2015 Kia Sedona - Driving Dynamics and Safety

2015 Kia Sedona - Driving Dynamics and Safety. Set against the backdrop of one of the world's premier urban playgrounds, Kia Motors America (KMA) took the wraps off the all-new 2015 Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle in New York City. As the final chapter in Kia's design-led transformation story - which began in 2009 and has seen a comprehensive makeover of Kia's entire model line under the direction of chief design officer Peter Schreyer - the all-new Sedona's CUV-like styling and proportions offer all of the functional convenience of the segment while defying its design limitations. In addition to innovative European-inspired design, the 2015 Sedona also delivers the exceptional interior volume buyers expect in the segment with ample passenger and cargo room and a quiet and comfortable cabin. Following the philosophy that has guided Kia's recent succession of highly successful redesigns, the Sedona advances value to new levels of sophistication with a host of segment-leading new technology and upscale features, all of which will be offered in a new premium trim level - SXL - which will be available when U.S. sales are scheduled to begin in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the Sedona's launch date.

"Throughout the development process, our engineers in the U.S. and Korea focused on adding the element of desire to the all-new Sedona with improved driving dynamics and power and the incorporation of modern styling cues, premium materials and technology," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. "Combined with a host of active and passive safety features and technology, the completely redesigned Sedona retains the functionality the nameplate has always been known for, while rising to meet the diverse needs - and tastes - of today's consumers."

Modern, Confident Exterior

Transcending mundane functionality, the Sedona's wide stance exudes a modern, CUV-like exterior appearance highlighted by a front fascia and cab-forward design that project confidence and strength. The Sedona's muscular face and clean, smooth look is highlighted by a fully integrated version of Kia's signature grille and headlamps with LED positioning lights. The wheelbase is 1.6-inches longer than its predecessor, and the side profile, with its reduced front and rear overhangs, combines with the deeply swept windshield and available 19-inch alloy wheels to create a distinctive look. Meanwhile, the rear design layout, with LED taillights, integrated bumper guard and standard roof spoiler, presents a broad, stable bearing.

Open, Relaxed, Configurable Interior

Despite its overall width and height remaining virtually unchanged, the all-new Sedona provides more front shoulder room, greater leg room in the front, second and third rows, as well as a slightly higher hip-point, improving outward visibility for the driver. The horizontal design cues across the instrument panel create a greater sense of width, and the generous use of soft-touch materials adds to the all-new Sedona's premium ambiance. The Sedona's proportions provide flexible seating in both seven- and eight-passenger configurations and a multitude of storage options. The front center console is unique to the segment and allows for generous and cleverly convenient storage space between the front seats. Second row Slide-n-Stow tracked seating slides and folds upright to allow for "on-the-go" cargo hauling while eliminating the hassle that comes with removing heavy and cumbersome middle seats. The all-new Sedona also offers the choice of second row "First Class" lounge seating that can be positioned rearward for astonishing legroom and provides retractable lower leg rests. And while some configurations feature segment-unique second-row seat cushion heaters for added comfort, all 2015 Sedona models offer a third-row that provides the convenience of a split folding 60/40 in-floor retractable design.

The Sedona also is the only vehicle in the segment outfitted with standard YES Essentials™ 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 appreciated by anyone who leads an active lifestyle.

The Sedona's sophisticated interior design theme is brought to life with a modern color palette featuring solid or two-tone color options in beige, gray and burgundy for a warm and inviting atmosphere. The top-line SXL trim features standard ultra-soft Nappa leather seating surfaces throughout the cabin, the same Chromium-free leather found in the K900 luxury sedan.

Next-Generation UVO

Building on the next-generation UVO Infotainment & Telematics system, the all-new Sedona will be the first Kia vehicle to offer four new eServices features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. Additionally, with the introduction of the Kia App store, select apps can be downloaded for free from iTunes® or Google Play. The Kia app connector is now available for partnership with the content community, including Pandora®, iHeart Radio and Yelp®. Many more new technologies for comfort and convenience are featured in the new UVO system, including Siri "Eyes Free" and Local Search - powered by Google - for finding locations, addresses and points of interest. Sirius XM Travel Link, offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information and movie times, makes the Sedona the perfect companion for those who live their lives on the road with family and friends.

