KIA MOTORS RANKED HIGHEST MASS MARKET BRAND FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR IN J.D. POWER U.S. INITIAL QUALITY STUDY

Kia Owners Reported Fewest Quality Issues Within the First 90 Days of Ownership Among All Non-Luxury Auto Brands in the U.S.

• Kia’s reported problem levels improved by two points over last year to secure the top spot over all non-luxury automakers and second among all brands, luxury and non-luxury
• Four Kia models included among the top 10 vehicles in the industry, the most of any brand
• The Rio subcompact, Forte compact, Sportage SUV and Sedona minivan each topped their respective segments

IRVINE, Calif., June 19, 2019 — For the fifth consecutive year, Kia was named the number one non-luxury automotive brand today by J.D. Power in the 2019 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), with a reported 70 problems per 100 vehicles, a two-point improvement over last year’s results. Kia’s continued success in IQS was led by having four models – Rio, Forte, Sportage and Soul -- included among the top 10 vehicles in the industry, the most of any brand. In addition, Kia had segment-topping performances from Rio (Small Car), Forte (Compact Car), Sportage (Small SUV) and Sedona (Minivan).

“Being ranked at the top of J.D. Power’s U.S. Initial Quality Study among all mass market brands once is a tremendous honor, but capturing this leadership position for five consecutive years unequivocally affirms Kia’s commitment to quality and the ownership experience,” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “With four segment winners – and three additional models ranking among the top three in their respective segments – Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ brand philosophy has clearly yielded a world-class model lineup.”  

The annual report analyzed responses from 76,256 respondents with regards to 257 vehicle models across 26 segments. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality issues reported by vehicle owners.

KIA’S CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED PROGRAM NAMED TO AUTOTRADER’S BEST PROGRAMS FOR 2019 LIST

Kia’s Program Lauded for Outstanding Warranty1 and Vehicle Availability

• Vehicles must undergo a meticulous 164-point Quality Assurance inspection by certified Kia technicians to qualify as a Kia Certified Pre-Owned
• Autotrader evaluates programs based on warranty, inventory and transferability to subsequent owners

IRVINE, Calif., May 29, 2019 — For the second consecutive year, Kia’s Certified Pre-Owned Program has been named one of Autotrader’s 10 Best Non-Luxury CPO Programs. The list recognizes the standout programs car shoppers should consider when buying pre-owned.    

 “Being recognized as one of the 10 best CPO programs for the second year in a row is further proof of     Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ spirit,” said Bill Peffer, vice president, sales operations, Kia Motors America.  “Kia’s high-quality CPO vehicles offer shoppers outstanding value and peace of mind.”

The experts at Autotrader researched all programs, identifying the 10 Best Non-Luxury and 10 Best Luxury CPO programs to help consumers narrow their shopping list and provide a sense of security. The 2019 10 Best Non-Luxury and Luxury CPO Programs were identified based on a series of factors, including powertrain warranty length (with a minimum of six years or 100,000 miles of coverage from the original sale date), available inventory, bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage and transferability to future vehicle owners.

“Kia’s certified program has one big benefit:  buyers get a 10 year / 100,000 mile total powertrain warranty,” said Brian Moody, Autotrader, executive editor. “Even those who might not plan to keep their CPO Kia that long still benefit as the program is transferable to the next buyer should your automotive needs change.”

KMA’s CPO program accepts only Kia vehicles that are five years or newer with fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer, and requires a meticulous 164-point Quality Assurance inspection by certified Kia technicians. CPO vehicles also come with a 10-year / 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 12-month / 12,000 mile-Platinum Coverage. Whether it’s the midsize Optima sedan, iconic Soul or the Sorento SUV that drivers dream of, customers get a great price matched with superb quality, bypassing the stress, risk and uncertainty that typically comes with buying a previously owned vehicle.

