New Kia K4 To Be Released In April At The 2014 Beijing Auto Show

Kia’s all-new K4 mid-size sedan is going to be launched at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show in April this year!

The K4 4-door sedan will slot in-between the K3 compact car (known also as Forte) and the K5 midsize sedan (sold as Optima in the USA).

According to Carnewschina.com and auto.sohu.com, the vehicle is set to go on sale in the world’s most populated country during he second half of the year and will be the “China market exclusive” model!

This means the upcoming K4 sedan will be tailored to meet the Chinese consumer tastes and needs.

Kia K4 PhotoIn terms of styling, the new Kia K4 exterior styling has been inspired by the Horki concept car, which was unveiled at Shangai AutoShow last year, while inside, the car takes some styling cues from the Kia Cadenza premium sedan.

What we have also learned about the car so far is the fact that this is the twin model of the just-recently launched Hyundai Mistra, which is another vehicle from the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group that is only on sale in China.

There are no specific tech details about the spied vehicle, however, we believe the model will use the same powertrain technology as the above-mentioned Mistra sedan.

A range of two four-cylinder engines are expected to be available at launch (1,8L and 2,0L), while later Kia may also introduce a 1,6L turbocharged unit with more than 200 horsepower.

Official pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but the new K4 sedan should cost from around 140.000 to 180.000 yuan. [Photo-source: Carnewschina]

Note: The 2014 Beijing Auto Show kicks off on April 20., so stay tuned!

Kia K4 Spy Shots

Kia K4 Spied Testing  Kia K4 spy shots  Kia Inside

New Kia K4 Sedan Spied Testing – Spy Shots

Kia are hard at work creating an all-new K4 mid-size sedan that is expected to be officially unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in April.

Heavily camouflaged K4 prototype spy shots have surfaced to the web as the vehicle undergoes the final testing stages in China.

The 4-door sedan will be made available in China sometime before the end of the year and will be based on the same platform as the relatively new Hyundai Mistra.

Hyundai created the Mistra 4-door sedan as a “China exclusive” model, with the car designed and manufactured there and made specifically to meet the needs of the Chinese consumers.

Kia K4 Those same rules will apply to the Kia K4, which will fill the gap between the existing K3 (Forte) and K5 (Optima).

As far as styling goes, the K4 borrows a number of design elements from the Kia Horki-1 concept that was shown off at Auto China in Shanghai last year.

The car will come with a pair of 4-cylinder engines to choose from: a 1.8L that delivers 146-horsepower and a 2.0L that kicks out 162 horsepower. The consumers will have the option to mate either of those to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Once 2015 rolls around, Kia is also expected to make the K4 available with a 1.6L turbo engine that delivers 204 horsepower and 265 nm of torque. [Source: icarreview]

Kia K4 Spy Shots

Kia K4 Spied Testing  Spy Shots Kia K4  Kia spy shots

Kia Soul EV Spy Shots

There has been a lot of talk about an electric version of the Kia Soul being released this year, and now the car has been seen as it is put through the testing phase.

The second generation Soul hit the marketplace last fall, and while it has been incredibly well received, the talk has really all been about the upcoming electric version.

The new vehicle has now been caught on camera, although we will all have to wait a few months more to get a look at the finished model.

The photographs you see were taken in Sweden, with the front fascia and rear end of the car covered up by camouflage.

Soul Electric Vehicle Spy ShotsThe prototype has an update front bumper to improve aerodynamics, whilst also sporting slightly tweaked taillights. As you would expect from an electric car, there is no exhaust system.

Kia has revealed that the 2015 Soul EV will come with a high-capacity 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

A single charge should be enough to take the Soul a distance of slightly more than 120 miles. In order to extend the range, the Soul will recharge the battery somewhat when the car is coasting and braking.

No official price has been set as of yet, but the rumor is that it will come in at the 22,000 Euro mark when it is finally made available. Other details will be revealed as the official release date gets closer.

Find more spy shots of the upcoming 2015 Soul EV here.

Related Kia News

Automobile spies have also caught a heavily-camouflaged Sorento crossover. The next-generation 2016 Sorento has been spied testing in South Korea. Follow the link to see the images.

Sedona Spy Shots – Kia Continues Development

When Kia released their record November sales figures a week ago, the company announced plans to launch the long-awaited next-generation Sedona minivan to the market.

Set to go on sale in the first quarter of 2014, the new Sedona will receive a major styling makeover, completely re-worked chassis and up-to-date powertrain technology.

A couple of months ago, we have shown you an exclusive rendering of the upcoming Sedona minivan and that proved to be pretty accurate.

