gregory Schreyer, the other Makes have taken small cars seriously here now, as if we live in Europe. The Accent and Fit are representative of good small cars sold in America today. By 2012 However, Small cars will pack leather in the higher trims, Wheels, Entertainment systems like In-Sync, Softer touch interior Plastics, etc…
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The Elantra Touring is an Example of a Euro Product brought over to America. Some journals like Edmunds say its a better value than a SAAB 9-3 Wagon, however they say certain hard interior plastics on the center console, and trunk linings take away from the feel of an otherwise excellent car. These days people look at this stuff online and say, “Ah well Forget it.”
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Sure I know KIA will be a lower cost brand than Hyundai to get in, but dont scrimp on the upper trims of your products.
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If youre going to put a new kind of Door open/Seat belt Undone indicator warning noise. Why, did you use a GM sounding Noise for the Forte? That long loud Bong Noise is annoying as hell, and makes me think its going to be a POS GM quality product. I actually miss the “bing, bong, Bing, Bong” noise from the Current Gen Hyundai/KIA Products. However, I know its time for a change. I just wish you made the noise sound futuristic and away from the rest of the pack.
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My dream would be for every car, to have that sound that K7/Cadenza had on the Commercial as soon as you began to start it for an indicator Noise. That “binga ba bing, ba, bing bing.” At the same time it says”KIA Motors, Welcome”in the dash.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:05 am
“Hyundai and Kia should stop build overseas plants. Current Korean factory made good quality”
There are many reasons to build overseas, not just quality.
Zilina is the most advanced vehicle production plant in the world, which is why Kia was able to do the 7 year warrantee. Local plants mean customers don’t have to wait 8 weeks for cars to be shipped from Korea. Local plants also mean you can reduce CO2 – just over 2% of the world CO2 is created by shipping, local plants do away with the shipping and this also save money.
It would be expensive to built Europe only product like ceed and venga in Korea and ship so far, so why not just build Europe cars in Europe?
December 20th, 2009 at 5:09 am
So will the 2011 Borrego going to be considered a facelift or a redesign? Why haven’t we seen spy shots of the Borrego. It should have been test driven. I bet it is going to be more loaded than the current Borrego. Just don’t make it look like a minivan without sliding doors like GM did with their plain looking Treverse. Sure it’s big but it’s nothing that will turn heads like the new Kias are. So is the Borrego going to share the same platform as the Veracurz? So we can expect the Borrego to have panoramic sunroof. I’m glad it’ll keep it’s V8 enigne. Do you guys think it will get the new 4.0L V8 or keep the same 4.6LV8? Wait, Greg how do you know it’s a 2011 Kia Borrego and not a 2012? With a short amount of time for this 2011 Kia Borego, I hope it has good quality and all. Spy shots in 2010 is going to be something.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:13 am
Wait how do you know it’s a 2011 Borrego it could be a 2012 Borrego. It will seat 8 passengers but I hope the seating is not 2+2+4 I perfer 2+3+3. I like the second row to seat 3 people. Having a second row for two people is for a stupid ugly van that is slow at accelarating. In my Forte, I hate being behind those things. Car manufactuers claim they have 200 and something horsepower but they all are slow at accelarating. Why?
December 20th, 2009 at 5:13 am
Speaking of stupid minivans, The current Ford Focus’ headlights came from the Nissan Quest’s
December 20th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Hey Gregory Scyreyer so tell me. Is Kia coming out with a coupe like CUV or what?
December 20th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
The Auto Shows coming up will be Detroit Jan 10th-23th, Chicago Feb 10th-21st, New York April.
December 20th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
HS, the only HKAG cars that have alternating seatbelt chimes (“bing bong bing bong) are the Rio and Accent. All of the rest repeat the same tone (Optima, Rondo, Forte, Sportage, Sorento…just to name a few that I have recently observed)
December 20th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
JTZ, all I know is that by MY2012 the Soul will be the oldest vehicle in the line-up.
December 20th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
reason that why HK should stop build overseas plants.
1. Lesson from Toyota’s fail.(so many recalls) Recently, Toyota expand their plants in all of the world. overseas plant’s product use foreign components. This is serious threat of quality control.
2. foreign workers are not diligent like Korean (sorry, but this is true)
December 20th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
And, I think US consumers dislike ‘made in mexico’ cars by some reasons.
December 20th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ about. We don’t have a good view of Mexico. I mean, I have a different view of Hispanics after living 70 miles north of the USA-Mexico border for 3 1/3 years now, but along with what I’ve already said, they are screwing up some economic things in America. And their desperation has wrecked a lot of American’s lives. I really don’t trust automobiles made in Mexico. And another thing I can’t stand…when they speak in Spanish and you don’t know what the f&*% they’re saying. That’s just rude. They’re intruding here, not the other way around.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:23 am
Its true about Korean labor. They don’t mix business with pleasure. Koreans are d@mn good workers.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:48 am
Elantra has Bing bong too Greg. I have a problem with Mexican labor becuase of these reasons:
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1. Workers are exploited at the expense of wages
2. Everybody who builds a car in Mexico has reliability problems Examples: US Focus, Dodge Cailber, Nissan Versa
December 21st, 2009 at 4:50 am
For you Europeans and others the Nissan Versa is the US version of the Renault Megane.