Driving Dynamics and Safety

The 2015 Sedona is built on an all-new chassis with static torsional stiffness that is 36-percent greater than its closest segment competitor. The body is 76 percent Ultra High Strength Steel (press hardened) or High Strength Steel, which provides exceptional rigidity, durability and collision protection in a lightweight design. For enhanced roof strength, the Sedona has been engineered with reinforced pillars that distribute impact loads with ultra-high-strength steel tubes that run inside the A-pillars. Extensive use of adhesives and large diameter welds also add to Sedona's overall structural integrity and strength. Together with Kia's patented technology, the 2015 Sedona is targeted to earn the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 5-Star overall vehicle safety rating.

The rigid and durable chassis provides a solid base for road-trip readiness. The 2015 Sedona utilizes Amplitude Selected Dampers (ASD) to strike an optimal balance of ride comfort and handling. The platform also has revised rear cross-member bushings, an isolated rear sub-frame with longer trailing arms and added rear strut reinforcement, all of which combine for improved dynamic ride characteristics. Additionally, the 2015 Sedona is expected to be among the quietest in the segment thanks to wheel-house padding, double seal sliding doors and an expanded use of sound-deadening foam in the engine compartment, reducing noise and perceived harshness over rough pavement.

Under the hood, a new Lambda Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-liter V6 engine replaces the 3.5-liter V6 found in the previous generation Sedona. The 3.3-liter engine, which is also found in the Sorento CUV and Cadenza premium sedan, delivers more power than its predecessor, boasting 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and it has been tuned for enhanced mid-range torque, offering 248 lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm.

A three-step Variable Induction System (VIS) improves engine "breathing," automatically adjusting the volume of the air pulled into the combustion chamber to create the optimal air-to-fuel mix under different engine load conditions. Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) combined with a piston-cooling oil jet improves engine cooling efficiency, while engine components, including piston rings, piston skirts, valve tappets, timing chain guide and valve springs are all of a low-friction design.

Finally, the new 3.3-liter V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission tuned for balanced control, power and efficiency.

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2014 Kia Sportage - Review and Design

The Sportage is a car that delivers the best of all worlds. Buyers who want a stylish, sophisticated, fuel-efficient crossover with all the advantages of an SUV, but none of the disadvantages, will find in it all they are looking for. But there are people who need to tow trailers or caravans, who occasionally venture off-road or who live in areas prone to extremes of weather. So, the range also includes KX versions with the Dymax intelligent all-wheel-drive system, ensuring the Sportage can meet all their requirements.

Kia has added a package of styling and equipment upgrades to its sporty crossover, the Sportage, to keep it at the forefront of its booming market sector. The Sportage is Kia's best-selling model in the UK, claiming around a quarter of the company's sales. That success is set to continue with the enhancements added for the 2014 model year.

Two new variants become available to further broaden the appeal of the range, which offers two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models to suit every requirement. The 2.0-litre 134bhp turbodiesel engine is now offered with the all-wheel-drive entry-level 'KX-1' grade, while the 114bhp 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine is now an option with the range-topping two-wheel-drive '4' grade.

The 2014 range is based on '1', '2', '3', '3 Sat Nav' and '4' trim designations, with all-wheel-drive versions given the KX preface. In addition to the 1.7-litre diesel and the 134bhp 2.0-litre unit, Kia also offers a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine and a high-performance 2.0-litre diesel delivering 181bhp. This is reserved for the flagship KX-4 variant.

The 1.6-litre petrol and 1.7-litre diesel models drive through the front wheels, while the 2.0-litre versions are exclusively all-wheel drive and are available with a six-speed automatic transmission as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual. Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG). Kia's fuel-saving, emissions-reducing engine stop/start system, is standard on 1.7-litre models and also fitted to the 1.6-litre Sportage '2'. It shuts down the engine when the car is stationary in traffic and restarts it instantly as soon as the driver is ready to move off again.

