2013 Kia Rio SX Hatchback to Offer Manual Transmission

It’s long been true that only the base, stripped-out trim levels of many cars offer a manual transmission. That was certainly true of the Kia Rio, which offered a six-speed manual solely on LX models. Now, however, Kia has responded to customer interest and launched a limited run of 2013 Rio SX hatchbacks equipped with manual transmissions.

By offering its six-speed manual transmission alongside a six-speed automatic on the Rio SX hatchback, Kia says it’s catering to driving enthusiasts who want the fun of changing gear themselves, but still want a long list of standard equipment. The car was also inspired by the fact that Kia has been promoting the Rio LX hatchback as the basis for its B-Spec race car. Customers who buy a Rio LX can then purchase a $14,000 kit to transform the hatchback into a race car.

“Our customers and the automotive press have been asking for the Rio 5-door SX with a manual transmission, and we’ve listened,” Kia Motors America director of product planning Orth Hedrick said in a statement. “We’ll continue to evaluate consumer demand and consider bringing other high-spec manuals to market.”

Standard equipment for the 2013 Kia Rio SX manual hatchback includes push-button start, touch-screen navigation, a backup camera, 17-inch allow wheels, LED running lights, sport suspension, satellite radio, and special “sporty” black cloth upholstery. Compare that to the only other Kia Rio available with a manual transmission: the LX trim has 16-inch steel wheels and a four-speaker audio system, but lacks things like cruise control, a telescopic steering wheel, power windows, and power door locks. Under the hood is the same 138-hp, 1.6-liter inline-four engine as any other version of the Kia Rio, which returns 30/40 mpg (city/highway).

Kia will build fewer than 500 examples of the 2013 Rio SX manual. The car starts at $18,650 (after a $750 destination charge).

Kia isn’t the only company to make manual transmissions available on higher trim levels of its small cars. Ford recently decided to add a stick-shift option to the top-spec Titanium versions of its Focus, in response to strong customer demand. We say: long live the manual transmission!

Source: Kia

Kia introduces all-new Quoris luxury sedan

Sun, 09 September 2012

Middle East and Africa preview event organised in Muscat — By A Staff Reporter — MUSCAT — A special event was held in Muscat recently to mark the Middle East and Africa preview of the all-new Kia Quoris luxury flagship sedan. The top management team from Kia Motor Corporation, Seoul consisting of Jae Yong Chung, Director - Middle East and Africa/Asia Pacific Operations, Peter Schreyer, Kia's renowned Chief Design Officer, Soon-Nam Lee, Director - Overseas Marketing Group, and Moon-Yong Chung, President of Kia’s Middle East and Africa regional headquarters were in Muscat for this exclusive launch event that was hosted for the Middle East and Africa market.

More than 70 delegates from over ten countries across the region participated in this event. During this event, a detailed presentation regarding the new model was shared by the KMC team and the all new Kia Quoris was unveiled with special effects. The participants in this event also had an opportunity to test drive the all new Kia Quoris. The all-new Kia Quoris luxury flagship will power the Kia brand into an entirely new segment of the global automotive market. The first modern rear-wheel drive Kia tops the global model range and is a true landmark vehicle for the company, combining stylish design with luxurious comfort, engaging driving dynamics and advanced high-tech features. This model would be available in Oman from November 2012.

“Quoris is our first rear-wheel drive large sedan for more than a decade and sets new standards for advanced design, new technologies and driving performance”, comments Thomas Oh, Kia Executive Vice-President and COO of the International Business Division. The name ‘Quoris’ conveys solidity, luxury and high technology, all resonating together as a chorus. The name is derived from the English words ‘core’ and ‘quality’ and hints at the attributes within the very heart the new flagship.

“Quoris is all about elegant simplicity, balanced proportions and simple surfaces.” says Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. “The class-leading long wheelbase, the prestige distance, large wheels, sharply upright short overhangs and a long sweeping shoulder line all work together in harmony to give Quoris a sporty, athletic proportion and a confident stance quintessential to a premium large rear-wheel drive vehicle.” V6 power and eight-speed transmission: Quoris is available in Middle East markets powered by an upgraded 290 ps Lambda V6 3.8-litre MPI engine.

Every Quoris comes with Kia’s all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The wide spread of gear ratios guarantees brisk acceleration and high-speed refinement, while shift-by-wire (SBW) technology with a joystick control delivers fast, smooth gear changes. Rear-wheel drive characteristics: Together with the ultra-stiff bodyshell, Quoris’s electronically controlled air suspension with five-link front and rear suspension geometry gives the new flagship first-class ride and handling characteristics.

