Production ready 2010 Kia YN spied in Spain, this time with slightly less camouflage!

The long-awaited mini-MPV from Kia, codenamed YN,  is due for release at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Until now, the YN has always been spotted in deep camo, which prevented us to see the styling of its front and rear fascias, but this time, it was caught while wearing slightly less camouflage.

Autoblog.es reader Tony picked up a few shots of YN while on visit in Spain. He caught a barely disguised production Kia YN with almost no camo on it’s rear. This is for the first time, that the rear has been exposed to the public and from what we can see, the rear looks sporty and a bit “Audi-sh”.

Judging by the looks of the lightly camouflaged prototype caught by a spy photographer, the production YN will stay very true to the concept car that Kia debut at Geneva auto show earlier this year. [Photosource: es.autoblog ]

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Set to make its official European premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show in September,  the 2010 Kia YN has been caught while undergoing testing at the “Ring” in Germany.

The forthcoming Kia YN will be Kias first true foray into popular mini MPV segment and was designed to rival the Opel Meriva, which has been the best selling model in the segment since its debut.

The 2010 Kia YN is still shrouded in secrecy, but we know it will be built on a slightly modified Soul platform with extended wheelbase. Unlike many other models in the segment, the Kia YN will feature an attractive exterior design and a unique front fascia incorporating Kia’s H-shaped signature grille.

Buyers of the upcoming Kia YN will be able to choose from a variety of small capacity gasoline and diesel engines. Making its premiere in Kia vehicles will be the all-new 1.4L diesel engine, which is currently found only in the Hyundai i20. The 90-hp diesel engine will become a standard offering in all future small and compact Kia cars, including next generation Rio hatch.

In addition to the all-new 1.4L diesel engine, the range of Kia YN engines will also consist of 1.4L and 1.6L gasoline engines and 1.6L diesel powerplants. All of the engines have been propelling the European cee’d hatchback and are known to offer plenty of power and great fuel consumption ratings.

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The 2010 mini-MPV from Kia will be officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. When it goes on sale early in the 2010, this all-new B-segment people mover will be joining the already crowded mini-van segment and the battle for younger European customers. 

Over the past two year, the 2010 Kia YN has been put through an extensive real life testing programs to sort out all the bugs that a new car might suffer from. With such an extensive on-road testing program, car spy photographers have had many chances to catch the prototypes in the wild and expose it to the wider public through various automotive websites.

Our previous Kia YN spy report, issued on Friday, has revealed some interesting facts about the official naming of the 2010 Kia YN. The same spy report also featured an image showcasing the YN prototype while hauling a trailer somewhere in the Europe. It’s interesting to see that everytime we get new spy shots, the YN looses some of it’s camouflage. In this case it has slightly less camouflage on it’s front fascia than we have been used to see by now.

The YN mini-MPV has been first unveiled as a No3 concept car at the 2009 Geneva auto show and it was announced that when production model gets released it’s final exterior shape won’t get changed much. The image attached below proves the statement to be true. 

As you can see the front fascia design on the YN prototype looks very close to the one seen at the No3 concept car. The major design difference between the No3 and YN prototype is a slightly different and less aggressive signature grille. The differentiation continues with the brand’s logo position which has been moved from the No3’s upper part of bumper to the middle of the grille on the YN prototype. When comparing both vehicles head to head, you can also notice a few slight design changes that have been implemented to the front bumper. [Photo source: Motorauthority]

See the image comparison of the 2010 Kia YN and No3 concept car after the jump…

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Kia might name it’s latest mini MPV model as Kia KV3 

Kia Sedona and Rondo minivans have been on the market for years and both are already established and very well known nameplates among similar people-movers out there. Neither of them has been particularly successful, but their sales results haven’t been bad either, especially in the US market where Sedona’s sales has been on increase lately, while Rondo continuously beats it’s main rival Mazda5 in terms of sales each month.

As you know, Kia keeps it’s range of cars expanding fast and each year the company ads one or two new models to it’s line-up. So far, this year we have seen the funky Kia Soul hitting the market, while later in the year we are expecting to see the Forte Koup making its way into the Kia showrooms.

But that’s not all, at about the same time as US will get the 2010 Kia Forte Koup, Europe will see the official unveiling of the new Kia mini MPV model, which will be joining Sedona and Rondo as a third people mover in Kia’s line-up. Codenamed YN, the new Kia mini-MPV is unfortunately destined for the European market only and there are no plans to export it to the States.

In Europe, similar mini-MPVs have been really popular and the segment has been on a rise with more new models coming-in each year. So such people mover is what Kia lacked until now to compete head to head against Opel Meriva, Renault Modus and Nissan Note - all belonging to the mini MPV segment.