ALL-NEW KIA TELLURIDE WINS SUV CATEGORY AT INAUGURAL TEXAS OFF-ROAD INVITATIONAL

Big and Bold Utility Vehicle Beats All Comers for Top Honors

• Its prowess in the muck and its luxurious and refined ride wins over voters

IRVINE, Calif., May 15, 2019 — The all-new Kia Telluride won first place in the SUV category at the first-ever Texas Off-Road Invitational held by the Texas Motor Press Association. More than 30 truck and sport-utility media evaluated the all-new mid-size SUV at General Sam’s Offroad Park in Huntsville, Texas. After comparing it to more than a dozen other SUVS, many of them legendary off-roaders and luxury utility vehicles, the Telluride was voted best.

“Jurors were impressed by the Telluride’s off-road prowess, which rivaled that of traditionally rough-and-ready SUVs in muddy, steep, rocky, and sandy terrain,” says Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, vice president, Texas Motor Press Association. “It also took on the challenge of driving through hub-high water with ease. For Texans, it is important to be able to easily transition from urban to suburban to ranch lifestyles, including off-roading scenarios. It’s also important that a vehicle be priced right for its abilities and build quality. The Telluride proved to Texas Motor Press Association jurors that it is the best combination of those qualities of all the vehicles tested during two days of competition.”

This is the third best-in-show award the Telluride has received in May. The other two coming from the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) “Mudfest” and the Texas Auto Writers Association “Texas Auto Roundup”.

“The Telluride continues to rack up the awards and accolades” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer, Kia Motors America. “It’s particularly impressive that this award comes from a group of experienced off-road and truck media. The Telluride was conceived of, designed and developed in, and is being assembled in this country—it’s a SUV for America, so it’s perfect that it’s being so well received in America.”*

KIA TELLURIDE PICKS UP AWARD AT ANNUAL NORTHWEST AUTOMOTIVE PRESS ASSOCIATION’S “MUDFEST”

Big and Bold Utility Vehicle Gives It Everything On- and Off-Road

• All-new CUV wins “Mid- and Full-Size Family” utility vehicle category
• Telluride also named runner up as NWAPA’s 2019 Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year

IRVINE, Calif., May 9, 2019 — After two days of driving more than 20 vehicles through a mix of on-road handling and off-road courses at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash., member journalists of the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) named the Telluride as the “Mid- and Full-Size CUV” category winner at the association’s 25th annual Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year event, also known as “Mudfest.” 

“We’re honored to hear the Telluride continued its award-winning streak following NWAPA’s Mudfest, especially as it comes on the heels of being crowned the ‘CUV of Texas,’” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and executive vice president, KMA. “Given the mountainous landscape in the Pacific Northwest, NWAPA member journalists know what to look for in adventure vehicles, and we are beyond proud that the Telluride’s capable performance and rugged luxury surpassed this adventurous group of journalists’ expectations.”

Mudfest’s on-road portion of evaluations tested acceleration, handling, braking, and more on a track complete with elevation changes, sharp corners, and sweeping curves. The vehicles were also evaluated on an off-road course that challenged vehicles with plenty of loose dirt, deep ruts, and steep climbs and descents.

“With bold styling and an attractive interior, Kia’s all-new Telluride easily sets itself apart from the crowd,” said Perry Stern, co-chair of NWAPA Mudfest. “There’s plenty of power on tap and Telluride stays comfortable no matter what the terrain serves up which helped put this new Kia at the top of its category at this year’s Mudfest.”

KIA TELLURIDE NAMED “CUV OF TEXAS” BY THE TEXAS AUTO WRITERS ASSOCIATION

Kia’s Biggest and Boldest Utility Vehicle Also Tops “Mid-Sized CUV” Category at the 2019 TAWA Auto Roundup

IRVINE, Calif., May 1, 2019 – After two days of driving and evaluations, journalist members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named the all-new 2020 Kia Telluride “CUV of Texas” as well as the “Mid-Size CUV” category winner at the association’s recent Auto Roundup event. The results were based on the assessments of the 44 journalist members of TAWA who attended the event and evaluated 29 vehicles across a wide variety of criteria.

“The Telluride was designed in California, assembled in Georgia, and has now been honored in Texas with two awards from this distinguished group of journalists,” said Michael Cole, COO and executive vice president, Kia Motors America. “TAWA members know automotive, especially utility vehicles, and Telluride being crowned not only the ‘CUV of Texas’ but also ‘Mid-Sized CUV’, is further proof of Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ credo. It’s true what they say: Everything, even Telluride, is bigger in Texas.”

