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Does The 2022 Kia K9 Live Up To Its Fancy New Looks?

July 4, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

To say that the Hyundai Group has come out of the last decade as the automaker with the most improved image is an understatement. Now, even Kia can make Americans lust after a car they aren’t allowed to buy.

The latest such car is the K9, which was sold in the U.S. as the K900 until it was announced that Kia would discontinue the car early this year, and is referred to as such in the following video.

This video appears to be from a first-drive press event that was held in Korea and shows off some of the car’s fancier features, like stop-and-go cruise control and predictive shift technology. That tech uses the GPS along with the car’s radar sensor and its cameras to help the eight-speed automatic transmission behave more intuitively so that shifts are as smooth as possible. Although the nature of the system makes it hard to film, the video’s host says the car is, indeed, very comfortable.

Read Also: 2022 Kia K9 Flagship Luxury Sedan Gets A THOR-ough Facelift In Korea, Won’t Come To America

He also calls it pretty quick, saying it pulls linearly and powerfully. The version of the car seen here uses the same 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that powers the Stinger. It makes 370 hp (375 PS/276 kW) and 376 lb-ft (508 Nm) of torque. In sends its power to all four wheels and is surprisingly capable.

On a tight on-ramp, the driver hustles the car and reports that it feels really good, especially considering its size. At 202.3-inches (5,138 mm) long, it’s longer than the Genesis GV80, which is 194 inches (4,945 mm) long.

So should you feel jealous that Kia isn’t offering the K9 Stateside anymore? Maybe you should, yeah.

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2022 Kia Sportage Teased With Radical Exterior And Interior Changes

May 31, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

Kia has dropped three teaser images of the all-new 2022 Kia Sportage that will be revealed in Korea in July.

A smattering of recent spy shots and renderings have revealed that the new Sportage will look unlike any of its predecessors and these teasers confirm this. After the vehicle’s global debut in Korea, Kia will unveil a dedicated European version in September.

Read Also: 2022 Kia Sportage Loses Some Camo In Latest Spy Shots

The new Sportage features Kia’s Opposites United design language. Found at the front end will be a black grille that’s joined by a set of striking headlights with bold LED daytime running lights that are visible in one of these teaser images. We are also offered a look at the rear-end of the new Sportage, complete with even more intriguing LED taillights than we had expected. Also visible is a strong shoulder line and a subtle roof spoiler.

A single teaser image previews the interior of the new Sportage that includes a single piece of curved glass encompasses the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment display, similar to the all-electric Kia EV6.

“Taking inspiration from an ethos we created where nature meets modernity, the new Sportage challenges design norms with an adventurous yet contemporary exterior and a beautifully detailed and pioneering interior,” senior vice president and head of Kia’s Global Design Center Karim Habib said in a statement. “With new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward, but rather move to a completely different level within the SUV class.”

Kia will release more details about the 2022 Sportage in the coming weeks.

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Next-gen Kia Sportage NQ5 Spied

August 24, 2020 in Uncategorized | Permalink

A new picture of the next generation Kia Sportage appeared as our friend Shingeun_pic sent us this picture of two 5th gen Sportage parked next to a Ssangyong Korando in South Korea.

What we know so far?

The next generation Sportage is a long awaited model. We already have seen the Tucson testing but we were waiting for the Sportage due to as included on Kia’s Product Plan Schedule for 2020 and all models announced on it were already released (Bongo 3 EV, Sorento & Sorento HEV or Sedona-Carnival) we were worried about the Sportage, more after reading some rumours of delay due to design changes.

But here it is! We shared pictures of a SUV a few days ago and despite we were pretty convinced that we were in front of the new generation Sportage, we prefered to be cautious about it, but now we can see that prototype was the new Sportage and today we have more pictures that demonstrate it.

Despite we said NQ4, (as you can see in the picture below, it was originally codenamed as NQ4) but looks like Kia finally called it NQ5 (there are several parts of the cars that where NQ5 is handwritten. The original Sportage was the NB7, and happened before Hyundai bought Kia, while the KM, SL, QL (the current one) were built in the HMG’s era.

KA4 is Carnival, NX4 is Tucson, CN7 is Elantra and NQ4 was Sportage subsequent of QL

This Sportage prototype is on an early stage of development, as it has provisinal headlights and taillights. Despite that you can have an idea of the design and the real thing is I expected that look more like an small Sorento, but looks like Kia will premiere a new design language with the new Sportage, because it looks totally different.

Despite the high level of camouflage, we can see that the design it’s not even close to any current model of Kia (check the new mirrors too) so we can expect a new concept car soon that could premiere the new design identity, like Hyundai did with the Vision T and All-New Tucson. Inside we can see some of the latest model, like the door patterns, similar to Sorento or Carnival.

The new Sportage had suffered a delay according to the product plan schedule, like with the Tucson (spied for the first time in July 2019 and to be released in August 2020) we should have seen the Sportage almost ready to production by this time and the reality is only on stage 1.

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2021 Kia Sonet Encapsulates The Brand’s SUV Know-How In A Tiny Package

August 7, 2020 in Uncategorized | Permalink

Lost count of how many crossovers and SUVs Kia is offering around the world?

Well, the Korean automaker isn’t making your life easier as it has just unveiled a new one, the Sonet subcompact SUV. Launching in India later this year in the sub-4-meter segment, the Kia Sonet will eventually become available in the brand’s global markets. However, the automaker hasn’t yet named the countries where the Sonet will be sold.

For now, let’s focus on the Indian model and see what it brings new to the table. The styling won’t surprise many because it follows closely the lines of the Sonet Concept unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo 2020 in February.

