2017 Kia CUV spy pics

HERE is the first concrete evidence of the all-important Kia ‘CUV’. The South Korean brand’s answer to the highly successful Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V is being readied for an international unveiling as soon as the Geneva Motor Show next March, according to some reports.

Sprung undergoing hot-weather testing under very heavy cladding with a bunch of other prototypes, the so-called Kia CUV is believed to be based on a modified version of the next-generation Kia Rio supermini that is having its global debut at the Paris motor show in late September.

As a result, expect the Kia Rio to supply most of the engine choices, which probably means the 1.6-litre GDI direct-injection four-cylinder petrol unit and perhaps even a T-GDI turbocharged option.

A 1.7-litre turbo-diesel is also mooted for some markets, as is all-wheel drive in lieu of the standard front-drive configuration.

Other than that, little is known at the moment, though the rumour is that the Korean-built CUV will sit alongside the recently released European-focussed Niro Hybrid as a more affordable alternative small SUV.

Visually, and despite all the disguise, it is clear that the CUV is a more traditional SUV than the quite wagon-esque latter, with what appears to be more ground clearance, a higher hip point for loftier seating, and a more rounded overall silhouette.

This would put the Kia somewhere midway between the swoopy CX-3 and boxier HR-V in terms of interior packaging.

Having said that, there are some flashes of inspiration behind the bin-liner disguise, including a bisected headlight/indicator treatment that is reminiscent of the Nissan Juke – another deadly competitor that Kia will be chasing, especially in Europe.

The grille, however, continues with Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ theme.

Interestingly, the CUV would be Kia’s third small SUV. As well as the aforementioned Niro Hybrid, there is also the China-market KX-3, underlining the importance of the segment for the brand. And if you also count the oddball Kia Soul (which does do big business in other countries but is all but ignored in Australia), that makes it four.

Pricing? Far too early to tell, but a low-$20,000 to mid-$35,000 for the expected AWD and diesel versions is a likely range when the CUV arrives by the end of next year, meaning there will be some overlap with the larger Sportage in Kia’s local line-up.

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2017 Kia Cadenza: Adding A Touch Of Elegance To A Muted Segment

Kia has launched its bold new full-size Cadenza sedan into a muted segment that has been suppressed by defection to SUVs and crossovers. According to Kelley Blue Book, the segment has been on a steady decline with the category’s new car activity decreasing five percent in July (compared to the same period last year). Nevertheless, the timing of the Cadenza launch could not have come soon enough, as the four-door has been trailing its competitors for a series of months, and its share of activity comprised less than two percent of the total segment in July.

After four years of manufacturing vehicles in the United States, Kia has signaled to the media and consumers that it was taking the brand to the next level. In 2013, the company launched the first-generation Cadenza, which marked a new era for the brand, and it created an opportunity for the brand to compete outside of its traditional segments.

While many full-size sedan competitors such as Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, and Nissan Maxima remain top-of-mind, Cadenza’s luxury appeal warrants shopper looks from the likes of Buick LaCrosse, Lexus ES and Lincoln MKZ, to name a few.

The new Cadenza, which was designed at Kia’s California studio, adopted some changes that will help set it apart, but conceptually the changes do not drift far from the origins of the first-generation Cadenza. One of the most notable exterior changes is the evolution of the signature ‘tiger nose’ grille. There are two different grille inserts, which include diamond butterfly and Intaglio (a vertical pattern), which are standard on the two higher trim models.

In addition to the new grille, the layout of the front fog lamps deliver a unique look that help to deliver the “sophisticated simplicity” that Ray Ng, the Cadenza’s principle exterior designer, describes. There’s no question that the new Cadenza looks sleek “It’s like a tailored athlete, stretching the sheet metal like a fitted shirt,” said Ng. Most of the bells and whistles come standard, but for a buyer who is looking for additional features, the higher trims offer standard 19-inch Alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED front fog lights, puddle lamps, panoramic sunroof with power sunshade and auto rain sensing windshield wipers.

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What does certified pre-owned mean to you?

Thinking about a new or used car? Think certified pre-owned. These like-new vehicles benefit consumers because they have been inspected, refurbished and guaranteed by the manufacturer or other authority. In addition, they also typically include an extended warranty, special financing options and other exclusive benefits.

David Nathan, general manager of Gary Rome Kia of Enfield, said, "You can only buy a certified vehicle from the manufacturer that sells them. In other words, I can't certify a Honda, and Chevy can't certify a Kia."

It is important for consumers to note that the upfront cost of certifying a pre-owned vehicle adds value that is greater than the price of the certification. For example, if it costs $500 to certify a vehicle, the result is that the vehicle's value becomes about $1000 greater. Therefore it's as if the buyer of that certified vehicle pocketed $500.

"Most importantly, a certified vehicle extends a powertrain warranty on that vehicle for longer than the state mandates," said Nathan. "So for Kia, you have a five-year, 60,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty as the second owner. When you certify that vehicle, you automatically get a powertrain that takes you to the full 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty that is only offered to the first owner.

