Range Rover

Kia has launch its Ray EV in Korea, which is based on the Ray CUV that went on sale earlier in 2011. The automaker plans to manufacture 2,500 units for government departments and public offices in 2012.

The Ray EV is based on the gas-engined Kia Ray, which also is not available here. It trades the standard car’s 1.0-liter engine for a 67-hp electric motor that can produce 123 lb-ft of torque. Energy comes from a 16.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that needs six hours to charge at 220 volts, or 25 minutes using a super-high-voltage quick charger. Kia claims it will have a range of about 86 miles.

The Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, but the 167 Nm on call ensures responsive performance, Kia says. In terms of performance, the Ray EV does the 0-100 km/h run in 15.9 seconds, while top speed is 130 km/h. As for recharging times, it’s six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

Other features include a regenerative braking system, Virtual Engine Sound System for speeds below 20 kph (12 mph), Hill Assist Control to prevent roll-back and two inlet charging ports located in the front grille and fuel filler cap (for regular models) for normal and fast charging.




Press Release

Kia introduces Korea's first production electric vehicle

• Kia Ray EV marks beginning of new era in Korean motoring
• EV assembled on same production lines as regular models
• Range up to 139 km (86 miles) with fast-charging in 25 minutes
• Unique EV navigation system locates closest recharging stations
• 2,500 units to be produced in 2012 for use by government agencies

(SEOUL) December 22, 2011 - Kia Motors introduced Korea's first electric vehicle today (Thursday), with the launch of the new Kia Ray EV - a zero-emissions city car with lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge.

For supply exclusively to the domestic Korean market, the Kia Ray EV is a close relative of Kia's 1.0-liter gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month. It shares that model's major dimensions and, in a global first for an EV manufacturer, can share a production line with conventional combustion-engine cars.

The front-wheel drive Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack that is engineered for a 10-year life cycle and skillfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.

Although the Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, the electric motor's generous torque - 167 Nm (an increase of 77%) - ensures responsive performance. The EV's acceleration is brisker than the gasoline models (0-to-100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph (81 mph). Recharging times are six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

The Ray EV's automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes while in ‘D' drive. ‘E' (or ‘eco') mode optimizes the delivery of the motor's torque to achieve minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range. ‘B' (or ‘brake') mode can be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximize braking power.

Bearing the same striking exterior styling as its gasoline cousin, the Kia Ray EV has four small distinguishing points. A flap in the front radiator grille covers an electricity inlet for a 220V supply for the slow recharge mode, another inlet (for the fast recharge mode) is fitted in the same location as the fuel intake of the regular models, special decals on each front door proclaim the ‘Zero Emissions EV' message and super-smooth 14-inch alloy wheels improve aerodynamic performance by minimizing drag.

Inside, the Ray EV features a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge. It is also equipped with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that features a 7-inch screen and provides crucial information for EV drivers such as the nearest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations. The display shows a circular shaped area in which the model can travel with its current level of battery power, so that drivers can see which destinations are reachable without a recharge.

Currently there are 500 slow/fast recharge stations in Korea, and the government plans to increase that figure to 3,100 stations by the end of 2012.

The Kia Ray EV embodies numerous innovations. The electric motor achieves 93% efficiency, which is the best in its segment. The lithium ion polymer battery's cell is optimized and highly integrated, which has enabled its weight to be reduced by 13% and its energy density to be increased by 15% compared to competitors' systems.

The on-board charger, current inverter, high-low voltage converter and EV-specific VCU (vehicle control unit) each features advances over previous equipment.

Ray EV is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system featuring an Active Hydraulic Booster that utilizes the electric motor, instead of the gasoline engine in the regular model, to create hydraulic pressure for the brake system. The result is consistent brake pedal force throughout a wide variety of driving conditions and the ability to harvest excess energy and use it to recharge the car's battery.

Unlike regular gasoline vehicles, Ray EV generates no engine noise, which can be a potential problem with pedestrians being unaware of the approaching car. To prevent accidents, Kia has fitted Ray EV with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System). When driven at speeds below 20 kph (12 mph) this system delivers a mixture of recorded gasoline engine noises, which are also emitted whenever the car is backing up.

Japan and the USA are already considering the introduction of a legal requirement for EVs to have a virtual engine sound, and Kia has taken the first step to commercialize this system in order to anticipate the global industry's trend.

To ensure that the Ray EV is as safe as gasoline cars, it is equipped with six air-bags, and electronic stability features - VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) - as standard.