Under former Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, now Hyundai Group President of Design, Kia has shown a remarkable ability in recent years to be ahead of the game when it comes to spotting changes in buyers' tastes and needs.

So, when starting work on Sportage, Schreyer and his design teams in Europe, Korea and the United States identified that the old school of compact SUV would play an increasingly small role in the years to come, and that a crossover would best meet the needs of buyers of the future.

The car they created, combining the higher-than-average ground clearance, raised seating position and command view of an SUV with the high shoulder line and fast windscreen angle of a coupé, has been a phenomenon around the world and is Kia's best-selling model in the UK. Buyers cite the car's stunning looks as one of the principal reasons for their choice. That design has been honed even closer to perfection for the 2014 model year.

All versions have improved exterior styling and lighting. There are new versions of Kia's 'tiger-nose' grille across the range. Sportage '1' and 'KX-1' grades now have a chrome grille surround in place of the previous silver-painted edging, while for the rest of the range there is a new black gloss arrow-shaped mesh grille pattern, also with a chrome surround.

The rear combination lights are an evolution of those on the previous model, offering enhanced illumination and, therefore, improved visibility to other road users. The whole unit, including the section mounted on the boot lid, is now lit through the tail-light functionality. Sportage '4' and 'KX-4' grades have LED lighting to further enhance their night-time presence and premium appearance. Sportage '3' models upwards now have a shark's-fin antenna mounted on the rear of the roof, another small but important addition for raising perceived quality.

There are new-style 16-inch, 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels for all trim grades, complete with locking wheel nuts. The Sportage comes as standard with a full-size spare wheel. The choice of paint colours has also been revised, with the addition of new Space Blue (from the Venga) and Fusin White (from the cee'd and pro_cee'd GT models) to the range.

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2014 Kia Optima EU-Version - Review and Design

2014 Kia Optima EU-Version. Safer, quieter, plusher, more comfortable and even more sharply styled than ever - Kia's hugely successful saloon, the Optima (known as 'K5' in the Korean domestic market) has undergone a facelift for the 2014 model year which makes it an even more compelling proposition.

As before, the Optima is configured to appeal to the UK business community. It is being sold with just one engine - a 134bhp version of Kia's smooth and efficient 1.7-litre U2 diesel - while all three specification options contain every essential for the business user.

Ever since launch the Optima has offered features previously unattainable on a Kia, including a high-end Infinity audio system as standard on the upper two trim grades. It delivers 550W of stunning sound through 12 speakers in eight different locations throughout the car, including a boot-mounted sub-woofer. Smart Park Assist, heated and cooled ventilated seats, cornering lights and an automatic cabin defogging system are also available.

In the 2014 Optima, there are more high end features added - dependant on model - by Drive Mode Select for the automatic transmission, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Tyre Pressure Monitoring. There are new, more supportive seats; restyled 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels for all grades; and new key fobs which are more premium in appearance. Smart Entry with ignition stop/start is standard on upper-grade versions.

Kia's shift from a purely rational brand to one which is design-driven is typified by the Optima. This 'must have' quality is enhanced in the 2014 model by subtle but significant changes front and rear which sharpen the external appearance and give the Optima even more of the crispness of a fine Italian suit - the phrase which Group President and Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer used to sum up the car at its introduction.

There are new-style headlamp units incorporating LED daytime running lamps. They blend into a revised version of the Kia 'tiger-nose' grille featuring a bolder central section. The lower air intake has been reshaped and on the top spec are housed in a chrome trim, while the front foglights - LED with the upper two trim grades - adopt the 'ice-cube' design first seen on the pro_cee'd GT.

At the rear there is a crisper edge on the boot lid and restyled lamp units, also LED on all but the entry-level model, which lend the Optima a more premium appearance.

There are no changes to the elegant profile of the Optima, but new alloy wheels - 17 inches in diameter on the entry-grade model and 18 inches on all others - are now fitted which give the car an added air of sportiness. Along with dynamic dampers added to the rear cross member, additional sealants on the dashboard and upgraded carpeting, they help to reduce noise in the cabin by 3.3 decibels.