After driving each vehicle on predetermined street and track courses, TAWA members voted on the top vehicles in a variety of categories. Journalists were encouraged drive the vehicles as they would if they were simulating their own day-to-day driving conditions.

NIRO EV NAMED CAR OF THE YEAR BY POPULAR MECHANICS

Performance, Practicality, Packaging—All Factors in Win

• “Amazing, Fantastic, Totally Normal Electric Car,” says revered magazine
• From road trips to running around, Niro EV impresses PM editors

NEW YORK, April 18, 2019 — Kia Motors America (KMA) is pleased to announce that the Niro EV was selected “Car of the Year” by Popular Mechanics magazine.

“We picked the Niro EV for Car of the Year because it’s an electric car that would be appealing even if it weren’t electric,” says Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics automotive editor. “But it is electric, and it delivers the usual EV benefits without much in the way of EV sacrifices. It’s smooth, quick and quiet, with plenty of range and an affordable price. The Niro EV feels like a preview of the near future, when cars like this are the norm. But right now it’s the exception."

The magazine praised the crossover Niro EV for its design, style, performance and practicality, citing its comfort on the highway during a long road trip as well as its functionality as an everyday runabout.

“We’re thrilled by this award,” says Michael Cole, COO and executive vice president, KMA. “When a publication with the storied reputation of Popular Mechanics selects your vehicle over the competition, it’s a momentous event. We’re proud of the Niro EV and its place in our fleet of all-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles At Kia we strive to provide the best vehicles possible and this reward validates our efforts.”

NIRO PHEV RECEIVES GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 2019 BEST NEW CAR AWARD

Niro Plug-In Takes Top Honors in Hybrid Category

• Niro PHEV gains attention for attractive, thoughtful design and convenience features
• Vehicle testing and analysis conducted in partnership with Car and Driver magazine

IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2019 – The 2019 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid received Good Housekeeping’s 2019 Best New Car Award in the Hybrid category, marking the first time a Kia has earned the accolade from the esteemed publication.

“We’re honored that the Niro PHEV has been recognized by Good Housekeeping magazine,” said Orth Hedrick, Executive Director of Car Planning and Telematics, Kia Motors America (KMA). “Consumers who are intrigued by the Niro hybrid’s fantastic versatility and design, but want the ability to drive only using electric power, will find more to love in the Niro Plug-in Hybrid.”

The Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) collaborated with Car and Driver magazine, evaluating all of this year’s new vehicles. Together, they narrowed the count down to 50, racking up more than 5,000 miles on a mix of test tracks, city roads and highways. The GHI experts and consumer testers rated the cars and SUVs based on safety, value, handling, design, and technology.

The Niro PHEV’s spacious interior was among the factors that made it stand out in addition to being offered in hybrid and all-electric versions. “It was great to see that you get almost the same amount of trunk storage in all three models, which is impressive from a design perspective,” said Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping Chief Technologist & Engineering Director.

GHI also praised the Niro PHEV for its use of innovative features designed with efficiency in mind. “We liked that it has two-zone automatic climate control, with controls for the driver and front-seat passenger,” added Laurie Jennings, Good Housekeeping Institute Director & Lead Consumer Tester. “There's even a button to turn the passenger-side climate control off if that seat is empty, which could save energy in hot summer months when hybrids traditionally forfeit efficiency because of increased load from the air conditioner.”

Stemming from the award-winning Niro hybrid, the Niro PHEV adds the ability to go all-electric. Rated at an EPA-estimated 0-to-26 miles of All-Electric Range, the Niro PHEV can help some drivers consume less gasoline in many everyday driving conditions and in all-electric mode it produces zero emissions. And with the total driving range rated at up to an estimated 560 miles, it offers fantastic versatility.

For more information on Good Housekeeping’s 2019 Best New Car Awards, visit: www. goodhousekeeping.com/2019carawards.