December 21st, 2009 at 12:15 pm
The Toyota model does not match KIa – HK uses Mobis parts, Toyota uses a lot of external parts suppliers. Mobis is wholy owned by HKAG so the parts quality is assured in all parts of the world. This is why European plants in Slovakia have 7 year warranty and Korean built cars does not – they have more up to date technology in Zilina than in Korea.
I take your point on Korean workers being of the highest quality, but the Koreans train and hand pick the staff at Zilina to be the same high standards so I am sorry but have to disagree.
These two reasons are not strong enough to stop buildng cars overseas.
There is a bigger picture to just building in Korea – emmissions, quality, local products for local people, cost savings, expertise availability.
How can Koreans design and build cars for Europeans? This is why cee’d was developed, designed, engineered and built in Europe, for Europeans. Toyota has the same problem – designing a car in Japan for Europeans does not work. This is why cee’d has been such a big successful storie for the Kia brand.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I still disagree.
1. overseas plant use foreign parts, not 100% mobis parts.
2. foreign workers are not diligent like Korean. even high standards training, it is not same.
3. cost saving, cheap labor is not always good.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Wow, with over 220 commets on here, this just shows you how much we are really looking foward to Kia’s future. So anyway, for Sorento Owner you know what they say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So live it the same as long as their sales are up and their quality is improving leave it alone.
Now back to the Borrego. The Borrego’s new cuv body would be nice because the next generation Ford Explorer is arriving and it too will be a CUV. So looks like Toyota F****ed up again bringing out the next generation 4 Runner that looks outdated with it’s outdated bof. This is going to be good. So I guess it won’t have the 7500 towing capacity anymore. But if it keeps the V8 I’m sure it would.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Wow, there really isn’t no 2010 Kia Borrego. Interesting. So since it’s coming back in it’s new body as a car base CUV I hope we will see it in some auto show. The Amanti finally died. I thought the old battled ax would never die.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Don’t worry though that I’m sure the Amanti is in a better place with Saabs now.
December 21st, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Thai-o-ta’s rushing to try and save their future with this accelerator pedal redesign and floor mat and even driver’s side floorboard recall. They are going to join those carmakers that already incorporate a “smart pedal”-one that when it and the brake are applied at the same time the car’s engine shuts down. Too many people are freaking out because of the San Diego loaner Lexus LS350 crash and burn U.A. accident. Here is a deal where you can’t expect the average bear to be able to react correctly under extreme trauma and push the 350’s on-off button in for 3 seconds to shut down the sedan’s engine. Or to just put the automatic gearknob in ‘N’ from ‘D’ while going 90-100mph out of control. Thai-o-ta needs to design in safeguards that are simple to use and people need to understand how to shut down their car’s engines in panic situations. That family was obviously panicking big-time, and for good reason, eh?
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:18 am
Currently I don’t see why the towing capacity of the Borrego would decrease, it is supposed to stay primarily RWD.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:16 am
Man, Fuck Toyota. We are the new dominant player here, damm it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:53 am
Lol. Right on HyundaiSmoke. Right on. I’m afraid to be in front of a Lexus LS or Camry because I think they are going to run into me. So I try getting into the next lane. This could happen and I have to worry about this until January? is Toyota serious? So people who own a Camry lives are at risk until Janurary. I have never heard of so many Toyota recalls in one year. Man. The Corolla or Matrix were recalled sometime last week.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:56 am
I want to see Kia get into the above adverage list now. I think Kia is ready now. Where do you guys think Toyota is going to be in the quailty list?
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:47 am
jtz, I think they’ll be fuc*ed on the quality list, lol. Anything new from Kia just smokes Toyota and their recall laden excuses for motor vehicles.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
JTZ Toyota lost its way for this one reason. Besides Hybrids, they have no more new ideas. We have enough ideas that can last us 2 decades. By the way, the Next Gen Yaris just looks like a shrunken Corolla/Matrix. The spy shots and renderings are out.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Kia does not use cheap labour.
It pays fair pay for fair work in accordance with local salary levels.
Please bear in mind, all countries have different rates of pay and costs of livnig. Kia pays well for every country that it works in.
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Thanks for the info about the next gen Yaris, Not only is Toyota’s quailty down but they seem to be rushing in the R&D deaprtment too. Didn’t the 2nd generation Rio and Accent debut first?
Hey Gregory Schreyer are you by any chance related to Peter Schreyer?
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I just saw the interior of the next generation Elantra. I don’t like it. The Forte looks wayyyy beter inside and out.
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:36 am
Most Journalists say that Elantra is the class leading interior to watch. JTZ, the Accent was pre set a long time ago, they know what they are doing. They knew they were going to make the sedan look like a Genesis/Sonata and the hatch was going to be the Veloster, and that they can easily elogate a Veloster to make it a 5 door. The Rio will be on the same platform, but a different animal, with different engines and options than Accent. Rio will get 1.6 without GDI, while Accent will get 1.6 with GDI. Hyundai Develops first, and KIA gets the more barer product.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Cool. that sounds good with me between the Accent and Rio. I can’t wait to see spy shots of the next Rio too.
