New Spy Shot of 2013 Kia K9

News has been rather hum surrounding Kia's upcoming flagship "K9" sedan. Thus, we welcome the latest spy shot of the K9 with open arms. Not much we can see, but those LED taillights do look gorgeous.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL YOUR KIA K9 NEWS!

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Hyundai i40 CW, Elantra, Accent And Veloster Confirmed for Australia

Hyundai has capped off its part in the 2011 YouTube Symphony Orchestra in Sydney this weekend with the announcement of four all-new models for Australia, due later this year...

MORE HERE

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Hyundai Recalls Over 280K Elantra's Due to Airbag Issues

Hyundai has issued two separate recalls for its Elantra sedans over air-bag related problems. The first action covers approximately 95,783 Elantras from the 2007-2008MY manufactured from July 14, 2006, through August 29, 2007. In this case, the air bag control module may receive an unstable electrical signal from the seat track position sensor and cause the driver's airbag to deploy at a higher pressure than intended. To fix the problem, the South Korean firm’s dealers will reprogram the air bag control module free of charge.

The second Elantra recall affects around 188,697 cars from the 2007-2009MY built from July 14, 2006, through November 1, 2008. Hyundai said that the weight sensor that deactivates the right frontal airbag when occupants of certain weights occupy the seat may become contaminated and malfunction causing the airbag deploy in crashes in which it should not deploy. Hyundai said it will take care of this issue by installing a protective cover over the weight classification system connector to prevent contamination.

Both Elantra recalls are expected to begin during April 2011. Concerned owners of the affected models may contact Hyundai's customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

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Hyundai ix35 in High Demand in UK

Here’s a novel way to keep your customers happy, especially if they’re waiting for their new ride to arrive and it’s taking way longer than expected. Over in the UK, Hyundai has come up with a rather interesting plan, one that sees customers waiting for their new ix35 (the Tucson over here) to arrive to get an ix35 in the meantime.

Confusing? Not, once the details become clear. Seems that demand for the ix35 has been unprecedented, not only across Europe but also worldwide, resulting in supply not being able to meet demand, especially so in the case of the 2.0 litre diesel derivative.

So, in what is a unique approach, the UK office has come up with this: 200 of its longest waiting customers who have booked the 2.0 diesel SUVs will be offered a 1.7 litre diesel ix35, of which there is ready stock of. They purchase the manual 1.7, use it until their original 2.0 order arrives, at which point they trade-in the two-wheel drive 1.7 for the same price they paid for it, paying only the difference in the price of the 1.7 and 2.0 diesel versions.

The no-cost implications offer, which runs till the end of the month, also sees Hyundai giving the customer £300 to cover the costs incurred for arranging finance and insurance on two cars instead of one. The company is currently looking at the feasibility of rolling out this offer to other customers.

It’s a great deal for the UK ix35 buyer, so guess that’s one for them then. Don’t expect to be seeing something like this happening here from any car company, certainly not on this scale, if ever.

[Source: Hyundai]

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Kia Considering Rio Hot-Hatch to Spice Up Brand Image

Kia‘s new designs are helping brand the Korean automaker in a more positive light, particularly here in North America with the stylish new Optima. But in other parts of the world mid-size sedan’s don’t hold the same cache, nor do they sell all that well, so Kia is looking at alternative ways to create a boost in brand image.

In a recent interview, Kia product boss Benny Oeyen commented on three such methods, including a hot hatch, convertible or coupe. While the coupe idea, along the lines of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, may seem like the obvious choice, it’s the hot hatch the is the most likely. The reason for this is the importance of small hatchbacks in other parts of the world, like in Europe were sub-compact models, like Kia’s new 2012 Rio, make up the majority of sales for automakers.

A Rio hot-hatch is also the easiest to bring to market, as it would be based on the existing new car. Plus, it helps put the brand focus exactly where Kia wants it to be.

Exactly what a juiced-up Rio might bring to the table is unclear, with standard models in Europe getting 1.4-liter gasoline and diesel engines as well as a tiny 1.25-liter gas engine. One possibility is the 138-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that’s expected to come standard in the North American model, although for a ‘hot hatch’ we’d like to see more.

