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[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] Kia adds two hybrid options to its smaller three-row Sorento crossover, plus new off-road-oriented X-Line. Kia unveiled the North American-spec Sorento as part of a dedicated video event Tuesday afternoon. It marks a significant departure for the brand’s mid-size crossover, with dramatic new looks, an all-four-cylinder engine lineup, and not one but two hybrid options. This fourth-generation Sorento first broke cover in the before times (it was February). This is our first look at the trims it will have on this side of the globe however, though unsurprisingly the basic looks don’t change much. Kia has given the SUV the latest evolution of its Tiger Nose, with an “eyeline” daytime running light (DRL) signature and a wide grille. There’s a serious K5 sedan vibe to the front, while the rest of the body carries hints of the runaway-hit Telluride. There’s a connection to the upcoming Sedona minivan as well, in the shark-fin trim aft of the rear doors. Wheel sizes run from 17-inch sets to model-first 20-inchers. Like the rest of the Kia lineup, however—and Hyundai for that matter—the Sorento manages to look related to its siblings without being a carbon copy. SEE ALSO: 2021 Kia Seltos EX Review: Where Do Its Priorities Lie? Under the skin, the Sorento uses Kia’s N3 platform. The basic dimensions haven’t changed much, though the wheelbase is now 1.4 inches (35 mm) longer to provide more rear legroom. More important is a weight reduction of 119 lb (54 kg) over the existing generation. Kia also says the Sorento exhibits reduced road noise, with improved dynamics courtesy of the stiffer platform. That same platform has also allowed the Korean brand to install new engines into the Sorento’s nose. Engine lineup includes hybrid and PHEV For 2021, the Sorento will exclusively run four-cylinder engines, leaving the Telluride as the only V6-powered SUV in its lineup. It starts with the familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder, found elsewhere in the Kia lineup. Here it produces 191 hp and 182 lb-ft, filtering through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front or all four wheels. A turbo engine with the same displacement adds a full 90 horses to the corral, totalling 281 hp. Torque is up even more, to 311 lb-ft. This engine pairs with an eight-speed transmission as well, though it’s of the dual-clutch variety. Kia will offer the turbo 2.5-liter on front- and all-wheel drive Sorentos. It’s also estimating a combined 25 mpg for the 2.5T, a 3 mpg improvement over the current V6 model. The non-turbo will achieve an estimated 27 mpg. Of note, the turbo-four will be rated to a maximum of 3,500 lb for towing. That’s 1,500 lb less than the existing V6. Where things get interesting is the availability of two hybrid models. The regular hybrid model pairs a smaller 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 44-kW electric motor. Combined output is 227 hp, channeled exclusively through the front wheels via a six-speed auto. Kia is aiming for 37 mpg combined with this pairing, with 39 mpg in the city. SEE ALSO: 2020 Hyundai Venue Review Joining the lineup later next year is a more powerful plug-in hybrid. It uses same ICE component as the no-plug powertrain, but with a more powerful 66.9-kW electric motor. There’s also a larger battery (8 kWh versus 5 kWh) and standard all-wheel drive. Combined power is up to 261 hp, with a 30-mile zero-emissions range. The plug-in model will be something of a segment first, as no other non-luxury brand offers a similar setup in a smaller three-row form. Loading … Revamped interior The Sorento’s interior gets a tasteful upgrade, with higher trims featuring quilted leather seating and open-pore wood trim. The dash features four vertically-stacked air vents, all trimmed in satin chrome and having just a hint of Star Wars about them. Buyers will now get the option of second-row captain’s chairs in addition to the usual bench seat. Kia naturally has stuffed the Sorento full of all its latest tech gadgets, of which there are many. For starters, there’s an available 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Blind View Monitor is also available, which shows a camera feed from the side of the Sorento when the turn signal is activated. Other goodies include a 360-degree camera view, a standard 8.0-inch central infotainment screen (or optional 10.25-inch unit), simultaneous Bluetooth connections for two phones, available wireless charging, and eight USB ports in all trims bar the base LX (it gets six). A new feature can also send images of the car’s surroundings to your Kia phone app, if you’ve lost it in a particularly crowded parking lot. Hey, we’ve all had it happen. Trims and availability Kia says the 2021 Sorento will be available at dealerships before the end of the year. It will arrive with five trims: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige. The top-shelf SX-Prestige AWD model will also offer an X-Line package, which adds a center locking differential, hill descent control, and an inch-higher ride height (to 8.3 inches). The X-Line also features its own 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique roof rack. Kia will release pricing closer to the Sorento’s on-sale date. Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here. The post 2021 Kia Sorento Revealed with Turbo Hybrid and PHEV Models appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Kia’s “Grand Utility Vehicle” boasts the sort of seats you’d expect when flying first class. Kia finally showed off the fourth-generation Sedona—known as the Carnival in other markets—in full earlier this week. While we already had brief looks at the minivan before, this is a more comprehensive view, and it shows a more luxurious, stylish approach to the segment. The exterior styling is bolder than the current model, pulling influence from Kia’s more adventurous modern SUVs. It’s most clear in the big bluff nose, with serious Seltos hints. Kia has massaged the proportions, shortening the front overhang, lengthening the rear, and moving the base of the A-pillars rearward. The result is a more dynamic stance. A floating roof visually lengthens the Sedona, as does an actual stretch to a total length of around 203 inches. The checkered metal-effect C-pillar breaks up all the horizontal lines nicely. Meanwhile, the full-width taillight design has a technical, angular design for its interior elements. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches. SEE ALSO: Toyota Sienna vs Chrysler Pacifica and Rivals: How Does it Stack Up? Overall, it’s a smart look, managing to stand out in a segment that will be almost completely transformed over the next few months. Of course, more important than a minivan’s looks is its ability to swallow people and their things. Kia is promising 102.5 cubic feet of storage space behind the front row, and 22.1 cubic feet with a full three-row setup. The team has also carved over an inch out of the trunk lift-over height, dropping it to a hair over 25 inches. Some markets will even get an additional row, bringing the possible head count to 11. SEE ALSO: 2021 Toyota Sienna Preview: On Hand with the New Hybrid Minivan That’s fine and all, but we’re more interested in the “Premium Relaxation Seat” in the second row. With a single button press this drops the seats and raises a leg rest, offering the sort of reclined seating you’d expect flying business class over the Atlantic. Yes please. In modern Kia fashion, the new-age Sedona will feature a slew of convenience and safety tech. Two 12.3-inch screens sit up front: one for the instrument panel, and another in the middle of the dash. They both sit under a single piece of glass, however. Haptic controls dot the center console for redundant climate control. Depending on the market, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available wirelessly—and two mobile devices can connect simultaneously. The available Kia Live system can provide live traffic and weather conditions, as well as nearby parking information. It also allows owners to send their upcoming navigation route to the car before starting off. Like others in its class, the Sedona offers an available intercom and rear-seat camera system. The two are combined in the Rear Passenger View & Talk feature, providing a live feed to the central infotainment screen and piping front-row voices through to the rear speakers. If drivers are feeling particularly brave, they can also allow second row voice commands for the infotainment. A whole gaggle of safety-related acronyms are available, depending on market and trim. Automated emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, driver attention warning, auto high beams, and smart cruise control are all pretty standard in the market nowadays. In addition, Kia piles on Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Surround View Monitor (SVM), and Safe Exit Assist (SEA). The latter stops the power-sliding doors from opening if the car detects a car approaching from behind. Highway Driving Assist (HDA) is also available, a Level 2 semi-automated driving assist that has shown up on other new Hyundai/Kia/Genesis products. SEE ALSO: 2020 Toyota Sienna Review Powering the Sedona are three engines: a 2.2-liter diesel and two 3.5-liter gas V6s. We don’t expect Kia to offer the diesel in North America, which leaves the multi-point fuel injection and direct-injection V6s as potential motivators. The MPI engine produces 268 hp and 245 lb-ft; the GDI, 290 hp and 262 lb-ft. Both come hooked up to an eight-speed auto, sending power exclusively to the front wheels. No, it won’t be following the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna in offering four-corner traction. Kia is also promising an improvement in NVH across the board in the Sedona, thanks to increased sound-deadening materials, a new independent rear suspension, and even liquid-filled rubber bushes. The model shown here is the global debut Carnival; it’s now available for sale in its home market. Kia will show off