December 24th, 2009 at 5:04 am
If they have multiple Accent Prototypes testing, yet they still have the Rio in the clay, then Accent will debut first and we wont see Rio Prototypes for awhile.
December 24th, 2009 at 6:01 am
I just hate the name Accent. I have to be honest, when I was reading this I was thinking about “Wow the Accent sucks, I don’t care” but then I realized that it will be different than the current one. See, the names Accent and Rio are synonymous with “gee, that car sucks”, just like “Sephia”. I rarely talk to a Rio or Accent owner that wishes they hadn’t bought one. If Hyundai and Kia took away all of the Sedonas, Entourages, Accents and Rios they sold last year, their quality would be at number one. Approximately 75% of Kia dealership ROs are on Rios.
December 24th, 2009 at 10:27 am
The Rio is made at Sohari as well, while the Accent is made at Ulsan. Accent= J.D. Power’s most reliable subcompact 7 years in a row. They could change the Accent name sure, but its a big enough seller making it a little awkawrd to change the name of one of your most reliable products at a time where more people are getting used the idea of the car in the lineup, and it grows more buyer recognition.
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Hyundai didnt change the name of Sonata, and according to government stats the Sonata is not as reliable as the Accent, and never has been. The Current Generation Sonata was the first time Hyundai actually made a reliable good Sonata. So, most of the life of the Sonata throughout the first 5 generations it has been a POS turning many into Hyundai/KIA haters. The first Gen Accent wasnt too good, and some of the models were absolute lemons due to different shifts, etc…
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If they made the thing look as good as it runs, and market it well the company would do good. Could you imagine people saying “Man, these guys at Hyundai Turned a model that’s synonymous with cheap, into a premium small car. These guys are the best!!!”
December 24th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Greg, people have become used to the name Accent. Many have a problem with the name Forte, but if KIA does that car right then over time People wont care.
December 24th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
The Accent name build up a better reputation for Hyundai than Toyota Echo. Otherwise, why didn’t the Toyota Yaris get the Echo name?
December 24th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
I just saw the interior of the new Honda CR-Z let me tell you that is a cheap looking interior. The navagation systm looks tacky too. I hope the next generation Rio and Accent are ready to kick this CR-Z’s a**. All the design is really is the 3 door Volvoo or VW Iroc concept. Oh yeah Aston Martin has their own version of the Toyota IQ and Smart look alike car as well. I do give Honda’s look alike Iroc concept more respect than the next Yaris though.
December 24th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Oh yeah did I tell anyone the new Saab 9-5 died at still birth? It never made it. Neither did that crossover that Saab lovers (what they going to love now now that Saab is dead) said the Sorento got it’s cues from. But if they really knew it was the other way around. Thank goodness for the 2005 Kia Mesa concept huh?
December 24th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Well here is my song for Saab. NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE!!!
December 25th, 2009 at 5:41 am
JTZ, with those Yaris Recalls as fo late. The Yaris is building up a bad rep for the brand too. We have something for the CR-Z, we are just hiding out, and we will drop our products soon enough as a surprise. Most of the major rags still dont even have Accent spyshots yet.
December 25th, 2009 at 10:38 am
JTZ, it is always sad when a car brand goes down, especially a brand that has been known for it’s own identity…
Without SAAB, we could most probably say goodbye to any Turbo engine!
December 25th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Bornloser Subaru took SAABs place about 10 years ago. With Subaru around, whats the point of SAAB. Turbios, Boxers, Symmetrical AWD, plus with some of the upcontenting Subaru has done on the interior front SAAB didnt stand a chance.
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Subaru drivers are pretty much the same demographic as SAAB drivers, just that Subaru Drivers are younger.
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As time goes on KIA will take Subarus place too.
December 26th, 2009 at 2:06 am
The KIA Soul According to Journalists didnt make the North American car of the year finalists list. Journalists say becuase of cheap polypropeline plastics being easy to scuff in the interior.
They say they absolutely love this car, and its a very fun to drive product, but the materials in the interior killed it.
December 26th, 2009 at 2:30 am
What a lame excuse to exclude the car.
December 26th, 2009 at 6:36 am
They said KIA also Executed the Interior and Exterior design perfectly. From a Performance standpoint from a fun standpoint this car squashes all competitors. One guy said its cute as a button and by far the best desiogned small car. Those Detroit Journalists are hard on Interiors as well. The Camaro got eliminated as well for its interior for Polypropeline interiors. They said we wanted KIA SOul and Camaro, but we cant accept the fact that GM and KIA would not spend the extra $200 to get better plastics, that would improve the ownership experience of otherwise great vehicles. They said the Camro’s plastics were worse than the Soul, Like, almost “old GM” quality plastics.
