Kia Launches its First Hybrid Model, Says Hybrids to be Available in Europe by 2013

Following in the footsteps of its mother company, Hyundai and its recently launched Elantra LPI Hybrid, Kia has introduced its first commercialized hybrid - electric car onto the Korean market. As its name suggests, the Forte LPI Hybrid utilizes the same drivetrain with the Elantra that comprises of a 1.6-liter LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) engine, a 15kW and 105Nm electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The hybrid system is also equipped with Kia's Intelligent Stop and Go system.

Furthermore, the Korean automaker's engineers honed the Forte sedan's aerodynamics by applying different front/rear bumper skirts, aluminum wheels and rear spoiler as well as using a special cover for the lower part of the engine room and centre floor. These changes resulted in a lowered air resistance of 0.26 Cd, compared to 0.29 Cd for the standard, petrol-powered Forte sedan.

The Forte LPI Hybrid has a combined fuel efficiency of 17.2km per liter of LPG which Kia says is the equivalent of 21.5km/liter (50.6mpg US, 60.7mpg UK or 4.7lt /100 km) in a standard petrol engine.

While the LPG-hybrid version of the Forte won't be making it to other markets outside Korea, Kia said that it the company is currently working on petrol-powered and plug-in hybrids that are likely to arrive in European showrooms by 2013.

READ MORE - Kia Launches its First Hybrid Model, Says Hybrids to be Available in Europe by 2013

2010 Kia Forte Priced in the States from $13,695

Kia has announced pricing for its new entry in the compact-car segment, the 2010 Forte sedan. The Spectra's replacement is available with two engines and three trim levels with prices ranging from $13,695 for the entry-level Forte 2.0 LX to $18,195 for the 2.4 SX Auto. The Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 156HP and 144 pound-feet of torque that can be matted to either a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

The range-topping SX model features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which delivers 173 horsepower, and is offered with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic.

In terms of fuel economy, the 2.0-liter engine returns 25/34 mpg (city/highway) when mated to either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, while the 2.4-liter engine turns out 22/32 mpg when paired with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg with the five-speed automatic.

The standard features on the basic LC model include ABS with brake assist and EBD, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, 195/65 R15 tires with wheel covers, an audio system with CD, MP3 and USB capability, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls and front, side and curtain airbags.

The EX model adds power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry, air conditioning, map lamps, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, tweeter speakers, dual front and rear cup holders and floor mats.

Aside from the larger engine, the SX model a few more standard features, including a black interior with sport cloth fabric adorned with red stitching, a telescoping steering column, the so-called "Supervision gauge cluster" - whatever that means, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal-finish trim and pedals.

READ MORE - 2010 Kia Forte Priced in the States from $13,695

China-Made Kia Forte Debuts at Shanghai Show

Korea's Kia Motors is extending its Chinese portfolio with the introduction of the locally-built Forte sedan (known in many markets as the new Cerato) as well as the Korea-produced new Sorento Crossover that made its world premiere earlier this month at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show. The vital for Kia's future success in China, Forte sedan, will be produced at its joint venture Donfeng Yueda Kia (DYK) plant in the Jiangsu province and it will be sold alongside the current generation model, called the Cerato.

The Korean automaker said that it also plans to introduce to the market the Forte Koup, which was unveiled last week at the New York Motor Show and is scheduled to go on sale globally in late 2009.

For the Chinese market, the four-door Forte sedan will be offered with a choice of a 2.0-litre gasoline and a locally produced 1.6-litre gasoline engine, with manual or automatic transmissions, in a selection of 10 exterior and two interior colors.

As for the new Sorento SUV / Crossover, Chinese buyers will be able to choose from two engines, a Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline with 4WD and 6-speed automatic transmission and a R 2.2-liter diesel also with 4WD and 6-speed automatic transmission.

Even though it is expected that the new Chinese car market will slow down to single digits in 2009, Kia said that its sale target for the year is over 195,000 units, or 30 percent more than 2008 when it achieved sales of 151,000 vehicles.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - China-Made Kia Forte Debuts at Shanghai Show

2010 Kia Forte Koup makes Global Debut in NY: 60-High Res Photos

Continuing its long-term assault on the market, Kia blew the covers off the production version of the Koup concept that was unveiled during last year's New York Auto Show. The Korean automaker's first-ever two door coupe model is based on the new Forte Sedan with which it shares the mechanical hardware as well as the interior design. On the outside, it's another story as Kia has come up with a sharp looking design featuring a lower stance and a series of unique styling cues that differentiate the Koup from the sedan.

And while it's evident that the Kia's small coupe bears a few design similarities with Honda's European Civic hatchback (front) as well as from the Acura RSX (rear), overall, the 2010 Forte Koup looks pretty neat.

"On the heel of the introductions of the Soul and Forte sedan, Forte Koup represents the next exciting step in the transformation of Kia design and offers a blend of sporty and emotional appeal," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. "We believe our new design evolution coupled with standard Kia value and safety features will continue to attract customers to the Kia brand."

Built on the Forte sedan's front-wheel drive platform, the Koup comes with a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, meaning that it's slightly shorter in length and height than its four-door counterpart.

Like the Forte sedan, the Koup will be offered with two four-cylinder gasoline engines, a 2.0-liter unit for the EX model producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque and a 2.4-liter unit for the SX that delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque.

Both models are available with two transmission options, a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission for the 2.0L EX, and a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic for the 2.4L SX.

Kia said that the 2.0-liter engine offers 25mpg city and 34 mpg highway with either tranmssion while the more powerful 2.4-liter engine is rated at 22mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg when paired with the five-speed automatic transmission.

Sales in the U.S. are expected to start later in the year.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - 2010 Kia Forte Koup makes Global Debut in NY: 60-High Res Photos