XPLORE ADVENTURE SERIES VEHICLES SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL PARKS

The first XPLORE Toyota FJ Cruiser will be auctioned with the proceeds donated to the National Parks Foundation.
XPLORE Special Edition packages will be available through participating new car dealerships nationwide in January 2011.



Press Release

Adrian, MI (December 20, 2010) – The National Parks are one of America's greatest treasures and a new line of adventure vehicles now gives you and your family another reason to support and enjoy a vacation this year to your favorite National Parks.

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles will be available at your local new car dealers beginning in January 2011 and each one sold delivers a donation to the National Park Foundation for our National Parks. The first XLPLORE Toyota FJ Cruiser will be auctioned in the Spring of 2011 with the proceeds donated to the National Park Foundation.

"Venchurs is pleased to introduce the XPLORE Adventure Series line of specialty vehicles for all major brands of vehicles", states Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. "It is a privilege to be able to support our National Parks and the automotive new car and Aftermarket communities, with a program that serves America's need for exciting vehicles."

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles are available in four packages featuring increasing levels of equipment and capability. XPLORE Stage 1 Vehicle Packages featuring Katzkin leather interiors are available for Toyota, Jeep, Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

XPLORE Stage 2 Vehicle Packages for select SUVs and trucks include, BFG off-road tires, Method aluminum wheels, Bilstein 5100 Series shocks, Magnaflow stainless steel cat-back exhaust and optional XPLORE/Katzkin leather and suede seats.

XPLORE Stage 3 gets serious; ARB winches, racks, rock-rails, suspension, roof-top tents, Warn winches and IPF lighting are all available as mix-and-match accessories.

XPLORE has partnered with TLC to offer Build-To-Order Stage 4 Toyotas and Jeeps with a multitude of custom personalized options including special paint, electronics and expedition-grade upfits.

Each XPLORE vehicle comes with a free, one-year Annual Pass to over 52 National Parks and other Federal lands. New owners receive a one-year membership in XPLORE CLUB and a subscription to XPLORE Lifestyle Journal; a high-quality quarterly featuring amazing places to go, fun things to do and interesting people.

"XPLORE vehicles are designed to deliver adventure for enthusiasts and families" quotes Ron Flint, XPLORE Program Director. "You can't have one of these in your driveway and not be inspired to get out into the Great American Outdoors!"

For more information, please visit www.xplorevehicles.com

2012 Kia Rio

Kia has announced plans to unveil its all-new Rio light car at March's Geneva Motor Show, ahead of its mid-year Australian debut.

The new Rio will be longer and wider, as well as sit lower, than the current model - providing more room while sleeking out the design. According to Kia, the new look of the Rio is meant to "inject emotional appeal into the B-segment" and appeal to that crucial demographic of buyers, 25 to 49 year-olds.

The 2012 Kia Rio also has a character line which offers a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. Kia also says the 2012 Kia Rio has a driver oriented interior and that it anticipates the new gen model will be even more popular than the current one.




Press Release

Next Generation Rio Marks Next Big Step in Kia's Design Revolution

The first official sketches of the next generation Kia Rio revealed today (Wednesday) show a powerful, bold design that marks "the next big step" in the company's ongoing design revolution. Longer, lower and wider than the existing Rio, the new model is designed to inject emotional appeal into the B-segment, targeting progressive, energetic consumers in the 25-to-49 age range. Described by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, as 'sporty and elegant', the B-segment newcomer has a swept-back profile and a character line rising out of the front wheel which gives it a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. Inside, new Rio will offer a feeling of quality typically associated with larger, more expensive models. The new Kia Rio will make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

2012 Kia Picanto

Kia has released the details and images of the new generation, 2012 Kia Picanto which will have its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show.

Designed by the company's European design team in Germany, the 2012 Kia Picanto will be available with four engine choices, ranging from 1.0-litre to 1.2-litres in capacity, among which a new three-cylinder turbo diesel. 

Under the hood, power will be provided by "four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-liter displacements." Details are limited, but Kia says they will all deliver "class leading CO2 emissions levels."

Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer shared: “In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.”

Source: Kia




Press Release

Next generation Kia Picanto - a design that's small but grown-up

• Kia releases first official photos of 'mature' and 'sculpted' new model
• Next generation offered in two body styles with four all-new powertrains
• Production vehicle to be revealed at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

(SEOUL) January 4, 2011 - Kia Motors Corporation has released the first official photos of the next generation Picanto city car, which now offers a bolder, more mature and more self confident look.

Completely redesigned and re-engineered, the new car has grown in overall length and wheelbase and is set to redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in its segment.

Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said, "In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance."

Picanto has never been sold in Australia but Kia Motors Australia has not shut the door on the latest generation.

