- Filed under: Economy, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Kia, Special/Limited Editions
Kia Denim Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Kia-World.net, pricing for the Korean automaker's new Soul Denim, which we inadvertently stumbled upon in the land of coffee while testing the equally new Forte, will begin at $17,300 with a standard five-speed manual transmission and $18,250 with the optional slushbox. Production will reportedly be limited to 1,200 units, though we'd expect more special editions in the future.
For that sum, the buyer will get the custom Denim Blue paint scheme with offset white striping, white side mirrors and white 18-inch alloy rims as seen in our gallery below. Exterior mods continue with a new rear spoiler and fender-mounted turn signal indicator lamps.
Despite its name, the Kia Soul Denim will not feature an interior sewn up to match your favorite pair of jeans. Instead, black fabric with 'Soul' logo inserts will reportedly cover the seats. Based on the Soul+ model, the Denim will also get the uprated audio and moonroof packages, fogs lights, floor mats and an iPod cable as standard equipment.
[Source: Kia-World.net]REPORT: Kia Soul Denim to be limited to 1,200 units, start at $17,300 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Kia, Saturn
Most Kia dealerships are in rural and second-tier urban areas because real estate in markets like New York and Chicago are just too expensive. With the contraction of Ford, GM and Chrysler dealerships in those areas, Kia retailers are finding that now is the time to enter the big time.
In particular, Kia appears to be interested in Saturn dealerships. Kia executives told Automotive News that they like Saturn stores because they're newer, more exclusive, and - more to the point - available. Kia is going after Saturn dealers in three ways: Current Kia dealers are opening up additional locations at former Saturn sites; Saturn dealers are converting their stores to sell Kias; and Kia is asking Saturn store owners to open a separate Kia store close-by, then share a common parts and service center.
One Kia dealer, Billy Fuccillo, has turned a Saturn dealer near Syracuse, NY into a $2.8 million super Kia dealership equipped with such indulgences as granite-lined bathrooms. Fuccillo already owns the top-selling Kia dealership in the US, and he says his new store, in a more prominent location, will fare even better. He plans to sell more than 3,000 vehicles per year and as many as 500 this month. As part of his opening marketing push, Fuccillo will give away five Kias and four Hyundais to one person. He's going to deliver all nine vehicles via car-hauler to the individual's home. That's a bit crazy, but converting Saturn dealerships to Kia stores seems to be anything but.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]Kia reportedly takes a liking to Saturn retailers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Kia
Click above to watch the video after the jump
Kia came strong with some good looking hardware when it introduced the production Koup in New York. The Koup is a stylish, fun-looking two-door that will likely draw the attention of the much coveted younger car buyer demographic. To seed the minds of said youngins, Kia is embarking on the prerequisite pre-launch ad blitz that starts with a single commercial.
Beyond the jump is the first commercial offering to tout the wares of the all-new Kia Koup. While the car may look ready for action, we're not quite so sure about this 30 second spot. The theme? Two. As in two doors. We kinda thought that calling the Forte-variant the Koup was more than enough of a hint for customers that it was, in fact, a coupe. On the bright side, the Koup looks as good in moving pictures as it does on the New York Auto Show. Hit the jump to judge from yourself, and let us know what you think of the ad in the comments. Thanks for the tip, Christian!
[Source: Paultan]Continue reading VIDEO: First Kia Koup commercial hits the interwebs
VIDEO: First Kia Koup commercial hits the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Kia, First Drive
2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery
If there's one thing we can say about Kia, it's that it keeps making progress. In the 15 years the brand has been selling cars in the United States, South Korea's second largest auto manufacturer has increased its market share every single year. The future looks bright as well, with new vehicles like the Soul receiving rave reviews and a new billion dollar production facility set to open this year. Hoping to build on that success, Kia has launched its new 2010 Forte, replacing the Spectra that failed to stand out among cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda3. With a new name, a new face, upgraded powertrains and aspirations to exceed consumer expectations about the brand, can the Forte help Kia finally make its mark in the compact sedan segment? Read on to find out.
Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte a compelling new compact sedan option
First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte a compelling new compact sedan option originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Government/Legal, Safety, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, MINI, Toyota, Carsumer Advocacy
Driving a small car in the urban environs they're so well suited for can add up in big repair bills, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Low speed incidents in parking lots and on tight city streets are everyday occurrences that seemingly shouldn't cost a lot to set right, but they apparently wind up costing consumers many thousands of dollars each year. The smallest cars on the market also have tiny price tags, making the price of repairs a much larger percentage of what the vehicle cost in the first place. The IIHS recently evaluated the bumpers of some of the tiniest vehicles on the market in low-speed incidents, and the results dovetail with the agency's equally low impressions of vehicle-to-vehicle impact performance of small-segment vehicles. A new damage assessment criteria was used to more closely mirror reality, and the cars underwent four tests: two corner impacts and two full width impacts on the bumpers.
