2012 KIA RIO 5-DOOR US PRICING ANNOUNCED

Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and 2011 New York International Auto Show, respectively, the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door hatchback now comes to the US market sporting a base price of $13,600 for the manual gearbox model, not including a $750 destination and handling fee that brings the total to $14,350..

2013 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE UNDISGUISED!

HYUNDAI NAMED MOST IMPROVED MANUFACTURER IN BRITAIN

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2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER OFFICIAL PRICING ANNOUNCED (USA)

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Kia Announces 11 Models Eligible for "Cash for Clunkers"

ScrapyardKia Motors America announced today that 11 models in the brand's line-up qualify for the U.S. Government's Car Allowance Rebate System, better known as "Cash for Clunkers". All eligible models qualify for a rebate of up to $4,500. Under this new buyer incentive program, consumers can purchase a new, more fuel efficient Kia vehicle when they trade-in a less fuel efficient car or truck of any eligible make or model.

Qualifying Kia models for the CARS program are: Borrego (V6 models only), Sedona, Sorento (2WD LX 3.3L V6 only), Sportage, Forte, Optima, Rio, Rio5, Rondo (4-cyl. models only), Soul, and Spectra.

For more information including eligibility requirements for trade-in cars, read our previous post on Hyundai's involvement with the CARS program or stop by Kia's information page linked below.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

Read more for the official press release.


PRESS RELEASE:

KIA MOTORS SUPPORTS CAR ALLOWANCE REBATE SYSTEM WITH 11 ELIGIBLE MODELS


Full Array of Vehicles Qualify For NHTSA New Buyer Incentive Program

IRVINE, Calif., June 25, 2009 – – In support of the recently signed Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) by the U.S. government, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that consumers in need of a new vehicle will be able to choose from a total of 11 eligible Kia models that qualify for up to a $4,500 rebate. Under this new buyer incentive program consumers can purchase a new, more fuel efficient Kia vehicle when they trade-in a less fuel efficient car or truck of any eligible make or model.

“Consumers have the opportunity to not only purchase a new car with a significant rebate, but also reap the benefits of modernized safety features, advanced technology as well as increased fuel economy,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, KMA. “There has been no other time in recent history when such an extensive national buyer incentive program has been implemented, and Kia Motors is pleased to provide consumers with a comprehensive selection of vehicles that are praised for their style, quality, value, fuel efficiency and long list of standard safety features.”

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines indicate that consumers may earn $4,500 with the purchase of a new car with an increase of 10-plus miles per gallon (mpg) or may earn $3,500 with an increase of four-plus mpg when they trade in a car or SUV with less than 18 mpg combined. For SUVs, five-plus mpg may earn $4,500 and two-plus mpg may earn $3,500.

In accordance with the NHTSA, retailers that are enrolled in the program will process transactions using program guidelines and apply appropriate credits at the time of purchase. The following details the official government criteria for trade-in rebates:
# Trade-in vehicles have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date of trade-in
# Trade-in vehicles must have a federal combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 mpg or less
# Eligible vehicles must be in driveable condition and have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for at least one year
# Vouchers are not necessary; dealers will apply a credit at the time of the purchase

Additional information is currently being developed by the National Highway Transportation Authority and will be available on its Web site as it becomes available. For more information visit www.cars.gov, the official and only Web site for the program.

Kia Motors Product Line


Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the stylish and all-new Forte compact sedan, highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The all-new 2010 Forte Koup will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships in late summer.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Hyundai Announces Eligible Models for "Cash for Clunkers"

Old CarsHyundai Motor America has posted an official information page regarding the U.S. government's newly enacted "Car Allowance Rebate System" (CARS). The CARS program, better known as "Cash for Clunkers", offers a credit of up to $4,500 towards the purchase of a newer, more fuel-efficient car after trading in an eligible, old car. Effective July 1st, this program's intention is to encourage customers to trade in their old, low fuel economy vehicles and consequently, improve the environment and stimulate new car sales for the auto industry. Hyundai is already experiencing record sales in the United Kingdom where a similar scrappage program has led to skyrocketing demand for the brand's affordable and fuel-efficient cars.

