Kia Motors America Introduces 2007 Kia Borrego SUV at 2008 NAIAS

Newest Addition to Kia Line-up Makes its Debut at North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of record 2007 sales, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the world debut of the all-new 2009 Kia Borrego midsize SUV at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, further bolstering its product offerings in the United States.

2009 Kia Borrego

Inspired by Kia's "less is more" design philosophy, Borrego was intended to convey a pure and functional look. It joins Kia's versatile and stylish line of cars and SUVs for those who enjoy active and energetic lifestyles. Set to go on sale this summer as a 2009 model, Kia Borrego houses Kia's first-ever V8 engine, making it the most powerful vehicle to date.

"Kia is proud to deliver a stylish and amenity-filled SUV to consumers who are passionate about what they drive," said Len Hunt, president and CEO of KMA. "We strive to make quality vehicles at affordable prices and the Borrego offers distinctive styling, while meeting the needs of families and those who want to infuse life into their driving experience."

Aggressive Yet Attractive Packaging

Based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle shown in Detroit in 2005, Borrego's body-on-frame construction and muscular exterior sit on a fully independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, which provide an optimal riding experience, on- or off-road. Flared back headlamps, an upright grille and chiseled hood project a strong presence, while optional 18-inch alloy wheels offer increased off-road capabilities.

Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 114.0 inches, an overall length of 192.1 inches and overall width of 75.4 inches, Borrego offers a roomy interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven passengers.

Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior

Inside, Borrego features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600- watt Infinity(R) audio system to entertain its seven passengers. Complementing the powerful audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB/iPod capabilities and is the first Kia vehicle to be SIRIUS Satellite Radio enabled with three months of complementary service. The new midsize SUV also offers power-adjustable pedals and Kia's first DVD navigation system as options, as well as a back-up warning system with a rear camera display.

Depending on passenger or driver needs, Borrego comes with a sliding second row for easy ingress and egress to the third row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimize cargo space.

Unparalleled Power

As Kia's most powerful vehicle, Borrego is offered with a 3.8-liter V6 as well as Kia's first 4.6-liter V8 DOHC engine, the latter producing more than 300-horsepower. Also unique to Borrego and new to Kia is the six-speed automatic transmission mated to the V8 engine. Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, with class-leading towing of 7,500 pounds when partnered to the V8, 5,000 pounds with the V6, the midsize SUV offers unmatched capabilities for a weekend of camping and off-roading, just as much as a sophisticated night on the town.

Standard Kia Safety

Borrego continues to offer the same unprecedented level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, with features such as advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Borrego also offers downhill assist control (DAC), which keeps the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades and helps to keep the wheels from locking, as well as hill assist control (HAC), which helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing or allows the vehicle to stop uphill without sliding backward. Both functions are new to Kia.

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all Kia models, Borrego is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti- perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Kia Motors America - the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea - offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. In 2009, KMA's first U.S. plant in West Point, Ga. will begin production. For more information visit www.kia.com.

Kia Confirms "Eco" Cee'd Is a Go for Production

SEOUL, S. Korea — Kia Motors confirmed on Friday that it will build production versions of its green "Eco" Kia cee'd based on the positive reception to the Pro-cee'd concept shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Production of the new eco cee'd will kick off at the company's Zilina facility in Slovakia starting in December 2008, with sales starting early in 2009.

The Kia cee'd is the European sister vehicle to the Kia Spectra, which is sold in the U.S.
The new eco cee'd product lineup includes a five-door, three-door and wagon. The Frankfurt show concept was fitted with a 1.6-liter CRDi diesel engine that achieved a 17 percent reduction in fuel consumption over the standard model.

What this means for you: Good news for green-minded Euro buyers, and some positive spin-off effects for U.S. fans of the Kia Spectra.

