August 30, 2008
No Comments
The 2009 Kia Spectra.
With its sleek body design, finely tuned performance and handling, class-leading interior space¹, and up to 32 mpg² fuel efficiency, Spectra allows you to live life to the fullest while remaining a stranger to the gas station.
Kia Spectra’s many standard features include an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, an auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 devices and a 2.0 liter 138-horsepower engine that is sure to leave a smile on your face during your daily commute.
The Kia Spectra’s list of class-leading standard safety features including six airbags, ABS and (TPMS) Tire Pressure Monitoring System, just to name a few. (more…)
August 6, 2008
No Comments
Some things are just black and white. Take the fashion for white cars – the last time they were popular was in the Seventies. Most trends come back at some point, and our long-term Kia Pro_cee’d is a prime example. It’s one of a growing number of new models that looks great in white. (more…)
July 22, 2008
No Comments
KIA Automotive Australia will hold on to the value-for-money Carnival people-mover despite the arrival of the bigger, newer, more powerful and more expensive Grand Carnival V6 model.
The now-outdated Carnival 2.5-litre V6 will continue to be part of the Kia line-up beyond March 1, when Ateco Automotive hands over Australian distribution for Kia vehicles to a factory-backed operation. (more…)
July 15, 2008
No Comments
We’ve seen the spiffy metal wrapper of Kia’s new Forte, the Spectra’s successor, now come details about what’s underneath. The Forte is larger than the outgoing Spectra, but it also achieves better economy with a given amount of liquid hydrocarbon. South Korean buyers will have the choice between a gasoline or a diesel powertrain. Regardless of fuel, both engines displace 1.6 liters and deliver nearly the same horsepower - 124 hp for gasoline, 128 hp for diesel. (more…)
July 8, 2008
No Comments
Kia has unveiled its new Amanti, a facelifted version of the mid-size sedan that made its debut in 2002.
The new model gets a new 3.8-liter V-6, a platform lighter by 251 pounds, a modified suspension, an upgraded interior, and a new nose and different taillights. (more…)
June 16, 2008
No Comments
It rained, and rained, and rained!
Two things make trying out a new car for the first time that little bit more stressful: darkness and rain!
It is always nice to be able to see where everything is before it needs to be ‘used’ in action. (more…)
June 5, 2008
No Comments
In an automotive context, don’t practicality and economy exclude a pleasant driving experience? After all, the best fuel economy means the smallest, lightest car, unless you want to pay a premium for a hybrid. And not only are small cars small, and cramped, they’re slow, noisy, and uncomfortable. Right? (more…)
June 2, 2008
No Comments
If you’ve been looking in on the live stream of the Nürburgring 24h race, you might spot the car above crossing your video window. It’s basically a production-spec Kia pro_ceed (fitted with whatever safety features are required for race participation) powered by the stock 138 hp/225 lb-ft 2.0L diesel. The skinny on this one is that it was entered by Continental Tires’ Italian division and will run the entire race on ContiSportContact 3 street tires. (more…)
May 22, 2008
No Comments
Kia has released the first official image of the production Soul. And that’s pretty much it. The press release accompanying it is several paragraphs of filler that tells you exactly nothing of value, other than that the car keeps “it’s” concept forebear’s name and will be formally unveiled in October at the Paris Motor Show (which we knew). Kia also says that the Soul “defies classification,” which is elaborate automaker code for, “it’s a small crossover that’s our answer to the Scion xB.” Yes, but this is better-looking. (more…)
May 20, 2008
No Comments
The current Kia Spectra hasn’t changed much since its debut in 2004, and even in the highly-competitive compact class that is not a problem. Even now, it holds its own very well thank you - especially the premium Spectra5 variant, an unusual and very European concept in the American compact market. Is it a five-door sporty hatchback? Or is it a small sport wagon? (more…)