Qualifying Hyundai models for the CARS program (with combined MPG) are: Accent (29 MPG), Elantra (28 MPG), Elantra Touring (26 MPG), Genesis Coupe 2.0T (24 MPG), Santa Fe (20 MPG), Sonata (25 MPG), Tucson (22 MPG), and Veracruz (18 MPG).

For a trade-in car to qualify, the car must be built in 1984 or later (25 years or less), gets 18 MPG or less in combined city/highway driving as per the EPA, is in drivable condition, and is registered and insured under the driver's name for at least a year. New vehicles eligible for purchase or minimum five (5) year lease must get at least 22 MPG in combined city/highway driving as per the EPA for cars (18 MPG in combined city/highway driving for light-duty trucks), and not exceed $45,000 in MSRP. The credit amount one qualifies for depends on the difference of combined MPG between the old, trade-in car and the new, eligible car. A 10 MPG improvement for cars or 5 MPG improvement for light trucks qualifies for the maximum $4,500 credit.

For more information, visit Hyundai's official information page at the link below.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]


Thursday, June 25, 2009

First Images of 2010 Hyundai Avante/i30 Facelifts

Hyundai AvanteHyundai Motor Company is set to unveil the refreshed versions of the popular Avante (Elantra in North America) sedan and i30 hatchback for the Korean market next month. However, we detest playing the waiting game and bring you the first images and official information of the revised compact cars today. For the 2010 model year, the Avante and i30 receives minor exterior updates and interior upgrades. No powertrain changes are planned for this MMC (minor model change).

The exterior of the revised Hyundai Avante sports a redesigned front grille, black-bezel headlamps, redesigned side mirrors with turn signals, and restyled LED taillights. The interior gains new Supervision gauges and revised center console and cupholders. New technologies and options for 2010 include Smart Key with push-button ignition, ECO Assist, in-dash DMB navigation system with integrated back-up camera, and rear-view mirror with back-up camera (for non-navi models).

[Korean-English translation done by yours truly]

Read more for full article (info on i30 MMC) and more images.

The rehashed Hyundai i30 receives subtle exterior updates including the adoption of the meshed lower front grille from the European-spec i30 (as opposed to horizontal-slat design for current Korean models) and available 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome-inserts (already available in some markets). The interior acquires new aluminum pedals and footrest. New features and options include active tilt headrests, rear parking assist, wiper de-icer, PowerBass sound system, and ECO Assist. A new Brown Special trim is also added, which features brown leather upholstery, power moonroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome-inserts.

Hyundai has already commenced pre-orders for both 2010 models on June 23rd and will continue until July 1st - the official launch date. Prices will increase an average of 300 000 Won from current models. Stay tuned for official images and more detailed information to be released closer to the launch date.


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year Contenders Announced

Kia SoulThe candidates for the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards were announced late Monday. The lengthy 37-car list includes three Korean offerings, twelve Japanese offerings, eleven European offerings, and eleven American offerings. All three of the Korean nominees - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, 2010 Kia Forte, and 2010 Kia Soul - are eligible for the prestigious Car of the Year honors.

It is important to note that some vehicles on the list (posted after the jump), such as the Suzuki Kizashi, Honda Crosstour, and Toyota 4Runner have yet to be officially unveiled, which indicates the very preliminary nature of this announcement. Jurors from various North American automotive publications will select the individual winners of both awards in January. To be eligible, a vehicle must be either "all new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model. Winners of the 2009 awards were the Hyundai Genesis and Ford F-150 for Car and Truck honors respectively.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Kia Forte

[Source: Inside Line:Edmunds]

Read more for the full list of nominees.