Seoul Auto Show: Kia KND-4

SEOUL, S. Korea — Only a few months after the introduction of its Kue concept at the Detroit auto show in January, Kia in Korea has unveiled the KND-4, another take on the future direction of utility vehicles.



The KND-4 "gives a bold hint at how future Kia compact SUV models might look," the company says. The acronym KND indicates the vehicle's origin, at Kia's Namyang Design Center.
The KND-4 is a four-seater with LED headlamps and taillamps, flared wheel arches, wraparound rear glass and 20-inch wheels and tires. Its design cues are likely to find their way into future Kia crossover vehicles.

The cabin is outfitted with the latest in information technology, including an ultrathin LED display, Bluetooth wireless capability and a Blu-Ray DVD player. The floor, instrument panel and door panels have a metallic finish, and the cockpit features indirect lighting.

A 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel delivers power to all four wheels via active torque transfer.

Kia Soul Will Join Kia Line-up in 2008 as a 2009 Model

Kia Motors America Will Introduce Consumers to Its Newest Crossover Vehicle

Kia Motors has announced that the Kia Soul crossover concept, which is on display at the New York International Auto Show, will go into production in 2008 as a 2009 model year vehicle. (PRNewsFoto/Kia Motors America)

Kia Motors America (KMA) will add another vehicle to its line-up in 2008, the Kia Soul crossover utility vehicle (CUV). Announced at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit that it will become a production vehicle, the Kia Soul was originally unveiled as a concept car during the 2006 Detroit show. A collaborative effort between Kia's design studio in California and design studio in Korea, it will go on sale at the end of 2008.

"The Kia Soul's aggressive and youthful styling is raising the bar for vehicles in its segment, and we are excited that it will be joining the ever-expanding Kia line-up in 2008," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "The flexibility, function and utility this vehicle provides, as well as its dynamic appearance, further demonstrate Kia's commitment to producing vehicles that create passion with consumers."

Exterior Design with Attitude

The architecture of the Kia Soul's stance is reflective of its sporting and confident character. A wrap-around windshield, muscular wheel flares, stylish front headlamps and a sloped roofline help convey Soul's athletic appearance, which is geared toward satisfying customers with an active lifestyle. The Soul's exterior exudes an athletic presence, while several design cues lend a svelte, edgy look indicative of urban attitude.

Atop the sloped roofline is an automatic panoramic sun/moon roof. The front section of the panoramic roof slides backward and fits over of the rear section allowing for open-air driving with unobstructed views for both front and rear passengers. Also up top are roof racks integrated into the Kia Soul's design with rails for sliding objects forward and backward.

Stylish Yet Functional Touches

A symmetrical combination headlight design incorporates the headlamps and grille opening in a functional layout, while the front brush guard with integrated fog lamps is functional and helps convey the Kia Soul's SUV toughness. Side vents add some character while helping to cool the engine compartment.

The Kia Soul's side panel construction was designed with safety in mind and is strong enough to allow "freestyle" passenger doors (rear-hinged in back) that, when opened, reveal the lack of a B pillar, which makes for easier ingress and egress. High taillight placement lends to a contemporary look but also to better visibility and safety for occupants.

A rear brush guard smoothly envelopes the license plate underneath a power lift gate activated by the key fob. And the rear lift gate includes a unique backpack compartment that can be configured to accommodate an individual's active lifestyle needs; it folds out like a mail slot for wet or muddy items such as a wetsuit and hiking shoes, or even a skateboard depending on its configuration.

Looking Deep into the Soul

The Kia Soul's interior was inspired by high-quality audio equipment, with the front dash designed around the front audio speakers rather than the other way around. Soul's premium audio system will please music lovers and the speakers are strategically located at the best positions to maximize audio performance and sound quality.

Furthering the multimedia entertainment system is a notebook computer with a multi-purpose video game monitor housed in the glove compartment area. The notebook sits on a tray that swings outward when the vehicle is stationary and becomes accessible to either the passenger or driver seating positions. The multimedia system includes Blue-tooth and MP3 technology as well as multiple USB ports, Wi-Fi and telematics. Video monitors that fold up and out airline style from the center console, which runs the length of the cabin, are available for rear seat passengers' entertainment.