[Source: Autocar]

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Kia Recalls 70,000 Units of 2006-2008 Optima Over Rollaway Concerns

Kia Motors is recalling 70,000 units of the 2006-08 Optima over concerns some shift cables were improperly assembled, which could allow parked vehicles to roll away.

In March 2007, Kia identified certain Optima vehicles had been manufactured with the shift cable connection improperly attached to the shifter assembly and changed its manufacturing procedures to improve installation. In June 2007, Kia added positioning clips in vehicles produced to ensure correct assembly. KMA issued bulletins in August 2007 to advise service technicians how to reconnect the shift cable in case they were presented with a vehicle which had a disconnected cable.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into rollaway concerns on the 2007 Optima in November. NHTSA said it had received three complaints concerning automatic transmission shift cable detachment and inability to select and engage the gears — park, drive and reverse — in model year 2007 Kia Optima vehicles. One of the complaints also reported a rollaway incident after parking the vehicle.

As a result, Kia conducted a new evaluation of technical and field data regarding cable detachment issues and "concluded that this condition has not been creating real world safety incidents. However, it has concluded that under extraordinary circumstances a significant vehicle rolling event could potentially occur and has thus decided to conduct a recall," the company said.

Kia will notify owners later this month. The recall covers 70,115 Optima vehicles assembled between September 2005 and June 2007. Dealers will reinspect the shift cable and replace if necessary.

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Hyundai Launches Veloster in S. Korea

As part of the company’s new brand, called ‘Premium Youth Lab,’ which targets the younger generation by offering "premium emotional values", Hyundai has launched the new Veloster in South Korea today.

The company has announced that it will limit production and sales of the Veloster in the Korean market to 18,000 units annually in order to optimize its premium value. Prices will start at KRW19.4 million ($17,200) and go up to KRW20.95 million ($18,640). Hyundai plans to start sales of the Veloster in the European market in the first half of this year, followed by the US and other general markets in the second half.

Hyundai introduced its cutting-edge Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe in a world debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. It delivers innovation to the compact coupe segment with a unique three-door configuration for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, Pandora Internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine mated to Hyundai's first dual-clutch transmission.

The all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-pot is the smallest Hyundai engine to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). "Gasoline-direct-injection technology allowed Hyundai engineers to create an engine that is powerful, fuel-efficient, and has fewer emissions," said Hyundai American Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) powertrain director, John Juriga. "Despite its small size, it generates some big numbers, with both impressive horsepower output and up to 40 mpg on the highway."

Peak output is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, while maximum torque is 123 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. The engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

[Source: Hyundai Motor Company]

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Hyundai Adds New GDI Engines to 2012 Equus in Korea

Hyundai launched the more powerful 2012 Equus for the company's home market of South Korea today. For 2012, the Equus is powered by either an all-new 3.8-liter V6 GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine that produces 334 horsepower or the new 429 horsepower 5.0-liter Tau V8 GDI powertrain. Both engines, also found in the recently unveiled 2012 Genesis, are mated to Hyundai's new in-house developed 8-speed automatic transmission.

The new 3.8-liter V6 engine achieves a claimed 9.7 km/L of fuel economy, which is approximately 22.8 US MPG. The 5.0-liter V8 does 8.8 km/L or around 20.7 US MPG. The 2012 Equus for the Korean market also adds new amenities both inside and out such as full LED headlamps, intelligent accelerator pedal (for crash avoidance) and new wheel designs.

Expect to see the new powertrains to be available in the 2012 Equus for the North American market as well when it arrives in showrooms later this year.

[Source: Hyundai]

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2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Facelift Spied in Australia

Our Aussie friends at Car Advice have posted the latest spy shots of the upcoming Hyundai Genesis Coupe facelift today. A left-hand drive version (LHD) of the rear-wheel drive coupe was spotted testing in Victoria's mountain region. Though again, we don't see anything new with these pictures, the car's location poses a long-unanswered question of its possible arrival in the Australian market.