2010 North American Car of the Year Entrants

Audi S4
BMW Z4
BMW 335d
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Buick LaCrosse
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid
Ford Mustang/GT500
Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO
Honda Insight
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Kia Forte
Kia Soul
Lexus HS 250h
Lotus Evora
Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Nissan Cube
Nissan 370Z
Porsche Panamera
Subaru Legacy
Suzuki Kizashi
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf/Golf TDI

2010 North American Truck of the Year Entrants

Acura ZDX
BMW X5 xDrive35d
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Transit Connect
GMC Terrain
Honda Crosstour (unofficial name)
Land Rover LR4
Lincoln MKT
Subaru Outback
Toyota 4Runner
Volvo XC60

Kia Unveils Special Denim Soul

Kia Denim SoulKia Motors America rolled out the first all-new special edition for the Soul line-up today, the 2010 Denim Kia Soul. The automaker will only build 1200 examples of the limited-production model. Based on the Soul+ trim, the Denim Soul consists of unique factory customizations and accessories that further emphasize the Soul's cutting edge style and youthful, fun character.

Exclusive to the Denim Soul is a unique denim exterior color, white side mirrors with matching white 18-inch alloy wheels, front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a bold off-set white racing stripe. It also adds the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and mood speakers), iPod connection cable, steering wheel audio controls, carpeted floor mats, power moonroof, and front fog lights.

[Source: PRNewswire/Kia]

Read more for the full article, more images, and the official press release.

The Denim Soul also packs a long list of standard features from the Soul+ trim it is based on. These include standard keyless remote entry, privacy glass on the rear and rear side windows, body-color door handles, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity, and black cloth seats with Soul logo inserts. The Denim Soul is powered by a 142 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that also propels the Soul+ (plus), ! (exclaim), and Sport trims.

The 2010 Kia Denim Soul starts at $17,300 with a five-speed manual transmission, and $18,250 with an automatic. Kia executives stated that the limited-production model will arrive in Kia showrooms this summer.



PRESS RELEASE: ALL-NEW SPECIAL EDITION 2010 KIA SOUL

Limited-Run Special Edition Soul is Another "New Way to Roll"

IRVINE, Calif., June 23, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Kia Motors America (KMA) today rolls out the first all-new special edition for the Soul model line, the 2010 Denim Kia Soul, a unique iteration of the popular urban passenger vehicle that further emphasizes Soul's cutting edge style and youthful, fun character. Matched with impressive fuel economy and safety features standard on all models, the special-edition Denim Soul provides consumers with even more personalization options.

"Denim Soul incorporates edginess and confidence," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "It illustrates our commitment to fresh design, even on a vehicle that's been in the marketplace only a few months, and it's the first of more special editions to be offered in 2010 for the recently introduced Kia Soul."

Exclusive to the Denim Soul is a unique denim exterior color, striking white side-view mirrors with matching white 18-inch alloy wheels, front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a bold off-set white racing stripe completing the rally-inspired look. The Denim Soul is based on the Soul+ model and is fully loaded with the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls, carpeted floor mats, moonroof and fog lights all included for this special edition.

The special edition Denim Soul starts at $17,3001 with a five-speed manual transmission, and $18,250 with an automatic.

Denim Soul builds from the Soul+ model, which offers standard keyless remote entry, privacy glass on the rear and rear side windows, body-color door handles and dual body-color power side mirrors along with 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires. Soul+ offers additional standard features including cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity, dual 12-volt power outlets and tweeter speakers, all enhancing creature comforts on the road, as well as a covered upper storage bin, dual visor vanity mirrors with covers and dual map lights. Black cloth seats are adorned with Soul logo inserts, further personalizing the cabin.

About the Kia Soul


Designed by Kia Motors' Southern California-based design team, Soul is currently on sale at dealerships across the United States and has already been recognized as a "Best Value" by the Texas Auto Writers Association and by Ward's Autoworld for its "Interior of the Year" list. Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,300 for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950. Enhancing to the Soul! or Soul sport offers a price beginning at $16,950.

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and is standard on Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport models. The engine produces 142 horsepower with 137 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy offers a thrifty, fuel-sipping 24/30 mpg for both the automatic and manual transmissions2, better than the Scion xB.

Offering plenty of standard features, the Soul trim offers a chrome-accented grille, clear lens auto-off headlamps, solar glass, black door handles and side mirrors, body-colored front and rear fascias with black inserts, black bodyside molding, rear wiper/washer, variable intermittent windshield wipers and 15-inch steel wheels fitted with P195/65R15 tires.