KIA STINGER RECEIVES FIRST-EVER J.D. POWER ENGINEERING AWARD FOR HIGHEST RATED ALL-NEW VEHICLE

Award Focused on Excellence in Automotive Engineering Bestowed on the Highest Performing Vehicle in Kia’s History

IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2019 -- After ushering in a dynamic new era for Kia Motors, the 2018 Stinger sportback has been awarded the first-ever J.D. Power Engineering Award for Highest-Rated All-New Vehicle. Based on combined consumer evaluations included in the J.D. Power Initial Quality and APEAL Studies, Kia is the first OEM to be recognized by J.D. Power for delivering the highest-rated new entry into the market for a model year.

“The Stinger is the result of years of hard work and dedication from the industry’s top designers and engineers. We turned what was once considered a dream car into a startling and enthralling new reality,” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer & EVP, Kia Motors America. “Being the first auto manufacturer to receive this prestigious award from J.D. Power, an organization known for excellence in research, is a true testament to Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ philosophy.”

The J.D. Power Engineering Award for Highest-Rated All-New Vehicle combines the results of two well-known J.D. Power studies, the Initial Quality Study (IQS) which measures new-vehicle quality by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) as reported by consumers during the first 90 days of ownership; and the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award, which measures new-vehicle owners’ overall satisfaction with their vehicles within the first 90 days of ownership. Categories evaluated include exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy.  

“This is the first time J.D. Power has analyzed customer data in order to identify a remarkable achievement by a vehicle development team,” said Doug Betts, senior vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power. “This is feedback on both the quality and the performance of the vehicle taken straight from the owners of the vehicle. What we are seeing is a team of designers, R&D engineers and a manufacturing team that are working very effectively together to launch something quite exceptional.”

KIA REVEALS NEW SUV CONCEPTS AT THE 2019 SEOUL MOTOR SHOW

• World premiere for rugged Kia ‘Masterpiece’ concept
• New ‘Signature’ concept previews upcoming compact SUV
• Asian debut for fully-electric ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept
• Exhibition of latest tech innovations from the brand, including R.E.A.D, Kia’s Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving system

 

Kia Motors has revealed a trio of new concepts at the 2019 Seoul Motor Show today, previewing the brand’s future design direction.

Two of the three concepts make their international debut in Seoul, with the rugged Kia ‘Masterpiece’ taking center stage, combining a large SUV body with a luxurious, high-tech cabin. The Masterpiece is accompanied by the Kia ‘Signature’, a new concept model which previews the design and layout of an upcoming compact SUV from the brand.

 

The cars are joined by the ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept car, an all-electric sports sedan which embodies Kia’s desire to create exciting low-emissions passenger cars.

 

While each of the concepts hint at the direction Kia’s designers could take in future, each also illustrates different elements of the brand’s future model strategy. An expanding range of SUVs and crossover models has provided the impetus for Kia’s long-term sales growth around the world. The Masterpiece and Signature both provide an insight into how Kia could develop its model line-up in future, in terms of design, layout and use of technology. The ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept also previews how the brand plans to excite drivers with electrified vehicles in future, creating stunning exterior and interior design, with intelligent packaging and cutting-edge technologies.

 

Kia Masterpiece – a rugged and robust large SUV concept

The Kia Masterpiece concept makes its first public appearance, with a rugged and robust large SUV. The Masterpiece hints at how the brand could adapt its latest designs and features for the large off-road SUV segment.

 

Like other recent Kia models, the exterior of the car is characterized by sculpted bodywork and bold lines. Combined with a purposeful SUV stance and raised body, and a powerful all-wheel drive system, its rugged looks are matched by true ‘go-anywhere’ capability.

 

The front of the car features a new incarnation of Kia’s iconic grille, the ‘tiger nose’ – yet, extended outwards across the whole front section of the concept, with no clear boundaries between grille and LED headlamps. The design of the front of the car is echoed in the rear of the car, with signature lines at both ends of the vehicle giving the car a consistent design all round.

 

New Signature concept previews upcoming Kia compact SUV

Following the launch of the Kia SP Concept at the India’s Auto Expo 2018 in Delhi, Kia today reveals an evolution of the design, with the international debut of the Signature concept.

