Auto News: 2012 Kia Optima, Sportage, 2011, 2012 Cadenza first record

Late model Kia proves style and value are not mutually exclusive

2012 Kia Optima

Namyang, Korea - During the next two years, Kia will replace all vehicles that it sells in North America with a brand new model. This n is no small feat for a car manufacturer, let alone one that began as a manufacturer of bicycle parts in the 1940s, and just 12 years ago went bankrupt and joined forces with Hyundai.

And if most of approach the world in spending has been conservative over the last year of economic turmoil, it is the brand Bang-for-your-buck as the Kia grow in these times. In 2009, Kia's global sales increased by over 20 percent. In Canada, where 46 118 new fort, the souls and others have been sold Kias l last year, that number jumped to 23 percent.

Here are the impressions of conduct before, during three Kias new set to go on sale in Canada in the coming year.

2012 Kia Optima

Just a few weeks ago unveiled the Kia Optima (formerly known as the Magentis in Canada), the Salon de l New York Auto International. Canadian automotive journalists were invited to be the first in the world to lead to the Hyundai-Kia Motor R u0026amp; D Center in Namyang, about an hour outside-one-half of Seoul. Kia described the current generation midsize sedan as vanilla a car n has not lived up to perpetual sales killers such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

L Optima is the first to be fashioned Kias with the new signature grille, a look headed by chief design officer Peter Schreyer Kia (formerly of Audi TT fame design). Hyundai comparative design with d other manufacturers - l inspiration parent company of Kia design allowed for the Veracruz crossover is the best-selling Lexus RX - is now run down to Kia. Since the profile back side there are clear lines of Lexus, as the sweeping chrome strip that runs above the side windows, and an inlet air near the front wheel is a source obvious inspiration from BMW. Kia described the new look of \sports\ and \muscular\ and, personally, it lives up for those who prefer the look of a sporty family car.

2012 Kia Optima

The vehicle for test was equipped with the new 2.4L four-cylinder GDI makes 200 horsepower (175 hp against the previous car), and a six-speed automatic transmission. The new engine offers power up more thirsty and less fuel (many early Kia mileage is 24 mpg [11.8 L/100km] in the city, 35 [8.1 L/100 km] on highway). L Optima 2.4L new engine feels responsive and quickly became the car up to 100 km / h on the ground immediately proving the. Kia will also offer a 2.0L turbo GDI makes 274 hp, while a 2.4L hybrid, electric cars Kia first gas in North America, come l next year.

In the driver's seat, the design is readily willing to reach the dials and controls, and the look is clean and modern - a search for Kia hopes will appeal to men in their 30s and 40s. The quality of materials have a good feeling, and there are functions available which are generally more expensive, including the car behind the steering wheel paddle shifters, a panoramic sunroof and adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support. L Optima will also be available with the system UVO infotainment that was developed with Microsoft. The car goes on sale in early spring of next year.

2011 Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage 2011

The \Swamp Buggy, best known for his advertisements for a Cajun man walking, he Amuck if the territory alligator while squealing AYEEAAHH! looks - and feels - nothing like its predecessor. In a first record for journalists to abroad, we ran along the tarmac Sportage smooth rather than rough terrain.

Following clues from Kia Kue concept vehicle in 2007, the new Sportage looks like now to comfortable flitting around the city, the suburbs rather than just sleeping. It is modern and sporty, with cargo space to pack all the necessities for a new family, or citizens seeking to escape the desert for a weekend. It is the one of the best new Kia design, one, I l hopes to achieve more with its other new vehicles. It also gets new Kia 'face' or what the company dubs the Korean online Schreyer - after the chief designer.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sportage first record

We drove the new 2.4L engine with continuous variable timing value (CVVT) to increase power and fuel economy. Behind the wheel of the VUM feels able to cruise comfortably in the fast lane, the engine was smooth and the power available when needed. You do not want to take on a Lamborghini with her, but she did not feel sluggish like some old Kia motors. We tested the six-speed automatic transmission with clutch Sportmatic moving. At full speed, automatic mode does nothing, the transsexual gently did its job at the right time. A six-speed manual transmission is also available. Climbing into the driver's seat, he s acts of a short step, and the captain's chair the Sportage feels weak and well planted on the road. The CUV is also available with FWD or AWD.

In a less flattering description, product planner said Kia crossover has been dubbed the Beefortage pulled \by the Koreans after\ crushed like beef jerky in crash tests. Kia says the new Sportage earns five stars of the Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) U.S. C is just the downstream security Kia is looking for , since it is continuing to implement its compact SUV until to vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, VW Tiguan and the Jeep Compass. The 2011 Sportage goes on sale this fall.