kia forte

Kia Forte Koup |super speed cars has announced today that it will enter the Kia Forte Koup Kinetic race car in the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class. The Kia Forte Koup Kinetic was developed in collaboration with Kinetic Group and represents the manufacturers first entry in racing on the North American continent.

It’s really hard to compete with cars like the Civic and Corolla, but Kia is doing exactly that with the 2010 Kia Forte. Pictures don’t do it justice, but it’s actually a very attractive car, penned by a former Audi designer. A bit of everything thrown in – some Civic, some Sentra, some Corolla, and even some Volvo styling cues help the Forte achieve a conservatively aggressive appearance while still standing out on its own. Interior design is great. While not particularly engaging, the dash and controls are extremely well laid-out and easy to use, as are the steering wheel mounted controls. As in all Kias and Hyundais, it comes standard with the excellent aux/USB/iPod jack with iPod integration.

While other automakers are mired in the muck of one of the worst auto slumps in history, Kia is busy going about the business of reinventing itself. Flush with confidence after the recent successful launch of its all-new Soul, Kia has reloaded and is firing another shot across the bow of its competition with the 2010 Kia Forte, its new bread-and-butter car that replaces the Spectra.

Kia Sorento

Stand-out’ styling for all-new Kia Sorento
Futuristic styling with a bold sense of power and dynamism will differentiate the all-new seven-seater Kia Sorento SUV from potential competitors when it makes its European debut at the Frankfurt Show next month.
New Sorento is longer and lower, incorporating Kia’s new design DNA into its ‘stand-out’ looks, while featuring a much more spacious and luxurious cabin. The 4,685 mm long SUV is also significantly sleeker than the previous model with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.38 – down from 0.425.
The most popular engine choice in Europe is expected to be the all-new 2.2-litre unit from Kia’s ultra-modern ‘R’ family of engines. This highly competitive unit
produces an amazing 197 ps and 421 Nm of torque, and will be offered with a six-speed manual and Kia’s all-new world-class six-speed automatic transmission.
‘With the new Kia Sorento, we have created an all-new, ‘Highline Cruiser’ that will soon be recognised as an ‘exciting all-rounder’ with a much broader customer
appeal,’ commented Panu Vainamo, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Europe. ‘Kia engineers have ditched the old Sorento’s body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new monocoque bodyshell – achieving a weight loss of up to 215 kg, greatly improving fuel economy.’
New Sorento’s ride/handling balance has been altered and biased more towards on-road driving, without diminishing the original model’s renowned off-road talents. Available high-tech features will include: keyless entry, engine start button, safety reversing camera, built-in sat-nav and panoramic glass sunroof.
Source – Kia
Longer and lower, the new Kia Sorento brings sleek styling and a futuristic touch to the world of the urban CUV. With its longer front overhang, wedge profile, crisply defined greenhouse and accentuated wheelarch volumes, Kia’s new CUV looks thoroughly modern and sporty.
The 4.7-metre long new Kia Sorento moves vehicle design in this segment up to a new level of sophistication.
As part of Kia’s drive to expand market coverage with its latest CUV, the new Kia Sorento will be manufactured with a total of four engines – with different engines being available in various regions around the world in order to best suit local requirements and with CO2 emissions from just 173 g/km.
The original Kia Sorento was a ‘landmark’ vehicle which took the Korean brand into a whole new section of the automotive market all around the world. Introduced in 2002, it marked a huge step for Kia, challenging many established 4×4 and SUV brands and starting the process of changing public perception of Kia as a ‘maker of small cars.’
Now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer (CDO), Peter Schreyer, the Kia design team aimed to deliver futuristic styling with a bold sense of power and dynamism, to once again differentiate Kia’s larger CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) from potential rivals by incorporating Kia’s new design DNA.
‘The dynamic design of new Kia Sorento adopts simple, linear lines to create a powerful, yet polished appearance. Sporty and striking, the new Kia Sorento represents a new breed of vehicle,’ commented Peter Schreyer, CDO of Kia Motors Corporation.
Bold frontal styling incorporates Kia’s new ‘signature grille’ that blends seamlessly into the new Kia Sorento’s four-light, black bezel wrap-around headlamps. The profile’s rising upper belt-line and the dynamic bevel treatment beneath the greenhouse plus the unique trapezoid C-Pillar adds tension and endows new Sorento with a unique appearance. Extending the rear window to the outer edges of the simply styled tailgate hints at the spacious cabin and the large tail lamps enhance the sporty appearance.