 

Driven by advanced technology, the Kia SP Concept hints at the company’s plans to introduce a new small SUV for its global markets. Bold and stylish, the Signature combines sophisticated beauty, breakthrough technology, and high functionality in a smart, compact package.

 

With a wide grille and long hood at the front, and a rear design which emphasizes stability with wide rear lamps and body lines, the Signature stands out on the road. At the front, its lamps are connected to the ‘tiger nose’ grille, with integrated daytime running lamps. Its strong shoulder line, with a glasshouse which tapers towards the rear of the car, lends the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness. The exterior is completed with a series of distinct styling features, contributing to the car’s contemporary, technical design. These include thin LED lamps at the front and rear, sharp lines pressed into the bodywork, and precise metallic details.

 

As eye-catching as the latest Kia production cars, the Signature heralds the forthcoming arrival of a model for young trend-setters. The concept previews a production-ready compact SUV from Kia, due to be revealed for the first time later in 2019. The concept’s design will also influence future models destined for Kia’s global markets.

 

Asian debut for fully-electric ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept

The ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept, revealed recently at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, now makes its Asian debut in Seoul. The fully-electric sports sedan concept has been designed at Kia’s European design center in Frankfurt, Germany.

 

Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design for Kia Motors Europe, comments: “We imagined designing an all-electric car that not only answered consumer concerns around range, performance, recharging networks and driving dynamism, but one that also gave you goose bumps when you looked at it, and made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you drove it. That’s why our all-electric concept is designed to not only get your pulse racing, but to also signpost our holistic and emotional approach to electrification.”

 

A visual embodiment of the brand’s desire to move forward into the exciting world of electrification, this concept is Kia’s first pure electric four-door passenger car. Intentionally designed to sit outside the industry’s predefined vehicle categories, it coherently draws together elements of a muscular sports utility vehicle, a sleek and athletic family saloon and a versatile and spacious crossover. The ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept represents a more progressive Kia design language for the future, with intelligent reinterpretations of existing Kia motifs and a bodywork characterized by a blend of tautly-drawn sheet metal, crisp lines, and efficient aerodynamics.

 

Kia’s European design team fully exploited the chassis architecture of the powertrain’s all-electric layout to maximize cabin space and create an airy and spacious interior. In a humorous riposte to the industry’s current obsession with ever increasing dashboard screens, the concept features 21 individual ultra high-resolution screens. These curve across the top of the dashboard in a layout that is at the same time both casual and coordinated.

 

While not immediately destined for production, the ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept hints at interior and exterior design elements that could be adapted for future production models from the brand.

 

Kia R.E.A.D. – Seoul debut for Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving technologies

Kia will exhibit a range of its latest technologies at the Seoul Motor Show, with a series of innovations developed for the post-autonomous driving era.

 

First revealed at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States, Kia’s Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving (R.E.A.D.) system looks to a future when autonomous driving is the norm and priority is given to improving the human mobility experience.

 

The world-first technology optimizes and personalizes the cabin, analyzing a driver’s emotional state in real-time through artificial intelligence-based bio-signal recognition technology. The technology monitors a driver’s emotional state and tailors the interior environment according to its assessment – potentially altering conditions relating to the human senses within the cabin, creating a more enjoyable mobility experience. AI deep-learning technology enables the system to establish a baseline in user behavior, and then identify patterns and trends to customize the cabin accordingly.

 

The R.E.A.D. system is featured alongside V-Touch, a world-first virtual touch-type gesture control technology which employs a 3D camera to monitor users’ eyes and fingertip. V-Touch allows occupants to manage several in-car features using simple finger gestures, adapting cabin lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and entertainment systems. The system potentially eliminates the need for buttons or a touchscreen interface.

 

Another feature of the innovative R.E.A.D. system is Kia’s music-response vibration seat technology, where occupants ‘feel’ their favorite songs as they listen to them. The sensory-based signal processing technology adapts seat vibrations according to music sound frequencies. The vibration seats also feature a ‘massage’ mode to increase comfort, and can enhance safety with haptic warnings linked to advanced driver-assist systems.

 

Visitors to Kia’s Seoul Motor Show booth can experience the R.E.A.D. system for themselves with guided tours around the technology.