During 2012, Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 units of the Ray EV, which will be provided to government departments and public offices as part of Kia's long-term real-world research and development program to provide environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the world during the next decade.

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Kia Ray EV / Technical Specification

DIMENSIONS

Length 3593 mm Width 1595 mm

Height 1700 mm Wheelbase 2520 mm

Kerb weight 1185 kg

POWERTRAIN

Electric motor 50 kW

Max power 68 ps Max torque 167 Nm (17.0 g/km)

BATTERY

Power 330V Lithium ion polymer

Capacity 16.4 kWh

Charge time 6.0 hrs (slow) / 25 minutes (fast)

PERFORMANCE

0-to-100 kph 15.9 sec (to 62 mph)

Max speed 130 kph (81 mph)

Max range 139 km (86 miles)

Additional Kia Ray EV images as well as other Kia related video, stills and other press material are available at Kia Motors' Multimedia Library (http://kia.synapticdigital.com), powered by Synaptic Digital. Content is available in HD, broadcast, and streaming-quality formats, including PAL and NTSC, and can be downloaded utilizing the industry's fastest download technology.

Kia UK has unveiled the new 3-door Picanto model.

The new 1.0- and 1.25-litre Kappa-family petrol engines, which deliver fuel economy of up to 67.3 mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 99 g/km. The larger engine is available with Kia's EcoDynamics fuel-saving technology which includes start-stop technology.

Kia did not simply remove 2 doors and replace them with fixed sheet metal. The main grille opening is larger than that on the five-door and is available with silver or red trim surrounds. The front bumper has been re-profiled to make the car appear wider and lower. There are also new doors, rear panels and glass aft of the A-pillar. The rear bumper has a faux diffuser design as well.

Inside the 3-door Picanto is perhaps not quite bas ‘Sporty’, with the bog standard ’1′ (and 1 ‘Air’ which, you’ll be astonished to learn, is the trim level 1 with AirCon) just getting plain black trim. But move up to the Halo or Equinox (yes, the 30door gets its upper trim levels named instead of the 2 and 3 of the five door) and the Halo has premium black and grey interior trim and the Equinox gets premium ‘Chilli’ red.

The new three-door Picanto will go on sale in the UK from 1st September, and is available with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km meaning that it will qualify for Congestion Charge exemption in London and free VED road tax.

The 2012 Kia Rio sedan will be unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show in around three weeks ahead of the vehicle’s Australian debut in the fourth quarter of this year.

Full technical details for the Rio line-up have yet to be released, although Kia has confirmed that a full six petrol and diesel engines will be available internationally, from a 51kW 1.1 litre diesel engine through to a 103kW 1.6 litre GDI petrol engine.

Four powertrains will be available on the Rio overseas – two gas and two diesel – and while mum's the word on which engine(s) will be available here in the United States, we're putting our money on the 1.4-liter gasoline four. This mill produces 108 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed(!) automatic transmission.

The award winning 2010 Kia Soul has just been flaunted in a new advertising campaign, titled “This or That.” According to Kia Motors America the new campaign is the “rebirth” of the initial Kia Soul’s award winning advertising campaign created by David&Goliath, KMA’s advertising agency of record. Also the loveable Hamsters from the initial Soul “A New Way to Roll” campaign from last year, are once again back.

“Given the success and popularity of the hamsters in the initial Soul launch with a spot that won Nielsen’s Automotive Ad of the Year, it made sense to bring them back for a new campaign,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. “We know the Soul target audience is digitally savvy and that they viewed the first commercial multiple times online, so the newest experience is rich with details in the hamster world and integrated Soul content for them to discover during repeat viewings.”

The trips in this 60-second spot, through the b-ball court, barber shop and record store are quite nice as the hamsters rebuke others over their limited transportation media. Incase you are one super fan of these cool hip-hop artists dancing and grooving to music from Black Sheep, you might like to buy some Hamstar-logoed clothing from

via:nitrobahn



Press Release

KIA MOTORS AMERICA BREAKS NEW SOUL AD CAMPAIGN AND BRINGS BACK HAMSTERS BY POPULAR DEMAND

Game-Changing Kia Halo Vehicle Still Stands Apart From Competition

• 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle rolls in clever, hip hop style spot
• Pop culture Hamsters compare Soul's style and creature comforts to other boxy rides

IRVINE, Calif., May 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ - Kia Motors America (KMA) today officially released a new advertising campaign, titled "This or That," for the 2010 Kia Soul. "This or That" is the rebirth of the initial Kia Soul award winning advertising campaign created by David&Goliath, KMA's advertising agency of record, and brings back the loveable Hamsters due to popular demand. Soul is a unique and highly personalizable urban passenger vehicle and the new spot builds on its creative theme in the style of a music video set to the classic hip hop track "The Choice is Yours" by notable 90's hip hop group Black Sheep. The new campaign launches today on cable TV networks Comedy Central, Fuse, MTV, MTV2 and Spike and runs through July. Beginning May 28 it will appear in movie theaters across the country as well as have a presence online at Pandora, Facebook, Social Vibe's PetVille, KMA's Kia.com. and a YouTube contest.