Of the seven cars tested, only the Smart ForTwo earned an "acceptable" rating, with most of the pack scoring "poor." Worst was the Kia Rio's startling $9,380 total damage tally, by far the most expensive showing in the test. The Honda Fit and Mini Cooper may be more highly regarded in the small car segment, but both of those models also score poorly.
In diametric opposition to what anyone might actually enjoy driving, the Smart ForTwo and the Chevrolet Aveo came out best in terms of repair costs, bashing their way to $3,281 and $4,490 in total damage, respectively. It's clear from the IIHS' testing where bumpers often failed to engage or slid under the test barrier, that the way improve on the tests is to pay closer attention to bumper position in all circumstances when designing a car. If the bumper doesn't match up properly, bodywork ends up bearing the brunt of the impact, making even low-speed collisions expensive propositions. Hit the jump to see a video and a chart of the results along with the full release.
[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]Continue reading IIHS: Small car bumpers cost big bucks to repair
IIHS: Small car bumpers cost big bucks to repair originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Videos, Hatchbacks, Kia
Click above to watch the video after the jump
Do you remember those Transformers fan videos in which fanboys with a lot of time and not a lot of friends made stop-frame action sequences with their toys? The creative types at Kia must have liked the idea, because they assembled a several dozen Kia Souls to make a video of their own. The end result is something pretty damn cool.
Hit the jump to watch "Kia Soul Rock!" The 1:29 video starts off with the prerequisite car stunts and power slides, and then it surprises with synchronized stop-motion goodness that includes nearly 100 Souls working together to make a rolling self effigy. Talk about your high-effort productions. At the end, the Soul Sport models all head into the cargo ship for transport, but Kia wants to stress that the vehicles used for stunt duty will not be shipped to customers. Thanks for the tip, ConceptVBS!
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Soul Train: Stunt time with Kia down at the docks
VIDEO: Soul Train: Stunt time with Kia down at the docks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Kia, Special/Limited Editions
Kia Denim Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery
We're clearly fans of the Kia Soul, in case you couldn't tell after reading our recent reviews of the Korean brand's new urban road warrior. One of our few gripes is that we can't order a Soul with as many cool features and accessories as you can in Europe. That may soon change as our recent trip to Seattle to drive the new Forte sedan (review coming soon) revealed.
Quietly on display was this special edition Soul, which we have confirmed will be called the Denim Soul and arrive at a dealer near you soon. We have no other details because Kia isn't talking, but you can tell from our gallery that this aesthetic package will certainly set your Soul apart. From its white wheels to the split stripe, this Soul has a little something extra. And while we didn't see the interior, we're almost certain it's called the Denim Soul because that's what Kia named this shade of blue, not because the seat upholstery is made of hard-wearing Levis like a certain AMC we remember. We'll let you know more and soon as Kia opens up with official info.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Keep Your Pants On: Kia Denim Soul on its way originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Kia
2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery
Following the ill-timed Borrego and ultra chic Soul is the new 2010 Kia Forte Sedan. This compact four-door, soon to be joined by a Koup, will replace the Spectra in Kia's line up and wind up being only a couple hundred dollars more expensive. Kia announced today that the 2010 Forte Sedan will start at $14,200 in base LX trim, which includes a delivery charge of $695. The mid-level Forte EX will start at $16,490 and the top shelf SX model will begin at $17,890.
The SX model will be the sportiest trim level and has a sport tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and larger front brakes along with a black interior trimmed in red stitching. What really gets the Forte SX going is its 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at a healthy 173 horsepower; it's paired with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The LX and EX make do with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 156 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque that's paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Our choice would clearly be the SX, and we wouldn't necessarily be penalized at the pump with its 22 city/32 highway mpg rating. LX and EX models with the smaller 2.0-liter engine achieve a slightly better rating of 25/34 mpg, while a special Fuel Economy Package can be ordered on the EX model that includes Motor Drive Power Steering, a "smart alternator", silica tires and special aero enhancements to achieve 27/36 mpg.