KIA TEAMS WITH AMAZON TO PROVIDE ONE-STOP HOME-CHARGING SOLUTIONS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Offering Makes Home-Charging Incredibly Easy

• Kia EV and PHEV customers can now order a home charger and installation through Amazon at www.amazon.com/ChargeMyKia
• Services backed by Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee

IRVINE, Calif., March 14, 2017 — Today Kia Motors America (KMA) began a new program with Amazon to provide plug-in vehicle customers with easy, one-stop shopping for a home charger and installation services using the same easy digital Amazon shopping experience they have come to love.

Before they even bring home their new Soul EV, Niro EV, Niro PHEV or Optima PHEV, customers can visit www.amazon.com/ChargeMyKia to learn everything anyone needs to know about choosing a charger, having it installed, and charging at home. At the website, they will find recommended Level 2 or 240-volt charging units selected by Kia, information about EV home charging installation and helpful reviews from other Amazon customers. And they can see upfront pricing for electrical services and schedule a licensed electrician to install an EV charger and a 240-volt outlet if needed. Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee backs all home charging installation services, so customers know it will be done to their satisfaction and they can rest assured that their vehicle is supported by Kia’s excellent warranty.

“Home-charging can’t get any easier than this,” says Orth Hedrick, executive director of Car Planning and Telematics, KMA. “Being able to order a Level 2 charger and installation through Amazon further demystifies and simplifies the experience for new Kia EV and PHEV owners. It’s just another example of how we’re constantly striving to provide the very best vehicles and customer experience.”

Imagine by Kia: a new all-electric concept car revealed

5 March 2019 – Kia Motors has revealed its new all-electric concept car, ‘Imagine by Kia’, at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show.

“Automotive design is about capturing the heart and making it beat that bit faster for that bit longer. We believe that there’s absolutely no reason why that should change simply because the car is electric,” says Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design for Kia Motors Europe. “That’s why our all-electric concept is designed to not only get your pulse racing, but to also signpost our holistic and emotional approach to electrification.”

“Today’s drivers understandably have many questions about electric cars. They’re concerned about range, the recharging network, and whether electric cars will still be dynamic and engaging to drive. So, when we first started thinking about this concept and imagining what its role would be, we knew that the best way to answer those questions and address those concerns was by approaching electrification purely from an emotional point of view.”

This human-centric attitude is perfectly aligned with Kia’s attitude on automotive design, as Guillaume explains. “When they talk about their electric cars, many car makers promote the same rational and empirical data-driven messages as they do with their internal combustion engined cars, such as range, economy and performance criteria.”

“Kia prides itself on its power to surprise, which is why we wanted to move away from the rational and focus on the emotional, and embrace a warmer and more human approach to electrification. After all, electricity is found within every atom, it’s the energy that flows within us and around us on our planet. Harnessing its potential has propelled us forward from one innovation to the next,” says Guillaume.

A visual embodiment of Kia’s desire to move forward in the exciting world of electrification, Imagine by Kia is the company’s first pure electric four-door passenger car. Unlike the award-winning e-Niro electric crossover, which is based on the existing architecture of the hybrid-powered Niro, Imagine by Kia is underpinned by a low-mounted, induction-charged battery pack that powers a compact drive train.

Coherently drawing together elements of a muscular sports utility vehicle, a sleek and athletic family saloon, and a versatile and spacious crossover, Imagine by Kia is intentionally designed to not sit within the industry’s predefined vehicle categories.

“It’s a large C-segment car – the vehicle size that’s incredibly popular in Europe – but the only things it holds on to are Kia’s brand values,” explains Guillaume. “It hints at something familiar, but is something entirely new. I think of it as a category-buster, and a disruptor – it’s familiar and understood but at the same time progressive and new.”

Intelligently reinterpreting Kia’s iconic ‘tiger nose’ grille, Imagine by Kia features a bold new illuminated ‘tiger mask’ that encircles the main LED headlamp units. Separated by horizontal ‘eyelids’, the dipped and main beam units are housed with a single block of clear acrylic glass, creating the effect of piercing eyes floating free of visible support. This striking ‘tiger mask’ creates a distinctive and recognizable lighting motif that instantly marks this out as a Kia for the 21st Century.