Earlier this year Kia gave us an opportunity to take closer look at the No3 concept car, which was the vehicle that previewed the final YN product. Now, only a few months later and we can see a slightly disguised production-ready model being tested by Kia’s engineers in Europe. The new model is, surprisingly(!), benchmarked against Opel Meriva which has been on sale for like five years already and is getting a replacement at about the same time as Kia YN.   

Production name Kia KV3?

The new model will be officially launched at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show in September this year while it’s European sales is expected to commence by February 2010. The new Kia MPV will share it’s underpinnings with the Soul crossover and it’s platform, as well as engines and transmission, will also be used in the next generation Rio sub-compact car.

What’s really very interesting about this all-new Kia model is it’s official name. There has been a lot of speculation on renaming scheme that Kia has reportedly been having in the plans. I have already talked about that and also mentioned that Kia could start using numeric names on some of it’s future models. It’s very likely that Kia will use the KV3 nomenclature on it’s YN mini-MPV car. The KV3 means: “K” for Kia, “V” for the versatility of a MPV vehicle and “3″ being the model line. [Source: Carmagazine ]

The 2010 Kia No3, YN, cee’d plus…caught without heavy camouflage for the first time. [More spy shots @ Worldcarfans]

Kia No3 (codenamed Kia YN) spy image gallery:

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Kia No3 concept officially unveiled in Geneva

A stunning Kia concept car, named simply the No3, has been unveiled at Geneva Motor Show today. Following Kia’s latest design language, the No3 concept car combines attractive exterior design full of dynamic surfaces and attractive lines that Kia has been using lately to build it’s new brand identity.

The concept vehicle has been designed under the leadership of Kia’s head designer, Mr. Peter Schreyer, who has been responsible to give the range of Kia cars more distinctive look and the No3 concept represents the latest masterpiece of this initiative.

This new design language has already been implemented to several concept cars wearing a Kia badge and some design elements, such as characteristic signature grille, have already found a place on several production Kia models. Yet, the leaders of Kia Motors state there’s more to come in the very near future and we are certainly looking forward to that, don’t we!?

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Video preview: Kia No3 concept 

By now we have seen plenty of exciting pictures previewing the all-new No3 concept car from Kia Motors. What we haven’t seen so far were some video previews, that ussually come included in the official press packs. While browsing for some fresh new Geneva Auto Show, we came across the Kia No3 video which shows the No3 concept driving in the parking garage.

The No3 concept is scheduled to make it’s official public premiere today at Geneva Auto Show. The No3 concept car previews the forthcoming Kia MPV, which belongs to the fast growing B car-segment and is expected to go on sale later this year or early in 2010 (Kia has yet to provide more detailed information).

The No3 is based on the same platform as the 2010 Kia Soul, meaning it measures about the same in size as it’s sibling Kia Soul model. The concept is 4045 mm long, 1760 mm wide, 1600 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2615 mm. Compared to the Soul, No3’s wheelbase has been extended so it’s cabin provides even more generous passenger space.

Stylish Kia No3 incorporates the H-shaped front grille, known also as a new face of Kia. The Nor concept was penned at Kia’s European design center in Frankfurt and features a very unique extended windscreen, panoramic glass roof, beautiful set of 19-inch alloy wheels and Titanium Grey exterior color… Stay tuned for more information and images on this new striking Kia concept!

Before we take a closer look at the Kia No3 concept car, which is debuting in Geneva later today, you can check out a heavily disguised production-ready No3 model. The prototype of the upcoming Kia mini-MPV, codenamed YN, has been spotted by car paparazzis while undergoing some cold-weather testing in Sweden.

Latest set of spy shots has been published by several autoblogs worldwide, but we advise you to head over to our friends at Worldcarfans to take a closer look at the No3 in it’s production-ready form (2010 Kia YN ).

The all-new Kia No3 concept

Autoblog has published new images and additional information on Kia’s latest No3 mini-MPV concept that has been set to debut in Geneva tomorrow. Their No3 pack includes official press release and three new images previewing the No3 concept from behind, front and on the inside.

Official press release:

The all-new Kia No 3 Concept Car, which makes its world premiere at the 79th Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva today (Tuesday), redefines the small multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) genre by creating a spacious, functional car that is also beautiful and fun-to-drive. The concept features a unique extended windscreen and panorama glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar, an automatic sun visor and the evolving ‘face of Kia’ which displays the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation.

The 4045 mm long concept, which is finished in matte Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents, stands out from the crowd with its powerful proportions, dynamic lines, a modern, sophisticated interior and generous cabin space for flexible use. It delivers urban utility with a sporty touch.

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Kia No 3 Concept Car

In anticipation of next month’s Geneva Auto Show, Kia released three more images of it’s all-new mini-MPV concept car. Dubbed the Kia No3 concept, this all-new stunning show car from Kia Motors promises to be impressive looking and also fun-to-drive.