"While there are no immediate plans to bring Picanto to Australia we have been, and will continue, to look at opportunities in areas in which we do not currently compete," Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Mr Tony Barlow, said. "The Picanto now has the advantage of being an all-new car and if it makes sense as a business case then it is certainly not off the agenda."

While the current Picanto is available only as a five-door hatchback, the new generation version will be offered as a five-door globally while a sportier three-door body style will also be marketed in Europe.

The new Picanto will feature four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-litre displacements, all boasting class leading CO2 emissions levels. In addition to petrol engines, LPG bi-fuel and flex fuel variations will be available depending on market.

The next generation Picanto will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March when further technical specifications will be available.

2011 Kia Pro_Cee’d

Kia recently released the first official images of the refreshed Pro_cee’d hatchback. To be unveiled at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March.

A handful of images of the facelifted Kia Pro_Cee’d have managed to find their way to the internet via Kia World. The Kia Pro_Cee’d with communal H-shaped grille make an appearance on the model for the first time, and new, aggressive fog-light insets help give the vehicle a little more personality, too.

The three-door configuration will be also powered by a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, according to a report by kia-world.net, which develops a maximum of 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque.

New headlamps, a wider bumper accommodates larger air intakes , changes that will traverse the 5-door and SW models, in terms of the engines is expected to update the current engines that will meet Euro 5 emission standard. We enjoyed the first image as more data arrive.

But the aesthetics aren’t the only thing on that’s changed on the punctuation-laden Pro_Cee’d. Kia World also suggests that the Kia will now come with a slightly warmed-over diesel engine under its hood. The new lump is expected to churn out 128 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque from 1.6-liters of displacement.

via: autoblog

2010 Kia KV7 Crossover Concept

Kia decided to play Santa early and gifted us with a teaser of its KV7 Concept, which is scheduled to debut next month at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

The company has tagged it as a convention-challenging concept, and certainly, those rear gullwing doors do capture the attention in a big way. The vehicle’s lines are reminiscent of the Soul’s, and it does look like a – rather – stretched version of the latter.

Aside from the teaser rendering you see pictured above, the Korean firm didn't really reveal any details on the funky crossover model that features a set of Gullwing-style rear doors, but if you insist, we've added the press release after the jump.





Press Release

For the past several years Kia Motors' design-led transformation has been delivering production vehicles – such as the Soul, Forte Koup and Sportage – that bear a very close resemblance to the original concept designs that preceded them. At the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia will make another dramatic design statement with the world debut of an all-new, convention-challenging concept vehicle named "KV7."

Further information will be released in early-January.

2012 Kia Picanto

Kia has released the first teaser images of the 2012 Picanto, which offers a general view of the next generation model. The world debut of the 2012 Kia Picanto will take place next year, at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2011.

Styled at the company's European design studio, the new Picanto promises "to stand out from the crowd" by "exuding self confidence, solidity and maturity." Furthermore, it will be available in three- and five-door configurations.

With an exterior that looks more confident and mature, the new Kia Picanto will go on sale across UK in Spring 2011, although no details regarding motorisation and pricing are available at this moment.




Press Release

Kia sketches out future with 'stand-out' newcomer

• Kia reveals first design sketches of stylish next generation Picanto city car
• Newcomer brings confidence, solidity and maturity to the A-segment
• Production vehicle to be unveiled at 2011 Geneva Motor Show
• On sale in the UK from late Spring 2011

Kia has today released the first official design sketches of the next generation Picanto city car designed to stand out from the crowd.

The new model has been styled by Kia's European design team based in Frankfurt, Germany, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

Exuding self confidence, solidity and maturity, the next generation Picanto is designed to break the city car mould and will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2011 and will be on sale in the UK from late spring.

2011 Kia Sportage UK Pricing

Kia has announced UK pricing and equipment levels for the new Sportage model,

The Sportage’s engine range includes two diesel units and two petrol powerplants. The entry level engine is a 1.6 liter direct injection petrol unit. This is followed by a 2.0 liter CVVT petrol engine. The diesel side of the line-up includes a 1.7 liter CRDi and a 2.0 liter CRDi. Customers can choose between a manual or an automatic gearbox.

The 2011 Kia Sportage UK price list for the two-wheel-drive versions starts at 16,645 GBP for the entry level 1.6 GDi '1' 2WD and goes up to 21,595 GBP for the 1.7 CRDi '3' 2WD. The all-wheel-drive version are a little more pricey. The 2011 Kia Sportage UK price list for the AWD versions starts at 20,800 GBP for the 2.0 KX-2 AWD and goes up to 26,170 GBP for the top of the line 2.0 CRDi KX-3 Sat Nav AWD Auto.