“The inspiration for the ‘tiger mask’ was to create the look and feel of the headlamps being suspended within a transparent block of glass,” explains Guillaume. “This identifiable lighting signature could potentially be deployed as a unifying design element across Kia’s future electric vehicle range.”

The human approach to the design is encapsulated by the ruches adorning its front air-curtain and flanks. Each impulse ripple has a different length and is positioned at a different angle to the next so that light falling on the car’s flanks constantly creates the impression of movement.

“There’s a great sense of tension and purity in the car’s tautly-drawn sheet metal and the crisp    shoulder-line crease that runs around the entire car. I wanted to introduce an element to create a rippling effect in the metal, much like the shock waves you would see if you threw a stone into a perfectly still mountain lake,” Guillaume says.

The paintwork is a further example of warmth and approachability. Six hand-applied layers of        chrome-effect silver paint are covered in a tanned bronze tint that looks warm and inviting to the touch. Highly sensitive to changing light conditions, the depth and sheen further enhances the concept’s curves and contours.

A single sheet of glass is used for both the windscreen and roof, flowing from the base of the A-pillar and over the cabin to create a vast sky-window, before tapering into a double-bubble over the rear passenger compartment. The rakishness of the car’s high shoulders and narrow glasshouse are further enhanced by an illuminated dynamic streak that draws the eye from the A-pillar into the C-pillar, ending with an integrated lateral turn signal.

The front turn signals, located high up on the sharp-edged bonnet, feature illuminated glowing elements that appear to float in fins of clear acrylic glass. The rear lights are equally compelling. The turn signals are housed within deep-set tunnels to create a three-dimensional effect, with the looped lights extending outwards as they grow in size. Horizontal wrap-around brake light strips create a visual link with the Kia Stinger.

The lighting systems play a key role in underlining the concept car’s friendliness and accessibility. “The flush-fitting Kia script on the front of the concept lights up and glows as the driver approaches the car, followed by the illuminated tiger mask – a welcoming gesture to the driver at the start of the journey,” explains Guillaume.

Even the wheels contribute to the visual relationship that the car has with the movement of light. Each of the 22-inch alloy wheels has four flush inserts of transparent acrylic glass, polished at the front and diamond cross-cut at the back, to reflect and refract the light, much like a cut diamond would, as the wheels move. The wheels themselves are shod with bespoke Goodyear 255/35 R22 Intelligrip EV concept tyres.*

Guillaume and his design team also focused a great deal of their attention on the vehicle’s aerodynamics, ensuring the car sliced as cleanly as possible through the air to reduce turbulence and extend its range.

“The front air curtain; the way the double-skin bonnet channels air through the nose, up and over the front screen and roof; the double skinned C-pillar that creates an air spoiler; the completely enclosed underbody; the wind-cheating ‘wing cams’ and the hard-edged break-away around the car’s rear – all these features collectively boost aerodynamic efficiency and reduce turbulence and drag,” Guillaume explains.

“We wanted the interior to have a twinkle in its eye, to be full of surprising and delightful touches that amuse, engage and attract both driver and passenger alike,” explains Ralph Kluge, Kia Motors Europe’s general manager of interior design.

The layout of the powertrain created a chassis architecture that is distinctly different to that of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. It’s a layout that Guillaume and his team fully exploited to maximize cabin space and create an airy and spacious interior – and one with a wry sense of humor, too.

21 individual ultra high-resolution screens curve their synchronized way across the top of the dashboard in a layout that’s at the same time both casual and coordinated. It takes just a single glance to understand what Kluge means. “These 21 incredibly thin screens are a humorous and irreverent riposte to the on-going competition between some automotive manufacturers to see who can produce the car with the biggest screen,” says Kluge.

They may form a striking sculptural feature that neatly ties in with the rippling and light-reflecting exterior design motifs, but this screen-wall is also highly functional. It effectively creates a single unified display from the driver’s point of view, without the ever-increasing bulk and rigidity of traditional in-car        displays – a fresh and witty approach on how to move away from traditional fixed screens.

