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

Friday, October 30, 2015

Kia Puts the CUV into the Minivan | Keffer Kia

2016 KIA SEDONA OVERVIEW

  • Award-Winning Multi-Purpose Vehicle Continues to Offer Maximum Flexibility Combined with Host of Premium Amenities and Advanced Safety Features
  • 2016 Sedona transcends conventional minivan design and supports elevated Kia ownership experience
  • With a long list of standard safety and convenience features, the refined multi-purpose vehicle makes a great road trip companion

IRVINE, Calif., June 11, 2015 – Entering its second model year with limited changes, the 2016 Kia Sedona has something for everyone, continuing to offer a fresh take on the minivan segment and raising the bar in terms of design, amenities and value. The 2016 Sedona offers seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations for maximum flexibility and is available in five trim levels: L, LX, EX, SX and SXL. Mated to a six-speed Sportmatic® transmission, Sedona’s 3.3-liter V6 engine boasts 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and is tuned for enhanced mid-range torque, offering 248 lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm. The 2016 Sedona features a variety of design enhancements to continue to transcend mundane functionality, and its intelligently engineered chassis combines with a number of segment exclusives to make it the perfect road trip companion.

Sedona’s wide stance exudes a modern, CUV-like appearance that projects confidence and
strength. New for the 2016 model year, all trims now come standard with a rear back-up camera1. For the L and LX trims, cloth seat material is now tricot, a more modern-looking pattern that replaces the previous knit. The EX trim now comes standard with heated front seats. For added convenience, the SX and SXL trims now offer eight-passenger seating when equipped with the Technology package. Adding to the Sedona’s premium ambiance, the SXL trim now offers side sills with chrome accents that complement the standard 19-inch chrome wheels.

The 2016 Sedona’s chassis provides a solid base for road-trip readiness. Built using Kia’s Iso-StructureTM design, the 2016 Sedona’s torsional rigidity is 36-percent greater than its closest segment competitor. The frame is 76 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) or press hardened steel, which provides exceptional rigidity and durability in a lightweight design. The Sedona has been engineered with reinforced roof pillars that distribute impact loads with ultra-high-strength steel tubes installed inside the A-pillars. Extensive use of bonding adhesives and larger diameter welds also add to Sedona’s overall structural integrity. The 2016 Sedona has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5-Star overall vehicle safety rating2.

The high priority placed on safety and technology throughout the design and development process has resulted in one of the most advanced vehicles in the segment. All Sedona models come with standard safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3, Traction Control System (TCS)3, Brake Assist System (BAS)3, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)3, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)3 and Antilock Braking System (ABS)3. Additional technologies such as Roll Over Mitigation (ROM)3 and Cornering Brake Control (CBC)3 also are standard equipment for improved dynamic control.

Sedona also offers numerous convenience features, making it the perfect companion for
those who live their life on the road. Carrying over for the 2016 model year, the Sedona is outfitted with standard YES Essentials™4 fabric technology to provide anti-microbial protection from spills, anti-static protection from irritating electrical shocks as well as stain-repelling and stain-releasing fabric characteristics. Also continuing for 2016, the Sedona includes high-power (2.1 Amp) USB charging ports and 115-volt AC outlets to charge small electronics, as well as a dual glove box that offers a cooled lower storage area. The 2016 Sedona also offers Kia’s UVO infotainment and telematics system5, and was the brand’s first vehicle to offer: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score6. Select apps also can be downloaded for free from iTunes®7 or Google Play8 via the Kia App store.

Meanwhile, for a more convenient driving experience, Sedona offers an available Surround View Monitor,1 Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)1, Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS)1, Smart Cruise Control (SCC)1, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)1 and Rear Cross Traffic Alert1. For further convenience, a hands-free “Smart Power Liftgate”™ opens the rear liftgate automatically when the key fob is sensed for three seconds, and its programmable function can be tailored to the user’s height preference. Standard second row Slide-N-Stow™ seating slides and folds upright to allow for on-the-go cargo hauling along with a standard third row split folding 60/40 bench that retracts seamlessly into the rear cargo floor.

