Showing posts with label Kia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kia. Show all posts

Friday, September 9, 2011

2011 Kia Soul

Kia is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the Korea. Slowly, but surely this brand of car is making its way to the industry not only in Korea , but in other parts of the world as well this past few years. And to further cement its status in the industry the company has just introduced what they’ve got as far as innovation and designed is concerned and this through the newly unveiled vehicle called Kia Soul. The 2011 Kia Soul is a trendy hatch although it looks more of a minivan that was introduced by Kia earlier this year. The Kia Soul is a trendy 5-door vehicle that comes with unmistakable looks that will surely capture the attention of a new group consumer especially those people who are looking for trendy looking vehicles in the market. This crossover hatch has 4 doors and a tailgate thus, making it a five-door vehicle that comes with a large and rounded bulging hood and flared wheel guards that is responsible in giving it a powerful and robust appearance.

The Kia Soul is also the company’s first model to offer customers several package options as well as various customization options that will give a more personal touch and aesthetic sense. Checking the Kia Soul inside will surely expose you to a surprisingly large interior space that comes with high-backed front seats and rear seats mounted at a good height that gives great comfort even for the very tall passengers.

Impressive 2011 Kia Soul With Full Of Creation

Luxury 2011 Kia Soul With Soft Color

Amazing 2011 Kia Soul With Beautiful Lighting

2011 Kia Soul Interior View

Active 2011 Kia Soul

2011 Kia Soul Show Up

2011 Kia Soul Hatchback

Performance wise, its engine offers a good performance as it responds well to the pressure on its accelerator. It can carry itself well in urban traffic though it struggles a little at low revs. Overall, the Kia Soul truly shines on the road. The Kia Soul also ranks 12 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars in the industry. Apparently, this ranking is based on the analysis made on 30 published reviews and test drives made on this very impressive Kia Soul.

The Kia Soul in four well-equipped trim levels which include a base edition, the Soul Plus, Soul Exclaim and the Soul Sport. The Kia Soul is one of the most affordable cars in the market with a price ranging from $ 13,300 to $ 18,495.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

2011 Naza-Kia Forte 2.0 tested


It has often been published that the Koreans are in a - vastly improved - league of their own with their newer generation automobiles for this new decade. Cheap (in relative terms, of course) doesn't mean nasty and low rent anymore. While some may loath at the very sight of a Korean automotive badge, there is no denying that the prime example that you see above has a lot more to offer under its sleeve. Especially in its upgraded form which has been available in our Malaysian market since early this year (2011).


I could still vividly remember how much likeable the Forte 1.6 EX/SX was in 2010 when I reviewed these lesser versions. Even the larger capacity 2.0SX paled quite miserably with its lifeless steering with a bubble-gummy feel just off-centre, being an electric-powered assisted rack. In the meantime, the 4-speed A/T was not geared to appreciably harness the added flexibility of a 2.0L lump.

Fast forward to the 2011 Forte 2.0 - with 6A/T - these bugbears are gone, especially the synthetic-feel steering. In fact, it's well weighted and tied down now, though a tad "artificially coloured" it may seem but heck, it's a vast improvement. It even hints you of that "Zoom Zoom" feedback or that premium "The Power of Dreams" feel.

At highway speed, tracking corners seem more brilliant with the suspension just nicely damped with incisive suspension rebound i.e. taut body control. No wallow, no pitching. Acceptable body roll should you gun it into bends. High speed stability around its tested Vmax of 200km/h was let's say, comforting, cosseting and confident. Wind noise and road noise level remained impressive for its class at that 'lofty' velocity as well.



Tractability going about in town or suburb traffic is much improved with the new 6-speeder while the implanted rear-view camera display proved more than just a gimmick. Though the display image was a wee bit constrained by the height of the central rear-view mirror dimension, it worked perfectly well for all the reversed parking I managed to execute.




However, all isn't rosy from this Korean camp C-segment offspring. For one, I fail to understand why there is the lack of external boot release handle/rubber-strip switch at the rear - usually recessed in the rear number plate upper frame/garnish. You simply must press the button on the remote fob, how so inconvenient for a key/fob-less entry enabled car! Or you must tug the boot release lever on the floor carpet below and to the right of the driver's seat. The other sore (eye) point is why their generic-looking engine cover(s) do not seem to greet you "Annyeonghaseyo" as friendly the others say "Konichiwa" or "Guten Tag", just to name a couple of established examples.

