Kia releases gasoline Mohave

Kia Motors released the long-awaited gasoline variants of the Mohave SUV (Borrego in NA) today. Alongside the 3.0L VGT diesel, the Mohave is now available with a 274 horsepower 3.8L Lambda V6 or a more potent 340 horsepower 4.6L Tau V8.Gasoline Mohaves are priced on average 3.5 million Won (USD$2464) less than its diesel counterparts. With the 3.8L V6, Kia boasts a mileage rating of 8.6km/L, an equivalent of 20MPG. For the flagship 4.6L V8 models, Kia includes a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8L V6 models have a 0-60 MPH time of 8.5 seconds, while the 4.6L V8 models boast 7.4 seconds.

Kia Soul

Kia Soul, slated to debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October. The prototypes caught in these pictures are clad in Tomato Red and Clear White.

They also look to be the range-topping trims, as evident by the 18-inch alloys, chrome trims, and the diminutive rearview camera.

A Kia executive told us that the Soul Burner Concept wheels seen on the recent teaser video with the bouncing wheels, the trademark H-grille, and other sporty visual aids will be optional.

2010 Kia Soul Mini-MPV Scooped Inside and Out

First of all, allow us to say that it is not at all certain that Kia's new mini MPV model will use the Soul name. However, the car which bears the codename YN, does share the same platform with the new Kia Soul as well as with the Hyundai i20. Set to take the fight to the Opel Meriva, Nissan Note and Honda Jazz when it's launched at the end of 2009, Kia's new little MPV will offer more space and practicality than its faux-crossover Soul sibling.

The prototype model's heavy camouflage does not allow us to see any exterior details other than the large panoramic roof, but it is apparent that Kia's mini MPV will be less flashy and funky than the Soul. Inside, as is evident from the scoop photos, the mini MPV uses the same three-gauge instrument panel and three-spoke steering wheel as the Soul, though the center console has been completely redesigned. Buyers should expect to find lots of clever folding seats and plenty of storage compartments.

Powertrain options will include 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines, both producing an output of 126HP, while some markets will also get a 115HP 1.6-liter diesel and a 142HP 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

The new mini-MPV will be manufactured by Kia's sister brand Hyundai at the company's new factory at Nosovice in the Czech Republic, although Korean versions are likely to be built in Korea. Production of Hyundai's version of the mini-MPV, which will replace the Matrix, will start in the Czech factory by 2011.

Expect to see Kia's little minivan making its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009.

Kia Borrego

Kia has released photos of the Borrego, a full-size SUV for the North American market. The production model, which was originally previewed as the Mesa Concept at the 2005 Detroit Auto show, would have taken exactly three years to be transformed from a show car to a full production model when it makes its official debut at the NAIAS in 2008.

Overall proportions and design details have been adjusted and toned-down noticeably from the Mesa concept, with details such as more realistically-sized alloy wheels, the body-To-DLO ratio, a no-frills interior and, perhaps most apparent, the more subtle greenhouse graphics. A pity considering the concept promised so much.

There is, however, strong evidence that keeps the design true to the concept's form, particularly around the design details, where a unique bumper moulding and two-tone treatment carries over from the wheelarches to the side sill. Kia's three-slat grille design (an identifying element which was first seen on the Mesa concept) has also made it to production.

Kia Kee concept

Say hello to the new Kia Kee concept, the Korean automaker's bold step into the sporting GT arena

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Kia Sports Coupe concept

Kia has released a second teaser image of the Sports Coupe Concept it will unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

This image shows the car in profile, which reveals a broad shoulder line and rear glazing that appears to wrap around the rear of the car, connecting to a metal B-pillar element. The rear end is sloped, resembling a hatchback in design, but the shut line leads us to believe the Sport Coupe will have a conventional trunk.

Designed under the guidance of Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the concept is heralded as a new design ethos for the Korean car company.

"I believe this concept car could be a 'landmark' vehicle in Kia's history and I wanted it to appeal to the widest possible audience," said Schreyer. "This design is not the result of self-indulgent design excess. It incorporates a host of elements that will become the new face of Kia right across our product range and it is the clearest design statement about the way I want Kia to be seen as we go forwards."

The name of the 2+2 Sports Coupe Concept has yet to be announced.

Source: cardesignnews

Kia Pro-cee'd

Kia has released a photo of its Pro Cee'd three-door scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the 'pro_cee'd' concept unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show the new model was developed under the direction of Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer by Kia's design team in Europe.

The company has only made one image of the new car available, in which resembles it the five-door and the soon to be released cee'd SW (sportwagon) models from the front. The three-door features the same characterful side scallop in the door - as does its five-door sibling - and the C-pillar treatment of the pro_cee'd concept, reminiscent of the Audi A3 three-door.

Source: cardesignnews

Kia coupe concept

Kia has released a teaser image of a new 2+2 sports coupe it will unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Penned by Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer at Kia's Frankfurt design studio, the as yet unnamed concept is claimed to have an imposing road presence. Judging from the photo, the face of the car appears aggressive enough, with headlamps that include thin strips running down the corners of the front fascia. The front grille is a distinguished new addition that Shreyer will likely adopt on other models to develop Kia's identity.

"Kia has given me the opportunity to shape its whole brand design and character," Shreyer said, "Seldom does a designer have such a clean sheet to work with."

Source: cardesignnews

Kia Picanto

Korean automaker Kia has announced that the new facelifted Picanto (badged as the Morning in domestic market) will make its public debut at the Barcelona International Motor Show on June 7th.

The new car is more rounded, with all-new front panels and a hood that has been extended and curved. A new radiator grille - which features a black mesh background and twin horizontal chromed bars supporting the central Kia badge - is claimed to be the new 'face' of Kia. The new front and rear light clusters continue the rounded and smoothed theme of the bodywork, and the front and rear bumpers are now larger and deeper.

Measuring 3535mm long, 1595mm wide and 1480mm high, the refreshed Picanto is 40mm longer than its predecessor but retains its forebear's 2370mm wheelbase. The new Picanto will be available with three engines when it goes on sale from December.

Source: cardesignnews

Kia Borrego

The 2009 Kia Borrego is Kia’s new midsize 7-passenger SUV, the newest addition to Kia’s expanding product lineup. The largest and most powerful Kia SUV for the U.S. market, the Borrego is designed to offer more convenience and size while still delivering quality and value. Powered by a choice between Kia’s two most powerful engines to date, the Borrego is a traditional body-on-frame design, available in 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive and when equipped with the V8 engine boasts class-leading towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. Fuel economy is competitive for a vehicle of this size with the V8 rated at 15/22 city/highway (2WD) and 15/20 city/highway (4WD), while the V6 is rated at 17/21 city/highway (2WD) and 16/21 city/highway (4WD).

The 2009 Kia Borrego is Kia’s all-new midsize SUV that is powered by a choice of Kia’s two most powerful engines, a 276-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 or a 337-horsepower 4.6-liter V8, Kia’s first V8 engine, mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary input jack. The Borrego is the first Kia vehicle to offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio and includes three months of complimentary service. The Borrego will initially be offered in LX and EX trim levels with the Limited added later in the model year. The EX trim level includes an 8-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, floor mats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Homelink with compass, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The new midsize SUV also offers Kia’s first voice-activated navigation system, with a Rear Seat Entertainment Package that includes an eight-inch widescreen television.