Passengers will find comfort in the Soul's roomy cabin that offers 40.2/39.6 inches of headroom (front/rear), shoulder room of 55.2/55.1 inches, 42.1/39.0 inches of legroom and a passenger volume of 102.3 cubic feet, more spacious than the Scion xB.

Soul's interior design is decidedly influenced by the car's highly specified audio system. An uncluttered dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination and floating center stack design is the key visual feature and offers enticing access to the AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service3. Standard USB and auxiliary input jacks also are in the center console with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls achieved with an optional accessory iPod cable.

Additional standard interior features include air conditioning, tilt steering column, power door locks, power windows with driver's side auto-down, external temperature display and digital clock in the radio, an upper storage bin, dual-level glove box, 12-volt power outlet, rear window defroster, cargo area light and a dome light with delay out. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs.
Standard Kia Safety Features

Soul continues to offer the same high level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags. An Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also are standard. Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard on all Soul models, making for a comprehensive list of standard safety features.

Industry-Leading Warranty

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

About Kia Motors America


Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Hyundai Breaks 1 Million Unit Milestone for Africa

Hyundai ElantraHyundai Motor Company celebrated a significant milestone yesterday as it rolled out the 1-millionth vehicle for export to the African market. The one-millionth model was a white Hyundai Elantra sedan headed for a customer in Egypt. The Elantra compact sedan is Hyundai's most popular model in Africa with 129,995 units having been exported last year.

Hyundai first began exporting vehicles to Africa 33 years ago with the Pony, and shipped 207 vehicles in that year. The Korean brand has since fluorished and shipped a staggering 160,603 units to the African market last year. Today, Hyundai has a commanding presence in the African car market with a total share only second to Toyota. It holds the largest market share in Egypt with 26.4 percent, and sold 53,153 vehicles in the country last year.

With growing demand for Korean cars in Africa, Hyundai has been strengthening its marketing efforts there. The company’s plan is to solidify its “top brand image” worldwide by “aggressively meeting increasing demand in Africa as well as in India and China,” a Hyundai official said.

[Source: JoongAng Daily]


Hyundai Ranks 1st for Non-Premium Maker in Initial Quality Survey

Hyundai ElantraJ.D. Power and Associates announced yesterday that Hyundai is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate in their 2009 Initial Quality Study, and is ranked fourth among all nameplates. With 95 problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai performed better than other established brands such as Honda (5th) and Toyota (6th - tied with Mercedes-Benz). The Korean brand ranked 13th in 2008.

This year’s ranking marks the second time Hyundai has been the highest-ranked non-premium nameplate in the last four years, and the second time it finished among the top four overall nameplates (ranked third in 2006). The Hyundai Elantra topped the compact car segment, beating the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic (in order). The Hyundai Accent ranked second in the highly competitive subcompact car segment, in which the Toyota Yaris performed the best. Hyundai's new Genesis also performed significantly better than average in the mid-size premium car segment, an impressive feat for a first-year model.

The IQS study measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners, over a 90-day period.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

Read more for more graphs from J.D. Power & Associates


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

More images of 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe released

Hyundai Santa Fe The StyleMore images of the refreshed 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe "The Style" have been released through the brand's home page today.

The exterior of the 2010 Santa Fe gains a myriad of updates including the revised three-bar Hyundai signature grille (also found on the "YF" Sonata), redesigned front bumper, side mirrors with turn signals, new wheels, new taillights, and a revised rear bumper with integrated rear fog lamps.

Inside, the facelifted Santa Fe benefits from higher quality materials, new seat upholstery and new interior color choices. The revised Santa Fe will also feature a slightly updated center stack and a redesigned leather-wrapped steering wheel. The model will also see equipment upgrades such as voice-activated Bluetooth, smart access with push-button ignition, active headrests, and a rear-view mirror with back-up camera.

Read more for the full article and more images.