Cabin ambiance is accentuated by upscale interior lighting. Instead of a typical dome light there is a lighting element surrounding each panoramic sun/moon roof. The same lighting technique is used in the door trim and is reminiscent of limousine interior lighting, adding to the Kia Soul's urban, social feel.

The Kia Soul's shape promises lots of interior space relative to its footprint; though small on the outside, the Soul is big inside with practical interior room and a reconfigurable cargo space. Two semi-bucket seats in front comfort the driver and front passenger, while flat-folding rear seats create even more storage space when desired.

The front-drive Kia Soul is powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. The powerplant is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability and adaptive cruise control for active driver control and convenience.

Kia Motors America -- the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea -- offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States.

For more information, including photography, visit www.kia.com


Source: Kia Motors America

Geneva Auto Show: Kia ex_cee'd

We know, a Korean cabrio-convertible - especially one in Essex-stiletto white and with such a ridiculously convoluted name - should be a prime target for some lazy gags.
But we've been impressed by the standard cee'd, and we have to admit we rather like this. It's a concept version of the Korean manufacturer's small hatch, styled by Peter Schreyer and called - ready? - the ex_cee'd.

Instead of the ubiquitous folding hard-top seen on the VW Eos et al, the ex_cee'd gets a powered fabric roof. Dispensing of the necessity of wedging a roof-shaped piece of metal behind the rear seats gives the ex_cee'd a much less convoluted profile than most current C+Cs, and we love those ultra-bling 19-inch alloys too.

Of course, whether it looks anything like as good when (or indeed if) it reaches production remains to be seen, but it's all good stuff from Kia.

At the more practical end of the scale, Kia has also been showing off the cee'd SW, the estate version of the cee'd. OK, it's about as sexy as a girder, but with decent loadspace and that cracking seven-year warranty it should be a sensible buy when it goes on sale early this autumn.

source: topgear

Cee'd spawns a soft-top

Kia will unveil a coupe-cabriolet concept version of its cee'd hatchback at the Geneva motor show in early March.

In a move that demonstrates either futuristic edginess or rubbish punctuation skills, the Korean manufacturer is calling it the ex_cee'd cabrio.

Based on the three-door cee'd, the ex_cee'd is fitted with a powered fabric roof rather than the folding hardtop found on Peugeot CCs.

With its wedged profile, aggressive front end and bling 19-inch alloys, it's certainly a good-looking addition to the crowded coupe-cabriolet class.

We were impressed by the quality of the cee'd hatch when we drove it recently, and if this model makes it to production unchanged, we reckon Kia is on to another winner.

Don't expect to see it on the roads any time before mid-2008, though.

Kia Cee'd "Sporty Wagon" for Europe

SEOUL, Korea — Kia has released photographs of the production version of its new Cee'd wagon prior to its unveiling at next month's Geneva auto show.

The new car, which will be sold under the name Sporty Wagon in Europe, forms part of a three-model Cee'd lineup. It slots in alongside the current five-door Cee'd and the three-door version that is planned to be unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Kia claims the Cee'd Sporty Wagon brings class-leading interior accommodation and luggage space to its class. At 176 inches in length, it is 29.3 inches longer than the five-door hatchback version of the Cee'd, all of which is concentrated in the rear overhang. It is also almost a half-inch taller than its hatchback sibling at 58.7 inches.

The Korean carmaker is making much of its new wagon's rear tailgate mechanism. It is hinged 8.9 inches inward from the top of the rear window, an arrangement it says allows you to load the rear luggage compartment without needing to step back from the car when the tailgate is raised.
The engine lineup mirrors that of the Cee'd five-door, with the choice of 105-horsepower 1.4-liter and 122-hp 1.6-liter gasoline units along with three common-rail diesels: a 1.6-liter with either 90 hp or 115 hp, and an upcoming 2.0-liter with 140 hp.

