Kia Motors, one of the fastest-growing companies over the last five years, revealed three new vehicles today, Mar. 27, at the New York International Auto Show according to company press releases.
2014 Optima
The first model revealed was an updated version of its best-selling Optima mid-size sedan. The original model was unveiled for the first time at the 2010 N.Y. Auto Show and since then the model has become Kia's top selling vehicle worldwide.
Click here for more details on the new Optima.
Kia sold 150,000 Optima vehicles in 2012 according to a company press release.
"With the latest version of the Optima, Kia continues to advance value to new levels of sophistication, offering mid-size sedan consumers new premium amenities and convenience upgrades, as well as a refinement of the world-class design that so completely transformed our brand," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA according to a company press release. "The Optima is the cornerstone of Kia's design evolution and epitomizes the brand's goal of building highly-captivating, value-positioned vehicles."
The updated Optima was built at Kia's West Point, G.A. production plant, which will be released in LX, EX, SX, and SX-Limited trims. Features include exterior mirror turn signal indicators, heated mirrors, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Optima will be released with two engine options: a 2.4L GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0L GDI turbo. A 2.4L hybrid powertrain will also be made available.
The new model will be released in the third quarter and pricing will be released closer to then as well.
2014 Soul
Kia's signature Soul design has become one of their most recognizable vehicles the past year and the company wasted no time designing an improved option for those who have yet to consider the vehicle.
Click here to read more about the new Soul.
The 2014 Soul will include three trim levels in the U.S. including: a gasoline direct injection 130-horsepower 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine option. The GAMMA engine produces approximately 118 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The Plus and Exclaim models enjoy the more powerful 2.0-liter NU power plant. For the all-new 2014 Soul, the engine is updated with GDI technology.
"When the first Soul was introduced in 2009, everyone at Kia believed we had a hit on our hands, but we didn't realize how big that hit was going to be," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications at Kia Motors America according to a company press release. "The Soul moved the needle significantly from a sales and marketing perspective, becoming one of our top-selling cars and inspiring the now-legendary hamster commercials.
The 2014 Soul comes equipped with features like: power windows, heated outside mirrors, a telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and Pandora capability according to Kia.
The new model will be released in the third quarter and pricing will be released closer to then as well.
2013 Koup
The third and final member of the Forte series was also announced today at the N.Y. Auto Show.
Click here to read more about the new Koup.
After launching the Forte sedan and Forte 5-door vehicles, the all-new two-door Koup SX features a "European-inspired" design and
"The Forte Koup is arguably the sportiest vehicle in our award-winning lineup, and it has helped raise Kia's brand awareness significantly among automotive enthusiasts," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA according to a company press release.. "Its rakish design, premium amenities and powerful turbocharged engine set it apart from the competition. With the debut of the Forte sedan and 5-door earlier this year, and now the Koup in New York, the Forte lineup has been completely revamped from top to bottom."
The Koup will be released in two trim levels, an EX and SX option with two engine and transmission choices as well according to Kia. The EX comes equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, and the SX meanwhile comes equipped with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
The EX comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the SX may be mated with either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic.
Standard features include a redesigned navigational system with HD radio, runroof, 10-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and SmartKey with push-button start according to Kia.
The new vehicle will go on sale during the fourth quarter of 2013 and pricing will be revealed closer to its release date.
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