other specs, including the North American model, soon. … Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here. The post 2022 Kia Sedona Shows Off Reclining ‘Relaxation’ Seats and Clean New Looks appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] Kia has used the 2019 Seoul Motor Show to give us a glimpse into the future of its crossover portfolio. The Korean automaker debuted two new concepts at its home auto show this week: the rugged Kia Masterpiece and youthful Kia Signature, which “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 company says. First up is the Masterpiece. Described as rugged and robust, the Masterpiece appears more tough and boxy than many of Kia’s current crossovers. It has a “purposeful SUV stance and raised body, and a powerful all-wheel-drive system,” that gives it “go-anywhere capability,” Kia says. To our eye, it looks like a Telluride with a higher ride height and more dramatic front and rear lighting elements. SEE ALSO: Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage: How Are the Crossovers Different? Which One is Right for You? The Signature is more typical for Kia. This is actually an evolution of the Kia SP Concept showed at last year’s Delhi Auto Show in India and “hints at the company’s plans to introduce a new small SUV for its global markets.” It features an evolved version of Kia’s tiger nose grille and youthful design elements that are intended to attract “young trendsetters.” Kia says the Signature’s design will also influence other “future models destined for Kia’s global markets.” Both the Kia Masterpiece and the Kia Signature concepts will be on display for the duration of the 2019 Seoul Motor Show in South Korea. ALSO SEE: Where is Kia From and Where are Kias Made? Discuss this story on our Kia Forum The post Kia Masterpiece and Signature SUV Concepts Hint at Future Designs appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Get the Flash Player to see this player. Another Geneva Motor Show is in the rear-view mirror, which means it’s time for us to start making fun of all the stuff we didn’t like. Accordingly, here’s our obligatory list of winners and losers, a specially curated selection of vehicles hand picked by the AutoGuide.com staff. For a little extra balance, we’ve also included a few undecided options. SEE ALSO: 2019 Geneva Motor Coverage WINNER: Vanquish Vision Concept Aston Martin is firing on all cylinders, debuting a trio of design studies in Switzerland. Arguably the coolest of the bunch is this, the Vanquish Vision Concept. Despite the McLaren-esque proportions, it previews the British Brand’s first mid-engine production model. In typical fashion, it features an aluminum structure, but what’s not expected for Aston Martin is the power source, a turbocharged and hybridized V6. ALSO SEE: Aston Martin Unveils Three Stunning New Concept Cars WINNER: Honda e Prototype Next up, something at the opposite end of the spectrum. Honda’s e Prototype hints at the Japanese brand’s first battery-electric production vehicle. An urban runabout, it offers a driving range of 200-kilometers – about 125 miles – and can be charged to 80 percent capacity in as little as 30 minutes. Unusual for a Honda, this car is rear-wheel drive. The production model is slated to debut later this year as a 2020 model, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show. WINNER: Alfa Romeo Tonale crossovers, Crossovers, CROSSOVERS! The world just can’t get enough of these things. Helping satiate demand, Alfa Romeo unveiled a new premium compact SUV in Geneva. Smaller than their acclaimed Stelvio, Tonale is the Italian brand’s first plug-in hybrid. Basically, zero details about its drivetrain have been shared at this time, but it promises best-in-segment dynamics, which we’d expect it to deliver. With classic styling and a sweeping interior, it at least looks like a winner. WINNER: Bugatti La Voiture Noire Now for what was perhaps the star of this year’s Geneva show, a mega-pricey, one-off creation from Bugatti. Called La Voiture Noire, which translates rather fittingly to “the black car,” this creation was clearly inspired by Darth Vader, or the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic. Your pick… Power is provided by a 16-cylinder engine that delivers about 1,500 horses. This one-of-one grand-tourer sold for nearly $13 million. Whoever bought it can sleep soundly at night knowing that nobody else is going to roll in in a La Voiture Noire at their local cars and coffee. UNDECIDED: Mazda CX-30 Shifting gears, let’s focus on a few of Geneva’s UNDECIDED reveals. And the new Mazda CX-30 crossover is a bit of a head-scratcher. Size-wise, it’s intended to slot between the CX-3 and CX-5 models. But this raises a couple questions: One, why do they need a vehicle sandwiched in the middle of these two offerings? And two, shouldn’t it just be called CX-4? On the plus side, this thing is beautifully styled and will likely be brilliant to drive. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Engines of 2019 UNDECIDED: Subaru Viziv Concept The Subaru Viziv Adrenaline Concept is yet another installment of the automaker’s Viziv range of design studies. It showcases the bolder, more exciting direction Subaru styling is supposedly heading. While we certainly wouldn’t call it ugly, neither is it breathtaking. Of course, since this is a concept, powertrain, pricing and other details are unknown, but we’d still bet this is an early look at the next-generation Crosstrek. Your thoughts? UNDECIDED: Volkswagen ID BUGGY The last UNDECIDED vehicle on this list is the Volkswagen ID BUGGY concept. A battery-powered dune-hopper, it demonstrates what the company can do with its advanced MEB electric-vehicle architecture. This thing’s got a 62 kWh battery and a 201-horsepower motor, both of which can deliver 62 miles an hour in as little as 7.2 seconds. The ID BUGGY is kind of cool, and there are rumblings they’ll actually build it, but we shall see if it makes it to production without being completely watered down. LOSER: Imagine by Kia Moving on to the LOSERS, we start with the Imagine by Kia concept, which may have the worst name of the entire Geneva show. Predictably, it’s an all-electric design study that vaguely resembles a crossover. It’s got a six-layer paint job, 22-inch wheels and even a continuous piece of glass that forms both the windshield and roof. Upping the ridiculousness, it’s gussied up with 21 individual screens inside, like someone shuffled a stack of smartphones. According to the press release it’s “designed to get your pulse racing.” Yeah, OK. SEE ALSO: 2019 Detroit Auto Show Winners and Losers — The Short List LOSER: Ginetta Akula With supercars, you expect certain design flair, but the Ginetta Akula is just too friggin’ weird. This thing’s got more gills than a school of sardines! Unsurprisingly for an exotic, it’s made of carbon fiber and features a mid-mounted engine. It also brandishes 600 horsepower and can hit 200 miles an hour. Aside from the design, there’s another BIG downside. It costs more than half-a-million dollars. LOSER: Smart Forease+ And the last LOSER we’ve got here is the Smart Forease+, which made its official debut in Geneva. If you remember back to the Paris show last fall, the automaker revealed a concept called the Forease. Well, this is essentially the same thing but with a removable roof. It’s kind of like microwaving leftovers, right? Check out more episodes of The Short List The post Winners and Losers from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show – The Short List appeared first on AutoGuide.com. 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Kia is a popular brand in North America, but many Canadians and Americans may not know the origins of the brand, why it has a close relationship with Hyundai, or where the company makes its vehicles. SEE ALSO: 2019 Kia Forte Review In this post, we’ll explain Kia’s origins and also list every plant the company operates that serves the North American market. Just like its sister brand Hyundai, Kia is an international company, so it builds cars in many different places for many different markets, but this post will only focus on its North American-serving plants. Where is Kia From? Kia was founded in Seoul, South Korea, in 1944 and was originally called Kyungsung Precision Industry before changing its name to Kia Industries in 1956. Kia’s global headquarters are still located in Seoul today. It solely produced vehicles under license from other automakers such as Ford, Mazda, Fiat, and Peugeot and enjoyed a good degree of success both domestically in Korea and abroad, but went bankrupt amidst the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s. SEE ALSO: Kia Stinger Review Rival South Korean automaker Hyundai purchased a 51% stake in Kia in 1998, outbidding Ford in the process, and remains Kia’s largest single stakeholder today. While Hyundai now owns only one-third of Kia, the companies have a strange ownership structure in which Kia also owns small stakes in several Hyundai companies, closely intertwining the companies. The companies share many platforms and engines for their vehicles. Where Are Kias Made? Sohari Plant – Gwangmyeong, South Korea Kia K900 Kia Stinger Kia Sedona Hwaseong Plant – Woojeong-myeon, South Korea Kia Cadenza Kia Niro Gwanju Plant – Gwanju, South Korea Kia Soul Kia Sportage Monterrey Plant – Monterrey, Mexico Kia Forte Kia Rio Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – West Point, Georgia Kia Sorrento Kia Optima Ulsan Plant (Hyundai) – Ulsan, South Korea Kia Telluride SEE ALSO: Where is Hyundai From and Where are Hyundais Made? OR Where Is Toyota From and Where Are Toyotas Made? The post Where is Kia From and Where are Kias Made? appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Die bw moet s n andere bril kope, eentje die t allemaal zonniger ziet ; in n witte BLIJF je zitte, zeg ik altijd maar. Maarruh Guppie, n hartelijk welkom van mij en gefeliciteerd met je witte Pickie! Ik wens je vele fijne Kia(lo)meters toe en enorm veel rijplezier in je Waait Wan. (s n beetje Engels voor de Multilinguals onder ons) .