Kia Rond SX Concept unveiled at 2007 Chicago Auto Show

Kia debuted its all-new crossover vehicle, the 2007 Kia Rondo, at the Los Angeles Auto Show just last November and has wasted no time enhancing its "Exciting and Enabling" brand direction with the Chicago International Auto Show introduction of the Kia Rondo SX Concept. Already a capable vehicle – Kia Rondo is based on the current-generation Kia Optima platform – the SX concept elevates the crossover to new heights by showing that practicality doesn't mean excitement is sacrificed.

"We have positioned the all-new 2007 Kia Rondo as a vehicle of function and versatility," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "The Kia Rondo SX Concept is proof that smart, spacious vehicles don't need to be boring, and that consumers can still be passionate
about a daily driver."

The Kia Rondo SX Concept is finished in a sophisticated four-stage metallic gray exterior color and reinforces its sporty theme with cues from current Kia SX-trimmed vehicles like the Rio and Spectra models, which include more aggressive front and rear fascias, sportier grille inserts and other exciting exterior details. Key front-end changes include a larger lower air intake, an integrated SX-styled front fascia, new brake cooling ducts as well as a restyled metal-mesh-insert front grille to match. Headlight inner rings also are darkened in color to complete the aggressive look.

Likewise, the rear fascia receives sportier treatment with a new metal-mesh vent insert, diffuser and dual exhaust outlets. Roof rails, which are standard on most Rondo models, have been removed for an aerodynamically cleaner look and the door handles and body-side moldings finished in a contrasting technical silver color to present a smooth and contemporary overall finish. The Rondo SX Concept is fitted with an optional accessory body kit currently available on LX and EX trim lines. However, on the SX concept model, the initially argent-colored lower rear spoiler, fender flares and rear/side fascia extensions of the body kit have been finished in a slightly contrasting metallic gray color. The vehicle sits on aggressive five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/40R18 Michelin® Pilot Sport performance tires to complete its bold exterior stance.

On the inside, the Kia Rondo SX Concept is enhanced with modern luxury sport materials and finishes. From the driver's Seat an SX-familiar black leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrasting red stitching can be easily identified. The seats are trimmed in gray leather with custom contrasting red leather trim surrounding dark gray Alcantara® inserts. Dark gray Alcantara® and red leather accents also can be found on the front and rear door trim. Replacing the stock black parts are SX-styled brushed stainless steel sport pedals, as well as platinum-look accents for the center stack, shifter surround and door switch trims.

The Rondo SX Concept's 2.7-liter DOHC V6 has been enhanced with a cold-air intake and a cat-back exhaust system that yields an additional 10 horsepower to boost the engine's output to 192 horsepower. The SX Concept's ride height has been lowered approximately three inches to improve cornering and augment the sporty aesthetic. The vehicle also is equipped with cross-drilled and slotted front and rear brake rotors for enhanced braking performance.

Kia Rondo SX Features & Specifications

Exterior Dimensions
Length: 179.0 in. (4547mm)
Width: 71.7 in. (1821mm)
Height: 62.0 in. (1575mm)
Wheelbase: 106.3 in (2700mm)

Wheels & Tires
Wheels: 18-inch, five-spoke alloy
Tires: 235/40R18 Michelin® Pilot Sport

Exterior Features
Aggressive front fascia that matches styling of other Kia SX models
Larger lower intake
New brake cooling ducts
Integrated chin spoiler and fascia extensions
Restyled front grille with metal mesh grille insert
Black chrome door handles, body-side moldings and emblems to match front grille
Restyled rear fascia with new matrix-style vent with ground effects-style fence diffuser and dual exhaust outlets
Darkened headlight inner coloring
Kia accessory body kit finished in slightly contrasting gray color
Fender flares
Rear and side fascia extensions
Lower rear spoiler
Roof rails removed for enhanced aerodynamic look