An editor of Car Advice contacted Hyundai’s Senior Manager, PR and Events, Ben Hershman, asking what the Genesis Coupe was doing in Australia. Hershman responded, “Hyundai Motor Company utilises Australia as a hot test region for global model development. This has been happening for a number of years.”

Car Advice, however, notes that it has been anything but hot in the Victoria region and raised the possibility of the company testing the waters for the coupe in the Australian market. Who knows?



[Source: Car Advice]

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Kia Shelves Plans to Enter Indian Market

At a time when a number of global car makers are searching for ways to enter the rapidly growing Indian market, Kia Motors has shelved its plans to start operations in India.

According to a statement given by a senior official of the company, the company will continue to concentrate on developed markets like Europe, US and China where it has local production facilities.

"Our hands are full right now. Currently we are not looking at India but concentrating on other overseas markets where we aim to produce over 1 million cars this year. We will, however, continue to monitor the Indian market as it holds sizeable potential and may be on our future radar," said company spokesman Michael J Choo.

Kia had been vying for the Indian market for the past decade, particularly after the success of Hyundai Motor which is now the second largest car company in the country in terms of unit sales. Kia had earlier roped in consultancy company Synovate to conduct a feasibility study for the Indian market. However, despite a positive report due to a line-up mainly consisting of small cars that would appeal to Indian buyers, Kia has decided not to enter the local market.

[Source: The Economic Times]

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New Spy Shots of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Facelift

Here are the latest spy shots of the upcoming 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe facelift, snapped during the car's cold-weather testing stages in Germany. Not much to see here, but still worth a look we'd say. Follow the jump to view the rest of the shots! Also, check out our original post on the Genesis Coupe facelift in the link below.

EXCLUSIVE! Hyundai Genesis Coupe Facelift Spied for the First Time!





[Source: The Korean Car Blog]

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2011 Kia Sportage SX with GDI Turbo Makes U.S. Debut, Pricing Announced

Kia Motors America announced the launch of the 2011 Sportage SX today. The SX models come with a more powerful four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection, as well as exterior and interior styling enhancements. The Sportage SX arrives in showrooms later this month with a base price of $25,795 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and $27,295 for the all-wheel drive (AWD) model, both excluding a $695 destination charge.

This is Kia’s second vehicle in the U.S to feature the Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine, following the 2011 Optima Turbo. The unit produces 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque, while delivering an estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.

On the outside, SX models receive unique 18" alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. Exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior enhancements, including standard aluminum door sills and a sleek new supervision gauge cluster.

In addition, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models.

Available exclusively on the Sportage SX are the Orange and Blue interior color packages. The Orange Color Package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. A unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents are included as part of the Blue Color Package.

Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 176 horsepower 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).



[Source: Kia Motors America]

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2012 Kia Cadenza Spotted on U.S. Soil!

A reader of Carscoop recently spotted an undisguised example of the Kia Cadenza (K7) on U.S. soil and kindly took a quick snapshot of the prototype. "Saw this Kia Cadenza with Michigan plates going 55 North in Orange County, California," the reader told the website.

Already on sale in South Korea as the K7 and various Middle Eastern markets, the Cadenza will fill the void in Kia's line-up left by the Amanti it will replace when it goes on sale next year. A Kia Canada executive confirmed to us at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show that the Cadenza will hit North American showrooms in "early 2012." We're left to wonder why Kia is delaying its release and we can only hope it's for good reasons.

[Source: Carscoop]

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Kinetic and Kia Excited About Kia 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway

BUFORD, March 2, 2011: Coming off a podium finish in the 2011 GRAND-AM Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge season’s inaugural race at Daytona International Speedway, Kinetic Motorsports and Kia Motors America are looking forward to the second race of the season at Homestead Miami Speedway on Saturday, March 5, 2011. The “Kia 200” is a two-and-one-half hour race, and will feature Kinetic Motorsports’ two Kia Forte Koups in the ST class, including the # 10 entry with drivers Nic Jönsson and Michael Galati, and the # 12 entry with drivers Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood.