Press Release

With spectacular demand in showrooms for the just launched Sportage First Edition 2.0 CRDi AWD, the full-range is going on sale 1stNovember this year. The 16 models consist of three trim grades – badged1, 2 and 3 in line with the rest of the Kia range, with all-wheel-drive(AWD) versions at the mid and high grade level given the familiar KX preface.

The line-up includes four engines, including the brand new highly efficient, start of the range 1.6 litre direct-injection petrol unit with an OTR price of £16,645 and 1.7 litre turbodiesel unit starting at £18,145 OTR. Following the usual trim levels, ‘2’ starts at £20,020 OTR and ‘3’ starts at £21,595 OTR.

2.0 litre AWD models start at an OTR price of £20,800 with a top of the range 2.0 CRDi KX-3 Sat Nav AWD Automatic with an OTR price of £26,170. Flagship models are available with a fully integrated satellitenavigation system, featuring a 7” full-map colour touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the central dash console providing access to alarge selection of UK and European maps and Points-of-Interest.

Metallic or mica paint is an optional £435 including VAT and all models are exceptionally well-equipped, as customers have come to expect. As with every new Kia, an industry pioneering seven year warranty comes as standard.

New Sportage Pricing
Derivative	OTR
1.6 GDi ‘1’ 2WD	£16,645
1.7 CRDi ‘1’ 2WD	£18,145
1.7 CRDi ‘2’ 2WD	£20,020
2.0 KX-2 AWD	£20,800
2.0 CRDi KX-2 AWD	£22,320
1.7 CRDi ‘3’ 2WD	£21,595
2.0 CRDi KX-3 Sat Nav AWD Auto	£26,170
*Full range, specification and pricing will be available from 1st November

Kia Procee’d

Kia will introduce Optima wagon, considering to build two-door Optima Coupe!

The new Kia Proceed LSD doors are compliant with the EEC crash test guidelines and are approved by the German TUV. The Kia Proceed LSD doors benefit from the manufacturer's GRS hinge mechanism which adds more safety and precision when opening and closing the doors. The Kia Proceed LSD doors are assembled at the original door's attachments points and come individually as Driver- or Co-Driver set.

From now on, Procee'd owners with a taste for tuning will have the opportunity to buy and install on their vehicles such doors for only EUR1,599 (including VAT, price for hinges intended for both doors). Of course, you can fit only one side of the car with LSD doors, meaning you'll only have to pay EUR699.

The 2011 Kia Optima is expected to go on sale in Europe in the first half of next year with a range of EURO5 diesel engines taken from Sportage. Those include the entry-level 1.7L and more potent 2.0L units. A 2.0L gasoline engine will also be available.

The system used by LSD for their doors includes the new GRS (Guided Roller System) which allows for adjustment possibility with the roller guidance of the roller bearing integrated in the hinges. This in turn leads to a more precise closing of the door.




Press Release

With gull-wing door plates by LSD, the Kia Procee’d becomes a real head-turner. Now LSD offers the hinges either as a complete set for both doors for only 1599 Euro including VAT or for each door individually. This lowers the entry price to 699 Euro and the driver has all eyes on him when he opens the doors.

The plates are equipped with the new GRS (Guided Roller System). It offers an adjustment possibility with the roller guidance of the roller bearing integrated in the hinges. This results in more safety and more precise opening and closing of the door.

LSD plates are delivered with a part certificate by the German Technical Control Board which ensures that the LSD gull-wing doors fulfil all security standards.

Compared to other retrofit-sets for gull-wing doors, the LSD plates “made in Germany“ impress with a fully developed technology and the highest-possible quality standard. Moreover, a test laboratory accredited by the Federal German Transport Authority confirmed in a side crash-test that the LSD-solution which is patented in Germany is as safe as any serially fitted door.

That means that passenger safety in a side crash is guaranteed according to guideline 96/27/EG by the LSD hinge system. LSD enables an easy and quick assembly without welding or painting works and impresses by its perfect fitting accuracy due to its three-dimensional adjustment.


The LSD plates are fitted to the original door attachment points of the dismantled original plates. After the assembly, the otherwise unchanged original door first opens outwards and then securely guided and damped upwards.

Adjustable plates stop doors from opening too far or from falling inwards or downwards when opened. And also, it only takes one grip to close the doors.

The LSD gull-wing doors render a sensational look to any car and are the ideal solution of fans of extraordinary tuning- and show cars. The LSD door plates can be obtained directly from LSD or from a specialist dealer.

2010 Kia Electric POP Concept

Kia is presenting a car concept ‘POP’ new all-electric mini at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in September, The model will shows an all-new compact electric concept car.

Kia will bring this year at Paris Motor Show a new concept, already predicted by several teaser images. The South Korean automaker plans to attract the public attention to an electric vehicle for urban areas, but adopting a non-conformist design, drawn by the same Peter Schreyer.