Three driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport) enable the driver to choose a preferred set-up of suspension, steering, engine and transmission that is ideal for various road conditions or driving styles. Advanced smart cruise control (ASCC): Quoris is fitted with Kia’s first radar-based advanced smart cruise control (ASCC). This system continuously monitors traffic conditions and speed in order to maintain a pre-determined safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

Advanced vehicle safety management (AVSM): Integrating the control of various vehicle monitoring systems, including the electronic stability control (ESC) and multiple warning systems and can alert the driver, depending on the anticipated level of a collision risk. Detecting a risk of a collision, AVSM warns the driver via a loud audible alarm, and a visual warning on both the head up display (HUD) and TFT LCD cluster.

Class-leading blind spot detection with lane change assistance: The blind spot detection (BSD) gives the driver a warning when a vehicle comes into the blind spot zone along each side of the Quoris. The lane change assistance (LCA) system alerts the driver to vehicles approaching from the rear at high speeds. Around view monitor system: This system, offers a true 360-degree all-around view in eight different viewing modes, displayed on the audio video navigation (AVN) monitor. It provides a virtual ‘top’ view in motion, so the driver can easily have a full grasp of all his or her surroundings, maximizing safety for the car occupants as well as pedestrians.

New standards in comfort and convenience: Every Quoris driver will appreciate the remarkable clarity of the all-new 12.3-inch wide thin film transistor (TFT) LCD cluster. The high-definition cluster features Kia’s ‘two cylinder’ instrument design with precise graphics and delivers a wide range of information with immense clarity. Quoris is also equipped with a HUD (head-up display) which presents a variety of information discretely in the driver’s sight line, enabling it to be assimilated without distracting from the road ahead.

To assist Quoris drivers the new sedan is equipped with PGS (parking guide system). The system features automatic steering control by an on-board computer to safely perform parallel parking. Exceptionally spacious interior beneath large glass sunroof: As well as providing high-tech protection for its occupants, every Quoris enables them to enjoy a sophisticated, refined and luxurious interior. Both the front seats are powered, heated and ventilated. The driver’s seat features 16-way adjustment and memory settings, while the passenger seat has 10-way adjustment. The regular rear seat has three-stage heating of the cushion and backrest, with manually adjustable lumbar support and a folding center armrest.

A special ‘VIP’ option will offer twin heated and ventilated rear seats with a reclining backrest, sliding cushion and lower leg support for the ‘nearside’ seat, together with a front passenger seat that slides forwards when unoccupied. Premium Lexicon audio system and multi-media rear seat entertainment: The in-vehicle infotainment system available for Quoris is remarkable. The touchscreen on the dashboard allows the driver to take advantage of state-of-the-art functions and services, while the backseat display supports a variety of video formats to entertain passengers. A rich multi-media with premium sound and high-definition displays on dual 9.2-inch monitors mounted in the back of each front seat is provided. The folding center armrest for the rear seats incorporates a complete set of controls for the multi-media system.

Quoris features a premium audio system from Lexicon by Harman, the renowned creator of truly concert-hall standards of sound reproduction. A 12-channel digital amplifier is mounted in the trunk, two speakers are fitted in each front door, three are fitted in each rear door, four are located in the dashboard center, with two surround-sound speakers and an inverted sub-woofer. Kia Motors

Corporation — a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart — was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.5 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 15 manufacturing and assembly operations in ten countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 149 countries. Kia today has over 47,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of US$39 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

Kia Motors America Records 24th Consecutive Monthly Sales Record In August

Annual Sales Up 16.6 Percent for the Fastest-Growing Car Company in the U.S. Over the Last Five Years [1];Optima Midsize Sedan Surpasses 100,000 Unit Mark for First Time