December 26th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I also dont like the hard plastic. the dashboard in our ‘07 sportage has scratches on it and even though they arent many, it still there compared to our ‘04 mazda 6 which has soft plastics and has no scratches at all. it definitely feels better to touch. even the multi-textured steering wheels fells good to hold and after 6 years, still hasn’t worn out to become slipery. our sportage is 4 years old but the leather on the steering wheel has become flat and smooth already. same story for the gear shifter.
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on a red or black interior (like in the soul), the white scratches would ruin the look of the beautiful interior.
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and for the record, I’m just addressing this one problem with most Kias and not saying the whole car in general sucks because of this issue. But lots of cars these days have soft-touch plastics for the interior and the disqualification of soul from the NACOTY, is a sign for Kia to catch up in this area.
December 26th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
BJD all small cars have some kind of hard plastic on their dashboards. The Elantra supposdly has among the best interiors on the small car front, and they still complain about the hard plastic around the center console. Hyundai avoids putting scratchy plastics on the dash now, and puts it in the trunk lining area.
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Some jounalists complain about the resale value on the scratchy trunk plastic in the Elantra Touring. However, we have to have everything to to snuff as everybody is now looking at our cars with a fine tooth comb.
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Some Journalists are purposely doing this as they love our cars enough to buy but the wouldnt buy it becuase…… of that one little thing that may seem insignificant to us, but to a lot of Auto Jouranlists is a deal breaker.
December 27th, 2009 at 3:30 am
things are trickling down the small cars no, too BJD. Hyundai is bringing Alcantara as an option for Azera, Genesis and Equus when its sold here, so miore solfter touch materials will be available. There are a few areas in that Elantra that have some very nice soft touch plastics, so it should be a matter of time some of that Elantra plastic gets into souls too.
It felt like an Audi from 10 years ago. Almost like a painted on suede it felt like. Excellent work Hyundai.
December 27th, 2009 at 7:12 am
What a stupid reason for not choosing the chevy Camero or Kia Soul to win car of the year.
December 27th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Hope so HS. The Kia Soul is a very special car and needs to get special treatment as well.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:28 am
JTZ… the Soul was a contender last year remember… BTW in Europe the car of the year is the new VW Polo. Which in my opinion is correct: it has very good fit and finish, very good material choice (no inferior plastics), real low emission engines en very good mileage (CO2 87, and 3,3 l/100KM for the 75 HP Diesel). I admit the Soul does not look so dull, but even the new Polo does not look all that bad.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
They usually pick groundbreaking cars in the US for car of the year.
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Hyundai was picked last year becuase it was the official beginning of the Hyundai Luxury Brand. They wanted the Soul over the Golf becuase it was a new Direction for KIA yet for VW the Golf was another Also-Ran, but like I said those plastics killed it. They wanted the Camaro over the Gen Coupe becuase thats the best Camaro since the 1980s, and they felt Hyundai could have done a much better job with the Gen Coupe (they’re not a fan of the 2.0 Engine, they rather it had a V8). They wanted the Panamera because it was Porsches first sedan, but that didnt get picked becauae it was such an ordinary sedan that it bored them. The Camaro didnt get picked becuase of “Old GM” quality plastics.
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The 2 cars that are in the Running are the new Buick La Crosse, wich is almost as good as a Hyundai Genesis they said. The Ford Fusion Hybrid, which most people think are going to win.
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However, since the Fusion Hybrid already won Motor Trend car of the year, I think this independent Panel will go for the Buick.
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Bornloser, a car like the Polo can only win here if VW brought their 72 MPG Diesel version. The rest of the powertrain lineup is not groundbreaking enough to win something like that. The Polo itself is not a groundbreaking enough car for it to win either.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
The La Crosse is up there because this is the first truly serious car Buick has made in years.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
I think Hyundai will win 2011 car of the year for Sonata or Accent. The first truly upmarket Sonata, with such a groundbreaking engines, the first truly upmarket Accent with such a groundbreaking engine. If gas prices are high, the Accent will win, if they are low like now the Sonata will win. Watch. The Chevy Cruze/Buick Astra, Chevy Viva, Ford Fiesta will be on the list as well.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
The Regal will be on the list too, but I will get eliminated by the Sonata. Sonata’s interior is just as good, yet it has better power and more fuel eocnomy, and a hybrid version as well. That CR-Z well see, becuase its essentially an insight/Fit coupe, and the insight got eliminated faster than the Soul, for obvious reasons. They said the insight has even worse plastics then the Camaro.
December 28th, 2009 at 2:21 am
Don’t forget the Taurus. I think that would be better than the LaCross.
December 28th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Speaking of large sedans, I saw spy shots of the next Azera. That car is alright looking at least the pillars are not exactly cloned from the Impala like the 2011 Infinti M’s pillars are.
December 28th, 2009 at 7:13 am
That thng is rakish, reminds of me one of those oldsmobile/pontiac coupes from the 70s.
December 28th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Which car HyundaiSmoke the Taurus or the Infniti M sedan?