In addition to stand-out convenience, Sedona offers unprecedented comfort from the
available second row “First Class” lounge seating that can be positioned rearward for astonishing legroom and provides retractable leg rests and airplane-style winged headrests. Some configurations feature second-row seat cushion heaters for added comfort. The top-line SXL trim features standard ultra-soft Nappa leather trim seating surfaces throughout the cabin, the same Chromium-free leather found in Kia’s flagship luxury sedan, the K900. The SXL trim interior is also a recognized winner by Ward’s Automotive—a leading industry publication.

The 2016 Sedona continues to place a strong emphasis on NVH reduction and is among the quietest in its segment thanks to extensive wheel-house padding, double-seal sliding doors and expanded use of sound-deadening foam in the engine compartment. Kia’s 2016 Sedona also utilizes Amplitude Selected Dampers (ASD) along with independent rear suspension to strike an optimal balance of ride comfort and handling. The platform also has rear cross-member bushings, an isolated rear sub-frame with trailing arms and rear strut reinforcement, all of which combine for predictable and stable ride–and-handling characteristics.

Find your Kia Sedona now at Keffer Kia 271 West Plaza Drive Mooresville, NC 28117

Source: http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/sedona/2016

Friday, October 16, 2015

A Soul for You | Keffer Kia

An Overview of the 2016 KIA SOUL 

  • Soul Adds Style and Convenience with Two New Packages
  • Forward Collision Warning1 and Lane Departure Warning1 systems round out a new Premium package
  • Soul gets extra dose of style thanks to new Designer Collection that dresses it up with a two-tone paint scheme and other unique elements
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 6, 2015 – The extremely popular Soul ups its “wow” factor for the 2016 model year with a host of new style and convenience features, some of which actually debuted on the K900 luxury sedan. In addition, owners can further express their unique individualism through a new Designer Collection that plays up the Soul’s fun-loving attitude with a two-tone paint scheme.

Three unique trim levels (Base, Plus, and Exclaim) remain, and each one adds new features for the 2016 model year. Alloy wheels now come standard across all models. Meanwhile, Base models equipped with the Convenience Package add a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, SiriusXM®2 satellite radio, and integrated Rear Camera Display3.
The standard features list grows for the Plus model, which now gets gloss black bumper
“tusks,” fog lights, and integrated Rear Camera Display3. A new Designer Collection package, inspired by its all-electric sibling, brings new style with two visually striking two-toned color combinations: white with a red roof, or red with a black roof. In addition, the Designer Collection also adds 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. 

 The Exclaim now comes standard with leather-trimmed seats. Also new to Exclaim is the Premium Package, which elevates the driving experience with desirable convenience features including Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS)1 and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)1, both of which are new to the Soul. The camera-based LDWS helps to monitor the Soul’s position and provides visual and auditory warnings to the driver when the vehicle begins to drift too close to the lane markers. Other creature comforts that come as part of the Premium Package include navigation4, an upgraded Infinity®5audio system, string-LED front speaker surround mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front driver and passenger seats, seat heaters for all four outboard positions, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob.

The optional interior Umber Color Package, which is available with either the Shadow Black, Titanium, Fathom Blue or Cloud White exterior colors, now benefits from HID projector headlights for the 2016 model year. Also included with the option package is premium Nappa leather seating surfaces and door armrest accents.

Motivation for the Base Soul is delivered by a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 130-horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine. The GAMMA engine produces 118 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The Plus and Exclaim models enjoy the more powerful 2.0-liter NU power plant with GDI technology. Power is rated at 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,000 rpm. The 1.6-liter engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or, optionally, to a six-speed automatic. The Plus and Exclaim models are available exclusively with the six-speed automatic.

