2011 Kia Forte5-Door: Hi-Res Image Gallery

Continue reading to view more images of the 2011 Kia Forte5-Door in true high-resolution glory (we mean it).

[Source: Kia]

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2011 Kia Forte5-Door Launched in Canada

Kia officially launched the long-awaited five-door version of its popular Forte in the Canadian market today. Marketed as the Forte5-Door, the new hatchback builds on the popular Forte compact sedan and Forte Koup by employing another practical yet modern iteration of the platform.

"The Forte5-Door is another key ingredient to the design-led transformation that Kia Motors is currently in the midst of" said Maria Soklis, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. "The Forte5-Door provides Canadians the practicality and utility that is expected from our already successful Forte line-up".

READ MORE for the full article and the official press release.



The Forte5-Door retains almost all styling cues from the successful Forte sedan, including a front fascia design that has been adapted by the sedan and Koup for 2011. The Forte5-Door completely differentiates the rear view from the Forte sedan. The rear of the vehicle includes a two-tone bumper on the SX package complemented by an integrated chrome exhaust tip as well as wrap around, multi-layer composite rear tail lamps. Available outside mirror LED turn signals and unique 16" and 17" alloy wheels also complement the look of the Forte5-Door.

The upscale interior of the Forte5-Door is replete with an impressive list of standard and optional equipment. Standard features on the base LX model include six airbags, anti-whiplash front headrests, power windows and locks, four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, and steering wheel audio controls. The EX model adds two more speakers, telescopic steering wheel, and heated front seats. The top-of-the-line SX model adds Sirius satellite radio, automatic climate control, leather trimmed interior, supervision instrument cluster, and metallic interior accents. Push-button keyless start, navigation, rear-view camera, and auto-dimming interior mirrors are available on the SX Luxury trim.

The 2011 Forte5-Door door has two engine offerings including the 2.0-litre Theta II and the 2.4-litre Theta II engine. The 2.0L engine produces 156 horsepower and 144 lb.ft of torque. Tne larger 2.4L generates a hearty 173 horsepower and 168 lb.ft of torque. Both are mated to a standard 6-speed manual tranny or an available 6-speed auto.

In Canada, the 2011 Forte5-Door starts at $16,995 for the LX model. The EX model stickers at $19,195, while the SX model starts at $22,495 and tops out at $26,195 for the SX Luxury with automatic transmission.

[Source: Kia Canada]

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PRESS RELEASE: 2011 Forte5-Door extends Kia’s design-led transformation and aggressive new product launch

ANN ARBOR, MI, Oct. 21

Forte 5 door enhances Kia Canada's best-selling vehicle line by adding utility and practicality
Forte 5 door line-up includes refined and efficient six-speed powertrain offerings

ANN ARBOR, MI, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. officially launches a valued addition to the best-selling Forte compact sedan and bold Forte Koup lineup with the debut of the all-new 2011 Forte5-Door.

"The Forte5-Door is another key ingredient to the design-led transformation that Kia Motors is currently in the midst of" said Maria Soklis, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. "The Forte5-Door provides Canadians the practicality and utility that is expected from our already successful Forte line-up".

Forte5-Door builds on the popular Forte compact sedan and bold Forte Koup by employing another practical yet modern iteration of the platform. Forte five-door carries with it all the amenities of the Forte line and introduces lower valence designc, available paddle shifters, push-button start ignition and voice recognition navigation in addition to the ostensible fifth door for a distinct appearance and intentional practicality. Forte5-Door is available with an efficient 2.0-liter engine or a sporty 2.4-liter engine both featuring a six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic transmission.

Design

The Forte5-Door retains almost all styling cues from the successful Forte sedan. In 2011, both the sedan and 5 door share a common look of the front view noting the familiar Kia signature grille. The sporty hatchback exudes styling of European tastes and enhanced practicality. The wedge like character of the side profile displays a sense of speed while the available chrome door handles and outside mirror integrated turn signals signifies luxury in the compact segment. The Forte5-Door completely differentiates the rear view from the Forte sedan. The rear of the vehicle includes a two-tone bumper on the SX package complemented by an integrated chrome exhaust tip as well as wrap around, multi-layer composite rear tail lamps. Available outside mirror LED turn signals and unique 16" and 17" alloy wheels also complement the look of the Forte5-Door.