December 28th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Wow, what’s going on with Toyota is it “the best car manufacturer in the world?” I mean it never have problems but up until now. NOw I’m reading about the possible bad brakes in the Prius (ugly hybrid I really can’t wait until that Forte hybrid goes into production). First the Floormats, then the Matrix recall and now possibly this? What’s next the yaris?
December 28th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I wonder were Toyot’s quailty is now ranked? You guys think it’s under or before Chrysler?
December 29th, 2009 at 4:35 am
The Azera is rakish JTZ. Toyota is ranked in 8th place.
December 29th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Yeah the Azera isn’t as handsome compared to the VG on spy shots. Wow after all that toyota has been through and they are still top 10 best quailty?
December 30th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is on spy shots now. It looks cool from what I can see. It is one nice coupe. Will if that’s the case, I can’t see any reason why the Kee shouldn’t see the light of day. After all Kia is the sporty brand right? In 2010 we are going to be seeing a ton of Korean spy shots watch.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I HATE the name Veloster – please call it something else. If Hyundai is smart, they will too. Velsoter makes it sound as dumb as the concept looks. The rear end of the Kee was stupid, too.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:11 pm
JTZ the Veloster is the Accent Hatchback. Its the same size of an Accent hatch, it will use the same 145 HP GDI found in the next gen Accent sedan. Both the Accent Sedan and Veloster will share the same GDi Turbo that produces 176 HP. The Veloster will start as a 2012 model debuting in early 2011, coincidentally the year the Accent hatch gets replaced.
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Veloster, think GTI=souped up Golf, or think CRX=souped up Civic. Veloster=Souped up Accent.
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They call it a coupe but its actually a hatchback. Coupes have trunks like cars, and a sloping shape thats used for velocity, rather than efficiency,and utility.
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The Kee will be powered by mostly 6 cyl powertrains and close to Forte Koup size, so there will be plenty of room for a Coupe like the KEE in the H/K lineup.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:22 pm
The Veloster is not powerful enough to replace Tiburon, the Gen Coupe is too pricey for the original Tib Audience. There’s enough room for a couple more coupes from H/K. I also know the Next gen Elantra will get a coupe too.
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I think the whole Veloster story is a plot by Hyundai to hide a revolutionary change in the Accent Hatch, that will trump competitors to the point to where they cant compete. No rival expect MINI can even come close to competing with that Veloster hatch, and still we will beat them in standard fuel eocnomy and power
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Remember how Hyundai played along with the whole next gen Tiburon thing espoused by the media, and spy photographers with the Gen Coupe for a while until the production model was unveiled? I think that’s what they are doing now with the Accent. Make peopel think its some speical car, when they are really hiding a revolutionary change.
January 4th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
As nice as Hyundai’s new lineup is coming, I’m more curious about the next Rio than the next Accent.
January 4th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
So Kia gave the Kee the greenlight?
January 5th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Off Topic. Does anyone know exactly why the Cadenza has not been mentioned on Kia.com? All you’ll see is the Cancept called KND-5. Neither the name or the car is mentioned on American Kia resources. I figured maybe they would wait until 2010 will it’s the 5th of January now and their ain’t nothing about the car arriving in America at all. Sure I know it’s coming but there is something fishy about why it’s not mentioned on the website.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
There will be something after its NAIAS debut. Until then, there will be nothing.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Gee it is always boring a month before the NAIAS. It seems right after that, new things happen weekly.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
KIA BROKE THE 300,000 UNIT MARK. They sold 300,063 Kias in the states.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
They JUST made it. They needed at least 21,000 units sold in the December and it was breached.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Wow first the grand opening of the new plant in west point and now getting over 300,000 units sold in the states. This all before the Sorento and Cadenza too. This is something. Just think back in the Kia Sephia years, Kia only sold 500 units. Who would have known all this would happen 15 years later. Who would have known the Cadenza would come from the first generation Kia Sephia. Or the Kee or the Kue concept. who would have known 15 years after the Sephia first arrived in the states, 15 years later, the company would own a plant. Who would have known they would have luxury cars like the Cadenza and K9. Like at the next Optima on spy shots and the 3rd gnerations sportage. Who would have known Kia would team with Microsoft with the new UVO Technology. Who would have known that they would be partnered with the NBA. All this from starting off with the Kia Sephia.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Lastly who would have known both Hyundai and Kia togather would out sell Ford and Honda globally. Who would have known a V8 would come out of this or hybrids let alone FCEV.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
All of this started from the Kia Sephia.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
All of this started from the Kia Sephia. And they are still on US roads today.
January 6th, 2010 at 2:15 am
Actually, “Our story began with a bicycle back in 1951. And from there we just challenged ourselves to keep coming up with better ways to get around. Today, our proudest accomplishment is more than just a vehicle, it’s actually our new state of the art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia. This new plant doesn’t just represent how far we’ve come from since that first bicycle, it’s also a glimpse of where we’re headed, tomorrow.”
January 6th, 2010 at 2:38 am
Still look back at my 1999 Kia Sephia with fondness. It was not a great car but it was a good car, and it showed me what Kia was capable of producing.