"Given the success and popularity of the hamsters in the initial Soul launch with a spot that won Nielsen's Automotive Ad of the Year, it made sense to bring them back for a new campaign," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. "We know the Soul target audience is digitally savvy and that they viewed the first commercial multiple times online, so the newest experience is rich with details in the hamster world and integrated Soul content for them to discover during repeat viewings."

"Hamstar™" logoed clothing, as seen in the spot, will soon be available for purchase by fans at www.hamstarclothing.com (check soon for details).

Cruising through an urban landscape behind the wheel of an Alien Green Kia Soul, the hamsters in "This or That" cleverly compare Soul's unique styling and plethora of personalizable creature comforts to other boxy rides - represented by toasters, washing machines and cardboard boxes - while rapping the title song's lyrics, "You can get with this, or you can get with that."

A recipient of "Best Family Cars for 2010" by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, "2010 Top Cars for Families" by Motherproof.com, and 2010 "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, Soul is available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, as well as four special editions, including the recently unveiled special-edition Ghost Soul. Other special-edition Soul vehicles include Ignition Soul, Denim Soul and Shadow Dragon Soul. Pricing for the versatile five-door begins under $14,000¹.

Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with "glowing" Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.
Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. With four new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®² infotainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. beginning in summer 2010³). The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA, further enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.

Kia is on the move lately, and the Korean company packed its New York auto show presentation with the U.S. debut of the Sportage crossover, the unveiling of the all-new Optima, and the introduction of this car, the Forte five-door hatchback.

Not just a new body style, the Forte five-door also forecasts some changes that are coming for the entire Forte family. The hatch’s new grille and fascia design will migrate to the Forte sedan and coupe for 2011, as will the push-button start and available paddle shifters. More important, those paddle shifters will direct a new six-speed automatic transmission, so both the manual and automatic will be six-speeds for 2011. Like the rest of the Forte family, the five-door offers both 2.0- and 2.4-liter inline-fours.

Details are scarce but two engines are available in the form of a 2.0-litre and a 2.4-litre. Power figures were not supplied. Transmission choices are a new 6-speed manual and an automatic.





Press Release

KIA MOTORS UNVEILS FOUR NEW RIDES AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

All-New Midsize Sedan, Compact Five-Door and Two CUVs Debut in the Big Apple

NEW YORK, April 1, 2010 - Building on momentum established in 2009 with three new products, record U.S. market share and the opening of Kia Motors' first automotive assembly plant on U.S. soil1, Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled four all-new vehicles during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show: the 2011 Optima midsize sedan, Forte five-door compact, and the Sportage and Sorento SX compact CUVs. Following the successful launches of the Soul, Forte and Forte Koup, Kia Motors' slate of New York introductions continue the brand's design-led transformation and each combine new and compelling design traits with the latest technology and convenience features while delivering efficient and fun-to-drive performance characteristics.

Forte five-door builds on the popular Forte compact sedan and bold Forte Koup by employing another practical yet modern iteration of the platform. Lower and firmly set on its haunches, Forte five-door carries with it all the amenities of the Forte line and introduces a new front grille, alloy wheels, lower valence design, center console, paddle shifters, push-button start and navigation in addition to the ostensible fifth door for a distinct appearance and intentional practicality. Forte five-door is available with two efficient engines - 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter - and a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Press Release

Customized Soul Sport to Serve as Official Safety Car for Nitto Tires U.S. Touring Car Championship for 2010 Race Season
• Soul sport customized by GOGOGEAR promotions to pace the field at Infineon Speedway
• Fuel-efficient Soul to be showcased at seven USTCC events

IRVINE, Calif., March 19, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) will debut a highly modified Soul urban passenger vehicle as the Official Safety Car of the U.S. Touring Car Championship (USTCC) circuit sanctioned by the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) at the season opener race on March 21 at Infineon Speedway in Sonoma, Calif. Based off of the Soul sport, which receives 30 MPG/hwy and modified by GOGOGEAR promotions for this role, this specially equipped vehicle features an upgraded suspension and tires for handling during the USTCC race series while the strobe lights inside the headlights, taillights and the light bar are some of the same components used on many police and emergency response cars.