The Kia Pop is 10 feet long and defined by such cues as pincer-like headlights, a panoramic roof and oval side windows mounted on the diagonal. The tiny concept has LED lights and a power point in the rear. It is slightly longer than the tiny Toyota iQ. The cabin features a purple interior with a front bench for two and a rear seat for one.

The new Kia Pop are sketchy, but at 3m long and with a triple-seat arrangement, it could be that Kia has its sights set on creating a rival to the Toyota iQ. In fact, we can see from the bird's-eye shot that the seating plan mimics that of Toyota's baby with two positions in a front bench and a single rear seat behind the front passenger. Whether the Pop can replicate the tiny-footprint practicality of the iQ remains untested for now.

For all its progress in recent times, the Korean maker is currently lacking an electric or hybrid model in its western line-up, and a battery-powered city car would allow it to take the fight to Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and the forthcoming Peugeot iON.




Press Release

ELECTRIC KIA POP CONCEPT TO SPARK INTEREST AT PARIS

Kia Motors will continue its tradition of unveiling convention-challenging and design-led concept vehicles at motor shows when it reveals an all-new electric concept car at the Paris Motor Show on the 30th September.

Called the 'POP', Kia's latest concept car boasts zero-emissions – whilst in use – and at three metres long, yet with a three seat layout, brings innovative design chic and dramatic styling to the city car segment.

Further information will be released in due course. The 2010 Paris Motor Show runs from the 30th September to the 17th October

ENDS

Kia 'Domino' and 'Echo' Black and White Special Editions (UK)

Kia has introduced new special editions of the Picanto city-car, Rio supermini and Soul crossover.

The Domino models offer extra equipment for less money, including fog lamps, air-conditioning and electronic stability control. The Picanto Domino is priced from $12,100, while the Rio Domino starts at $14,100.

The Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine. Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic.

The Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295. Kia says these prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the ‘2’ versions upon which they are based.




Press Release

• Two new black and white themed special editions
  
• Domino: new to Picanto and Rio – extra equipment with savings of up to £400
  
• Echo: new luxurious addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up
  
• On sale now
  

Kia has introduced two new special editions – 'Domino' and 'Echo' – that both play on classic black and white colour schemes and are now on sale across the UK Kia dealer network. Domino, available on the Picanto and Rio superminis, offers additional equipment for less whilst the Echo, available on the Soul urban crossover, comes with an array of luxury features more usually associated with larger vehicles.

Picanto Domino & Rio Domino
The Domino special edition is available on Kia's two practical and stylish five-door superminis –Picanto and Rio. Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission; Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine.

Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic. Their body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles can be offset with an optional contrasting black or white 'domino effect' stripe. Front fog lights complement the stylish 14-inch alloy wheels (Rio) and 14-inch wheel trims (Picanto) whilst additional reassurance is provided from Electronic Stability Control, which is now fitted as standard across all Picanto and Rio versions.

Inside, both models benefit from air-conditioning, iPod connectivity, remote central locking and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob. Rio Domino adds rear electric windows to the list of standard equipment.

As with every new Kia a seven year warranty comes as standard – Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 OTR and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295 OTR. These prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the '2' versions upon which they are based.

Soul Echo
Kia's stylish urban crossover, Soul, has had a dose of luxury added with the arrival of the new Soul Echo. Echo is the latest bold addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up – a collection of distinctive versions each with their own distinct personality – following on from other 'Originals' such as the Burner, Shaker and Samba.

Echo is available in a choice of two striking colours – Clear White or Quartz Black metallic – and both come with contrasting features that make them the mirror image of each other. The white Echo features stylish black 18-inch alloy wheels, black high-gloss door mirrors and a corresponding black sports stripe. The black Echo features white 18" alloy wheels, white high-gloss door mirrors and a sports stripe in white.

Soul Echo is laden with luxurious features usually associated with more expensive machinery. Inside, a full black leather interior and high-gloss black dashboard fascia continue the external monochrome look whilst an uprated sound system (with subwoofer), Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and reversing sensors ensure the Echo has plenty to keep everyone on board satisfied at all times. Air conditioning and privacy glass keep passengers and their belongings cool and shielded from prying eyes.

On the move, Soul Echo is powered by a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engines and its occupants are protected by a host of safety features including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TC) and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The Soul Echo is available from just £13,995 OTR.

Soul Echo also benefits from some minor revisions being made to the entire Soul line-up: A trip computer, Emergency Stop Signal (which flashes the hazard warning lights under heavy braking), 'pull' style exterior door handles and illuminated electric window buttons are now standard on all Soul versions. Bluetooth connectivity is standard from the '2' version and above. Finally, Soul Shaker, previously only available in Vanilla, is now available in Chocolate Brown metallic and comes with fully colour-coded bumpers.