January 8th, 2010 at 1:24 am
JTZ, its becuase there was a need in this market, that nobody was addresing. However, as Hyundai goes upmarket, and KIA goes, up tempo, we need to continue to focus on making a few cars with trims you can buy on the cheap.
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We want to hold the Chinese back a little bit, while maintaining our new found superior position in the Auto industry.
January 8th, 2010 at 1:40 am
The chinese make cheap cars and are trying to sell them more expensive than even a Camry. Brilliance + Chery = less than brilliant.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:15 am
Yeah I like how Kia wants to keep the cheap image going but are changing from being a cheap brand no one wants to a cheap brand people want to buy. If not why is it that they sold over 300,000 cars in the States and didn’t go out of business like Saturn? And if a Saturn Aura won car of the year award back in 2006, it had to be a good car because it won over the every 12 second seeing Camry and Accords.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:39 am
Saturn Aura=New Buick La Crosse=#1 contender to win 2010 North American Car of the Year. By the way, The new panel who decides the COTY hates new Camry and Accord, and says the hope somebody from a company like KIA or GM makes something better to replace those cars
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Greg, The Car wont be named Veloster, and that’s confirmed. They will call it Accent GS, SE, etc… most likely. If not use a different name.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:41 am
It looks like a Radical evolution of Accent Hatch.
January 8th, 2010 at 7:01 am
The Buick LaCrosse is by far the best finalist for COTY. The other finalists should have never made it.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I’m with COTY I’m sick of Camrys and Accords I like someone else to replace those every 12 second seeing cars on the road. But if I didn’t know anything about cars too I guess I wouold be on that Accord and Camry routine.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
I just saw the new Chevy Aveo concept. Let me tell you that son of a b is nice. So will the next Rio is going to have some serious rivals. The Honda CR-Z (really ain’t nothing but the VW Iroc concept) and the new Aveo ain’t no joke. Maybe the CR-Z’s interior is but not the exterior (the back of that Honda is ugly). So if the Aveo is that nice, it’s no telling what the next Rio is gonna look like? I’m begining to think the Rio has somehow escaped spy shots. Kia must have used the next Sportage as a target to distract the spy shooters while the Rio was doing some testing.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
For all we know the Sportage could be distracting attention to prevent the people from taking pictures of the K9 as well. I mean think about it, the lastest spy shots from Kia is the Sportage’s face that is nearly naked. That could easily distract the shooters from noticing any other Kias that are on spy shots. 2nd Hyundai has had spy shots of the Elantra, that Veloster and the Accent sedan.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Kia was always tryint to escape spy shots mor than Hyundai anyway. If not why is it that the next Elantra and Optima where both on spy shots around the same time and we can see interior images of the Elantra but nothing on the interior of the Optima? Why is it that we could see more interior spy shots of the Tucson and nothing really but that one photo of the Sportage? What really shocked me is Kia didn’t cover up the Optima’s C pillar.
January 9th, 2010 at 1:54 am
JTZ, Current Rio was unveiled first (Jan 2005 IN DETROIT) before Accent (Feb 2005 in LA), with hardly any spy shots on the Rio, but a boatload of shots on the Accent. It would be nice if they unveiled Rio, or some small car concept in Detroit. I know however, Elantra will be the next unveil for Hyundai.
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By the way the Aveo wil have 138 Hp and 47 MPG. Accent is supposed to have 145 HP and 45 MPG.
January 9th, 2010 at 6:18 am
Hyundai is going to show the Will concept at the NAIAS. I don’t know what Kia is going to be showing. My guess is the Cadenza.
January 9th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Yeah, Kia has the Cadenza for NAIAS, Sportage for Chicago, and Optima for New York. My guess is Rio for Geneva or Paris.
January 9th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Kia said that theu had three unveils this year in the US. Another thing I wonder about, is Kia has not given any media any information about what they will have at NAIAS. That seems strange to me.
January 9th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Greg Euro Rio is supposed to be radically different than US/Korea/China Rio, so US Rio has to be shown here, or in Korea first.
January 9th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
JTZ Its the US debut of the concept. This will be the second year in a row for No Hyundai Detroit debut? It seems like Hyundai is focusing more on the coasts now.
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The Big Auto Shows:
NAIAS=Next Week
Chicago=Next Month
Geneva=March
NYC=April
London=Jul
LA=Dec
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January 9th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
and Paris in October
January 10th, 2010 at 2:57 am
I bet the Kia Cadenza will be displayed with UVO at the NAIAS. It’s no telling what that car is going to be like.
January 10th, 2010 at 3:01 am
Does anyone know if the Kia Soulster is going to be shown at any auto show this year?
January 10th, 2010 at 3:03 am
Hey another thought just came to mind. If the Borrego is coming back in 2011 as a CUV doesn’t that mean we should see an unveiling of it this year?
January 10th, 2010 at 4:00 am
Maybe our Spec Rio will show at LAIAS, along with 2011 Borrego.
January 10th, 2010 at 5:42 am
Maybe, I wish it was sooner, but I know we have to pump up the buyer anticipation thing,
January 10th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Personally, I think Hyundai should get rid of the Azera/Veracruz.