Find yours at Keffer Kia at 271 West Plaza Drive Mooresville, NC 28117

Source: http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/soul/2016

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Kia Sorento Evolution Story | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

Now available in most markets, the 3rd generation Sorento has been well received by customers and auto communities worldwide and has already won several major awards including the Red Dot design award, iF design award and the highest five-star crash safety rating by Euro NCAP. Originally developed as Kia’s firstcrossover SUV model, the first generation Sorento exploded onto the automotive scene in 2002. Before we walk down memory lane and see how it has evolved into an ideal SUV for today’s motorists, let’s take a look at the Sorento of yesterday and today.
 http://www.kefferkia.net/new-vehicles/sorento/

http://www.kefferkia.net/new-vehicles/sorento/
In 2002, the first generation Sorento was developed as the bigger brother to the Sportage, a successful pioneer of the compact SUV market. Kia carefully researched the crossover SUV market and decided to make its body larger while ensuring a high level of comfort and offering a rear-wheel drive drivetrain. Suitable for city life, it was also equipped with advanced convenience features. Sorento received many favorable reviews, as it delivered a smooth sedan-like driving experience while offering the powerful performance of an SUV.
Two powertrain options, a 2.5 WGT diesel engine and 3.5 V6 gasoline engine were offered with a four-wheel drive option. Thanks to its low noise and vibration, many drivers opted for the diesel engine model.

http://www.kefferkia.net/new-vehicles/sorento/
The second generation Sorento was introduced at the Seoul Motor Show in 2009. The new model had a monocoque body and front-wheel drive system, making the body lighter and the interior more spacious compared to the previous generation. The R2.2 diesel engine with a rated maximum power output of 200 horsepower and maximum torque of 44.5 kgf∙m gave the Sorento compelling performance.
 http://www.kefferkia.net/new-vehicles/sorento/
Noticeably, it was the first Sorento model to be designed under the guidance of world-renowned Peter Schreyer, Kia’s president and chief design officer. With its improved performance and sleek design, the second generation Sorento was a massive hit, especially in the U.S. market where it achieved annual sales of over 100,000 units, dominating the mid-sized crossover CUV market. A facelift model was also launched in 2012.

http://www.kefferkia.net/new-vehicles/sorento/
The much anticipated debut of the third generation Sorento came in 2014. It manifests the design identity of Kia Motors, especially with a tiger-nose shaped front grille and bold character lines. The latest Sorento is also equipped with advanced technological features including an active hood for improved protection, a smart tailgate that opens automatically when the driver approaches the car, and an Around-View Monitoring (AVM) system which gives a 360 degree view.
 http://www.kefferkia.net/new-vehicles/sorento/
The use of ultra high-strength steel was increased to 53 percent and the use of specialty adhesion technology made for a significantly stronger and safer vehicle body. Depending on market, Kia offers numerous engine choices for the all-new model, including a 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) unit and 2.0 and 2.2-liter diesel common rail direct injection (CRDI) units.
So that is how Kia Sorento evolved and surprised each time it transformed.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Best Safety Rating For 2016 Kia Sorento At EuroNCAP Crash Tests | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

Great news for the all-new 2016 Kia Sorento, as it has been awarded a 5-star crash safety rating by EuroNCAP. 

Kia’s brand-new crossover vehicle performed well in all areas, scoring 90% in Adult Occupant Protection, 83% in Child Occupant Protection, 67% in Pedestrian Protection, and 71% in Safety Assist. A big reason for the high scores can be attributed to a stronger body shell and great safety features that the vehicle adopted after a complete makeover. One element that was highly praised was the stability of the passenger compartment in the event of a collision. It was found that all passengers, regardless of size, were well protected wherever they were positioned in the vehicle. All passengers, from front row to third, were also protected from whiplash, while pedestrians were aided during impact by the active deployable bonnet.

Crash Test Video 

  

 2016 Sorento Safety Features

The Sorento comes with a significantly stronger structure, with much of the credit going to the extensive use of ultra-high strength steel (UHTS).

The outgoing model consisted of 24.4% UHTS, while this new 2016 model is comprised of 52.7%, which helps improve the integrity of the core structure during a collision. It also helps improve torsional rigidity by 14%.

The new Kia Sorento also has more ultra-strong hot-stamped steel than before, going from 4.1% to 10.1%, which is a move that adds more strength to the A- and B-pillars.

The Safety Assist category was another area where the new Sorento scored well.

The new model comes standard with a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, allowing the vehicle to remain stable when the driver is braking and cornering, especially in poor surfaces.

This is done by controlling both the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and electric motor-driven power steering.

The moment a loss of traction is recognized, both systems kick in, allowing the driver to maintain control.