The sweep of the Forte5-Door door's bold lines continues inside, creating a modern cabin where form and function blend seamlessly. Interior features include optional mono-tone black perforated leather interior standard on the SX for an upscale image, metal and chrome interior finishes on instrument knobs to provide a high quality finish, audio controls and temperature controls ergonomically positioned at a hands reach and front centre armrest with storage.

World Class Powertrain

The 2011 Forte5-Door door has two engine offerings including the 2.0-litre Theta II and the venerable 2.4-litre Theta II engine also known as the 'World Engine' in some markets. These powerful, yet fuel efficient all-aluminum engines has been durability tested up to 24 million combined kilometers. The engines feature a light-weight ladder-frame block, special hollow dual overhead cams, continuously variable valve timing modules attached to both intake and exhaust cams which increases horsepower, torque and enhances fuel efficiency while reducing emissions output. In addition, durable proprietary 'silent' timing chains, and a multi-stage composite variable intake manifold enhances power output across the power band. The engines also contain strong sinter-forged connecting rods and a stainless steel tube exhaust manifold.

The Forte5-Door door LX starts at $16,695 and comes standard with the 2.0-litre coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional. Horsepower for the 2.0-litre engine is rated at 156 hp with the torque rated at 144 lb. ft. The 2.4-litre engine is standard on the SX trim level and features a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional. Outstanding fuel economy is also achieved for the Forte 5 door SX rated (with manual transmission) at 9.2 L/100Km for city driving and 6.2 L/100Km for highway driving. In addition, the Eco-minder, located in the instrument cluster, indicates when the Forte5 is driving at its optimal fuel efficiency (automatic transmission only).

Engineering

A meticulously engineered chassis and power rack & pinion steering work in harmony, blending dynamic handling and ride comfort. The front suspension is an independent McPherson strut application while the rear suspension is a semi-independent coupled torsion beam with gas shock absorbers and coil springs.

Safety

Safety comes naturally to the Kia Forte5-Door. There is the standard protection of six airbags, dual advance front, dual side seat mounted and dual full length curtain airbags. This is complemented by the sure-footed stopping power of four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and a rigid body structure that helps channel crash energy away from the driver and passengers. Other safety features include anti-whiplash active front headrests, electronic stability control, traction control, panic brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, impact sensing door unlock, front seat belt pretensioners and rear child safety door locks.

Pricing and Content

The Forte5-Door door line-up comes in 11 trim variations ranging in MSRP from $16,995 to $26,195.

LX - Starting at $16,695
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags (advanced dual front, dual front side and dual curtain) anti-whiplash front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, 15" steel wheels with wheel covers, front and rear mud guards.

EX - Starting at $19,195
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to LX): 16" alloy wheels, , telescopic steering wheel, 6 speakers audio, keyless entry with panic feature, manual air conditioning, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, cruise control, outside mirror with integrated LED turn signal, exterior chrome door handles. Optional sunroof available.

SX - Starting at $22,495
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17" alloy wheels, front fog lights, Sirius satellite radio, trip computer, automatic climate control, leather seats, leather wrapped gear shift knob, leather wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, supervision instrument cluster, metallic interior accents, alloy sport pedals, automatic light control. SX Luxury adds: Push button ignition start, navigation

Additional available exterior and interior features on the Forte5-Door SX Luxury include:

Auto dimming rear view mirror with Homelink
Voice activated In-dash Navigation system
Rear-view camera integrated display into navigation screen
Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Forte5-Door is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a five-year or 100,000-km limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 100,000-km limited comprehensive warranty, and a five-year unlimited-km anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/100,000-km roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

The Forte5-Door represent Kia`s new design strategy. They have enhanced the value of Kia`s current line-up, which has already shown strong appeal, and have propelled Kia into the top tier of design led brands. With the successful launch of the Soul, Forte Sedan, Forte KOUP, Sorento, Sportage and now Forte5-Door door, Kia is leading the way by creating a new generation of vehicles that offer premium styling combined with exceptional value.