I do have to apologise for not observing its fuel economy (trip computer was displaying 12.0l to 13.0l/100km mostly!). In the new Forte 2.0, most of the time I was having fun stretching its legs on almost every trip out in this "budget" 2.0-litre sedan, which is convincingly far from looking, feeling or driving budget-y in nature.





Wednesday, July 13, 2011

2011 Kia Sorento

Sporty 2011 Kia Sorento In Red Color

Luxury 2011 Kia Sorento

2011 Kia Sorento Steering Wheels

2011 Kia Sorento On Parking Area

2011 Kia Sorento Interior

2011 Kia Sorento Seats View

2011 Kia Sorento Engine Detail

Friday, May 13, 2011

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte is a compact car manufactured by Kia Motors since mid-2008 to replace the Cerato, available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback variants. It is not available in Europe, where the similar sized Kia Cee'd is offered (except Russia, where the Cee'd and the Forte are both available). In some markets, such as Australia and Brazil, the Forte is marketed as the Kia Cerato replacing its predecessor of the same name. In Singapore, the name Kia Cerato Forte is used, while Naza in Malaysia offers the car as the Naza Forte. The Forte shares the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra (HD), though employing a torsion-beam rear suspension in place of the Elantra's multilink design. Kia has stated that the Forte was specifically designed to target younger buyers attracted to sharper auto designs. The two-door coupe "Forte Koup" was originally unveiled as a concept car in the form if the "Kia Koup" on March 20, 2008 at the New York International Auto Show. The concept sported a twin screw turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter Theta II inline-four engine. The production Forte Koup is badged as the "Kia Cerato Koup" in Australasia, is called the "Kia Shuma" in China, and "Kia Koup" in Chile.The Forte sedan was designed in Kia's California design studio by Tom Kearns and his team. The Forte two-door ("Koup") was previewed as the "Kia Koup" Concept, and was also designed in Kia's California design studio. The Korean model went on sale on August 22, 2008. The US model was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The new Forte hatchback five-door debuted at the 2010 New York International Auto Show 2010.


Roadfly.com - 2010 Kia Forte Road Test and Review

In 2009, Kia unveiled the mild hybrid Forte at the Seoul Motor Show for the South Korean market. Taking its underpinnings from the Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid, the car is powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is powered with a 85-kilowatt (114 hp) 1.6-litre LPG engine coupled with a 15-kilowatt (20 hp) electric motor and a lithium-polymer battery pack, making it the first production car to use lithium-polymer batteries.For the Chinese market, Kia has offered the "Forte Furuidi" since 2009. The Furuidi was unveiled at the Nanjing International Expo Centre, and is available with the 1.6- Gamma and 2.0-liter Theta engines. "Furuidi" means luck and auspiciousness in the Chinese language—and has a pronunciation similar to its English name "Forte".In Russia, the Cerato (Forte) is available as Cee'd's notchback counterpart, with the coupe and saloon available together. The Forte is not available in other European countries, due to the relatively low popularity of compact sedans there. Despite the LPI Hybrid being launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Forte is still not offered in European countries outside Russia.In the United States, the LX and EX include a 2.0-liter CVVT engine and a standard five-speed manual transmission, with an optional four-speed automatic or a five-speed automatic with the Fuel Economy Package. For the 2011 model year, Forte is available with an optional six-speed automatic, with the four- and five-speed automatics being discontinued.

The LX is the base model. It comes standard with electronic stability control (ESC), and seat- and side-mounted airbags. The standard stereo includes four speakers, AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player, and Sirius XM Radio. An iPod-compatible USB input jack and an auxiliary port for an external music device and steering wheel mounted audio controls are also integrated with the sound system. Bluetooth handsfree technology is also standard. The second-tier EX adds air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, a six-speaker radio, a key fob with keyless entry, and turn signal indicators on the side mirrors. The SX has the 2.4-liter engine with a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. The SX also adds alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever, a tilting and telescoping steering column, sport-cloth seats, and a metallic finish to the interior. Later production models have soft-touch panels on the armrest and door, as well as on the dashboard. For 2011, the EX and SX sedans are automatic-only, while the base sedan and all models of the Koup and Forte5 continue to offer the choice of manual or automatic. An optional Fuel Economy Package adds low resistance silica tires, a more efficient alternator, a five-speed automatic transmission, and aerodynamic enhancements to increase fuel efficiency. With the Fuel Economy Package, the Forte EX has a 27 mpg-US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg-imp) fuel consumption in city driving and 36 mpg-US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp) in highway according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Automatic transmission models include an "Eco" display on the instrument panel that tells the driver when better than expected fuel efficiency is reached, hoping to influence driving habits toward more efficient operation. For the Forte Koup, an optional leather package is available on both EX and SX trims. When combined with the EX trim, leather is utilized for the upholstery, steering wheel and shift lever; heated front seats and a sunroof are also included with the package. When paired with the SX trim, it includes only heated leather seats and the sunroof, as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever are already fitted as standard. The Forte sold in Canada has similar specifications and equipment as the US-market model. Some differences include the addition of power windows, door locks and power heated exterior mirrors on the base LX trim, a telescopic steering wheel on the EX trim, and a standard sunroof and automatic climate control system on the SX trim. The EX and SX also have a chrome-trimmed rear garnish and door handles.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Kia Carens