Interior Features
Stock gray leather Seat trim bolsters with dark gray Alcantara® inserts and contrasting red leather accents
Dark gray Alcantara® and red leather accents on door trim
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrasting red stitching
Platinum-look accents for center stack trim, shifter surround trim and door switch trim
Brushed stainless steel sport pedals

Driving Functions
2.7L DOHC V6, 192HP
Custom fabricated cold-air intake system
Cat-back exhaust
Lowered ride height (approximately three inches)
Cross-drilled and slotted front and rear brake rotors

2007 Kia Kue Concept: more photos

(from Kia Press Release) Kia Unveils Kue Concept at North American International Auto Show.
Crossover Concept Focuses on Sporty Driving and Hints at Future Design Direction for Kia

IRVINE, Calif., January 8, 2007 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today during a press conference unveiled the all-new Kia Kue crossover concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The press conference also served as the official public debut in North America for Peter Schreyer, new global design chief of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC).

“We’ve instilled confidence and integrity in our consumer base with vehicles that provide value, quality and safety,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. “Kue embodies the next phase of our brand evolution, which will instill pride and passion in our customers through great design.”

The Kia Kue employs a different approach to the crossover utility vehicle segment by taking elements of what makes a CUV to a new level, namely performance. Kue is designed first and foremost as a driver’s vehicle. While possessing SUV characteristics and capabilities, the Kia Kue focuses more on giving the driver an exhilarating driving experience on the way to the home improvement center than on how much it can haul.

The Kia Kue has a monocoque platform that sits on 22-inch tires with a wheelbase of more than 114 inches, packaged in an overall length of 186 inches. Though purely a concept, the Kia Kue does, however, hint at future styling directions for Kia Motors.

“Good design shouldn’t look like you are trying too hard,” said Tom Kearns, KMA chief designer. “The future Kia direction will incorporate the ‘less is more’ philosophy but still include a heavy dose of boldness to be distinct.”

With its four wheels pushed to the corners and exterior skin tautly stretched over its underpinnings, the Kue sits powerful and poised. Draped muscular wheel flares play a nice contrast to crisp beveled sections found elsewhere on the body. Swept back headlights connect to the front grille to create a clean, aggressive down-road appearance. The side window shape flows effortlessly into the rear backlight where two centerline hinging doors open to access rear storage. A single side door that incorporates a negative skive shape opens scissor style for easy ingress and egress.

On the inside Kue continues the clean, athletic theme with bold understated simplicity. With a four-passenger seating arrangement and custom-built bucket seats, Kue is a vehicle both driver and passengers can enjoy. A technology-driven interface designed to adjust to driver and passenger preference is the focus of the interior functionality. Touch pad and motion-sensing controls are used to adjust things like audio and climate, and the entire system is programmable so that one surface may activate the stereo for one driver and temperature for another. Rear passengers have their own, separate interface.

The generation-next functionality of the interior is complemented by the use of sophisticated seat and surface materials and a modern color palette. Carefully selected materials and textures are vital components to the interior design of Kue, and they create an upscale feel that is both modern and inviting. A mid dark interior theme with highlights was chosen in place of the typical light interior common to many concept cars. Overall, the Kue interior presents a new perspective of upscale function with an emphasis on comfortable, user-friendly interaction.

Just as inviting is Kue’s appeal to be driven in a sporty fashion. Fitted with a 400-horsepower, DOHC, supercharged 4.6-liter V8 that twists out 400 lb-ft of torque, Kue is a true performance vehicle. Helping the driver harness all that power is a full-time all wheel drive system yielding predictable driving characteristics both on- and off-road.

Developed by the KMA design team as an expression of Kia’s global design language, the Kia Kue is a true reflection of the Kia brand and the passion it embraces.

source: seriouswheels