The 2012 Kia Soul has just been introduced at this year’s New York Auto Show. This new crossover will come in two different engine options including a 1.6-liter direct-injected petrol engine (GDI) with 140PS and 163Nm and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 162PS and 193Nm (US Only), along with two different transmission options: a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 2012 Kia Soul will become available in the UK in Autumn, however, there’s no word on pricing yet. [AR]
KIA today introduced its new Naimo electric concept at Seoul Motor Show. This eco-friendly car combines Korean heritage with innovative modern features. FYI, the Korean word “Ne-mo” (pronounced “Neh-mo”) means “square shape”. The Naimo electric Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) is powered by an electric motor with twin 27kWh LiPoly batteries, offering a range of about 200 kilometers per charge. The batteries can be recharged up to 80 percent capacity using a fast recharge outlet in around 25 minutes, or in 4 or 5 hours for a full charge using a standard 3.3kW outlet. [Akihabara]
Here are two new video commercials of the upcoming 2012 Kia Picanto. For your info, this five-door hatchback will come in a number of powertrain options including a 1.0-liter engine with three power levels, a 3-cylinder Kappa engine that runs on petrol, flex fuel or bi-fuel and a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder petrol Kappa. The car itself is scheduled to make its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Watch both videos after the jump. More»
KIA has announced the redesigned Picanto that will be available with four “super-efficient” engines. The new Picanto will be offered with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine (in petrol, flex fuel and bi-fuel guises) as well as a 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol. Outputs will range from 69 (51kW/ 69hp) to 85PS (63kW/ 84hp), while torque numbers vary from 94Nm (69lb-ft) to 121Nm (89lb-ft). These engines will be mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, which enables the car to have low CO2 emissions that range from 95 to 105 g/km (90 and 100 g/km with the optional engine start/stop system). [WorldCarFans]
KIA has officially unveiled pricing of the next Optima at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The 2.4-liter model is available in two trim levels, the LX and the EX. The LX with a six-speed manual gearbox has a starting MSRP of $19,690. Standard features include six-airbags, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system, power windows and locks, dual exhaust with chrome tips, a cooling glove box and auxiliary USB audio input jacks for MP3 players and Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering-wheel mounted voice activation. The same LX model with a 6-speed Automatic transmission is priced at $21,190 and adds alloy wheels, cruise control and an Active Eco System. [CarScoop]
Kia is set to unveil the hybrid version of their 2011 Optima at the upcoming LA Auto Show, which will be held between November 19 and 28. For your info, the 2011 Optima hybrid will use a 169 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder Theta II engine coupled to an electric motor which is capable of producing an extra 30 hp. The car will also come with a wide range of safety features including six airbags, three-point seatbelts for all passengers, side-impact door beams, ABS, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TCS (Traction Control System), BAS (Brake Assist System), Hill Assist Control and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The car itself is scheduled to hit US showrooms next year. [Autoevolution]