See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/safety-rating-2016-sorento-crash-test/#sthash.bzaHNmbE.dpuf

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

All-new Kia Sorento receives Life Cycle Assessment certificate | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

It’s been described as sleek, bold and luxurious, and now you can add ‘green’ to the list. The all-new Kia Sorento has recently been recognized as the 12th Kia vehicle to receive the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) certificate from TÜV Nord, the renowned international technical inspection organization. The LCA certificate is awarded exclusively to vehicles that have satisfied the demanding ISO 14040 standards, which consider the environmental impact of the vehicle throughout its whole lifespan, from the production process all the way to its decomposition. Kia cee’d and Optima are just two of our previous recipients.
The all-new Sorento’s Photochemical Oxidants Creation Potential (POCP) has been improved by 13% over its predecessor, which means that it produces less smog during the vehicle’s manufacturing process and over the vehicle’s lifetime. This improvement reflects Kia’s efforts aimed at minimizing its carbon footprint at every stage along the way. Despite its larger size, the all-new Sorento also has improved fuel economy andreduced amounts of harmful emissions.
Along with its 5-star safety rating and user-friendly features, the all-new Sorento will appeal to global motorists and their families who enjoy an active lifestyle while caring for the environment. Kia will continue to make strides in our green efforts, using international standards on corporate energy conservation as the guiding standards for our global production facilities.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The all-new third-generation Kia Sorento has clearly been making waves in the automotive world after it was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The third-generation Kia Sorento is much more than just an upgraded SUV; it’s more of a luxury SUV. The latest Sorento was designed as a collaborative effort among Kia’s design teams in Korea, the United States and Europe. The end product? An SUV you just can’t take your eyes off of.


Taking design cues from architectural structures, the all-new Sorento is both luxurious and sophisticated, the two design concepts that were the focus for both the exterior and interior.
The initial exterior sketches below give us a peek into the process of conceptualizing the new Sorento model.
We asked the design team experts, Kia designers Kurt Kahl and Ralph Kluge, to get a better idea of the design story behind the 2015 Kia Sorento. These two designers were responsible for the all-new Kia Sorento from start to finish—from the initial design sketches to the final product.

What was the main foundation and background for the design of the all-new Sorento? What did the design team particularly focus on when coming up with the new design concept?

 

Designer Kurt Kahl: When designing the exterior of the all-new Sorento, our main focus was to retain the strengths of the predecessor while giving it a greater sense of premium quality and sophistication. The shoulder is very powerful and blends into a sculptural side body. We created a strong ‘down the road’ presence for the Sorento’s front end, with sharply angled headlamps intersecting a dimensional chrome-framed grille. The rear retains hints of the previous Sorento with rectangular tail lamps and a forward swept backlighting that still reflects a spacious interior. The interior design was based more upon ‘sophistication.’
Designer Ralph Kluge: For the all-new Sorento’s interior, our concept keywords were “muscle and brains.” We reached out to create a strong and confident surface language with increased levels of sophistication and richer details, while simultaneously avoiding the “rugged SUV” clichés. We wanted a refined and sophisticated design language: muscular shapes fused together with refined details. The word “premium” should immediately come to mind when you get inside the all-new Sorento.

Can you explain the architectural inspiration behind the design?

Kluge: We paid careful attention to the ergonomics and layout of all individual elements to form a logical basis for the physical volumes, just as you would with architectural structures. A good example of this is the clearly structured instrument panel: screens and vents are positioned high up for the best ergonomics and visibility, while interface buttons are kept simple and placed lower down in the perfect reach zone for all passengers.

What is particularly different about the third-generation Sorento compared to the design of the previous generations?

Kahl: The third-generation Sorento is longer and sleeker, with a sculptural quality that lends a humanistic feeling to the shape compared to the previous Sorento models. Meticulous attention was paid to the lines finessing the surfaces. As a reaction to some current day products appearing too synthetic or digital, Sorento highlights the renewed appreciation for hand-crafted products where the ‘imprint’ of the artist or craftsman is apparent.

How would you describe the typical ‘third-generation Sorento driver?’