Check out Kia's official press release after the jump for more info.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading 2010 Kia Forte Sedan priced from $14,390*
2010 Kia Forte Sedan priced from $14,390* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Economy, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Kia
2010 Kia Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery
Greeting the Kia Soul with low expectations didn't make sense. Perhaps the details of the funkwagon's story seemed overly familiar at first blush - Kia wants, nay, needs to be more than just the bargain-basement Hyundai store. Differentiating product lines with the help of bold design has been tried before, and the results have been disastrous more often than they've been wildly successful. Finding out that the Soul's styling inspiration was a wild boar sent the cynical mind of this autowriter reeling, preparing to suffer with a bore of a swine-inspired car. But Kia's been on a roll lately with aggressively priced product that's well equipped and imbued with performance that's often more inspired than the sum of its parts. If any brand stands a chance of melding its design studio's hit parade with tuning that lives up to the looks, it's Kia... right?
Photos Copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Kia Soul deserves to be breakout hit for brand
Review: 2010 Kia Soul deserves to be breakout hit for brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Kia
The 2001-2004 Kia Optima is being recalled in several states for corrosion of the front subframe. The recall covers some 36,538 examples sold in the U.S. in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia - all areas typically noted for being high rust threats due to their difficult winters and use of road salt.
According to the recall, internal corrosion of the front subframe can weaken the mounting points near the lower control arm, leading to everything from irregular tire wear to abnormal stress levels in the system that may contribute to a cras.
The recall begins this month, but neither Kia nor NHTSA have outlined a potential fix in the recall notice posted after the jump.
[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading Kia recalling 2001-2004 Optima sedans in rust-prone states over subframe corrosion
Kia recalling 2001-2004 Optima sedans in rust-prone states over subframe corrosion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Trucks/Pickups, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia, Rumormill
Kia Soul'ster - Click above for a high-res image gallery
One of the reasons automakers build concept vehicles is to gauge the public's reaction to a new design. Apparently, the Kia Soul'ster garnered enough goodwill and interest after its debut at the Detroit Auto Show the Korean automaker is strongly considering putting the canvas-roofed Soul-amino into production. Previously, Kia's Alex Fedorak said the Tonka-mobile was created "in a fashion that was production-capable."
According to Kia-World, though the automaker isn't officially saying the Soul'ster will be mass produced, unnamed Korean magazines are reporting it's looking good and that a decision is on the way in short order. If there's any truth to the rumors, we can expect to see the little subcompact pick'em-up truck on American roads in the second half of 2010. Thanks for the tip, Mike!
[Source: Kia-World]REPORT: Kia Soul'ster headed for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Euro, Safety, Videos, Hatchbacks, Kia
Click above to watch the Kia Soul's Euro NCAP crash tests
There is no rating yet for the Kia Soul in the U.S., but in Europe the car did the business: the Soul scored five stars on the NCAP frontal offset, side impact and pole crash tests, doing no worse than "marginal" in just two areas. In the frontal offset test the windshield doesn't crack and there is only minor cosmetic damage aft of the front door's front shut line. It's a big result for a little car, and if it has the reliability to match it should do very, very well. Thanks for the tip, GenGT!
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests
VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, LLC., GM, Hyundai, Kia, FIAT, Rumormill
Chrysler has been trying to shack up with another automaker for quite a while now, and the trail of relationships that never got off the ground reads like a middle school diary. While Chrysler's deal with Fiat has all but gotten 500s rolling out of plants on this continent, a deal with Kia had been worked pretty hard as a way to source a car, resulting in a term sheet for the relationship. Kia ultimately put the kibosh on the deal, citing manufacturing issues, a move that sent Tom LaSorda around the globe trying to play matchmaker for his employer.
A deal with Nissan to swap trucks for small cars was all but official, but fell apart after the financial climate worsened further, so it seems there will be no Ram-based Titan after all. Another joint deal was investigated, this time with GAZ and Magna, to build a car in Russia using excess GAZ capacity. Serious talks with General Motors even went on under the "Project America" moniker back in October. For all the efforts to get the Auburn Hills automaker betrothed, it finally seems like things are moving along with an assist from Fiat, and we should start to see the nuts and bolts of the deal come together now.
[Source: WSJ]
The Chrysler-Kia alliance that never was originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Kia, Celebrities
I'm from Cleveland and the city will stop doing whatever it's doing tonight at 8PM EST to watch the Cavs take on the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 - Round 2 of the team's 2009 NBA Playoff run. Yesterday's news that LeBron James won the league MVP award added yet another nugget of pride to an already large pile of pride nuggets assembled by our beloved Cavaliers this season. Along with a super spiffy trophy that will look great on his mantel, James was also given a brand new Borrego SUV by Kia, sponsor of the MVP award and an NBA partner.
As it turns out, NBA MVP winners always get a free car, and they always turn around and immediately give it away. Some players have endorsement deals with automakers, so the league usually asks what charity they'd like to donate their prize to beforehand. Both James and this year's Defensive Player of the Year, Orlando's Dwight Howard, don't have any auto endorsement deals, but that didn't stop them from tossing the keys to their favorite charity. Howard gave his car to the Orlando Day Nursery and James donated his Borrego to the Akron Urban League. Don't cry for The King, though. He arrived amidst a police escort to the MVP award ceremony, which he requested be held at his alma mater - St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, in his custom Ferrari with vanity plates that read "W1TNES".