From the outset it was clear that the Optima was a seismic shift in design for mid-size Kia saloons. Previous models were created during a transitional period for the company and sold under different names in different parts of the world. They were rational, functional and offered outstanding value, but they lacked any real identity. The Optima changed all that.

It was created by Kia's design teams in Frankfurt and California and unveiled at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Immediately it began to draw praise. 'Gorgeous' and 'the best car to come out of Korea yet' were among the comments made, and these were to be repeated when the Optima made its European debut at the Paris Salon de l'Auto later that year.

In 2011 the Optima was named 'Best of the Best' in Germany's Red Dot design competition, which attracted nearly 4,500 product entries, and not only from the automotive sector. It also won an iF Product Design Award in Germany. Both are ringing endorsements of Kia's decision to place design at the heart of everything it does.

The Optima was a clean-sheet design - longer, lower and wider than any previous Kia mid-size saloon, with a longer wheelbase and a coupé-like profile, emphasised by its cab-back proportions, shallow glasshouse and the sweeping chrome arch that flows from the A- to the C-pillars. It combines muscular proportions with elegant simplicity.

For the 2014 Optima those qualities are enhanced by subtle but significant changes front and rear which sharpen the external appearance and give the car even more of the crispness of a fine Italian suit - the phrase which Group President and Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer used to sum up the Optima at its introduction.

There are new-style headlamp units incorporating LED daytime running lamps. They blend into a revised version of the Kia 'tiger-nose' grille featuring a bolder central section with black mesh grille on the Optima '1' and '2' and high-gloss black mesh grille on Optima '3'. All versions have dual projection headlights, and in the Optima 3 these are Xenon with automatic levelling. The lower air intake has been reshaped and now houses a chrome trim, while the front foglights - LED with the upper two trim grades - adopt the 'ice-cube' design first seen on the pro_cee'd GT.

At the rear there is a crisper edge on the boot lid and restyled lamp units, also LED on all but the entry-level model, which lend the Optima a more premium appearance. Optima '3' has a rear diffuser trim and all versions have a chromed exhaust tip.

There are no changes to the elegant profile of the Optima, but new alloy wheels - 17 inches in diameter on the entry-grade model and 18 inches on all others - are now fitted which give the car an added air of sportiness. Along with dynamic dampers added to the rear cross member, additional sealants on the dashboard and upgraded carpeting, they help to reduce noise in the cabin by 3.3 decibels.

High, pronounced shoulders flow seamlessly between the sculpted front and rear light clusters, giving the Optima a strong appearance that is reflected in the broad C-pillar which rises from the shoulder line, and the bold flared wheel arches. There are grey-painted brake calipers on Optima '3' versions.

The coupé-like profile not only enhances the sensation of dynamism within the car, it also brings improvements in aerodynamic efficiency. The drag co-efficient is Cd 0.29.

Aggressive, elevated bonnet lines give the car a bold, athletic shape, while the decision to mount the Kia badge on the bonnet is a symbol that the Optima is a premium-quality saloon.

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2014 Kia Soul EU-Version - Specification and premium features

The all-new 2014 Kia Soul urban crossover, made its European debut at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt. The smooth new-look exterior is inspired by the 2012 Kia Track'ster concept and introduces a thoroughly fresh, more grown-up appearance without losing its individualistic edge.

Although the new Soul is 'all-new' - none of the exterior body panels are carried over, and the interior is a new design - the 2014 Soul's upright stance, squared shoulders, wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and confidence-inspiring ride height are all hallmark design elements which will ensure the new model is instantly recognisable as a Soul.

"The Soul has attracted a loyal following among Kia buyers, so it was important that the all-new model remained true to the original iconic design. Beyond design, our main focus was infusing it with improved driving dynamics, developing a higher-quality cabin and adding desirable features that improve the Soul's appeal, value and sophistication," commented Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.

"Keeping what made the current Soul special while addressing areas for improvement presented Kia's American design studio in California and engineers in Korea with a tough challenge. Many of the Track'ster's dramatic design elements - first seen in 2012 - can now be found in the new Soul. Kia has maintained the iconic design while adding modern styling cues to make the 2014 Soul even more desirable," added Oeyen.