Of course, there are some styling cues that will end up slightly different on a production model, but the general “large minivan” shape will remain the same as previewed at the designer rendering.

Latest Spy Shots

Kia Sedona Spy ShotsAnother proof that Kia has been hard at work to launch the new 2015 Sedona minivan are the latest spy shots which showcase a heavily camouflaged Sedona prototype caught somewhere in South Korea.

The car on the pics is still full of black cladding hides which prevents us from seeing the front and rear fascia designed.

It does however allow us to see a portion of its side-line and some pieces of sheetmetal surrounding the windows.

Codenamed YP, the redesigned Sedona MPV will be inspired by the styling of the KV7 concept vehicle which was put on display at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

The model will feature a large H-shaped signature grille, LED day time running lights, sliding rear doors, folding rear-view mirrors and a set of horizontal LED tail-lamps.

The overall design of the forth-coming 7-seat people mover follows the design identity of Kia’s most recent vehicles like the Soul and Sorento.

Fresh styling, improved ride and handling, as well as up-to-date powertrain technology will help Kia to put its new Sedona against the likes of Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest more confidently.

The overall improved 2015 Sedona minivan should also see the increase in sales from the current 1,000 units monthly to around 2,500 – 3,000 units per month. [Photosource: Carnival Club]

Next Kia Sedona Pictures

2015 Kia Sedona Scoop Photo 

Kia Sedona Spy Shots – More Styling Changes Visible

The next-generation Kia Sedona has been seen in public once again, only this time with a lot less camouflage.

Earlier reports had the new Kia minivan looking similar to the KV7 concept, but these new images make it seem as though it will be more of a cross between the concept and the current 2014 Kia Sedona.

At the front, the only similarity the new Sedona has with the KV7 is the front bumper, which features set-back foglights linked to the scoop-shaped line.

This is our first view of the new headlights and are similar to those found on the new Cadenza.

They also follow the current design language adopted by Kia, with square shaped lights and LED lighting.

The grille on the Sedona looks almost identical to that of the Chrysler Town & Country, although that might just be a camouflage ploy on the part of Kia.

We believe it’s safe to assume that the tiger nose grille will be present on the finished model.

The biggest KV7 styling influences can be found by looking at the profile of the next-gen Kia Sedona.

The new roofline is a little less boxy than the KV7, but it also features the same drop-down styling at the 3rd row window line, as well as a similar up-ticking beltline.

The track line of the sliding doors is not hidden on the Sedona, separating it from the likes of the Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler minivan lineup.

The rear-window shape is similar to the KV7, but the rest of the back is your standard minivan look.

The tailights are exactly what you would expect from Kia, and the liftgate looks to be more traditional than the wider opening seen on the KV7.

The new Sedona could make its US debut at the upcoming L.A. auto show in November or 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. [Image Source: caradvice.com.au]

More Spy Shots

Find more spy shots of the next generation Sedona minivan or take a look at the exclusive image rendering of the Sedona MPV.

Kia Sedona Revealed In Spy Shots, To Be Released In 2014

There were very few noticeable changes made to the 2014 Kia Sedona, so it shouldn’t really surprise anyone to hear that new spy shots of the 2015 model hint at a bigger style upgrade to the current, rather boxy version.

The Kia designer somewhat have their hands tied with the overall minivan shape, but the new photos do suggest more defined shoulders, a large greenhouse, and a bigger signature grille.

The latter actually looks pretty massive when compared to the previous look, but it should help balance out the overall mass of the 2015 model.

The redesigned Sedona minivan vehicle gets more of an upscale feel courtesy of the headlight clusters that flank the grille and stretch back to the car’s corners.

There are a few more upscale touches, including LED turn signal repeaters on the side view mirrors and horizontal LED taillights in the rear.

The new sliding doors look to be absolutely huge and there also seems to be an upkick in the daylight opening aft of the C pillar.

Sedona Minivan Release Date

It is very likely that the new Kia Sedona will be launched sometime next year as a 2015 model.

It will have seating for up to eight people, cupholders aplenty, and a host of family friendly technology on the inside.

The photographer wasn’t able to get any spy shots of the interior, but it’s fair to assume that the inside will be a little more upmarket, as was the case with other new Kia’s (just take a look at the new Cadenza premium sedan).

There is no word yet on what will be under the hood. The current model has a 269-horsepower, 3.5L V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2014 model, which went on sale in the spring, had a starting price of $26,750.

We can probably expect to see the 2015 model arrive in showrooms sometime during 2014.