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 168 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 136 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

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Kia Canada Releases Info on 2011 Forte Sedan and Koup

PRESS RELEASE: 2011 Forte Sedan and 2011 Forte Koup set new benchmark with significant powertrain upgrades in the compact car segment

- Forte line-up includes available six-speed manual and six-speed powertrain offerings
- Transmission upgrade offers refinement coupled with exceptional fuel economy
- Kia's quest for continuous improvement includes additional upgrades to line-up

ANN ARBOR, MI, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. has taken the Forte line-up to an entire new level by offering six-speed manual and automatic transmissions for its entire Forte line-up in 2011. The standard manual transmission on the Forte Sedan and 2-door Koup has been improved from a five-speed to a six-speed while the standard offering on the automatic transmission receives an upgrade from a four-speed to a six-speed...READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP

[Source: Kia]

"Kia's mandate is to drive change not only in design but also in value and technology for Canadians" said Maria Soklis, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. "This further enhances our best-selling product line and provides a level of technology that would normally be found in vehicles priced much higher".

The powertrain change for 2011 also provides competitive fuel economy ratings with its 2.0-litre offering and 2.4-litre engine in its class. "Fuel economy is top of mind with Canadians and providing world class fuel efficient vehicles is part of our winning formula".

The Forte Sedan offers exceptional fuel economy. The 2.0-liter engine offers 8.1/5.7 litres/100km (city/highway) when mated with the six-speed manual transmission and 8.0/5.5 litres/100km (city/highway) with the optional six-speed automatic. The more powerful 2.4-liter engine offers fuel economy at 9.2/6.2 litres/100km with the six-speed manual and 9.0/6.2litres/100km when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission.

The Forte Koup fuel economy is not sacrificed for sportiness. The 2.0-liter engine offers 8.3/6.0 litres/100km (city/highway) when mated with the six-speed manual transmission and 8.0/5.7 litres/100km (city/highway) with the optional six-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine also can expect an economical 9.2/6.2 litres/100km with the six-speed manual and 9.0/6.4 litres/100km when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to powertrain enhancements, Kia designers also made some changes to the 2011 Forte sedan line-up to include the common use of the Forte 5 Door front fascia on the sedan, redesigned integrated fog lights and outside heated mirrors with LED turn-signals and new 16" aluminum wheels. Moving to the interior, the centre console has been upgraded which includes a new design, leather shifter boot, chrome lined cup-holders and outside temperature display found on the LX "Plus", EX and SX.

Across the Forte line-up, additions have been made available to the SX trim to include paddle shifter on the SX automatic transmission; Smart Key with push button start ignition on the SX Luxury automatic transmission, automatic light control, and voice activated navigation on the SX luxury and electrochromic auto-dimming mirror on the SX.

The 2011 Koup also receives an upgrade on the rear taillights by offering an available LED rear combination lamp which provides a more stylish, sporty and upscale image. The centre console has been upgraded which includes a new design, leather shifter boot, chrome lined cup-holders and outside temperature display on the 2011 Koup.

Kia also administered a variety of NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) improvements, such as adding additional sound dampening material throughout the Forte lineup as part of their continuous improvement objective.

2011 Forte Sedan
LX - Starting at $15,995
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags, active front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and steering wheel, 15" steel wheels with wheel covers.

EX - Starting at $18,495
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to LX): 16" alloy wheels, auto off headlamps, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 6 speakers audio, keyless entry, manual air conditioning, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, steering wheel mounted cruise control, outside mirror with integrated turn signal, sunroof is an available option.

SX - Starting at $21,795
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17" alloy wheels, front fog lights, Sirius satellite radio, trip computer, automatic air conditioning, leather seats, leather wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel, power sunroof, auto light control, supervision instrument cluster, alloy sport pedals.

SX - Luxury Trim offers Navigation, Electrochromic mirror, smart key with push button ignition start (only on Automatic transmission)

2011 Forte Koup
EX - Starting at $18,995
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags, active front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, keyless entry, air conditioning, heated front seats, cruise control, six speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 16" alloy wheels and exterior chrome door handles, front fog lamps and optional tilt and sliding sunroof.

SX - Starting at $22,295
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17" alloy wheels, sport tuned suspension, automatic climate control, power tilting and sliding sunroof, leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, alloy sport pedals, trip computer, paddle shifter (automatic only), Sirius satellite radio (includes 3 month free trial) and supervision instrument cluster.