[Source: Kicking Tires, ESPN]LeBron James gets free Kia for being NBA MVP, gives it away originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia, Shanghai Motor Show
Kia Soul Hybrid - Click above for a high-res image gallery
At last year's Paris Motor Show, Kia showed off a version of the Soul equipped with a transparent hood and floorpan so show-goers could see the inner-workingings of the Korean automaker's hybrid drivetrain. Based on these photos of what appears to be mostly production-ready Kia Soul Hybrid at the Shanghai Motor Show, it seems the fuel-saver's date with the sales floor is getting ever closer. We wouldn't expect the two-tone paint scheme to make it past the concept stage (thankfully), but the important bits are all likely locked in.
Like the concept from Paris, this Soul Hybrid is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder mated up with a 15kW electric motor. The dual powerplants send their ponies through a CVT transmission to the front wheels to offer up an estimated 48 miles per gallon and CO2 emissions of just 117 g/km - an improvement of over 26% in both categories.
[Source: Autoblog Chinese]Shanghai 2009: Kia shows a greener Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'KIA' Category
Sunday, November 21st, 2004
Details info: Alternative names:
Sportage (2004-) (Europe)
Sportage (2004-) (North America)
Kia Sportage SUV 5d
for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Sales Company:
Kia Europe (Germany)
Available version:
2.0 16v 4WD
2.0 CRDi aut.
2.0 CRDi
2.0 CRDi 4WD aut.
2.0 CRDi 4WD
2.7 V6 24v 4WD aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
SUV 5d
Info:
Companion to the Hyundai Tucson, the new Sportage offers a cheap but refined and flexible alternative to the likes of Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
Sunday, November 21st, 2004
Details info: for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Sorento (2002-) (North America)
Sorento (2002-) (Europe)
Kia Sorento SUV 5d
Sales Company:
Kia Europe (Germany)
Available version:
2.4 16v 4WD
2.5 CRDi
2.5 CRDi 4WD
2.5 CRDi aut.
2.5 CRDi aut. 4WD
3.5 V6 24v aut.
3.5 V6 24v aut. 4WD
Previous version:
Variation:
SUV 5d
(2002 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
Sunday, November 21st, 2004
Details info: Kia Rio SF
for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Rio (2002-) (Mk.I. Facelift) (North America)
Rio (Mk.I. Facelift) (Kia Europe - Germany)
Sales Company:
Kia Europe (Germany)
Kia Rio Cinco (United States of America)
Kia Rio RX-V (Canada)
Available version:
1.3
1.3 aut.
1.5
1.5 aut.
1.5 16v
1.5 16v aut.
1.6 16v
1.6 16v aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Hatchback 5d
(2002 - 2005)
Limousine 4d
(2002 - 2005
Rio SF
(2002 - 2005)
Info:
Second generation of the Rio model featuring crisper styling and revised engine line-up.
Assembly Plants:
Avtotor (Russia)
Donors:
Kia - Rio (Mk.I.)
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
Saturday, November 20th, 2004
Details info: for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Rio (Mk.II.) (Kia Europe - Germany)
Kia Europe (Germany)
Kia Rio Hatchback 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.4 16v aut.
1.4 16v
1.5 CRDi
1.6 16v aut.
1.6 16v
Previous version:
Variation:
Hatchback 5d
(2005 - )
Limousine 4d
(2005 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
Saturday, November 20th, 2004
Details info: Kia Optima Regal - for preview other image please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Kia Magentis (2002-) (Mk.I. Facelift) (Canada)
Kia Optima (Kia - People\’s Republic of China)
Magentis (2003-) (Mk.I. Facelift) (Europe)
Kia Magentis (Avtotor - Russia)
Optima (2002-) (Mk.I. Facelift) (United States of America)
Sales Company:
Kia Europe (Germany)
Available version:
2.0 16v
2.0 16v aut.
2.0 16v CVT
2.0 16v LPG
2.0 16v LPG aut.
2.4 16v 101 kW
2.4 16v 110 kW
2.4 16v aut. 101 kW
2.4 16v aut. 110 kW
2.5 V6 24v aut.
2.5 V6 24v
2.7 V6 24v aut.
2.7 V6 24v
Previous version:
Variation:
Limousine 4d
(2002 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Avtotor (Russia)
Kia (People\’s Republic of China)
Donors:
Posted in KIA | No Comments »
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