kia

Classic concept cars photos from Detroit

We saw several electric car concepts at the Detroit auto show, but there were also a set of more traditional concepts with internal combustion engines on the automaker's specification lists. These cars show off the sorts of designs the car companies are looking at for future production models. Volkswagen and Audi push the diesel agenda with new entrants, while Volvo and Subaru show off the future direction of specific models. Lincoln tries out a new take on luxury, while Kia gets playful with its new Soul platform.

See concept cars from the 2009 Detroit auto show.

More 2009 Detroit Auto Show coverage.… Read more

Photos: Kia Soul debut at the Paris Motor Show

Kia bared its Soul at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and that's the last time we're going to make a pun on this car's model name, we swear. The Soul could be seen as a Scion xB rip-off, but we really like the look of this new little car. It has the same functionality as the xB, but with a fresh new look. Interior options are interesting, as well, including a mood lighting system for the stereo. iPod integration is standard.

Click here for photos of the new Kia Soul at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

See all coverage of the 2008 Paris Motor Show. … Read more

Production Kia Soul debuts at Paris

Five years after the Scion xB came out, a box car war is brewing with the debut of the production Kia Soul at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Nissan will also take part with the introduction of the U.S.-bound Cube next year. Kia calls the Soul an urban crossover vehicle, but it doesn't seem likely people will start talking about UCVs. The production Soul retains much of the concept version's styling, shown this summer at the British motor show. The D-pillar retains its width, and flows into the tapering roof cap. The rear hatch also uses … Read more

Kia launches Borrego just as SUVs lose favor

CLE ELUM, Wash.--Is this an opportunity or a case of bad timing?

Kia is launching its midsized 2009 Borrego as the market for SUVs is collapsing.

"There is some migration from full-sized to midsized (SUVs), which we think plays well for the Kia brand," Tom Loveless, Kia Motors America's vice president of sales, said at a media event. "For us, it is an opportunity to enter a segment where we have never been, and it is also an opportunity to go after a consumer that we really haven't had access to."

Translation: The Borrego is Kia's most expensive vehicle, aimed at consumers who spend $27,000 to more than $40,000 for such SUVs as the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, or Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Video: KIA Soul

Kia reveals various trim options for its still concept but soon to be production new small car, the Soul.

First Kia coupe to debut in '09

LOS ANGELES--Kia will get its first coupe when the replacement for the Spectra goes on sale next summer.

A version of the Koup Concept, shown at this year's New York auto show, will replace the compact Spectra, said Lee Hyun-soon, president of Hyundai-Kia Motors' research and development division. Lee said the Spectra name may change.

A sedan will go on sale by mid-2009, and the coupe will follow a couple of months later. The Spectra hatchback no longer will be sold in this country.

"We believe the coupe will sell better than the hatchback," Lee said here … Read more

Kia and Hyundai cars to get Microsoft software

Microsoft and the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group announced today an agreement to put Microsoft's Automotive Platform, the technology behind the Ford Sync system, into Hyundai and Kia cars by 2010. Ford Sync lets users integrate MP3 players and cell phones with their cars, allowing for hands-free calling and voice-command music selection. There are no details yet about what features will be offered, but we can expect similar functionality to Ford Sync, along with anything else Microsoft can come up with in time for the assembly line. Hyundai Kia has been pushing hard over the last few years to go … Read more

Photos: Concept cars from New York

A number of companies showed off design concepts at the 2008 New York auto show, including the third in the Kizashi series from Suzuki, a rare one from Scion, and a coupe from Kia.

Click here for photos of concepts from the New York auto show.

Click here for more 2008 New York auto show coverage.

KIA KND-4 concept

KIA, which showed off new concept cars at the recent Frankfurt and Tokyo auto shows, brought another one out at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. The KND-4 shows off KIA's exploration of what a future compact SUV might look like. The front of the car, with its raked windshield, is reminiscent of the Mazda CX-7, and uses LED headlights in true futuristic concept car style. The rear of the car is squared off, maximizing cargo room. The entire vehicle sits up high on 20-inch wheels, but it is less than 15 feet long. It seats four in individual … Read more