Unveiled today, the all-new Kia Optima will be available in Europe with 1.7L U2 CRDI diesel and 2.0L gasoline four-cylinder engines.

The long-awaited Kia Optima sedan has made its official public premiere today. Expected to go on sale across the European continent by mid 2011, the all-new Optima will play a major role to significantly grow the automaker’s market share in the competitive D-segment.

The Euro-specs Kia Optima will be tailored to European tastes, with buyers being offered a choice of diesel or gasoline four-cylinder engines. As we have learned so far, the European-market Optima engine line-up will comprise either a new highly-efficient 1.7L diesel engine which generates 136 horsepower and promises best-in-class emissions (113 g/km when fitted with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG Start/Stop system). A more potent 1.7L U2 CRDI diesel engine with 160 horsepower will join the engine line-up late next year.

Gasoline power will be supplied by an all-new technically-advanced 2.0L “Nu” four-cylinder engine with an estimated output of 170 horsepower. The 2.0L unit boasts Continuously Variable Valve Lift -CVVL technology, which boosts performance and economy by as much as 5,5 percent in comparison to non-CVVL engine of the same displacement.

The all-new Optima incorporates Kia’s philosophy of manufacturing cars that present excellent value for money, therefore you can expect the new Kia mid-size sedan to also provide generous levels of standard and optional high-tech features.

The 2011 Optima sedan will be fitted with features such as outside mirror LED turn signals, manual air-conditioning, electric windows front and rear, CD/Stereo with 6 speakers, keyless-entry with alarm system, automatic folding mirrors and Smart Parking Assist, which utomatically parks the vehicle.

“Euro” Kia Optima image gallery:

(more…)

Ahead of its official unveiling, we are bringing you some new details about the up-coming Kia Pop concept car, which will be making its official Paris premiere today. The information we obtained just recently include details about Pop’s technical specifications, performance informatiom, driving range and vehicle’s dimensions. Added here is also a sweet video animation of Pop electric car. Enjoy!

Kia Pop video presentation:

Continue your read for the official Kia Pop concept vehicle press release…

(more…)

Kia announced it will commence sales of its all-new US-spec Optima mid-size sedan within few weeks. The Optima will go on sale with a choice of all-new 2.4L GDI and 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engines, and Kia’s first–ever hybrid powertrain.

Kia officially announced the launch of its brand-new Optima mid-size sedan. First previewed at the 2010 New York Auto Show earlier this year, the hot-looking Optima is now ready to hit the U.S. Kia dealerships, says Kia Motors America.

According to the recent report, Kia Optima should appear at Kia stores across the States in early fall. It will go on sale with a choice of 2.4L GDI and 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engines and Kia’s first-ever hybrid powertrain.

The 2011 Optima was designed at Kia’s European and US design studios under the guidance of former Audi designer, Peter Schreyer. The all-new mid-size sedan from Kia Motors features impressive styling highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle.

Continue your read for the official press release of US-spec 2011 Kia Optima four-door sedan..

(more…)

More Kia Pop concept images revealed ahead of Paris Auto Show debut…

Kia today released some new images of its up-coming Pop concept car, which will be making its official public premiere at the auto show in Paris. These latest shots preview the new Kia Pop concept car from all angles and provides us some additional insight into the electric-powered city car.

Created at Kia’s European design centre (Germany) under the leadership of Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief design officer, and Gregory Guillame, Kia Europe’s chief designer, the Pop concept car boasts striking exterior appearance, modern interior lay-out and innovative door-openning system.

Is it going to production? As a concept car, there’s a good chance that Pop concept car won’t ever get built. But in the current climate in which carmakers are under huge pressure to produce eco-friendly electric cars, who knows? Several other automobile makers, including Opel, Chevrolet and BMW have already announced their intentions to produce similarly-sized electric cars, so Kia should better hurry up and introduce their very own rival to the forth-coming electric city-cars.

The all-new Pop concept car will be displayed in Paris at Kia’s Green Zone, which will also preview other Kia cars, including new Optima sedan, Sportage hybrid vehicle and low-emission cee’d and Venga MPV models. Check out for more information about Kia at Paris Auto Show here.

Kia Pop concept car image gallery:

(more…)

Today, Kia released a few more details about its premieres for the 2010 Paris Auto Show, which opens its doors on September, 30. We have been revealed before that the South Korean carmaker is going to unveil an exciting Pop electric car, which has been designed by Kia’s European design team under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer and Gregory Guillaume, Kia Europe’s Chief Designer.

Put on display alongside Kia Pop concept car will be the all-new European-market Optima sedan, featuring two brand-new four-cylinder engines with low CO2 output, and new Kia Sportage 2011 compact crossover, which just went on sale in Europe. The all-new Sportage will soon be getting two additional engine options (1.7L diesel and 1.6L GDI).