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Kia Motors America's (KMA) scorching summer momentum continued in August and delivered the brand's 24th consecutive monthly sales record with 50,028 units sold. Sales over the same period last year were up 21.5 percent, and Kia is significantly ahead of last year's all-time annual sales record pace. Kia's record-setting August was led by strong performances from the U.S.-built* Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV with both topping the 10,000 unit mark for the fourth straight month and Optima became the third Kia vehicle to reach 100,000 annual units in company history. The ongoing popularity of the Soul urban passenger vehicle is a major component of Kia's 24-month sales streak, and the fourth installment of the iconic hamster advertising campaign titled "Bringing Down the House" is now playing on movie screens nationwide and will make its television debut on MTV's Video Music Awards on September 6. "In a short period of time the Kia brand has transformed into a recognized leader in automotive design, and together with our lineup of stylish, fun-to-drive cars and CUVs and memorable marketing initiatives we have achieved another remarkable milestone with our two-year run of monthly sales records," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "At Kia, we always have given our customers a lot for their money, and with an impressive collection of new vehicles and cutting-edge technologies on tap for 2013, the Kia brand is poised for future growth as we advance value to new levels of sophistication." Kia's Unprecedented GrowthKia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[2] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[3]. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan. About Kia Motors America Kia Motors America 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 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies. Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website –http://www.kia.com/. For media information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com/. MONTH OF AUGUST YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2012 2011 2012 2011 Rio 3,602 658 29,644 13,602 Spectra - - - 1 Forte 7,300 6,677 54,316 57,259 Optima 13,949 6,157 100,424 49,546 Amanti - - - 1 Sportage 3,097 4,218 27,285 33,520 Sorento 10,529 13,573 78,098 88,613 Sedona 1,360 3,011 13,153 16,842 Rondo - - - 44 Borrego - 9 - 365 Soul 10,191 6,885 83,889 72,003 Total 50,028 41,188 386,809 331,796 * The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. [1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending July 2007 and July 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands. [2] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study. [3] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis. SOURCE  Kia Motors America

2013 Kia Soul Hamster Commercial Released

Thursday, August 30, 2012 19:59 by Arman Barari

Kia’s hugely popular hamsters are back for the 2013 Kia Soul commercial. Following the success of the first ads, which turned the hamsters into a brand, Kia wanted the new one to be something special. So they went mad. The ad has the makings of a proper Hollywood movie, and shows the hamos going back in time to a lavish 18th century Opera house, to bring it down.

Well, they’ve done it again! It is a great watch:

2013 Kia Soul Hamster Commercial Released

Thursday, August 30, 2012 19:59 by Arman Barari

Kia’s hugely popular hamsters are back for the 2013 Kia Soul commercial. Following the success of the first ads, which turned the hamsters into a brand, Kia wanted the new one to be something special. So they went mad. The ad has the makings of a proper Hollywood movie, and shows the hamos going back in time to a lavish 18th century Opera house, to bring it down.

Well, they’ve done it again! It is a great watch:
 

Spied! Camouflaged 2014 Kia Soul Out Testing

Written by: Jason Udy [G+] on August 24 2012 1:30 PM

Although the Kia Soul outsells its competition and serves as the automaker’s second bestselling model, that hasn’t stopped Kia from continually updating the urban box with special editions and a recent face-lift. A 2014 Kia Soul prototype has been caught testing in advance of its showroom debut likely next year.

The camouflaged Kia Soul appears to have a wider stance than the current model, which give it more masculine looks. Kia’s family-look grille has moved higher on the more upright frontend while the lower air intake seems larger and the headlight design has been revised, as well.

The popular hatchback may continue to offer 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, though we wouldn’t mind seeing the turbocharged 1.6-liter from the Hyundai Veloster Turbo or turbocharged 2.0-liter like the one powering the Kia Track’ster concept. To help maximize fuel economy, the stop-start system available on the Kia Rio subcompact may appear on the next-gen Soul, too.

Kia models ranked best in class for consumer appeal

J.D. Power and Associates place Soul, Optima at the top of rankings by Griffin RogersPublished: August 13, 2012 08:25 AM Two car models from Kia Motors America, headquartered in Irvine, received the highest scores in a recent study by J.D. Power and Associates for consumer appeal. The Kia Optima and Soul were recognized as two of the most appealing vehicles within their class. In the “Midsize Car” category, the 2012 Optima ranked highest in a tie with the Volkswagen Passat. The 2012 Soul outclassed other vehicles in the “Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle” group. The 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout study measures the vehicle buyer’s gratification with their recent purchase. Design, layout, performance and content are among the factors taken into consideration. This year’s study focused on buyers’ needs and preferences to downsize their vehicles without sacrificing quality or amenities. "As key entries in Kia's design-led transformation, the Optima and Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms, and the results of the J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL Study illustrates just how delighted these new buyers are with the purchase of their new Kia vehicles," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications at KMA. Owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicles were gathered in the study, along with responses from more than 74,000 new car owners who had purchased a car within 90 days. "Both of these popular models, along with the rest of the Kia vehicle line, continue to deliver on a promise to offer U.S. consumers high-quality vehicles with an impressive combination of design, performance, comfort, safety and technology,” Sprague said.