For 2010, the Santa Fe receives a list of radical technical changes including the incorporation of an all-new six-speed automatic transmission and the availability of Hyundai-Kia's state-of-the-art 2.0L and 2.2L e-VGT R diesel engines. Also found in the Kia Sorento R, the 2.2L R diesel engine has an impressive output of 200 horsepower and achieves 14.1 km/L in fuel economy. The 2.0L engine boasts a segment-leading fuel consumption of 15 km/L. For lower fuel consumption, all models run on low rolling resistance tires.

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe The Style will commence sales in Korea on July 1st. Expect to see the revision cross over the Pacific by December. Hyundai has announced its hopes to reach the 2 million unit sales milestone for the Santa Fe by the end of this year.

[Source: Hyundai]



Monday, June 15, 2009

Video: Kia Forte Koup Commercial



Kia Motors has released the first official TV commercial for the Forte Koup which made its sales debut in Korea last week.
Filmed in the cityscapes of Chicago, the rather eccentric CF carries the theme of "Two is Enough" to emphasize the Koup's coupe nature. The urban setting of this commercial successfully highlights the attractive design of the Forte Koup, and we cannot help but chuckle at Kia's attempt of humor at 4 seconds into the video (0:04).

[Source: The Motor Report]

Read more for a longer (1:40) version of the promotional video.




Kia Forte Koup

Hyundai releases first images of refreshed Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe The StyleHyundai Motor has released the first official images of the refreshed 2010 Santa Fe today. To be called "Santa Fe The Style" in the Korean market, the facelifted crossover receives an array of improvements including exterior and interior updates, along with new powertrain technologies.

The exterior of the 2010 Santa Fe gains a myriad of updates including the revised three-bar Hyundai signature grille (also found on the "YF" Sonata), redesigned front bumper, side mirrors with turn signals, new wheels, new taillights, and a revised rear bumper with integrated rear fog lamps.

[Source: edaily.co.kr]

Read more for the full article and one more image.

Inside, the facelifted Santa Fe benefits from higher quality materials, new seat upholstery and new interior color choices. The revised Santa Fe will also feature a slightly updated center stack and a redesigned leather-wrapped steering wheel. The model will also see equipment upgrades such as voice-activated Bluetooth, smart access with push-button ignition, active headrests, and a rear-view mirror with back-up camera.

For 2010, the Santa Fe receives a list of radical technical changes including the incorporation of an all-new six-speed automatic transmission and the availability of Hyundai-Kia's state-of-the-art 2.0L and 2.2L e-VGT R diesel engines. Also found in the Kia Sorento R, the 2.2L R diesel engine has an impressive output of 200 horsepower and achieves 14.1 km/L in fuel economy. The 2.0L engine boasts a segment-leading fuel consumption of 15 km/L. For lower fuel consumption, all models run on low rolling resistance tires.



The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe The Style will commence sales in Korea on July 1st. Expect to see the revision cross over the Pacific by December. Hyundai has announced its hopes to reach the 2 million unit sales milestone for the Santa Fe by the end of this year.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Kia releases another Morning/Picanto facelift for 2010

Kia MorningKia Motors unveiled the 2010 Morning for the South Korean market today. The best-selling subcompact car in the country gains a host of changes and upgrades outside, inside, and under the hood for the new model year. The Morning is sold as the Picanto in international markets.

On the outside, the new Morning receives a new high-gloss black rear garnish, redesigned 15-inch "Black Luxury" wheels, larger side mirrors with turn signals, and high-gloss black side sills. A new Lime color is added for 2010. The interior benefits from a new steering wheel, Stepgate-type automatic transmission, redesigned metallic gauges, available leather-wrapped steering wheel, and revised door trim. New options include rear view mirror with backup camera and folding-type remote key.

Read more for the full article and more images.

Kia has also added a new "Special" trim for 2010 equipped with unique features such as a chrome-surround tiger-tooth front grille, redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes, 15-inch Black Luxury wheels, body-color side sill molding, chrome fuel-door, black-bezel taillights, and a sportier rear bumper.