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Theres still too many brands, and too many cars in one Brand for most brands including ours.
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Hyundai Should be:
Accent-Hatch, Sedan, and Elongated hatch made to look like a small (SX4 sized) crossover
Elantra-Elantra Sedan, hatch, and Coupe, and Tuscon
Sonata-Sedan, Wagon, Coupe, and Santa Fe
Genesis-Coupe Sedan and SUV
Equus-Sedan and Coupe
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KIA Should Be:
Rio-Coupe, Sedan, and 5 door hatch
Soul-5 and 3 door hatch
Forte-Coupe and Sedan-Sportage
Optima-Sedan=Sorento
Cadenza-Sedan, Coupe, and Borrego (Borrego shoud be more of a Cadenza Crossover)
January 10th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
KIA needs to do a Soulster too.
January 10th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
And a Mojave pickup truck. Then again, the pickup truck might need to be selectively marketed.
January 11th, 2010 at 3:09 am
I agree Bryan, but the top brass doesnt agree on a large pickup yet.
January 11th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
So Kia hasn’t released any teasers or concepts or new names of anything for the up coming auto show. You’ll think they would at least release the photo of the American version of the Cadenza. All I see is the UVO on the Sorento. The auto show is in 4 more days.
January 11th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
GMC is bringing out a concept that appears to be in the same class as the Kia Soul and that ugly Cube.
January 11th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
It would be nice if Kia shown a concept along with the Cadenza. So while GM is showing new stuff from Buick and Chevy and the CTS Coupe what it would be nice if the Soulster was to be shown in production or something. Or the 2011 Kia Borrego. It’s got to be something they have. It’s just got to be.
January 11th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Kia’s press conference is in 10 minutes (2:15 PM EST). Hopefully they will have some good stuff.
January 12th, 2010 at 12:41 am
The Cadenza didn’t make it!!!!!!
January 12th, 2010 at 2:40 am
Wow what a complete bore from both Hyundai and Kia this year at the NAIAS.
January 12th, 2010 at 2:49 am
At least the Cadenza could have arrived. Nothing no concept no nothing. All they have to show is some built in PC in the Sorento called UVO that want even arrive until Summer. What a complete bore. It would have been better if the Cadenza arrived with UVO too. Man is the Cadenza even planning to arrive in N. America? Gee you’d think they would show a concept or something. I guess there isn’t no prototype of the CH neither that guy must have lied. That would have been more of a ground breaking thing than the Sorento having UVO which could have been revealed in LA.
January 12th, 2010 at 2:54 am
I don’t think the K7 is arriving in the States. The Optima is the lead sedan. If not why isn’t it at the NAIAS? Hyundai gets 3 sedans arriving The Equus, Azera and Genesis. See how selfish Hyundai is? You see? GM at least lets Chevy, Caddy and Buick do there thing. Hyundai is selfish. They had to use the Forte’s stick shift as a test to see how it does. It will be easily corrected for the new Elantra. Hyundai is so selfish. I tell you.
January 12th, 2010 at 2:58 am
Hyundai doesn’t think it’s a good idea for the CH to arrive but they know it’s a good idea for the Equus to arrive huh? Hyundai gets 2 rear whel drive cars Kia the sporty brand gets nothing. Is that selfish or what?
January 12th, 2010 at 2:59 am
Hyundai messes up the Sedona’s sales and Kia want get a genesis base platform sedan.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:00 am
Whoa, hold on there buddy! I called a guy at corporate. Kia pushed back all of their debuts – they wanted UVO to shine. The new schedule is as follows:
Chicago: VG
Seoul: SL
New York: TF
The TF will be built at KMMG, that is why they started the hiring process again last month. They will begin mass production of the TF in Nov 2010.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:00 am
Why on earth does the sportier brand get one koup the the luxurious brand get two coupes by 2011? Tell me that?
January 12th, 2010 at 3:01 am
Yeah right Greg I’ll believe it when I see it. If they really wanted the UVO to shine they should have revealed it with the Cadenza.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:03 am
Hyundai just didn’t want Kia to bring the Cadenza because they know it looks better than both the Genesis and the Equus. If the Cadenza was RWD would you pick the Equus over the Cadenza?
January 12th, 2010 at 3:05 am
That’s why hyundai wanted the Cadenza to be on the Azera platform. Why is it the Optima has such a weak v6 engine? Hyundai is the selfish korean brand.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:09 am
I bet if the Borrego was a good selling car, Hyundai would have had their own bof as well. They used Kia’s borrego as a test. Hyundai is too chickent to take chances to they leave it to Kia to do their dirty work.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:11 am
Hyundai’s the reason for the Cadenza’s no show.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:19 am
Hyundai allows interior spy shots of the next Elantra but no interior shots of the next Optima.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:20 am
That lame interior spy shots of the next sportage ain’t nothing compared to when that Tucsan was on spy shots.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:23 am
We seen Accent spy shots. Nothing about the Rio though. We seen that Veloster nothing about the Soulster.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:24 am
At first I was shocked Hyundai’s selfish butt allowed Kia to have UVO. but then a thought came to me, Hyundai is testing to see how Kias sell and if it sells good they will place them into their rides as well. If I’m lying well see if the Elantra will have manual problems.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:25 am
Try to put your thoughts into one post, please. And, I agree with you. Hyundai sucks!
