Comparison: Popular Mechanics chooses Genesis Coupe over Infiniti G37 Coupe

The folks at Popular Mechanics, who recently pitted the Kia Soul against the Nissan Cube and Scion xB, have published a long-awaited duel between the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Infiniti G37 Coupe. Both cars have gone through strenuous testing in the some of the most challenging roads in Southern California and the editors have come to a grand verdict: the Genesis Coupe outshines the G37.

The tested model of the Genesis Coupe, a 3.8L Track model priced at $31,750, is powered by a 3.8L 306 hp V6 with 266 lb-ft of torque and came fully optioned with features such as a 6-speed automatic transmission, power sunroof, heated leather power seats and iPod hookup. The Track package added 19-inch gunmetal alloy wheels with summer tires, Brembo brakes, sport-tuned suspension, aluminum pedals, limited-slip differential, and rear spoiler.

The most obvious difference between the Genesis Coupe and the G37 was the price, as the as-tested cost of the Infiniti was $45,045. Granted, the G37S Coupe was decked out with grandiose features the Hyundai didn't pack including a $2200 navigation system (w/ Infiniti Studio on Wheels) and power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. Also, it was inevitable that the Infiniti utilized higher quality materials throughout the vehicle, as noted by the editors. The G37 was also optioned with a $1850 Sport package that added 19-inch alloy wheels, limited-slip differential, larger brake rotors, and sport-tuned suspension. The G37 is powered by a 3.7L 330 hp V6 with 270 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Even factoring out the navigation system, the Genesis Coupe is still priced over $10,000 less than the Infiniti. The real question was, did it feel less expensive much behind the wheel? Head over to Popular Mechanics to see what the editors recounted and how they gave the edge to the Hyundai.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

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IIHS awards Hyundai Genesis as Top Safety Pick

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis, recently crowned the 2009 North American Car of the Year, has also been designated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Hyundai's current flagship sedan has earned a "Good" overall evaluation in frontal offset, side impact, and rear crash tests. A Top Safety Pick is awarded to cars that earn "Good" ratings in all three tests.

The designation applies to Genesis models produced after November 2008, when Hyundai made a few safety tweaks to bump the Genesis from an "Acceptable" frontal offset test rating to a "Good". Since the changes made are hardware-related, pre-December Genesis models cannot be issued a service bulletin for them to be reformed.

All Genesis models are equipped with an immense list of standard safety equipment including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

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UK: Kia to send 400 Souls to Hertz

Kia Motors is planning to send 400 units of the Soul to the daily rental firm Hertz across the United Kingdom from March onwards. Kia, which projects 3000-3500 Souls to be sold per year, sees the deal as opportunity to get as get as many potential drivers into them as possible.

“Kia has a strong partnership with Hertz across Europe,” said Kia’s UK head of Fleet and Remarketing, Andrew Sellars. He added that sending the cars out to a daily rental firm would not detract the car's future values.

“It’s not going to damage residual values as all of the cars are coming back to Kia afterwards, we’re not just outing all 400 back to market,” he said. Sellars also confirmed that Kia will be responsible for the specification and engine options of the cars it is sending out to the rental firm, not vice versa.

[Source: BusinessCar]

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Comparison: Popular Mechanics chooses Kia Soul over xB and Cube

Popular Mechanics has published the first long-awaited comparison of the three value-oriented box cars in the market: Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and the veteran Scion xB. After a 300-plus mile journey throughout Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California, the editors have chosen the winner of the B-car trio: the Kia Soul.

Editors praised the Soul's personality and commented on the effectiveness of the sport-tuned suspension and the 142 hp 2.0L engine. They also complimented the large 18-inch tires and its responsive steering feedback. The muscular design also met well with the jury and the interior was quoted as "the most innovative of any Kia thus far." With the large wheels, however, the ride was noted to be on the firm side. The small hatch opening was also criticized.

The three cars in the comparison all were priced below $18K, with the Nissan Cube S w/ CVT stickering the lowest at $15,585. The Soul Sport was the middle of the pack with an as-tested price of $17,645. The Scion xB topped the numbers at $17,789. The Soul Sport is powered by a 142 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which is also the median of the three. The Cube was the weakest with its 122 hp 1.8L engine, while the xB topped the list again with its 158 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine derived from the Toyota Camry. Out of the bunch, however, the Soul achieved the best average fuel economy of 31.2 MPG. To read the full story, head to Popular Mechanics, syndicated for you below.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

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Preview: Kia releases two renderings of Sorento (XM)

Kia Motors has released two official renderings of the forthcoming redesigned Sorento, code-named 'XM', which is scheduled to debut at the upcoming Seoul Motor Show in April. Designed by Peter Schreyer, the new Sorento draws its cues from his latest works such as the KND-4 Concept in the front fascia and the Borrego/Mohave in the rear.