SX Luxury trim Offers Navigation, Electrochromic mirror, smart key with push button ignition start (only on Automatic transmission), LED rear lights

Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Forte Koup is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a five-year or 100,000-km limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 100,000-km limited comprehensive warranty, and a five-year unlimited-km anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/100,000-km roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

The KOUP, the Forte Sedan and Soul represent Kia's new design strategy. They have enhanced the value of Kia's current line-up, which has already shown strong appeal, and have propelled Kia into the top tier of design led brands. With the successful launch of the Soul, Forte Sedan, Forte KOUP, Sorento, Sportage and now Forte5-Door, Kia is leading the way by creating a new generation of vehicles that offer premium styling combined with exceptional value.

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 168 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 136 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

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2011 Hyundai Equus Priced from $58,000: USA

Hyundai Motor America today announced pricing for the all new 2011 Hyundai Equus luxury sedan, which will go on sale nationwide in December in select Hyundai dealerships. The Equus Signature trim will start at $58,000, while the more lavishly contented Equus Ultimate trim will be priced at $64,500. Both prices exclude a $900 destination charge.

Every Equus comes standard with “At Your Service,” Hyundai’s approach to the luxury ownership experience that provides complimentary valet service and covers all maintenance needs for 5 years or 60,000 miles. With "At Your Service," owners enjoy no-charge maintenance, including complimentary oil and filter changes, brake pads and rotors, wiper blades, and battery. Valet pickup and drop-off is provided for all warranty, maintenance and service repairs, and a Genesis or Equus replacement vehicle is provided while the owner’s car is at the dealership.

[Source: Hyundai]

READ more for the full press release!

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE ALL-NEW EQUUS

Includes Complimentary Valet Service and Maintenance for 5 Years, 60,000 Miles

Fountain Valley, Calif., 10/19/2010 - Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the all-new Equus luxury sedan. The lavishly contented Equus Signature will be priced at $58,000 and the top-of-the-line Equus Ultimate at $64,500. Hyundai Equus brings a fresh approach to product innovation and the ownership experience in this price segment.

Every Equus comes standard with “At Your Service,” Hyundai's revolutionary approach to the luxury ownership experience that provides complimentary valet service and covers all maintenance needs for 5 years or 60,000 miles. With “At Your Service,” Hyundai Equus owners enjoy no-charge maintenance, including complimentary oil and filter changes, brake pads and rotors, wiper blades, and battery. Valet pickup and drop-off is provided for all warranty, maintenance and service repairs, and a Genesis or Equus replacement vehicle is provided while the owner’s car is at the dealership.

The Equus retail and ownership experience includes other innovative and time-saving premium services such as:

“Your Time, Your Place,” the industry’s first at-home vehicle demonstration program
Equus Champion (product expert) at each authorized Equus dealer
Apple iPad with interactive owner’s manual capability
Equus Customer Connect Center hotline (phone and e-mail) for VIP customer service
“We’re confident that smart luxury buyers will discover that Equus competes well with similar flagship products from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Lexus,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “But the traditional luxury brands simply can’t compete with the unique retail and ownership experience we’ll be providing for the Equus owner, including “Your Time, Your Place,” the industry’s first at-home vehicle demonstration program; the “At Your Service” program, which provides complimentary valet at-home pickup and no-charge maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles; and the industry’s first iPad-based interactive owner’s manual.”

Equus arrives at select Hyundai dealerships in December. Hyundai expects the premium luxury market to total close to 45,000 units this year.

2011 EQUUS MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICING

Model
MSRP

Equus Signature
$58,000

Equus Ultimate
$64,500

$900 freight charge not included

“At Your Service” Summary

Valet service – The dealership will pickup and deliver the owner’s Equus for maintenance, replacement of wear items or warranty work
Replacement vehicle – If alternative transportation is needed while service is being performed, the dealer will provide a Genesis or Equus at no cost
Maintenance – Covers all factory maintenance for the first five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first
Wear items – Covers brake pads, brakes discs, wiper blades and battery

EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES

• 4.6L DOHC Tau V8 engine
• Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
• Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
• Electronically controlled air suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
• 19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires
• Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with TCS and Brake Assist
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system with pre-collision warning
• Nine airbags: advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
• Electronic active front head restraints with power controls
• Electronic seatbelt pretensioners
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Smart Cruise Control
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators
• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling
• Fog lights and automatic headlights
• Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera
• Dual power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors with turn signal indicators and approach lamps
• Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper
• Proximity key entry with push-button start
• Illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles and door armrest
• Premium leather seating surfaces and Alcantara® suede headliner
• 12-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10-way power front passenger seat
• Driver seat massage system
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Heated, wood-trimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
• Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim
• Electroluminescent cluster (Supervision) with 3.5-inch TFT LCD screen
• Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold
• Power windows with auto-down/up
• Navigation system with DIS and multimedia controller
• Apple iPad interactive owner’s manual
• 608-watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers
• iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks and iPod connection cable
• XM® Satellite Radio & NavTraffic® with trial subscription
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
• Dual automatic temperature control with air quality system
• Windshield-wiper deicer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor
• Electrochromic auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass
• Acoustic laminated windshield, front and rear side windows
• Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
• 60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats
• Power rear sunshade and rear side-window sunshades
• Luggage net
• Premium-grade floor mats
• Premium-grade trunk cargo mat
• First-aid kit (PIO)

EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA-LUXURY FEATURES

Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:
• 50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
• First-class passenger-side rear seat: leg support and massage system
• Cooled rear seats
• Rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch monitor
• Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
• Rear-seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt
• Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
• Forward-view cornering camera
• Power trunk lid

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 almost 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program which now includes the 5-year/60,000 mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and 5-year complimentary Roadside Assistance in addition to the highly acclaimed vehicle return policy introduced in early 2009. For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com.

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Hyundai Begins Accepting Orders for New Accent in Korea

Hyundai has begun accepting orders for the all-new redesigned Accent in its home market of South Korea today, ahead of its official sales launch on November 1st. For the new generation, Hyundai is bringing back the Accent nameplate for the Korean market after having supplanted it with the Verna moniker since 1999.

Hyundai is marketing the new Accent as a "premium compact" sedan, and is packing an expansive list of amenities and technologies to back such an audacious claim. For one, the Accent is the first in its class to bring six airbags standard across the range. Active front headrests and rear parking assist are also standard equipment in the new Accent. Also available is Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), or Hyundai's way of calling electronic stability control.

The highlight of the new Hyundai Accent, however, is found under the hood where an all-new 1.6-liter GDI Gamma four-cylinder engine resides. It produces a class-leading 140 PS (138 horsepower) and 122 lbs.ft of torque, and achieves equally segment-topping fuel economy figures of 16.7 km/L (40 US MPG) thanks to a 6-speed automatic transmission mated to the engine. A smaller 1.4L MPI Gamma four-cylinder engine is also available.

The new Accent also boasts the largest interior room in its class, thanks to increased dimensions in all aspects (4370mm length x 1700m width x 1455mm height). The wheelbase has also augmented by 70mm from its predecessor to 2570mm.

[Source: Hyundai]

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2012 Kia Rio (UB): New Spy Shots! Interior Revealed!

For full details and more spy shots of the 2012 Kia Rio, click the link below.

2012 Kia Rio (UB) Spied For The First Time


READ MORE for 7 more spy shots, including the first ever ones of the interior!

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SEMA 2010 Preview: Hyundai Equus Gets the Rhys Millen Racing Treatment

Hyundai's partnership with racer and tuner Rhys Millen has fared well for the automaker, and the upcoming SEMA Show will bear testimony to more evidence regarding that statement.

The 2010 SEMA Show will be host to the 2011 Hyundai Equus bearing the RMR signature, which is short for Rhys Millen Racing. This special edition launch will be the third consecutive year when Hyundai flaunts off the RMR insignia in Las Vegas.

And here goes what you have been waiting for- the new edition delivers 415 horsepower, a 30 horsepower addition to the stock figure using Hyundai’s 4.6-liter Tau V8. This is accomplished with an RMR bolt-on cold air intake and stainless steel exhausts, with a 14-inch brake kit thrown in to make the sedan screech to halt faster.

The exterior looks bold with two-tone carbon fiber and Red Bull Racing blue satin paint scheme, while the set of HRE 21-inch P40 wheels take care of the rest. The passengers will be lavished upon with an elaborate swathing of ostrich leather and suede.

[Source: Hyundai]

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