Promising a more rewarding ownership experience, the 2014 Soul will be available in Europe with a range of new premium features (depending on model), including: front LED lights and rear LED 'halo' lights; xenon headlights; keyless entry and push-button engine start; automatic climate control air-conditioning; cruise control; leather seat trim; ventilated front seats; heated front and rear seats; panoramic glass sunroof; and heated exterior mirrors. An optional Infinity sound system - tuned specifically for the new Soul - will also be available.

The new Kia Soul will be equipped, subject to final individual market specifications, with a number of safety and convenience features to further give the new vehicle a 'big car' feel. These features include: High Beam Assist - a first for Kia in Europe - Parallel Parking Assist System and a Lane Departure Warning System.

The new Soul will also carry over the outgoing model's reputation for customization. When the car goes on sale in 2014, buyers will be able to choose between up to 11 exterior paint finishes, as well as three different roof colours - black, white and red. Eight different alloy wheel designs - ranging from 16-inch to 18-inch in size - will be available, including four new designs with coloured inserts to contrast - or match - the body colour.

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2014 Kia GT4 Stinger Concept - New Cars and Pictures

Slim and beautiful cars will compete for a vehicle that provides comfort in driving and speed. With high speed and safe is required by the driver. Every second felt the beauty with beautiful cars. Hearkening back to the glory days of purebred, affordable sports cars, Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the brand's most aggressive concept car ever when wraps came off the Kia GT4 Stinger at the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Kia's eye-catching design language moves in a bold new direction with the introduction of the GT4 Stinger. The concept pushes the boundaries of performance with a rear-drive 2+2 sports car that places man and machine in harmony on the road or track. It comes as no surprise that the Kia GT4 Stinger is the wild style child of Kia's California design team, home to its 2012 predecessor, the Track'ster concept. And like the Track'ster, the GT4 Stinger's racy appeal is more than skin deep.

"Driving enjoyment was the number one priority in designing the GT4 Stinger," said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA). "It's an authentic 2+2 sports car that can turn heads as a daily driver while also being right at home on the track. It's about purity, simplicity and timelessness. The GT4 Stinger is a throwback to days when driving a car was a visceral experience that wasn't muted by electronic gimmickry."

Emboldened by the brand's on-track success in the Pirelli World Challenge racing series with a pair of turbocharged, GTS-class Optimas, Kia's U.S. design team approached the Kia GT4 Stinger project with an eye toward weight reduction, functionality and pure driving enjoyment. The concept shuns the luxury trappings of a traditional Grand Touring car and embraces the elemental experience of truly engaging with the vehicle. "If anyone were to ask if Kia has the credibility to build a car like the GT4 Stinger," noted Kearns. "I would simply point out that Kia races - and wins - against some of the world's most legendary performance brands."

Beneath the low wedge of the Kia GT4 Stinger's hood resides a tuned version of Kia's proven 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected (T-GDI) four-cylinder engine putting out an impressive 315 horsepower. "Our Optima racecars use the same engine and can produce more than 400 horsepower," said Kearns. "So why not infuse our concept with the kind of power that will make people take notice?"

That power is put to the ground via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels, which are wrapped in 275/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires. Staggered 235/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zeros nestle beneath the front fenders, ensuring loads of corner-carving grip. Custom 20-inch aluminum center-lock wheels feature carbon fiber inserts for strength and weight reduction. Tucked inside the massive wheels are Brembo Gran Turismo two-piece 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers with plenty of stopping power.

Underpinning the GT4 Stinger's sculpted "Ignition Yellow" body is a custom chassis with independent double wishbone suspension. With a shorter wheelbase (103.1 inches) and overall length (169.7 inches) than a Forte sedan, a width (74.4 inches) greater than a Cadenza, and a swooping roofline nearly nine inches lower (49.2 inches) than a Rio subcompact, the Kia GT4 Stinger cuts a menacing figure. It tips the scales at a scant 2,874 pounds, and weight distribution is spread nearly perfectly at 52 percent up front and 48 percent at the rear. The GT4 Stinger also features a quick-ratio steering rack for direct feedback and uncompromised control.

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