Spy Shots Of The 2015 Sedona Minivan

     

Euro-Specs Optima Spy Shots

The Kia Optima sedan will have a facelift model coming soon and there is now an idea of what it will look like based on spy photographs.

What is not clear is whether the model in the picture is a global redesign or a European specific version.

The latter will be reminiscent of the slightly redesigned Optima model that was put on display at the New York Auto Show and is what we can probably expect.

The test model bears a similar looking front bumper and fog lamps found on the North American 2014 Optima. The front also has repositioned LED daytime running lights.

Those LED’s look a little different, though, as the inner lights has been changed from a rectangular shape to more of a rounded look.

The rear looks like it has retained the refreshed tail lamps with newer graphics. The boot lid and rear bumper have some slight design tweaks.

The latest spy images images would lead us to believe that that there is very little difference, other than the lights, between the test model and the American model.

That would lead to the assumption that this is for the European marke or the first step in a substantial redesign. That is something we will just have to wait and see. [Photo credit: Auto Motor Und Sport]

Latest Kia News

Interested in latest Kia news? Follow the Kia-World blog, a daily-updated website dedicated to Kia fans and enthusiasts around the world.

Spy Shots: 2014 Kia Sportage Facelift

First spy photos of the 2014 Kia Sportage (facelift) hit the web!

Autoweek reader Kristoffer Gjevre was in the right place at the right time last week, which just happened to be Mammoth Lake, CA.

That is where Hyundai and Kia have been testing their pre-production vehicles.

Gjevre was able to photograph and camouflaged SUV crossover and an undisguides K9 sedan, which was backed up by a Hyundai Veloster and Santa Fe.

There are a few clues, namely the roofline and A,B,and C pillars, that give the impression that the small crossover vehicle is the 2014 Kia Sportage.

Much of the front and rear of the car was camouflaged, which would lead you to believe that updated fascias may be coming.

The photographer mentioned that the dashboard was concealed, which might suggest interior updates, too.

Related News: First photos of 2017 Kia Sportage released to the web

Unlike the small crossover, the K9 was clearly visible. The K9 is a rear wheel drive vehicle that shreas the same platform as the Hyundai Genesis.

It premium sedan, which has been on sale in South Korea since mid-2012. There are no plans at this time to make the Kia K9 available in the US any time soon.

Stay tuned for additional news and spy shots of the 2014 Kia Sportage facelift! [Source: Autoweek]

2014 Sportage Spy Shots

Kia Sportage Release Date

It is not known exactly when does Kia plan to launch the updated Sportage to the market.

However, we belive the slightly refreshed Sportage crossover will hit the U.S. market at the beginning of 2014.

Stay tuned for more news about the new Sportage!

2015 Kia Optima News, Rumors, Release Date, Spy Shots

Although the 2014 Kia Optima has just been introduced to the public, we have noticed that many people require information about the 2015 Optima.

The information and details about the 2015 model are scarce at this point, however, we decided to publish an early article, exclusive to the 2015 Kia Optima, which will contain latest news and rumors about the next model year Optima.

Consumers interested in the all-new Kia Optima mid-size sedan can either wait for more details on the 2015 Optima or take a closer look at the current 2014 Optima sedan.

2015 Optima Launched in the U.S. market!!!

New Kia Optima Buying GuideThe wait is over, Kia has released the full details on the upgraded 2015 Optima.

The hot-looking 4-door sedan is already sitting at your local dealerships, so let’s learn about all the upgrades and improvements!

Click here to find everything about the 2015 Optima changes and improvements.

For the 2015 model year, the Optima received 3 new color choices, as well as several other upgrades.

Click the book to find out more about it!

Here we have a great review of the 2014 Kia Optima Facelift, as well as some cool pictures:

     

The Kia Optima has been around since 2010, and its gorgeous styling has always been something to behold.

The vehicle was the brainchild of Kia’s design team in Frankfurt, Germany, with many believing the Optima was the car to put Kia on the auto design map.

Other major players in the mid-size segment were forced to sit up and take notice of the “tiger-nose” grille, the subtle wedge shape, and the beautifully appointed interior of the Optima. An added bonus was that it was a great car to drive.

That’s all in the past, though, and it’s time for the 2014 model to shine with a refreshed style and updated set of equipment.

The body shell remains unchanged, but the front fascia has taken on something of a futuristic touch, which differs somewhat with the choice of trim level. Regular or LED fog lights have a pod-like look that is reminiscent of the Pro_cee’d GT.

The aesthetically pleasing fender vents now have a beautiful chrome wing.

Changes appear in the rear in the form of updated LED taillights, a rear diffuser, and a re-shaped trunk.