Major changes also come under the hood for 2010 with horsepower and fuel-economy improvements across the line-up. The Morning is available in two powertrain configurations: a 72 horsepower (8 horsepower increase) 1.0L 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a 67 horsepower 1.0L LPI 4-cylinder engine. All models are equipped with ECO-Assist which aids drivers in driving efficiently and achieving optimum fuel economy.

The revised Morning goes on sale today across South Korean dealerships. Gasoline-powered models are priced from 7.06 million Won to 9.77 million Won, and LPI models are priced from 8.85 million Won to 10.3 million Won. There are no reports on whether the revision will occur for international markets.




Kia releases Forte Koup for S. Korea

Kia Forte KoupKia Motors held the official Korean launching event for the Forte Koup at COEX Mall in Seoul on the 11th. The Koup already made its world debut at this year's New York International Autoshow, and the automaker spent over 95 billion Won in developing its first 2-door coupe. Kia hopes the 4-seater coupe will be one of its many new cars that will help transform the brand into a design iconic one.

The Forte Koup features an aesthetically pleasing and sleek design penned by Kia's Peter Schreyer. The sportier Koup has minute similarities to its four-door counterpart and features such as frameless windows and a lower roofline set the Koup apart from the sedan. Inside, the Koup also carries a myriad of sporty items including LED mood speakers (also found in Soul), sport bucket seats, two-tone interior, power sunroof, and aluminum pedals. Available options include smart access with push-button ignition, voice-activated DMB navigation system, and rear parking assist. Kia also emphasizes safety with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), four-wheel disc brakes, six airbags, and active headrests.

The Forte Koup will be available in two four-cylinder petrol configurations: a 158 hp 2.0L Theta II with 20.2 kg-m of torque and a 124 hp 1.6L Gamma with 15.9 kg-m of torque.''

Kia will market the Forte Koup in several markets including North America and the Middle East. The two-door will reach American showrooms this August. Kia plans to produce 35,000 units of the Koup annually with 25,000 being allocated for export. In Korea, the Forte Koup will be priced from 15.41 million Won for a base 1.6L model and top out at 19.66 million Won for a fully-loaded 2.0L model.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading to view more images.


Friday, June 12, 2009

Hyundai, Kia offering more fuel-efficient Accent, Elantra, and Forte models

Hyundai AccentHyundai and Kia have announced plans to build more fuel-efficient versions of the Accent, Elantra and Forte compact sedans in North America. The Hyundai models will bear the "Blue" nomenclature that is used by the automaker for its greener vehicles overseas. In the competition, GM currently offers a group of more fuel-efficient cars and trucks under the "XFE" (Xtra Fuel Efficiency) branding.

Better fuel economy will be achieved through many engineering tweaks such as the use of a five-speed automatic transmission, rather than the standard four-speed. Other additions include low-rolling resistance tires, electric power steering, Smart Alternator (for lower drag), and aerodynamic exterior enhancements.

Kia says the Forte EX with the Fuel Economy Package will get a city/highway rating of 27/36 mpg (30 mpg combined) as compared to 25/34 mpg achieved without it. Meanwhile, Hyundai has not released expected fuel-economy numbers for the Accent or Elantra "Blue".

The cost to consumers for these fuel-efficient models will vary. Kia will offer the Fuel-Economy Package as a $600 extra on the EX trim of the Forte, while Hyundai will offer its “Blue” models as stripped down versions costing less than the other trim levels. All three models will reach showrooms late this summer as 2010 models.

[Source: Car and Driver]


Thursday, June 11, 2009

An In-Depth Look at New Car Releases for 2009/2010

Kia Forte KoupThe outlook of the Korean auto industry is certainly bright as it prepares to be bombarded with a wave of new car launches in the coming months. It is indicative that while American automakers are facing the nadir of their times, the devastating slump has not affected the ambitious Korean companies that are enjoying sales successes both in their home market and abroad. Continue reading for the EXCLUSIVE in-depth look at new car releases in Korea for 2009 and 2010.


To kick off the summer car bonanza in Korea, Kia is readying the domestic launch of the automaker's first 2-door coupe, Forte Koup. To be unveiled next week on the 11th, the Forte Koup will feature the same 1.6L and 2.0L powertrains as its four-door sibling and will be priced nearly on par with it. Intriguingly, the "koup" will have equivalent insurance premiums to its sedan counterpart. The Forte Koup will go on sale next month.