The stunning compact crossover vehicle from Kia Motors, which has already received praise from automobile media experts will also receive fuel-stretching ISG (Idle Stop&Go) technology to further improve its already great efficiency.

Kia also revealed the all-new Optima mid-size sedan will be available with a choice of 1.7L VGT diesel engine (packing 136 horsepower) or an all-new technically-advanced 2.0L NU four-cylinder engine, which features continuously variable valve lift -CVVL technology and generates impressive amount of power (170 horsepower).

In addition, Kia will also premiere three new “eco-friendly” vehicles, which all seem to be close to serial production. Making their official public debuts at a distinct ‘green zone’ on the Kia stand will be an innovative mild hybrid Kia Sportage concept vehicle and Kia cee’d and Venga low emissions models. According to Kia, all three environmentally-focused automobiles have an average tail-pipe CO2 figure of just 108 grams per kilometer!

More information about these exciting Kia vehicles will be released during the carmaker’s official press conference scheduled for the opening day of the 2010 Paris Auto Show.

New Kia Pop concept vehicle images:

The all-new 2012 Kia Optima hybrid car is headed for the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show!

Here are some exciting news for all of you Kia fans and enthusiasts living in the States. Kia Motors America is planning to debut the long-awaited 2012 Optima hybrid car at the up-coming Los Angeles Auto Show.

As you have probably heard before, the 2012 Optima hybrid will share its powertrain technology with the 2011 Sonata hybrid car, which means it’ll be propelled by the same 169-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a 40-horsepower electric motor.

The all-new Kia Optima hybrid will also feature the same “breakthrough” lithium-polymer battery pack as found in Sonata hybrid car. According to Kia, lithium-polymer batteries that will be used in new Optima hybrid are 35 percent lighter and 40 percent smaller than nickel-metal-hydride batteries of the same output.

In addition, lithium-polymer batteries are also more resistant to physical damage and can take more charge-discharge cycles before storage capacity begins to degrade.

Specifications on the 2012 Optima hybrid car should be identical to the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, therefore you can expect the vehicle to achieve best-in-class fuel economy figures of 39 miles per gallon on the highway and 37 mpg in the city.

The all-new Optima hybrid car is rumored to join the base Optima model with 2.4L GDI engine and the 2.0L turbo powered Optima sometime in the first half of 2011 (probably as a 2012 model year). Official details and information about the Optima hybrid release date will be announced during the automaker’s press conference at the forth-coming L.A. auto show.

Kia reveals plans about the all-new CUV-based electric vehicle.

During the official unveiling of the all-new Hyundai BlueOn electric car last week, Kia revealed it plans to jump into the EV fight by unveiling its very-first full-time electric car.

Not many details about the vehicle have been released to the press so far, however, it was revealed by John-hee, director of Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicle development program, that Kia’s up-coming electrified vehicle is going to be based on a compact crossover vehicle. It was also revealed that Kia plans to produce a few hundreeds of units of the CUV-based electric vehicle.

The early fleet of Hyundai-Kia electric cars will include around 2.000 units of Kia’s CUV and 500 units of Hyundai BlueOn electric car. Each of the produced all-electric vehicles will be supplied to Korean government agencies for a trial run. Commercial sales of both cars are expected to commence in the South Korean market in the first half of 2013.

What we also know about the up-coming electric Kia crossover vehicle is that the model will feature a lithium-ion battery pack, supplied by SK Corporation. It will be capable of driving around 80 miles on a single charge.

New Kia cee’d VR-7 and pro_cee’d VR-7 Special Edition models launched in the UK.

Kia Motors has announced recently that it has launched two special edition models of the popular five-door cee’d and three-door pro_cee’d hatchbacks in the UK-market. Named Kia cee’d VR-7 and pro_cee’d VR-7, the special edition cee’d models offer a wide range of standard features and excellent pricing, which considerably undercuts similar-sized rivals including the Opeal Astra, VW Golf and Ford Focus.

Under the hood, Kia cee’d VR-7 models feature Kia’s entry-level 14L gasoline engine. The 90-horsepower four-cylinder unit is mated to manual gearbox and now complies with Euro5 emission standards.

Unlike many other special edition models, including the four Kia Soul Special Edition cars, which were launched in the US-market earlier this year, the VR-7 models do not differ from standard Kia cee’d models. The only difference from standard cee’d and pro_ceed models is the equipment levels offered.

Standard features on VR-7 Special Edition models include body colour heated door mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as electronic stability control -ESP, Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Management-VSM systems.

Inside, the interior has been fitted with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity as well as air conditioning, remote central locking, front electric windows and six-speaker surround sound system. Kia has also added leather trim to the steering wheel, gearlever knob and handbrake to provide the cabin a more premium appearance.

Kia offers the VR-7 cee’d and pro_cee’d models in four exterior colors named Silver Storm, Arctic White, Phantom Black and Tempest Grey, which is unique to the Special Edition cee’d models.