Inside Look at the 2014 Optima

On the inside the Optima now comes with a 4.3-inch TFT screen in the instrument panel, as well as an all-new, optional 8-inch navigation and telematics screen.

The seats have been redesigned to be more comfortable, and safety is served in the form of a blind spot detection system.

Another new addition, albeit only on the SX trim level, is a drive mode selector. Drivers have the ability to sharpen the response of the transmission by toggling the power-assist steering levels.

Those are basically all the changes found on the 2014 model.

The vehicle maintains the same three trim levels:

  1. Optima LX
  2. Optima EX
  3. Optima SX

The base LX, which comes with 16-inch alloys, fog lights, tinted glass, and a dual exhaust; the mid-level EX, which comes with leather seats, 17-inch alloys, and a power driver’s seat; the stunning SX has 18-inch alloy wheels and significantly more aggressive fascias; at the top of the line is the SX Limited, which treats drivers to chrome wheels, Nappa leather seats, an electric park brake, and LED fog lights.

Turbo, GDI Engine Options

The engine options also remain the same. The standard engine is a 2.4L gasoline direct-injection engine with 200 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

The SX comes with the option of a 2.0L, direct-injected turbo with 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.

Those are in addition to the Optima hybrid, which was recently updated to deliver more torque and additional options. The combined output of the 2.4-liter four and electric motor comes in at 206 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

These minor changes should keep customers coming for more until the all-new version makes an appearance in two or three years.

You can browse through the latest Kia news to find more details about the latest Kia cars, or wait for more details on the 2015 Kia Optima!

Kia Motors America unveiled a new version (2014 Model Year)

Read About – 2014 Optima Turbo

Car Spy Shots: Kia Soul

Here we have a couple of close-up spy shots of the all-new Kia Soul crossover, which is scheduled to make its official public premiere at the forthcoming 2013 New York Auto Show.

It looks as though the next-generation Soul is going to be a little bigger. A glimpse of the side view reveals a longer wheelbase and sleeker proportions, not to mention a little taller ride height.

There will be little change to the basic shape of the outgoing Kia Soul, with pictures of the new prototype definitely showing the familiar slanted roof, rising beltline and Range Rover-like windshield design.

NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT: 2014 KIA SOUL UNVEILED!

The front end is a little different though, and actually looks like the Track’ster concept that made its way to the Chicago auto show earlier in the year.

Peeking through the holes in the camouflage were a few small details of the Soul’s redesigned exterior lighting.

It appears that the tail-lamps will keep their place high in the D-pillars, with LED lights used on higher trim models.

The fender vent appears to be a little longer on this model, which in turn leads to an increase in the sheet metal that appears between the leading edge of the front doors and the front wheel wells.

2014 Soul Sales, Pricing

The Soul’s engines were upgraded in 2012, so there really shouldn’t be any major changes to be made there. The base should still be the 1,6L GDI, 4-cylinder with direct injection that delivers 135 hp.

It is also likely that an optional 164-hp 2,0L 4-cylinder will also be available on the 2014 version of the Kia Soul.

It’s still a little too early in the game to start guessing when exactly the new Soul will appear at the Kia dealerships across the USA, but what we can guess is that the pricing for the 2014 will remain pretty much the same.

The current Kia Soul (2013 Model Year) starts at an affordable $15,175, with the top-spec model barely breaking $20,000. [Photo Source: bobaedream.co.kr]

Optima 4-Door Sedan Facelift: New Spy Images

Ahead of its official public premiere, we are bringing you exclusive spy shots of the subtly restyled Kia Optima mid-size sedan.

Set to go on sale in the second half of 2013, the revised Optima mid-size sedan will make its official public premiere at the forth-coming New York Auto Show, which kicks off on March 27!

Up until now, the automobile spies have caught several heavily-camouflaged Optima prototypes testing on the U.S. soil, but with the official launching date approaching fast, the Optima test cars are starting to lose the cladding and show us more of their refreshed skin.

The latest spy images from South Korea show the Optima facelift with a partly undisguised rear-end which features a set of subtly restyled tail-lamps and updated rear bumper.

Up front, the 2014 Optima incorporates a slightly refreshed honey comb grille and LED day-time running lights. Hidden from the public eyes are restyled front bumper new fog-lamps and other equally subtle design changes.

There’s no word yet on likely engine line-ups for the 2014 Optima, but you can expect the current 4-cylinder engine line-up (2,4L GDI and 2,0L turbo) to carry over, though with significant revisions to make them even more responsive and environmentally friendly! [Photosource: Hankyung]

Kia Optima Facelift Spy Shots

 

 

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