The next generation Kia Optima (currently, also known as ‘Magentis’ in some markets) is set to make its world premiere next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

“The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “It’s a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.” Read the rest of this entry »

Kia Motors has unveiled its ‘Ray’ Plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, show-casing its innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.

Following the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Forte LPI Hybrid, the petrol Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid, the ‘Ray’ concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform.

Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal roof-top solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel to power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia ‘Ray’ boasts a range of up to 1,200 kilometres (746 miles). Read the rest of this entry »

The all-new Kia Sportage crossover will mark a dramatic shift in design direction for the brand’s popular SUV when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March.

Embodying Kia’s newfound visual dynamism, the new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that successfully blends the key features of an SUV –the commanding driving position and heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – and envelopes them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal. Read the rest of this entry »

Kia Motors Corporation has unveiled the first official picture and export market name of the production version of its KND-5 concept car – an all-new sedan designed to satisfy drivers’ desire for refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction by creating ‘ideal’ driving conditions.

The stylish luxury sedan, which is to be called ‘Cadenza’ in markets outside of Korea, will make its overseas premiere at the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai international motor shows, towards the end of the year. Read the rest of this entry »

Euro NCAP, the organisation that assesses the safety of new cars, today releases the results for eight new cars. Seven cars in this line-up received Euro NCAP’s maximum five star award, whilst one car, the Citroen C3, received a four star result. Two of this month’s top-scorers are amongst the car industry’s most fuelefficient vehicles: the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius 3.

The latest results for the Insight and the Prius 3 show that good fuel economy need not stand in the way of a high level of safety performance. Euro NCAP in particular commends these hybrid vehicles for their impressive pedestrian scores that not only fulfil Euro NCAP’s current five star requirements, but already meet the organisation’s challenging 2012 targets. Pedestrian protection is an area that has long been underprioritised by carmakers. Last year barely 25% of the cars tested achieved more than two stars for pedestrian protection. However with the introduction of a new regulation in Europe this year and a stronger focus maintained by Euro NCAP, the tide is quickly turning. Read the rest of this entry »

Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that its all-new, uniquely spacious and dynamic B-segment MPV will be named ‘Venga’ when it goes on sale across Europe later this year.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the 4,068 mm long Kia Venga will feature an unusually long (2,615 mm) wheelbase for its class – and a 1600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space. Skilful packaging will ensure that the Venga redefines its MPV category by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint. Read the rest of this entry »

Kia’s best-ever selling C-segment car gets a new look at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The cee’d is Kia’s top-selling model in Europe and has been thoroughly re-engineered and restyled under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, to feature the latest version of the company’s signature grille – an evolving expression of the brand’s design DNA.

Comprehensively updated, the new Kia cee’d range will deliver a host of customer benefits including numerous exterior and interior design refinements, upgraded standard equipment and technical innovations. The cee’d also gets a fully-revised suspension set-up. Read the rest of this entry »

Kia Motors has today released the first images of its new premium saloon due to go on sale in Korea at the end of the year.

The new model, currently known by its code name VG, was shown in concept form at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year and is set to replace the existing Opirus model in Korean, North American and European markets. Read the rest of this entry »