During the development of the new Sorento, Kia engineers ditched the body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell with room for up to seven occupants. Building on those new foundations, they concentrated on eight key areas – class-leading performance, increased fuel economy, reduced emissions, improved on-road handling, more fun-to-drive responsiveness, greater cabin space and comfort, enhanced overall safety and the introduction of new technologies.
The original Kia Sorento earned widespread media and public acclaim for its innovative styling, durability, off-road abilities and value-for-money. Since 2002 it has attracted thousands of customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia and achieved global sales of almost 900,000 units.
‘With the new Sorento, we have created an all-new, seven-seater CUV that will soon be recognized as an ‘exciting all-rounder’ with a much broader customer appeal,’ commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of the International Business Division. ‘Despite the current economic uncertainties, we are confident that the new Kia Sorento will significantly increase Kia’s share of the CUV market, achieving annual global sales of 140,000 units from 2010.’
The new, longer bodyshell created for the new Kia Sorento, with its repositioned A-pillars and dashboard (moved forwards) and extended tailgate (moved rearwards), ensures that the cabin is much more spacious than the current model. The real and perceived quality of the cabin is greatly enhanced and available high-tech features will include: keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera, built-in sat-nav and panoramic glass sunroof.
The new Kia Sorento’s interior styling echoes the sense of power and dynamism created by the exterior appearance. Kia is confident that existing Sorento owners and new customers will be equally impressed by the cabin’s generous proportions, sweeping dashboard design, high-quality fit, discreet trim accents and the availability of numerous high-tech features.
The thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is becoming a Kia trademark feature and through it the driver can view another element of Kia’s developing design DNA – the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster. Similar to the cluster fitted to the latest version of Magentis and the recently-launched Kia Soul, the new Kia Sorento’s cluster has clear and precise graphics.
Depending on the model, new Kia Sorento will be equipped with a six, eight or 10-speaker audio system, with MP3 and iPod connectivity, plus built-in or external amplifier and a new sat-nav system with a 6.5-inch screen. Remote controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering wheel.
The longer bodyshell created for new Kia Sorento ensures that the stretched cabin is much more spacious than the current model, with seating for up to seven people. Interior headroom is increased by 64 mm (to 906 mm) and legroom by 102 mm (to 795 mm). Luggage space in the new Sorento is amongst the best-in-class as cargo capacity is increased by 15per cent, thanks to moving the tailgate back by almost 70 mm.
During the design and engineering process to create the new Sorento, Kia’s research and development team prioritized achieving a major improvement in the vehicle’s refinement and minimizing its noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). An excellent foundation for creating a vehicle with good NVH qualities is a stiff bodyshell structure and the new Kia Sorento features a much higher percentage (70.4per cent) of high-tensile strength steel compared to the previous model (40.0per cent).
Kia’s all-new Sorento will be manufactured with up to four different engines to meet the needs of motorists in every region of the globe.
For the Korean market, Kia is offering the new Kia Sorento with three engines, including a version of its 2.7-litre V6 engine running on low-cost LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) called the ‘Mu LPI’. This unit delivers 165 ps and 244 Nm – the reduced outputs are a consequence of using LPG which contains 25% less ‘stored energy’. New Kia Sorento will also be available in the Korean market with the four-cylinder 2.4-litre Theta II petrol engine that delivers 175 ps and 225 Nm, as well as the new four-cylinder R2.2 diesel engine.
The all-new ‘R’ family of turbo-diesel engines proves that Kia’s engineering capabilities are indeed world-class. The 2.2-litre engine comfortably out-performs most four-cylinder and many V6 units from rival brands, while complying with Euro 5 emissions standards thanks to their third-generation common-rail fuel system. The R2.2 generates a maximum of 197 ps and 435 Nm.
New Kia Sorento buyers will be offered a wide choice of transmissions and drivetrains – depending on model. Five-speed and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be offered. Both six-speed transmissions are new or upgraded.
Kia’s all-new six-speed automatic transmission is a regular ‘torque converter’ automatic, but it incorporates a unique ‘flat’ torque converter, which allows the unit to be 54 mm shorter, has 62 fewer parts (than a five-speed unit), weighs 12 kgs less and boosts fuel economy by up to 12per cent over a traditional automatic transmission.