The Kia Carens is a compact MPV launched in 1999 by the Korean manufacturer Kia and marketed worldwide under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Rondo. The model was discontinued in Australia in 2001, with production continuing elsewhere for a new model which was launched in 2002. In 2006, Kia presented a second generation Carens for model year 2007. The Carens/Rondo followed Kia's introduction at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show of the Multi-S, essentially the Carens/Rondo in concept form — the S standing for Sporty, Spacious and Smart. The Multi-S differed significantly from the production model only its inclusion of a dual-panel sunroof running the length of the roof. The name Rondo, derives from the musical term Rondo.

In North America and Australia, the car is called the Rondo and Rondo7 respectively. The Rondo made its debut at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Rondo began sales in early 2007 as a 2007 model year vehicle in the United States, while in Canada it went on sale in December 2006. In Australia, sales commenced April 2008. In the United States, Kia sold more than 20,000 units in each of the first two model years exceeding internal sales goals. Sales rapidly declined in the 2009 model year and never recovered. As of August 2010, Kia discontinued the Rondo in the United States pointing customers to the newly-designed 2011 Sportage on Kia.com; however the 2011 Carens/Rondo facelift (adopting Kia's new grille from its Forte vehicle) continues to be sold in Canada due to better sales there. Available as a 5- or optional 7-passenger vehicle with either a standard 175 hp 2.4l 4-cylinder engine or an optional 192 hp 2.7l V6 engine in two trim levels. In Australia, it is only available as a 7-passenger vehicle with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and a choice of an automatic or manual transmission, depending on trim level. Standard features depending on market include: 16-inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD player/Sirius Satellite Radio/MP3 Capability, iPod auxiliary jack, Air Conditioning, Power Windows and Door Locks, Front/Side/Full length Side Curtain airbags, 4-wheel Disc Brakes, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, LATCH, Child safety door locks, Tilt steering column, Front and Rear 12-volt outlets, Front and Rear Cupholders. Options include: Moonroof, Leather interior, Heated front seats, Cruise Control, Keyless entry, Infinity 10-speaker stereo.

Luxury White Kia Carens

Kia Carens Rare Seat View

Kia Carens View Detail

Kia Carens Hatchback

Kia Carens Parking

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival is a minivan manufactured by Kia Motors, introduced in 1998, now in its second generation and marketed globally under various nameplates — prominently as the Kia Sedona. First generation models remain in production (e.g., in China). Second generation models have been marketed since model year 2006 — including as a rebadged variant in the United States, the Hyundai Entourage for model years 2007–2009. Beginning in 2010 certain global markets (e.g., the UK) of the second generation model began receiving updated equipment, engine choices and Kia's new corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, as designed by Kia's design chief, Peter Schreyer. In late 2009, Kia announced plans to cease production of the Carnival/Sedona in 2011. The Kia Sedona first generation was marketed globally, for example as the Naza Ria in Malaysia. The first generation model is currently manufactured and marketed in specific regions, including under a joint venture in the Chinese market with Dongfeng Yueda Kia Automobile Company.With a 3.5 L V6 engine making 195 hp (145 kW) and a 4-speed automatic (later a 5-speed automatic transmission), the Sedona lacked features that other minivans had such as power sliding doors and power liftgate, a fold flat third row seat, navigation system, rear-view camera, and backup sensors. Early Sedonas were rated at 15.6 L/100 km (15.1 mpg) (city) and 10.9 L/100 km (21.6 mpg) (highway), but the numbers improved slightly to 14.8 L/100 km (15.9 mpg) (city) and 9.6 L/100 km (24.5 mpg) (highway) for 2005 models.