January 12th, 2010 at 3:27 am
Hyudnai is using the Forte Hybrid for the next Elantra.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:48 am
Hyundai really does sucks. They use Kias a crunch. Why you think the cee’d arrived before the i30? Isn’t the i30 better? After Hyudnai saw how popular the cee’ds were in Europe, they hurried up with their i30. I bet the next Optima has a weak engine while the Sontat has a more powerful engine why? Because Hyundai knows ever time a new Kia arrives it looks better than a Hyundai; as aresult, Hyundai wants to give Kia’s cars a weaker engine so that they don’t out sell them. Why do you think last January when Kia outsold Hyundai for the first time, Hyundai was very very upset more then they were upset when their sells went down other months without Kia outselling them?
To be for real, the only real manufacturers that make real profits is Kia and Subaru. Hyundai just wants to be noticed.
January 12th, 2010 at 3:52 am
Oh yeah one other thing. Why is it during the Super bowl Hyundai’s commercials are all over the place but when it’s Kia’s turn for advertising in the NBA Hyundai is on there too. But if there is an NBA game on TNT Hyundai is all over the network with not a sent of Kia’s commercials. Hyundai never even claims Kias as it’s sister company like Ford or GM ’s companies but Hyundai wants Kia’s sells globally so that they can say they outsell fords. They only want to claim Kia as it’s brand only when it comes to total sells why it uses Kia as a crunch.
January 12th, 2010 at 4:00 am
Back on that Honda CR-X. Why can’t Honda ever put their panal in the middle of the dash? The navagation system looks so tacky. Why would I want my radio closer to my passenger than me the driver? Why does the passengers need to view my speed limit and know how much gas I have like in that civic. It makes the car look tacky. yuck.
January 12th, 2010 at 5:10 am
JTZ Greg, Hyundai puts engines in KIAs so they can make them as reliable as possble and then the work the kinks out. After the knks are worked out the engines go into Hyundais. Hyundai has already designed the car they want, but KIA tests the powertrain, before they use it. the 1.6 and 2.0 the Soul uses will get GDi and go in Accent and Elantra.
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KIA=reliability
Hyundai=Fuel economy
January 12th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
The 2.0L in the Soul is done for very soon, in favor of the Theta version.
January 12th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
With the now two year old design of the Chevy Cruze, I don’t know if it will do so well. It’s aging rapidly. People are alreadying comparing this to the new Focus and let me tell you that Focus looks nice. when I see the Cruze, it looks so so outdated already. It needs a facelift before it goes on sale.
January 12th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Well so much for GM saying the Chevy Cruze is the most fuel efficient car in its class. They’ll only be able to say that for a few weeks. Then GM has the next Elantra to worry about too? Oh yeah GM missed up big time.
January 12th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
I just saw the Caddlilic XLS or something like that. Eventhough the greenhouse looks like a maybech that thing is nice. I tell you nice. People are still talking about the aging Cruze. I hope Hyundai doesn’t let the Cadenza age that would be a shame wouldn’t it? Keeping a car covered up on spy shots is more important than I thought.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:15 am
JTA, Cruze is supposed to get 44 MPG, though at a loss-Horsepower. The Focus and Elantra will have ~170 HP standard, the Cruze 140=Standard. Even smaller the Accent will have more power and better fuel economy than the Cruze.
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New Focus=37-39 MPG (Fiesta gets 40 MPG)
New Elantra=40 MPG+
January 13th, 2010 at 12:19 am
XLS=Equus sized car.
January 20th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Guys lets go for 1000 comments in this fourm.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
I saw the Equus at the NAIAS, and I was impressed. Based on the size of the Equus, Kia will be staying out of that market for a while yet. The 4.6L is probably pretty strained in the Equus. Can’t wait for that 5.0L.
January 20th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Kia is getting the K9 but it want get a V8 engine. It will just be a rwd car with a nice V6. It will be smaller than the Genesis yet bigger than the Lexus IS. At least Motor trend seems to think so.
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:47 am
Edmunds tested the 4.6 in Equus and said it still had plenty of power, and you can feel it move.
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Motor Trend is stupid, the IS is the size of a Sonata/K6 dude. The ES is the sze of Azera/K7, the LS is the the size of Genesis/K9, the GS is the size of Equus.
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:51 am
By the way Sonata has the same standard power as IS 250, with 9 more MPG!!!! AND THE IS 250 HAS A FUCKING V6!!! Boy is Toyota falling behind.
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:57 am
Hyundai sould start naming their cars for the US market like Korea:
Left Side Accent- Center Hyundai Symbol -Right side RB160, RB160H, RB160T, and RB200 and FS160, FS 160T, FS160H, FS 200.
Left Side= Elantra- Center= Hyundai Symbol -Right Side= MD160, MD 200T, MD200.