For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

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2011 Kia Optima Earns Five-Star Rating from NHTSA

The 2011 Kia Optima has already made a splash in the midsize sedan market with its far-from-bland looks. It turns out that Kia’s midsizer has some substance to its style: it was already rated a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and has now received a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Optima earned a five star rating in each of NHTSA’s frontal impact, side impact, and rollover tests – the highest possible score from the government agency. This marks the first time a Korean-built car has received the top rating under NHTSA’s more stringent testing methods that went into effect for the 2011 model year. Joining the 2011 Honda Accord and 2011 Mazda 6, the Optima now sits at the top its class in terms of safety.

Click here for the official press release.

[Source: NHTSA/Kia]

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EXCLUSIVE! Hyundai Genesis Coupe Facelift Spied for the First Time!

It seems like only yesterday when Hyundai unveiled the Genesis Coupe at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. Since then, the rear-wheel drive sports coupe has amassed great popularity amongst the enthusiasts crowd and has been an important helping hand to the transformation of Hyundai.

Full article and one more image after the jump.

If anything though, Hyundai's new corporate slogan - "New thinking, new possibilities" - is a testament to the company's emphasis on keeping its product line-up fresh and updated, and the Genesis Coupe is up next to receive a timely refresh to remain competitive in its segment.

For the 2012 or 2013 model year (we're thinking the latter), Hyundai will roll out the refreshed Genesis Coupe, receiving both design and powertrain upgrades. As indicated by our spy shots, the new Genesis Coupe will feature a new front fascia that we suspect will resemble the Veloster's. Nonetheless, it's too early to guess beyond that, and we're certain we'll be seeing more spy shots of the facelifted Genesis Coupe in the months to come.

The big news for the refreshed Genesis Coupe, however, will be under the hood. With Hyundai's implementation of GDI (gasoline direct injection) technology across most of its line-up, it's almost certain that the new Genesis Coupe will also carry direct injection. As of now, even ballpark figures for specs are not procurable. Rest assured though, Hyundai will likely not disappoint.

For now, enjoy the first ever spy shots of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe facelift, brought to you exclusively by TheCarBlogger.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Named A Top Family Car by KBB.com

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 02/28/2011 - Kelley Blue Book’s www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, named the 2011 Hyundai Sonata to its annual list of Top 10 Family Cars. Sonata joins a list of family-friendly vehicles, including the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, 2011 Ford Explorer, 2011 Honda Odyssey, and the 2011 Volkswagen Golf.

Full press release after the jump.

According to kbb.com experts the Sonata is “taking the mid-size sedan market by storm with a compelling mix of design, quality and value. The Sonata also is chock-full of safety features, comes with one of the best warranties on the market, and even offers a fuel-sipping hybrid model. With enough style and versatility to transform effortlessly from child-hauler to client shuttle on a daily basis, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is an easy choice for someone who needs to impress while still being practical.

“We are proud to receive this recognition from kbb.com,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of product and corporate planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With advanced standard safety features, three versatile powertrain choices including our class-leading 40 mpg highway BlueDrive Hybrid, unrivaled interior convenience technologies and enough space to comfortably fit the entire family, the Sonata is the perfect option for families looking for quality and value without sacrificing on performance and design.”

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com editors assessed the winning models based on safety, comfort, economy of operation, child-friendliness, a reasonable purchase price and good resale value.

“This year was especially difficult for the kbb.com editors to narrow down the Top 10 Family Cars of 2011 choices, as there is such a variety of new cars on the market today that have appealing features for the American family; capable versatility, value, safety and economical factors, to name a few,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata features some of the most advanced technological options, such as a navigation system with voice activation and interactive touch screen through XM NavTraffic® and XM Data Services, integrated Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a Homelink transceiver. It has many safety features, including Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Anti-Lock breaking systems. Sonata was also the first midsize car to receive a five-star crash test rating under National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new, more stringent 2011 system and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick honor, placing it in a safety position unsurpassed in the industry.

