New Kia Optima – or Magentis – will make its debut at New York Auto Show on April 2nd. 

Based on the design sketch, we can see that Kia has ditched the distinctly three-box, uninspiring looks of the current car for a sleeker and sexier design. Of course, the actual car will be toned down from this, but we expect a looker based on Kia’s recent track record. The Korean brand promises “bold, athletic and sporty visual energy” for its D-segment challenger.

Little else is known for now, but Kia has revealed that the new Optima is longer, lower and wider than the car it replaces, and features a “significantly longer wheelbase”. Hopefully, they will keep the good looks and we won’t have a shock when the official unveiling will take place. ‘Cuase this is usually what happens: teaser photos look …teasing, but the actual car lacks a lot of the teasing parts.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: most electric or hybrid cars have funny looks, are two-seaters or have incredibly tiny back space. One all-electric car that impressed me at all aforementioned categories is Leaf. No it’t time for Kia’a Ray to show us (me and others that find electric/hybrid cars wacky looking) that low-emission cars CAN be fun looking at. I say nothing about driving experience yet…

Based on Kia Forte platform, it will be a real rival for Prius or Honda Insight, as there is nothing dull, weird or misplaced about the body, colour, dimensions or interior of the Ray.  The interior  is comprised of eco-friendly and lightweight recycled materials in cool white tones that are said to reflect the heat of the sun, thus keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy.

The Ray is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine mated to a CVT and a 78kw electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery pack.

Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the front wheels from the petrol engine, the electric motor, or both together. Kia said that it can cover driving distances of more than 50 miles using just its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon for a total range of 746 miles. Other notable features include the 20-inch alloys in custom-designed low-rolling resistance 195/50R20 tyres, drive-by-wire steering and the roof mounted solar panels that can power the climate control or the lighting system.

I am really impressed by it! More by the design rather than by the performance. It really is a ray of light when thinking of the electric/hybrid ugly concepts revealed in the last years.

The third generation Sportage will come only for North America, with new design lines and hopefully new driving experience that would place the compact crossover at a higher level in the segment.

Kia haven’t released any details about the new model, waiting for Geneva to present the newest member of the family. The model looks a bit like the new Sorento, being longer, wider and lower and I guess it will keep the 2.4-liter inline-four found in the new Hyundai Tucson when it goes on sale this fall. I can say the US costumers will be a little dissappointed as other markets will get a range of gas and diesel power options from which to choose, but, in the end, the looks and strenght of the crossover will make them go over this aspect.

Hyundai and Kia are the first Asian automakers to get systems from Microsoft,but this won’t stop the software company to deal with other automakers.As we already know,Microsoft makes the sync system for Ford.

“There is know exclusivity clause involved here” – Velle Kolde – Microsoft spokesperson.

Microsoft considers that the systems for Hyundai and Kia will be the next version after the one used on Ford and it will be upgradeable.

Kia exposed the new concept at the New York auto show on Thursday morning.

The Koup has a wide stance and flared wheels, fronted by a tabbed grille and slanted LED headlights.The car is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder engine that makes 290 bhp and it has a six-speed automatic gearbox. Kia added continuous damping control for sporty handling.

It won’t take long before the production for Kia Koup will start.

The all-new Kia Kee sports coupe concept vehicle today made its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Previously introduced at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany, the Kee is an expression of the company`s emphasis on design and incorporates styling cues that will establish a design language and identity for the brand.

The Kia Kee (pronounced `key`) is a 4.3-metre long, four-seater, 2-door coupe with svelte, newly proportioned lines resulting from a slightly lengthened greenhouse. It is a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe with an imposing road presence that demonstrates an uncluttered, pure and timeless execution and represents a new design ethos for Kia.

Measuring 14 feet long, the Kia Kee is a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe, featuring a broad stance and a low profile with unique exterior elements such as a strong and powerful frontal design with distinctive headlamps and an eye-catching LED cluster, as well as a dynamic profile with striking greenhouse treatment. Kee keeps a simple yet distinctive outline thanks to its long sweeping hood, slightly lengthened cabin, sculpted flanks and strong, yet almost hidden, body lines.

After pressing the starter button the driver will immediately recognize the throaty roar of a V6 engine. The next generation 2.7-liter MUE-II engine produces 197 horsepower and delivers instant response, enormous flexibility and scintillating performance on any road.