The 2010 Sorento will deviate greatly from the current Sorento which rides on a body-on-frame platform. Instead, the new model will ride on a monocoque, also called unibody, platform. In the Korean market, the CUV will be powered by a 2.4L Theta II petrol, a 2.7L LPI, or a new 2.2L turbodiesel R-engine. The 200 PS 2.2L R-engine achieves an impressive fuel economy of 14.1 km/L (direct conversion: 33 MPG), which places the Sorento as the most fuel-efficient SUV in the Korean market.

The USDM Sorento will be available in either the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine or a 3.8L Lambda V6 (est. 270 hp). The Sorento will be manufactured in Kia's new, state-of-the-art West Point, Georgia factory. The Korean-market Sorento is slated to go on sale in April.

[Source: Hankyung.com]

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe to be sold in Europe

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Hyundai Motor will be bringing the Genesis Coupe to the European market. The release date has not been disclosed, but only 1000 units are planned to be allocated for the market. Also, the European Genesis Coupe will only be available with the 210 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo.

“Likely we wont make any profits with the Genesis Coupe, but the vehicle will do wonders to our corporate image” said Rafael Agullo, general manager of product planning at Hyundai Motor Europe.

Pricing has not been announced, but reports hint a starting price of €25,000 (Euros). In comparison, a Nissan 350Z retails for €38,000.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl]

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Geneva Preview: Kia No 3 Concept

Kia Motors has released the first full images of its new concept car, dubbed No 3, bound for a debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Based on the cee'd, the No 3 is a five-door MPV that is set to compete with the Opel Meriva and Ford C-MAX when it enters production in the second half of 2009.

The No 3 Concept is the latest creation of design guru Peter Schreyer, and features a unique extended windscreen and panorama glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar, an automatic sun visor and the trademark tiger-toothed Kia grille. It is finished in Matte Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading for more images and the official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: All-new MPV Concept heads Kia line-up at Geneva

Kia will be displaying an all-new MPV concept, a range of Idle Stop & Go cars and an
innovative Hybrid at the 79th Salon International de l'Auto which opens in Geneva on 3 March. There will be a total of 18 vehicles on the Kia stand [Stand 5231, Hall 5] including three models making their first appearance in Switzerland – the Kia Soul, upgraded 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUV and upgraded, new-look 2009 Kia Magentis sedan.

Kia No 3 Concept Car
All-new, the Kia No 3 Concept Car redefines the small MPV genre by creating a beautiful car that is also fun-to-drive. The concept features a unique extended windscreen and panorama glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar, an automatic sun visor and the new 'face of Kia' displays the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation. The 4045 mm long concept is finished in matt Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents.

Kia cee'd ISG
The new Kia cee'd ISG (Idle Stop & Go) models, which offer up to 15% fuel savings in city driving, are now on sale in many countries across Europe. Kia's innovative ISG
system automatically switches the engine off when the car is stopped in traffic and restarts the engine instantly when the driver wishes to move off. Kia cee'd ISG cars are available with a choice of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre gasoline engines and each of the three cee'd family bodystyles – five-door hatchback, five-door sporty wagon and three-door pro_cee'd. The 1.4-litre ISG models at Geneva have a 137 g/km CO2 rating.

Kia cee'd Hybrid
Kia Motors has produced a fleet of prototype Kia cee'd Hybrid cars especially for testing and evaluation in Europe. The cee'd Hybrid uses an upgraded powertrain with Kia's Gamma 1.6-litre gasoline engine, mated to a 15kW, 105 Nm AC synchronised
electric motor, a CVT transmission and the new ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system. Kia
calculates that the cee'd Hybrid accelerates to 100 kph in 11.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 185 kph. The prototype achieves fuel consumption of 4.81 litres per 100 km and a CO2 figure of 109 g/km – down 25% compared to the standard 1.6-litre gasoline cee'd.

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