See Also: Nissan Reveals Magnite Concept’s Interior, Production Model Should Look Largely The Same

Obviously, there are some changes such as the adoption of regular door handles and side mirrors, as well as the ditching of overly flashy details. At the front, highlights include a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, jewel-like LED headlamp, and ‘heart beat’ LED DRLs shaped like the electric pulse of a heart.

The Sonet’s youthful appearance is also defined by the unique C-pillar design and structure, wraparound rear windscreen, ‘heart beat’ LED taillights, and 16-inch crystal-cut alloys. Despite the small footprint, it looks like a proper SUV thanks to a high ground clearance, plastic cladding around the lower part of the entire body, front skid plate and roof rails.

Inside, the Kia Sonet looks modern thanks to the 10.25-inch central touchscreen and 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster that are styled to look like they form a single unit. The dashboard is designed around the driver, which also benefits from a sporty multifunction steering wheel and a compact center console featuring only essential buttons. Kia says the Sonet features “high quality materials all around” as well as “ample, ergonomic space for all passengers”.

The automaker also mentions many segment-first features such as the 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with navigation, live traffic and Over-the-air (OTA) map updates, Smart Pure Air Purifier with virus protection, BOSE Premium seven-speaker audio with sub-woofer, ventilated driver and front-passenger seats and LED Sound Mood Lighting. The Sonet will also be available with remote engine start via UVO Connect and Smart Key, multi-drive & traction modes and grip control for automatic models, and wireless smartphone charger with cooling function.

The engine lineup in India will include two petrol units and a diesel. Kicking off the range is a Smartstream 1.2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, with a 1.0-liter T-GDi turbocharged three-cylinder unit positioned above it. A 1.5-liter CRDi turbo diesel will be the top choice in India. Five- and six-speed manual transmissions will be available, alongside a seven-speed DCT and the new six-speed Smartstream intelligent manual transmission (iMT).

According to Kia, the Sonet’s dynamics and suspension setup have been tuned to offer “high driving pleasure for enthusiasts”. The small SUV will be offered in a dual trim concept including the sporty GT-Line (pictured in the gallery) and the standard model. The latest made-in-India global product after the larger Seltos, the Sonet will be made at Kia’s plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India.

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2022 Kia CV: Everything We Know About The Electric Sporty Crossover Coming For Tesla

August 1, 2020 in Uncategorized | Permalink

Slowly but surely, Kia’s electric vehicle onslaught is gaining momentum with a myriad of new electrified models to debut within the coming years. One of these is a crossover that straddles the line between traditional SUV and a liftback codenamed CV.

While the CV’s nomenclature is yet to be confirmed, spy photos indicate it shares styling elements from both the Kia Futuron and Imagine concepts that debuted at last year’s China International Import Expo and Geneva Motor Show respectively. Now, let’s take an illustrated preview at what to expect based on the prototypes we’ve seen on the road.

A Futuristic New Direction

Kia used both concept models as a statement of intent for future vehicles; emphasizing sporty and elegant design, coupled with a new interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille. The production series CV is the first model to showcase this new design language with a striking, wedge-shaped body.

Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

Frontal styling, for instance, features full-width LED lighting, dynamic lower graphic and a sculptured, clamshell hood. Sleek blacked-out a-pillars exude a floating-roof effect, and the belt-line raises towards the rear, putting further emphasis on its low and lean stance.

Read Also: Everything We Know About The Hyundai 45 EV

The most dramatic view comes from the rear; its styling is dominated by super-slim LED taillights that frame the upper arch of the hatch, featuring an illuminated fin pattern that could have come from some futuristic type of cooktop stove.

Platform & Powertrain

Like the Hyundai’s upcoming electric 45 CUV and Prophecy sedan, the CV utilises the automaker’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), that will also underpin several new electric vehicles set to appear soon.

Kia gave us a futuristic glimpse of its EV plans with last year’s Imagine (above) and Futuron (below) concepts The Futuron Concept is 4,850 mm (190.9-in) long, 1,550 mm (61-in) high with a generous 3,000 mm (118.1-in) wheelbase.

While power and torque outputs are an unknown quantity, the dedicated EV will have a driving range of up to 310 miles (500km) and will offer blistering quick DC fasting-charging of under 20 minutes. If the upcoming Hyundai 45 BEV is anything to go by, expect an SK innovation-supplied battery pack in the 75-100 kWh bracket, coupled with a potent dual-motor setup.

A Roomy Place To Be

While we’ve yet to lay eyes on the interior, the CV will offer a spacious layout aided by a flat, skateboard-style floor. A large digital screen will combine both instrument cluster and infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, WiFi connectivity, and a surround-view monitor.

Read: Kia Confirms 310-Mile Range, 20-Minute Charging Time For 2021 Electric Crossover

Full autonomous driving is still some way off for the CV. However, from launch, you can be rest assured driver-assist technology will feature autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keeping aid, safe exit assist and rear occupant alert.

Prototypes of the Kia CV have already been spotted on the road, some even being tested alongside Teslas

Rivals & Reveal

Kia’s new pure-electric halo car will have plenty of competitors when it lands in the market next year, either as a 2021MY or 2022MY, though two models immediately stand out; the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2 – Especially the latter, seems like one of the closest matches right now with the information we have in our hands.

Review: Mercedes EQC 400 Is A Strong Presence In The EV Crossover Segment

Depending on pricing, dimensions, specs and market availability, other potential battery-electric rivals may include the Hyundai 45, Toyota’s upcoming CUV, Volkswagen ID.4, and possibly the Skoda Enyaq.

So, do you think Kia is heading in the right design direction with its premiere EV model? Tell us in the comments below.

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Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien and CarPix for CarScoops

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