New Kia Models Coming To Australia In 2014

Kia is hoping that the introduction of new models in 2014 will strengthen their presence in Australia.

Let’s take a quick look at the three upcoming Kia vehicles.

1. Kia Soul (February 2014)

Kia’s all-new Soul is the first new model to appear in Australia.

The Kia Soul has proven to be a major success for Kia from day one, and they are looking to build on that by delivering a more mature second generation model in February.

The 2014 Soul is a little longer and wider than the outgoing model, riding on a platform that is based on the cee’d.

Ride and handling have been vastly improved with the use of a stiffer body shell, while the interior cabin and cargo space has been increased, and all while delivering a quieter ride.

The Soul will come with a 103kW/167Nm 1.6-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine, with a 1.6-liter diesel also available in the local market.

Full model specifications will be given closer to the launch date, and may well include some of the following items found on the overseas model: include LED daytime running lights, xenon headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, climate control, heated and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, eight-inch touchscreen with internet-linked apps, and several other luxury features.

2. Pro_cee’d GT (March 2014)

The second new Kia model to be introduced in Australia this year will be the pro_cee’d GT hot hatchback which is set to be released  in March 2014.

This will represent the first time that the pro_cee’d GT has been available anywhere other than the European market.

The pro_cee’d GT was designed and engineered in Europe and is currently built at Kia’s production plant in Slovakia.

The GT hot hatch will line up with the likes of sister company Hyundai’s Veloster SR Turbo, as well as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST as its competitors.

The Pro_cee’d GT actually has the same engine as the Veloster, which is a turbocharged 150kW/265Nm 1.6-liter that goes from 0-100km/h in just 7.7 seconds.

Kia has been working hard to deliver a unique suspension system for the GT that is said to be tailored to suit the road conditions in Australia.

The GT model will set itself apart from the standard hatchback model sold in Europe with the addition of new front intakes, 4-point LED running lights, 18-inch alloys, Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals, red brake calipers and dual exhaust outlets.

Related Kia news: video review of the pro_cee’d GT

3. All-New Grand Carnival MPV

The Kia Grand Carnival (Sedona in the US market) has been the number one people mover in Australia for seven years, and will look to continue its run at the top when the all-new model arrives later in the year.

This will be the third generation of the minivan, which is due to get an official unveiling at the New York Motor Show in April.

A few spy shots have already made the rounds, though, giving us a general idea of what to expect.

Design changes include a shorter front overhang with a broad grille and sleek horizontal headlights.

The van actually looks more like a car, what with its heavily raked windscreen that is reminiscent of the Kia KV7 concept.

It looks as though horizontal tails lights appear round back, much like they do on the Rondo MPV.

One of the prototypes seen in the spy shots came with a 2.2-liter CRDI diesel engine, leading us to believe that the 4-cylinder R-Line diesel unit will be carried over from the outgoing model.

Related news about Kia: Next-gen Kia Sedona rendered

Stay tuned for more Kia sedan news!