Nathan went on to say that certain criteria must be met for a vehicle to be certified, such as the condition of the brakes. If the brakes do not meet the requirement, they may need to be replaced in order to certify the pre-owned vehicle. Other items include tires, which must meet the minimum required remaining tread depth. Many manufacturers require vehicles must also meet a 150-point inspection.

The other thing that consumers should keep in mind is that banks charge much higher on interest rates on used cars that aren't certified. "Consumers benefit when buying certified vehicles because the manufacturer offers lower interest rates on certified vehicles," said Nathan.

"If you are in the market for a certified pre-owned vehicle, you can expect three things," said Nathan. "One, a more intense safety process before a vehicle goes to the used car lot. Number two, you can expect a lower interest rate if you are financing the car from the manufacturer. And number three, you can expect a longer powertrain or safety warranty on that vehicle because it's certified."

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Kia Rio Next Generation Taking On Ford Fiesta ST

The Paris Motor Show is not that far away and this is the event where car makers show off upcoming products along with their concepts. Kia is going to be taking part in the event and they are going to be showing off the next generation Kia Rio.

It looks like they could not hold back on the excitement though as they have now launched an official image of the Kia Rio. The photo shows us that the hatchback is going to arrive with some great looks and if the design of the vehicle is anything to do it is going to be speedy.

The photo of the Kia Rio was revealed along with spy photos of the Rio GT which was seen in testing out on the tracks. It is thought that the Rio GT is going to be the top of the range and as such it will offer up the 1.6 litre turbocharged engine that should come with 4 cylinders and which should offer up 220 horse power.

At the moment these figures have been speculated so we are going to have to wait for the official ones. Should Kia be able to offer up a Rio GT that is high quality at some point in the near future, the Ford Fiesta ST could find itself in a whole lot of trouble.

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Kia Diesel Hybrid Trim Could Be Binned

Before the Volkswagen scandal hit, diesel vehicles were praised for offering up better fuel economy. Along with this EV technology was just coming to the forefront with the public.

For Kia the ultimate dream has been for them to offer up one of the very best green vehicles possible and this is a hybrid that offers up a diesel engine that is clean. Now it looks as though Kia may be about to pull the plug and ditch the diesel hybrid trim as it is looking as though the pricing might not be good enough.

Kia said that the clean diesel engine is expensive while the electric engine has become a great deal cheaper. So in other words it is looking as though they now think that a full EV is going to be better when it comes to costs and greener than the hybrid diesel engine.

Kia finished up by saying that they do still have the diesel hybrid project on the go, but they are rethinking their choice and will come up with the best possible outcome.

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The Kia Rio has never looked this good

The word "Rio" immediately conjures images of the Olympics, which ended just days ago. But recalibrate your brain. It's Kia's best-selling model around the world and it will be revealed in September at the Paris Motor Show.

The fourth-generation Rio gets a fresh look inside and out. It has a longer wheelbase with a longer hood and front overhang, which Kia says is meant to convey confidence. The sketches released today look similar to the current generation – as we'd expect – but Kia designers dressed it up with a fancier front end and "straight lines and smooth surfacing" which is evident on the sides. Kia also touts the new Rio's safety, connectivity, and improved handling, though it didn't specify the features. You can compare the sketches with the spy shots of a Rio caught running around this week. Rumors also suggest a hotter Rio GT hatch could arrive for 2018.

The sketches show the hatchback variant. Kia also sells the Rio as a sedan in the US market. Globally, the Korean automaker moved more than 473,000 Rios last year, and the new model will launch production near the end of this year for Europe. Timing for launches in other markets was not announced.

Despite low fuel prices and consumer demand for crossovers, Rio sales have inched up slightly this year to 18,699 units, 1,637 ahead of last year's pace through July. Much of those gains came last month, when Kia sold 1,104 more Rios than it did in July 2015. The Rio was last updated in the US market for the 2016 model year.

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Do You Think Only Expensive Cars Are Built Well? Well You Got It Wrong

A recent study done by J.D Power for the most reliable car brand for year 2016, has revealed that KIA has topped the rankings this year.

For the first time in 27 years, a non-luxury car brand has come on top in this criteria. Last year, Porsche was on top of the list. According to Reuters, this year, owners of non-premium cars have reported less problems compared to those of luxury cars.

                              

The top ten car brands which are on list of most reliable brands are Kia, Porsche, Hyundai, Toyota, BMW, Chevrolet, Buick, Lexus, Lincoln, and Nissan. Another interesting fact is that US car brands have earned better scores compared to rivals.

If you still think that Toyota is the leading reliable brand, then check out this new report from J.D Power. There was always a debate if KIA should build a sports car like the GT4 Stinger to compete against Toyota and Lexus, but it has already won it in the reliability grounds.

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