Kahl: I think the Sorento driver can be anyone looking for an upscale and refined SUV.  The Sorento is a sweet deal in terms of size and pricing. It offers spacious utility but is still easily maneuverable, and is luxurious but not overly expensive. I would like to see customers look at the all-new Sorento as a very competitive alternative to other luxury mid-size SUVs offered by the European and Japanese manufacturers.

What are the current trends for the SUV market worldwide?

Kluge: We see the “classic” SUV becoming more and more of an on-road vehicle. People really enjoy the higher seating, combined with the “go-anywhere” attitude. Moving forward, the biggest challenge is to improve fuel efficiency and ride quality, and I think Kia delivered in these departments with the all-new Sorento.

How do you see the design trends for vehicles in general evolving?

Kahl: There seems to be a general trend for all vehicle models to blur the lines of their segments. Just as an SUV in most cases has become a more car-based CUV, other segments are beginning to blend together to make new vehicle spaces that offer unexpected features and unique profiles.
This behind-the-scenes design story is not just about the Kia Sorento, but rather shows how Kia’s design direction has been shaped over the years.
Check out the video below of the Sorento on a drive through Paris and see for yourself the cool design evolution of the popular Kia Sorento, complete with a review of its newest features!



Friday, November 7, 2014

Kia Soul Named Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year! | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

What better way to enjoy a more active lifestyle than with a car that suits that lifestyle? Take the 2015 Kia Soul for instance, which was recently named the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year, for the third time in a row, at the 11th annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards. The 2015 Kia Soul is a fun and funky urban passenger vehicle that is perfectly suited to a fun and funky urban lifestyle.

Nina Russin, founder of the Active Lifestyle Vehicle program, noted that the Soul’s “cargo area, [which is] versatile enough to meet the needs of triathletes, cyclists, skiers and kayakers,” was a huge factor in being chosen this year. That with the Soul’s compact frame, easy maneuverability, style and design made it a clear stand-out over other candidates.
The Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year is chosen by local media and athletes, who rated the Kia Soul the best in the urban category in static and dynamic evaluations. Unsurprisingly, the 2015 Kia Soul is one of Kia Motors America’s best-selling cars, with more than 115,000 units sold already this year.
Thanks for the award (again)! We are so honored that the 2015 Kia Soul was picked as an Active Lifestyle Vehicle for this year, and Kia will continue on in our efforts to make the most attractive and versatile vehicles, suitable for all drivers and lifestyles.
 October 29th, 2014 Posted in Events, Motor Shows & Awards,Vehicle Models 

Friday, October 31, 2014

This Striking Kia Forte EX Sedan Gets Extra Tuning Love From the Owner | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

For the lasts in our series of interviews with Kia owners, we head to West Orange, NJ to chat with Chris Quiros, a full-time student at Rutgers.
When Chris isn’t hitting the books, he loves to play sports and find time to tinker with his Kia Forte.
This is the first car that he has ever owned, and he has been a happy Kia customer since 2011.
What he particularly enjoys about the ownership experience is how deeply it has pulled him into the car world.
He immediately fell in love with the unique design of the Forte, and how there were few other cars like it in his area.
carbon look hood ia 300x280 This Striking Kia Forte EX Sedan Gets Extra Tuning Love From The Owner forte koup  It also helps that the Forte seems to be a vehicle that seems more the willing to be modified, which is a hobby Chris has grabbed with both hands.
Chris has received a lot of attention thanks to his choice of ride. He is constantly being asked what type of car it is, with many surprised that such a cool looking vehicle is a Kia.
His favorite story, though, is evading a ticker after being pulled over. The trooper got into a conversation about the card and the modifications that Chris had made, and was so impressed that he allowed Chris to go without getting that ticket.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of all for Chris is that he has actually become so deeply passionate about modding the car.
He loved the car just the way it was, but soon found himself making little changes here and there to personalize it a little more.
He has tinkered with the wheels, spoiler, and color to begin with. If you want to know what else he has done, take some time to read the full interview.