“It’s an immersive display delivering information on the car’s climate control, birds-eye navigation, drive and media systems. The screens will also display a raft of Kia concepts from years gone by to create an emotional link between past, present and future,” says Kluge. “With this arresting combination of artistry and information we’re drawing on memories of our past in a car that’s heading straight into our future.”

The cabin’s sense of light-heartedness is underpinned by the striking shock wave design of the four leather and silk-covered seats. “We wanted to create a polarity between how the chairs look and feel. Their diamond cross-cut shells look slim and lightweight but they are actually incredibly strong and robust,” adds Kluge, “and when you sit in them, you discover that the seats are very comfortable and supportive.”

The cabin’s airy atmosphere is further enhanced by the floating center console that, like a wing, hovers independently above the low and flat floor. The doors – rear-hinged at the back for greater access – are swathed in a metallic fabric and leather, visually splitting the cabin into two distinct upper and lower levels. “The goal was to create an interior that felt de-cluttered rather than de-contented,” says Kluge. “This approach is also reflected in the tactile sculpted steering wheel and the pedals that are recessed when the car is stationary.”

The versatility of the all-electric architecture has not only enabled the Kia design team to create this open and spacious interior for passengers, but also for their luggage. Imagine by Kia boasts two capacious load bays: a ‘frunk’ front trunk and a traditional rear storage area accessed through the glass hatch.

“As you all know, Kia prides itself on our power to surprise, and it’s this unorthodox approach that fired our collective imagination, moving us away from the rational, to embrace a warmer and more human approach to electrification,” says Guillaume.

“We imagined designing an all-electric car that not only answered consumer concerns around range, performance, recharging networks and driving dynamism, but one that also gave you goose bumps when you looked at it, and made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you drove it.

“We imagined a future where engaging and dynamic cars like this were an integral part of our transport requirements. So it will come as no surprise then that we have named our new concept ‘Imagine by Kia’. And its message is clear,” says Guillaume. “It’s time to free your imagination, to stop wondering and to start driving!”

2020 KIA SPORTAGE DEBUTS AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

Refreshed SUV continues to evoke European design with rugged capability

• New front and rear fascias add more aggressive flair
• Updated option package enhancements add comfort and convenience features
• New S trim includes sporty exterior and interior design elements

CHICAGO, February 7, 2019 – The refreshed 2020 Sportage made its debut in the Windy City today, boasting a bold new look, a new S trim, more convenience and available driver-assist features, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen for LX, S and EX variants. Following the introduction of the upcoming Telluride, Kia’s largest SUV, the Sportage appeals to those who don’t need or want the space of a larger vehicle but place a high value on Kia’s cutting-edge design, available AWD capability and convenience.  Set to go on sale in the first half of 2019, pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.

Euro-focused DesignThe design language around Sportage has always been distinctly European and the 2020 model carries on the tradition. From the first pencil stroke it was meant to convey the kind of presence associated with sweeping, thought-provoking curves and an equally aggressive stance. The significant exterior design changes for 2020 include:

• New headlights with available LED turn indicators
• Redesigned projector-beam fog lights
• Available LED headlights with available LED fog lights
• New front grille, bumper, air intake and skid plate
• Newly designed 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels
• Redesigned rear bumper and skid plate
• New exhaust tip design
• Redesigned tail light trim
• A new metallic Steel Grey exterior color

The 2020 Sportage interior design is lightly enhanced and includes:

• New available SOFINO leatherette seating surfaces
• Standard 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available          modem-enabled telematics, and available navigation
  
• Newly designed steering wheel and vent bezels
• Available smartphone wireless charging tray
  

Engineered for Confident CapabilityAlong with the new S trim, Sportage is offered in LX, EX and SX variants in either front-wheel drive or    all-wheel drive. Two engines are available: a 2.4-liter GDI producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. or torque or a 2.0-liter turbo GDI that’s good for up to 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. New to the Sportage are a number of available driver assist features:

• Driver Attention Warning
  
• Lane Keeping Assist
  
• Smart Cruise Control with Start & Stop
• Forward Collision Assist with pedestrian detection
  
• High beam assist