Renault Samsung is preparing for the launch of its redesigned SM3 compact sedan. The current model, based on the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, will be replaced by a larger model based on the new Renault Megane. Despite the significant increase in size, the New SM3 will receive major fuel economy improvements that will put the car at the top of its class. The SM3 will be available with either a 1.6L or 2.0L engine, mated to a CVT (continuously variable) transmission. Production has already begun last month, so look for the New SM3 to reach showrooms next month.

Hyundai will roll out updated versions of the i30 hatchback and Avante (Elantra) sedan for the 2010 model year. The i30 will receive minor equipment upgrades such as redesigned wheels, but the main highlight is the addition of a more powerful 2.0L Theta II 4-cylinder engine alike the 2010 Kia Forte. The Avante is slated to undergo its first facelift for the 2010 model year. Revisions and upgrades include a new front and rear fascia, black-bezel headlamps, intelligent DMB navigation, push-start button, and a blue Supervision dashboard cluster. The 2010 i30 will go on sale in July, while the revised Avante is slated for a late August release.

Hyundai will unveil the production model of the long-anticipated Avante (Elantra) LPI Hybrid on July 15th. The prototype already made its formal debut at the past Seoul International Motor Show. The automaker's first production hybrid car will run on LPG (liquified petroleum gas) and achieve an estimated fuel economy of 17.2km/L. Hyundai emphasizes affordability for the new hybrid technology, and will price the Avante LPI Hybrid around 20 million Won. Hyundai originally planned to begin sales of the hybrid this September, but has pulled the release date earlier to July 22nd.

Hyundai will continue its series of new debuts with the unveiling of the all-new Tucson (LM) this August. The compact crossover will bear the styling of the ix-onic Concept revealed earlier this year, a much needed departure from the aging design of the current model. In an effort to further distinguish the Tucson and the larger Santa Fe, the redesigned Tucson will only be available with four-cylinder engines. The state-of-the-art 2.2L R diesel engine, co-developed between Hyundai and Kia, will also make its way into the Tucson.

This coming September will be hotly anticipated as Hyundai will formally unveil the sleeker, redesigned Sonata (YF). The new Sonata features a more rakish, 4-door coupe design, and will pack a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. The new Sonata will reach American shores in February 2010.

In the same month, GM Daewoo will release the local market version of the Chevrolet Spark, badged as the Matiz (M300). The prototype was already unveiled at the last Seoul International Motor Show and changes are only going to be a few. The new Matiz will be a radical departure from the current model, which is essentially a reskined version of the original model that debuted in 1998.

Kia Motors will officially unveil its new premium sport sedan, code-named "VG", in late November this year. The "VG" made its concept debut as the KND-5 Concept at the last Seoul International Motor Show. Penned by Kia's design guru Peter Schreyer, the "VG" will slot below the Opirus/Amanti and be available in three powertrain options (est. 2.4L, 2.7L, and 3.5L V6). The "VG" will also be sold in North American markets early next year.

Kia Motors also plans to take the wraps off its "YN" compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) this coming December. Launched in concept guise as the No3 Concept at the last Geneva Motor Show, the MPV received garnered spectacular press and public praise for its stunning design and slick practicality. Unfortunately, Kia will market the "YN" exclusively within the European market.

Other Launches & Beyond 2009

Hyundai Equus Limousine: October/November 2009
Renault Samsung SM5 (Laguna-based): December 2009
Kia Lotze/Optima (TF): April 2010
Hyundai Grandeur (HG): May 2010
Ssangyong C200: 1st half of 2010 (Delayed from initial release date of September 2009)
Hyundai Sonata (YF) Hybrid/Kia Lotze (TF) Hybrid: 2nd half of 2010
Hyundai Santa Fe (DM): June 2010
Kia Opirus/Amanti (CH): September 2010
Kia Pride/Rio (UB): November 2010
Kia Morning/Picanto (JA): December 2010

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