Kia Forte Specs

  • Engine: 2.0L Theta II
  • Color: Snow White Pearl
  • Trim: EX
  • Model Year: 2012
  • Tire Size: 225/45/17
  • Average MPG: 26mpg
  • Miles driven so far: 53000 miles
kia tuning 300x300 This Striking Kia Forte EX Sedan Gets Extra Tuning Love From The Owner forte koup     Forte rear LED lamps 300x190 This Striking Kia Forte EX Sedan Gets Extra Tuning Love From The Owner forte koup

Kia Owner Interview

1. Share your thoughts on your Kia car ownership experience!
I’ve enjoyed owning a Kia. It was a great experience and it really got me deeply into the car world
. It’s a very unique car that I don’t think i would’ve have done all this to if it was a Civic or any other typical car I see in the streets. I barely see any Fortes on the street which is why I did a lot for this unique and amazing car.
2. What do other people say about your car?
I’ve gotten so many compliments from people. Many had no clue what it was and after telling them, they were very surprised.
Especially when being pulled over by a trooper. He was surprised and speechless after I told him what car this was. He didn’t believe me, which also led me to evading a ticket haha.
3. How long have you owned your ride?
I’ve owned my Forte since about August of 2011 – little over 3 years now.
4. Honestly, what was your intention when you bought your Kia?
My honest intention when i bought this was really in no way of changing it the way I did. I thought I’d be driving it like any other car.
No mods or appearance changes but something about this car after owning it, made me do the things i did to it.
Aftermarket headlamps kia 300x200 This Striking Kia Forte EX Sedan Gets Extra Tuning Love From The Owner forte koup     Forte At Night 300x173 This Striking Kia Forte EX Sedan Gets Extra Tuning Love From The Owner forte koup
5. What do you like the most about your ride?
The thing i like most about my ride is it’s beautiful look, form and style the car was made. It really helped when changing the appearance of it especially the wheels, the color, spoiler, etc.
6. What is it that makes your ride look unique?
I think the color theme, the wheels, and the headlights are what make this car really unique and stand out.
7. What accessories have you installed so far / do you have any future plans?
The things I’ve done so far are OBX headers, Short Ram Intake, Custom made headlights, LED tail lights, XXR 527 Chromium Black Wheels, Window Tints, CF vinyl Hood and Roof, new horns, conversion of the koup bumper onto the sedan, kenwood aftermarket radio, lightweight pulley, footwell lights, Viper full security and alarm, lowered on ARK springs, and magna-flow cat-back exhaust.
My future plan is to purchase a turbo kit for her in the next few years.
Thanks for participating in the Kia owners interview! Enjoy your Kia ride!
- See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/forte-ex-sedan-tuning/#sthash.gbfzrRO0.dpuf

Kia's Working On a Small Crossover Hybrid Vehicle | Keffer Kia Mooresville, NC

There is an all-new sub-compact crossover vehicle coming from Kia sometime in 2016, and some members of the media were invited to the Kia design center in Namyang to get a look at a full-scale model! The new vehicle is as yet unnamed, but it will be a hybrid model (a plug-in version will come a little later) that will be set to steal away some of the sales currently enjoyed by the Toyota Prius. No-one in attendance were allowed to take any pictures at the event, but word has it that the new car carries some elements seen in the Kia Niro concept crossover, albeit with a style that is a little more subdued. The profile is reminiscent of an SUV, although its low ride height gives it a crossover personality. Plastic cladding appears around the wheel arches and bumpers, with the finished car set to appeal to a global audience. A new design theme will be featured in the interior, which consumers will get to see when it appears in the new Kia Optima redesign in 2015. The 4,350mm long crossover vehicle is a litter longer than the current Kia Soul, but shorter than the Sportage SUV. Head of overseas marketing for Kia, Spencer Cho, says that the size was chosen to meet the needs of the consumer. He says that Kia listened to the complaints made by Prius owners, using that feedback to correct elements that hybrid owners felt weren’t quite right with their Prius. Hybrid-Electric Powertrain Powertrain details for the new car were not made available, but Cho did reveal that the platform will feature a combines 1.6L GDI petrol engine and an electric motor that will help improve fuel economy. Cho said that the current Prius gets 57mpg US, and that the next model should hit 60mpg US. He noted that Kia is shooting for over 50 mpg US for their model. Stay tuned as we bring more news and information on the upcoming Kia crossover vehicle! - See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/kia-small-crossover-hybrid-vehicle/#sthash.PfvkYujr.dpuf