KELLEY BLUE BOOK

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, used car values, car reviews, new cars for sale, used cars for sale, and car dealer locations. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through about 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Rio EcoDynamics will be UK's Lowest Emission Car

It's a grim day for all hybrid-electric cars out there as Kia has proven with the all-new 2012 Kia Rio that sipping fuel no longer requires swallowing a hefty "hybrid" premium price tag beforehand.

Full article and more images after the jump!

That is the case for the Rio "EcoDynamics" ,powered by an all-new 1.1-liter three-cylinder CRDi diesel engine that, according to Kia, will make it the greenest car on the road and will achieve an impressive 88 miles per gallon (73 U.S. MPG). The tiny engine produces 69 bhp, but who cares about horsepower here? The magic number, as inscribed on the showcar in the pictures, is 85. Precisely, 85g/km of CO2 emission output, thereby "out-cleaning" the Smart fortwo (86g/km of CO2), the current title-holder of the cleanest car in the U.K., and certainly all hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius (89g/km of CO2).

The 3-cylinder diesel Rio EcoDynamics achieves its amazing emissions figures with the help of Kia’s ISG stop start system. The car will also be available with 1.4- and 2-litre petrol engines as well as a 1.4-litre diesel.

We'll have more information on the 2012 Kia Rio later in the day. We just thought you might be as impressed as we were with the Rio EcoDynamics when we read the specs of this beauty.




[Source: Kia]

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Even More Spy Shots of the 2013 Kia K9!

There's not much to see in these latest spy shots of the upcoming Kia "K9" full-size sedan, but we do get our first good look at the C-pillar design of the car.

Click here for our original post on the Kia K9.

More images after the jump!

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Fresh Official Images of the Hyundai i40 Estate

It's difficult not to become personally attached to this stunning wagon, especially in this menacing white paint. Reinforces our longing for the i40 estate to be available outside of Europe. The wagon is far from dead, from the looks of this.



[Source: Hyundai]

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Geneva 2011: Hyundai i40 Unveiled, No Plans for U.S. Release

Hyundai officially pulled the wraps off the all-new i40 at the Geneva Motor Show today. The i40 is the company’s first D-segment vehicle to be developed specifically for the European market. At the Swiss venue Hyundai brought the estate variant, with a saloon to follow later this year.

Full article and more images after the jump!

Taking styling cues from Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, it maintains signature features such as the hexagonal grille. Interior highlights include heated and reclining front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and an active de-mist system that automatically detects and clears mist on the windscreen.

Designed and engineered at Hyundai’s R&D headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, in terms of performance the i40 comes fitted with a 1.7-liter diesel engine, codenamed ‘UII’, which will emit from just 113 g/km of CO2. The i40 will also be available with a 2.0-liter "Nu" 4-cylinder petrol engine.

Now, here's the bad news folks. According to a Hyundai exec who spoke with Inside Line at the show, there are "no plans for a Sonata wagon in the U.S." We're no less pleased with this report as we think the i40 is arguably one of the best interpretations of the station wagon we've seen in a while. Meanwhile, our European friends will get their first crack at the Hyundai i40 estate during the second-half of this year.



[Image Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

While we didn't have the privileges to be in Geneva for the i40 unveiling, many other websites certainly did and have generously taken many high-res images of the car for your enjoyment. Check them out in the links below!

Hyundai i40 rolls into Geneva: WorldCarFans

Hyundai i40 Live Photos: autoevolution

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More Images of the 2012 Kia Rio Surface, First Interior Shot! [UPDATED]

UPDATE: New images added after the jump.

We're mere hours away from the opening of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and the anticipation for some of the scheduled debuts there is growing by the minute. Kia hopes to make a big splash at the annual show with the world debut of the all-new 2012 Kia Rio hatchback, as well as the European premiere of the new Kia Picanto.

Check out Kia's countdown page with live video streaming of the company's scheduled press conference at Geneva later today HERE.

Until then, enjoy the latest images of the new Rio, straight from the folks at Kia, after the jump! Have a say about the first interior shots at the comments section!

Click here for our original post on the 2012 Kia Rio

More images after the jump!

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