Penned by Kia’s European design team, under the leadership of design guru Peter Schreyer, the No3 concept features a new Kia family face and puts a H-shapped front grille, LED-technology equipped head-lamps and brand’s corporate logo in a new constellation.

The concept also features a panoramic glass roof extending up over the rear passangers with a diagonal supporting bar and an electric sun visor. Finished in matt Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents, the No3 measures 4045 mm long (13.27 ft) in length -ideal size for urban traffic- and also packs a set of funky looking 19-inch alloy-wheels.

Following the introduction of the production-ready model at the Frankfurt Show this September, the Kia YN will go on sale in Europe in early of 2010.

Kia will put it’s No3 concept on display at this year’s Geneva Auto Show alongside Kia cee’d ISG, cee’d hybrid and 18 other vehicles, including facelifted Optima/Magentis and Sportage. It’s world premiere is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3rd ( at 12.15 PM) at the Kia booth in hall 5. More images: Kia No3

Kia YN concept

As anticipated, Kia released the first teaser image of it’s forthcoming concept car which is slated to debut at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show at the beginning of March. The YN concept car belongs to the group of sub-compact mini-MPVs, a vehicle segment that has seen spurring sales in recent years particularly on European car market.

A stunning Kia YN concept vehicle was penned by a car-design guru Peter Schreyer and is expected to redefine the mini MPV segment by bringing style and cool to what is currently a bland segment of the new car market. According to Kia, the YN concept will feature a dramatic glass-roof treatment and will provide astounding spaciousness in a compact package.

The world premiere of Kia YN concept car will be taking place at the 2009 Salon de l’Automobile in Geneva (Switzerland) with the official press conference scheduled for 12.45pm. [Source: Kia] Find more information and spy shots on the 2010 Kia YN here.

The 2010 mini-MPV from Kia Motors, has shown up again, this time in the snow. A prototype vehicle, heavily disguised with black camo covers, has been spotted in Northern Scandinavia during some cold weather durability testing.

The upcoming “cee’d plus” will go on sale across the Europe late this year, as a 2010 model, and to make sure that the car feels home in any climate, Kia engineers have taken the testing to cold and snowy northern parts of Europe.

As we mentioned before, the 2010 Kia YN will be manufactured by Hyundai Motor’s at it’s high-tech European manufacturing facility, located in Czech Republic, together with it’s sibling model from Hyundai.

Since the car is riding on the same platform that underpins the recently released Soul crossover, both vehicles will use the same propelling powerplants. The new “cee’d plus” engine range will consist of a fuel-sipping 1,4 and 1.6L four cylinder diesel and gasoline engines, each achieving a clas leading fuel economy.

The 2010 Kia YN will also feature an eco-friendly ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system, which achieves up to 15% fuel reduction during the city driving. The system has just recently been successfully incorporated to the cee’d ISG, which will go on sale accros the Europe by the end of the next month. [Source:Globalmotors.net ]

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2010 Kia YN spy shots

New series of Kia spy shots have surfaced to the web today and they preview an eagerly awaited mini-MPV from Kia, which is expected to make it’s European public debut as a concept vehicle at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, opening it’s doors in March.

The test mule seen on the spy shots is heavily disguised and it reveals less details than YN prototype we have seen here a few weeks ago. These picture do however showcase the YN’s design will speak a completely different design language than the similar-sized Kia Soul.

The Soul has a box-like exterior design, while the YN features more rounded body shape and softer lines. At quick glance, the YN looks like a cross between Fiat 500 and Toyota Yaris.

Kia has yet to provide concrete details, but production ready Kia YN is expected to bow later in the year with it’s official debut rumoured to happen at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The YN mini-MPV will be powered by the same range of diesel and gasoline engines as one can find in Kia’s recently launched Kia Soul crossover.

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2010 Kia YN - “cee’d plus” spy shots

These are the latest spy shots of the 2010 Kia “cee’d plus” that surfaced to the web yesterday. They show a heavily camouflaged prototype vehicle of the upcoming mini MPV from Kia, which is set to bow as a concept vehicle in March of 2009 at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The “cee’d plus” is expected to go on sale in late 2009, as a 2010 model, and will be built exclusively for European market where it will take on cars like Opel Meriva, Renault Modus, Honda Jazz and Ford’s upcoming Fiesta based mini MPV model.

As we have already reported, the 2010 Kia YN will be produced in Hyundai’s new manufacturing plant in Czech Republic. On the same production line, Hyundai will also manufacture it’s own version of Kia “cee’d plus”, which is scheduled to hit the market by the end of the 2010.

Cee’d plus mini-MPV shares platform with Soul crossover, which means it will feature similar engines and transmissions. Aside from 1,6L petrol and diesel engines, the model will also be offered with 1,4L diesel and petrol units, both making premiere in B-segment Hyundai i20 hatchback. [Source: Carscoop ]

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