"To further demonstrate its practical capabilities, Soul is helping the Kia Motors brand with its U.S. debut into the world of motorsports this year by increasing the vehicle's profile and recognition among automotive and racing enthusiasts," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. "We have created awareness within the motorsports community during our inaugural motorsports season in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series and look forward to future motorsports initiatives."

First seen at SEMA 2009, the modified Soul sport features enhanced aerodynamics, low friction synthetic Mobil 1 engine oil, a custom free flow Borla exhaust, a light weight Optima battery, Whelen Engineering strobe lights, light weight Konig wheels, low resistance tires as well as a short ram intake by Takeda to further enhance efficiency.

In addition to the March 21 race at Infineon Speedway, the GOGOGEAR Soul is scheduled to pace the following events:
• April 24-25, Thunderhill Raceway; Willows, Calif.
• May 22, Thunderhill Raceway; Willows, Calif.
• June 26-27, Infineon Raceway; Sonoma Calif.
• July 31-August 1, AutoClub Speedway; Fontana, Calif.
• August 21, Thunderhill Raceway; Willows, Calif.
• October 9-10, Infineon Raceway; Sonoma Calif.

The USTCC series, sanctioned by NASA, is modeled after European touring car races and features production-based sedans that have been modified for maximum performance, including enhanced chassis and suspensions. NASA organizes activities for aspiring and accomplished racers with race cars and high performance street-driven vehicles. Its programs allow enthusiasts to enjoy the full performance capabilities of their performance vehicles in a safe and controlled environment. For more information, visit: www.drivenasa.com.

About Kia Soul
Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, Kia Motors' affordable halo vehicle offers an attractive starting price below $14,000 . Four special edition Souls, based on the Soul+ trim, also are being released throughout the year, including the Denim Soul, Ignition Soul and most recently Shadow Dragon Soul. Offering consumers even more ways to personalize Soul, each special edition comes with its own unique exterior color and packaging.

The uniquely styled Soul offers an extensive list of standard safety features, 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). Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, an impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard.

Kia Motors in 2010
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. The vehicle line features the stylish Forte compact sedan and two-door Forte Koup, the highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan and versatile yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be assembled at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia , Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Ga., further enhances the lineup.

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 670 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever. 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.
Source: Kia

In one photo, the car can also be seen with the Kia Forte Koup.  If these pictures are any indication, look for the five-door to share similar front end styling, with a- and c-pillars matching up accordingly.  As such, the side windows are noticably similar.


Spies have picked up a set of photos showing off the 2012 Kia Forte hatchback for the first time.  The five-door was spotted on a frozen lake in Scandinavia where Hyundai and Kia have been testing several vehicles.


Kia has yet to announce the launch date for the five-door version of the Forte.  The car will likely compete with the Ford Focus and Mazda 3.

More Photos

Kia Motors has unveiled its "Ray" plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, to highlight its innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.

Following the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Forte LPI Hybrid, the petrol cee'd Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Sorento Hybrid the "Ray" concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact saloon based on the Kia Forte platform.

Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel to power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia "Ray" boasts a range of up to 746 miles.

"It is important to imagine early in the design process what people will want in the future from a green perspective. People want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies," said Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer for the Kia Motors Corporation.

"Being green doesn't have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia "Ray" exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today's environmentally conscious consumers," he added.

The stylish, aerodynamic "Ray" combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimising unnecessary edges giving a flowing profile and a pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly higher deck for reduced drag.

The "Ray" also features touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, "cool-glazing" solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery - all possible indicators of future technology from Kia. As a plug-in hybrid, "Ray" is designed to cover driving distances of more than 50 miles using just its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon for a total range of 746 miles.


Striking Aircraft-Inspired Exterior Design

A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette give the Kia "Ray" concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles.

Strong, lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics philosophy. The LED Kia badge is covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer occupants a spacious, airy feeling.

A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer "tail" improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece integrated underbody panel, narrow tyre width and flush wheel design.

The front headlamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the petrol engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag.

Instead of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors. The result is an airframe on wheels. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The purposeful rear-hinged coach doors add a stylish touch and their height and shape improves entry and exit.

The "Ray" employs new "cool car" technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials to dramatically reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool will reduce air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.