Kia introduced the second generation Carnival/Sedona worldwide for model year 2006 — in short (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) models — with a 2-inch-wider front track, 3-inch-wider rear track and reduced turning radius than the first generation. The SWB model shares its platform with the Kia Magentis — and was specially designed for the European market, where it falls in the large MPV class. With a lighter engine, greater use of high-tensile steel in the body, and a lighter transmission and rear suspension, the minivan lost approximately 400 lbs in the redesign. In certain markets, Kia offers the minivan in both wheelbases (e.g., in North America, Australia) or in other markets, simply as the short wheelbase configuration (e.g., UK, France). Globally, the minivan has been offered with four engines as well as manual and automatic transmissions. Equipment content varies widely by market — including such features as six airbags (front, front side and air curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) & Brake Assist System (BAS), dual or tri-zone heating and cooling, 'walk through' aisle between the front seats with fold-down tray, tilt/height adjustable steering wheel, ISOFIX anchor points, rear side sliding doors with 'hold open' locking feature (to prevent an open door from inadvertently closing), second row power roll-down windows, third row 60/40 fold-in-floor seat (LWB only), power sliding doors and liftgate, backup sensors, and in-dash navigation. In European and Asian markets, the SWB models offer a full-range of options and available equipment, with a 2+3+2 seating configuration (an essential format in a large MPV for Europe). By contrast, in the U.S. the SWB model is offered only in a base equipment level with a 2+2+3 seating configuration — and high-end options exclusive to LWB models. Kia introduced the second generation Sedona to the North American market at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show for model year 2006 offering a single engine/transmission choice, the 240 hp 3.8-liter V6 Hyundai Lambda engine with continuously variable intake valve timing and a five-speed manumatic automatic transmission.

The Sedona has been the second top selling large MPV in the UK market, and in 2010 received a new grill, new equipment (including a reversing camera built into the rear-view mirror) and a single engine choice, a 192PS 2.2 CRDi I4 replacing the 183PS 2.9 CDRi. The Sedona is marketed in three trim levels (1,2 & 3) with a 5-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic gearbox. Trim level 1 includes air-conditioning, electric windows. Trim level 2 receives alloy wheels, rear parking camera with the display incorporated into the rear-view mirror, and climate control. Trim level 3 adds electronic stability control, leather seats, heated front seats, power tail gate and powered folding door mirrors.The second generation went on sale in Australia in January 2006 as the Carnival and Grand Carnival — continuing alongside the first generation model until joined by the SWB second generation model. The new model features a 3.8 L V6 engine, standard seating for 8, and a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode. It is priced almost 25% higher than the existing Carnival, which continues with a 2.7L V6. Australia has yet to see the 11-seater model, and no information is available on when it will be released (June 2007). A 2.9L turbo diesel version was introduced in March 2009. The Kia Sedona (Carnival) has received the 2007 MotorWeek “Best Minivan” award in its 2007 Drivers' Choice Awards and The Car Book's 2007 “Best Bet” distinction. Overall, Kia models improved 22%-in J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Initial Quality Study (IQS), and-improved twice as much as any competitor in the last 3 years. The Kia Sedona ranked 4th the “20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure” list by Insure.com. Edmunds.com names Kia Sedona as one of the “Top Recommended” Vehicles for 2010. In the 2007 reliability report published by TÜV, 1st generation (1999–2005) of Kia Carnival placed 113th out of 113 in the 2 to 3-year-old cars category, with a defect rate of 25.1%. In the 2008 TÜV report, 1st generation (1999–2005) of Kia Carnival placed 116th out of 116 in the same category, with a defect rate of 19.70%, and also placed 111th out of 111 in the 4 to 5-year-old cars category, with a defect rate of 27.60%.The 2009 Kia Sedona's JD Power reliability score is same as the 2009 Honda Odyssey and 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Monday, December 6, 2010

2011 Kia Carens

The Carens is solidly built, but the interior plastics look drab and are hard to the touch. Kia has a decent reliability record, plus you get a seven-year warranty for unlimited mileage (in the first three years), one-year roadside assistance and a five-year paintwork warranty as standard.


Blue 2011 Kia Carens on the road


Red 2011 Kia Carens looks elegant cars


Luxury 2011 Kia Carens


2011 Kia Carens in two color


Silver 2011 Kia Carens from back side


Review of 2011 Kia Carens


Ordinary 2011 Kia Carens


Interior of 2011 Kia Carens


Elegant 2011 Kia Carens


White 2011 Kia Carens