The all-new Kia Pro_cee’d VR-7 is priced at £11.695, while the five-door Kia cee’d VR-7 retails for £11,995. Both Kia models are already on sale across entire UK Kia dealer network.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Picks 2011 Kia Sportage crossover vehicle as the 2010 Top Safety Pick!

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS, has chosen the 2011 Kia Sportage crossover vehicle -CUV as the 2010 Top Safety Pick in the category of small crossover vehicles. The ratings were based on side, frontal, rear, and rollover-including roof strength, tests for safety in an impact crash. The rating of “Good” is the highest rating achievable and the 2011 Kia Sportage safety record proves this.

Ratings from the Institute are based on results from frontal, side and rear impact crash tests, and for 2010 a good performance in a roof strength test – to measure protection in a rollover – also was required to win. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle, and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must have electronic stability control available to be eligible.

The 2011 Kia Sportage has joined the Soul crossover, Forte compact sedan, 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle and Sedona minivan which have all been named a “Top Safety Pick” by the US-based IIHS before. Kia Sedona minivan was the very first Kia vehicle in the States that won prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick award. This was achieved back in 2006.

Like any other Kia car, the 2011 Sportage crossover is also equipped with a large number of standard safety features. Both trims () come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags.

The 2011 Sportage is also equipped with front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System ABS,  ESC system, Electronic Brake Distribution -EBD, Tire Pressure Monitoring System -TPMS and Brake Assist System -BAS. There are also Downhill Brake Control -DBC and Hill Start Assist Control -HAC available on both Sportage trims.

Kia Canada recalling 2010/2011 Soul and Sorento models to fix possible faulty wiring that could start fires.

Kia Canada announced a recall has been issued for the 2010 Soul and 2011 Sorento crossover vehicles due to defective wiring harnesses that could short and lead to a fire.

According to the company, about 4,500 units of Soul and Sorento crossover vehicles are involved in the recall. This includes 3,295 Soul compact crossovers for the 2010 model year and 1,213 Sorento crossover vehicles for the 2011 model year.

Owners of the affected Kia models will be notified to bring their cars to their local dealerships who will replace the wiring harnesses for the lighting systems free of charge.

Kia Canada says that it is unaware of any cases or issues involving wiring problems here despite the recall.

A recall has been issued for Kia Motors America’s 2010 and 2011 Soul and Sorento vehicles due to defective wiring harnesses that could short and lead to a fire.

Kia Motors America releases its monthly sales report. Sales of new Kia cars dip 19 percent from a year ago.

Kia Motors revealed its latest sales report today. The South Korean fastest growing carmaker announced its sales went down 19,2 percent compared to a year ago. The August 2010 was a tough month for most of carmakers selling vehicles in the US-market, including Ford, GM, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia and  many others.

According to Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates, there hasn’t been enough horsepower behind the recovery to motivate consumers to regain their confidence and purchase vehicles at a higher rate. Although August is typically a strong sales month, majority of carmakers struggled to find buyers for their new cars.

The decline in Kia sales during last month was most apparent in Optima and Sportage models. Both are being replaced with fully redesigned models soon. The all-new 2011 Kia Sportage has already began hitting the Kia dealers across the USA, while the 2011 Optima mid-size sedan has yet to reach the showrooms.

Kia’s best-selling car in August 2010 was the all-new Sorento crossover. The US-made Kia crossover vehicle caught attention of many US consumers and therefore its sales have been on the rise ever since the model entered the market. In August, Kia dealers delivered 9,038 units of new Sorento to the US customers. The 2011 Sorento crossover vehicle was the brand’s best-selling vehicle for the eighth consecutive month!

Taking second spot in August 2010 sales, was Kia’s funky looking Soul crossover. With sales of 7,021 units, the model saw its sales rising more than 20 percent compared to a year ago. Third best-selling vehicle in the automaker’s line-up was Kia Forte compact sedan. Once again, Kia sold more than 6,000 units of Forte sedan and two-door Koup.

The Forte range is going to be expanded soon. Kia’s going to introduce a brand-new 5-door Forte hatchback within a month or two. This was confirmed by Tom Loveless, vice president, sales at Kia Motors America who told: “The most aggressive new product introduction cycle in the industry continues with the on-going introduction of the 2011 Sportage, which will be closely followed in the next few months by the arrival of the functional 2011 Kia Forte 5-door.”

The all-new Kia Sportage has just began hitting the US and Canadian Kia showroom floor and it has already experienced some pretty high demand. No wonders here, since the model looks really, really attractive. If you haven’t seen it in-person yet, you’d better visit your local Kia dealership to check it out. It’s an amazing vehicle with sporty exterior appearance. For sure, we are going to see its sales numbers rise even higher in the coming months.

(more…)