Light and Airy Interior

The "Ray" interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones to create a sense of purity while also reflecting the heat of the sun, keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy. Front and rear seats made of lightweight composites, mounted on the side sills, create a floating effect in the cabin and utilise elastomeric materials to support body weight.

Fresh and sustainable trim materials combine with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout incorporating the push-button start and gear shift toggle. The centre console features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft® providing voice- and touch-activated controls for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation.

Adding to the list of green technology features "Ray" also employs the all-new GreenEdgeTM system by Infinity® Audio. The loudspeakers reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self heating temperatures coupled with increased acoustic performance providing a better synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle. The amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50 percent of current Infinity speakers and employs a lower dissipation design for significant savings in overall weight.

To reduce overall weight through materials and design the hexagon/honeycomb shape can be found throughout the cabin, used as a repeated design element while tying the interior theme together. Used also in the door inserts and seats, this lightweight and breathable mesh serves to reduce overall kerb weight as well as being a unique design element.

Other materials found in the cabin are soft to the touch with a matt finish, including white leather, offering a more luxurious, but inviting and tranquil, atmosphere.


Hybrid Architecture

The "Ray" Concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78kw electric motor.

Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the front wheels from the petrol engine, the electric motor, or both together.

The "Ray" is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift indicator to encourage economical driving. Custom-designed low-rolling resistance tyres featuring a hexagon pattern in narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) construction also improve efficiency.

Specifications

Length	173.2 inches / 4,400 mm
Width	72.8 inches / 1,850 mm
Height	53.5 inches / 1,360 mm
Wheelbase	106.3 inches / 2,700 mm
Tyres	195/50 R20 low-rolling resistance
Engine	1.4-liter Gamma 153-hp GDI engine / 78kw electric motor
Transmission	CVT/ fixed ratio
Batteries	Lithium-ion polymer
Top Speed	109 mph
Fuel Economy (Pure HEV Mode)	77.6 mpg
Fuel Economy (Plug-in HEV Mode)	202.3 mpg
Vehicle Range	746 miles
Cd	0.25
Steering	By-wire

More Photos

The all-new Kia Sportage will show a dramatic shift in design direction when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March, 2010.

Embodying Kia's new visual dynamism, all-new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV - the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance - in a sleek and urban-friendly design.


Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, all-new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.


Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: "Sportage was the car that really made the breakthrough for Kia in Europe and the all-new version will make people sit up and take notice just as the original did. I am convinced it will begin a remarkable new chapter in the Kia story."


The all-new Sportage comes to the UK later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and petrol engines.

The world premiere of the all-new Sportage will take place at 08.45 on 2 March, 2010 on the Kia Stand (No 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Sizzling Limited-Run Special Edition Soul Hits Dealer Showrooms

• Ignition Soul offers scorching new color, prominent wheels and rally-inspired skin

• Second in line of special edition Souls offers same value, safety and myriad personalization options as the original Kia Soul

IRVINE, December 16, 2009 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the arrival of the special edition Ignition Soul, the second of four special edition Souls to roll into dealerships. The 2010 Ignition Soul, named for its unique exterior color treatment, extends the youthful urban passenger vehicle's radical styling even further and demonstrates Soul's expansive list of personalization options. The Ignition Soul joins all other Soul models as a 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This second special edition Soul offers consumers yet another opportunity to find a Soul as unique as their own personalities and is matched with impressive fuel economy figures and standard safety features.

"Soul continues to demonstrate its styling versatility and ability to evolve," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "Ignition Soul offers consumers yet another way to express their individuality in a new way, packaged with the same value, safety and technology as the standard trims."


Exclusive to the Ignition Soul is a unique ignition orange exterior color, striking black 18-inch alloy wheels with machined accents, an athletic-looking body kit and rear spoiler found standard on sport trims, an alloy fuel door for an even more contemporary appearance and a bold off-set black racing stripe to complete the overall appearance. Like the previously launched special edition Denim Soul, Ignition 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, moon roof, fender vents with side marker repeaters and fog lights. The special edition Ignition Soul starts at $17,500¹ with a five-speed manual transmission.

Building from the Soul+ model, Ignition Soul also 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. 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

The Soul has won numerous accolades since arriving in dealerships, including two "Top Safety Pick" awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a "2010 Automotive Excellence Award" by Popular Mechanics, a "Super Value Award" by The Active Network, Inc., being named to Ward's Autoworld's "Interior of the Year" list for "Grooviest Interior, named to 2009 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list by Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com," among several others. 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.

Standard Kia Safety Features

Soul continues to offer the same high level of standard safety equipment as all new 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 new 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 antiperforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive coverage program.
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