New Kia Sorento buyers can select from two advanced drivetrains to ‘best-match’ the on-road and off-road abilities of their new Kia vehicle to their lifestyle. The 2WD drivetrain offers lower weight and enhanced fuel economy, while the 4WD drivetrain will be ideal for buyers who regularly face difficult driving conditions, tow trailers (weighing up to 2,500 kilos, depending on model) or go off-road.
Traction is also boosted by the available HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) which prevents the vehicle slipping backwards, and DBC (Down-hill Brake Control) that limits vehicle speed to just 5 mph on steep declines.
For the new Kia Sorento, the suspension engineers’ brief was to shift the handling bias a little to improve the on-road driving experience, in terms of ride quality and steering ‘feel’ – whilst retaining the vast majority of the previous model’s off-road abilities. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm and thanks to the new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell construction the centre of gravity has been lowered by 54 mm.
The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension is ‘carried over’ from the previous model, but with significant improvements. The steering is now more direct, requiring fewer turns of the wheel lock-to-lock.
For maximum stopping power, all new Kia Sorento models are equipped with an all-disc braking system. Either as standard or an option, ABS anti-lock and EBD brake force distribution systems are available.
New Kia Sorento presents buyers with a range of state-of-the-art safety systems and equipment as standard or as options – depending on market. Active safety technologies that buyers can specify include ESC, HAC, DBC, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System), plus several systems to boost braking performance during extreme conditions.
Reversing is made even safer by a new Kia Reversing Safety Camera mounted on the tailgate. This camera is fitted with a 130 degree wide-angle lens and transmits images to a 3.5-inch LCD display panel set within the cabin’s rear view mirror whenever reverse gear is selected.
New Kia Sorento’s robust all-new bodyshell structure delivers increased impact resistance. Using a much higher percentage (70.4per cent) of high-tensile strength steel the new vehicle achieves excellent rigidity and strength. Particular attention was paid to the B-pillar areas, with a roll-over hoop incorporated into the B-pillars and much stronger (60 kg grade) steel is used in the side sills.
The new Kia Sorento bodyshell is designed to achieve the top-score 5-Star rating in Europe’s EuroNCAP and the USA’s current official NHTSA crash tests, plus a ‘Good’ rating (again the top-score) in IIHS tests for both frontal and side impacts.
Source – Kia
Kia.com Launches State-of-the-Art Microsite to Support Upcoming Release of Sorento SUV
Visitors logging onto the Kia.com website today will be treated to a sneak preview of the soon-to-be-introduced Kia Sorento sport utility vehicle in the form of an interactive microsite, KiaSorento.com. The site features video footage, photography, features and specifications as well as performance, safety, and styling information about the Kia Sorento. Pricing information will also soon be added to make clear Kia’s unique value proposition in the mid-size SUV segment.
The microsite, conceived by Animated Designs, Kia’s interactive agency, has a lifestyle theme that shows the Sorento in a variety of settings displaying its appeal to a wide range of buyers. Visitors to the microsite can easily navigate through several interrelated sections to learn about the vehicle. They can view the full range of color combinations available, take 360-degree tours of both the interior and exterior, or view videos that feature running footage of the new mid-size SUV. The microsite also incorporates several avenues for customers to request more information, order brochures, and e-mail Sorento information to friends.
‘This is the most comprehensive minisite we’ve launched in support of a new vehicle introduction and we couldn’t be more pleased with the product and the site,’ said Wally Anderson, Kia’s vice president, marketing. ‘The Sorento site is designed to show how the vehicle will meet the needs of a variety of lifestyles. Its purpose is to generate interest and generate leads during the pre-launch period.’ Additional photos and information will be added often throughout the site. The goal is turning Kia’s online shoppers into return visitors who become potential buyers when Sorento launches this fall.
The Sorento microsite is just one component of the marketing efforts to support the launch of the new Kia SUV. In addition, the Sorento will be featured in a comprehensive, integrated advertising and marketing campaign in conjunction with the August 6 VHS/DVD release of New Line’s ‘The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring,’ which was the most nominated film of 2001 and won four Academy Awards.
Kia posted record sales of 223,726 units for calendar year 2001, representing a 39 percent increase from the record sales of 160,606 units in 2000.

Kia Ray

KIA MOTORS AMERICA TO DEBUT ‘RAY’ PLUG-IN HYBRID CONCEPT IN CHICAGO
Ray Design Demonstrates Kia Motors’ EcoDynamics Philosophy
* Kia Ray features aerodynamic design, innovative technology and plug-in hybrid capabilities
* Kia Ray utilizes roof top ‘cool-glazing’ solar glass and a has a range of up to 746 miles
CHICAGO, February 10, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept during a press conference at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, advancing momentum of Kia Motors’ global alternative fuel and powertrain research program, and its sub-brand coined ‘EcoDynamics,’ to develop innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. The most efficient Kia vehicles with significant fuel consumption and emission reductions developed under the EcoDynamics sub-brand will be identified with the EcoDynamics badge. Recently, the EcoDynamics sub-brand took a major step forward with the introduction of the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) followed by the Forte LPI Hybrid, the gasoline Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid.
As the world looks for more efficient vehicle designs that combine sophisticated and sleek lines with functionality and fuel economy, the Kia Ray concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform and demonstrates a prospective plug-in hybrid vehicle configuration from Kia. Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal roof-top solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel that power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia Ray is the fifth vehicle from the Irvine Calif.-based Kia Design Center America (KDCA) to be revealed in the last year. The latest design from KDCA follows award-winning Kia vehicles Soul, Forte, Forte Koup and the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV.
‘It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process, because people want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,’ said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors Corporation. ‘Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.’
The stylish, aerodynamic Ray combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimizing any unneeded edges, a flowing profile and pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly high deck lid for reduced drag, touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, ‘cool-glazing’ solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery – all possible indicators of future technology from Kia. As a plug-in hybrid, Ray is designed to reach driving distances of more than 50 miles using its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon, and has a total range of 746 miles.
As part of Kia Motors’ EcoDynamics sub-brand, the Ray concept demonstrates a unique vision for eye-catching vehicles with the goal of reducing environmental footprints. Kia models will carry the EcoDynamics badge as they are progressively introduced, and are designed to deliver significant environmental benefits, these vehicles also will retain a sporty design, fun-to-drive performance and a strong appeal for the young-at-heart.
Striking Aircraft-Inspired Exterior Design
EcoDynamics is the overarching design philosophy applied to make the Kia Ray concept efficiently functional and striking in appearance. A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette gives the Kia Ray concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles. Strong and lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics philosophy starting with a tabbed LED Kia badge covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass that extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer occupants a spacious, airy feeling. An illuminated battery charge indicator display is hood-mounted, furthering the Kia Ray concept’s futuristic design. A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer ‘tail’ improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece, smooth-as-glass, integrated underbody panel, narrow tire width and flush wheel design. Front driving lamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the gasoline engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag. In lieu of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors. The result is an airframe on wheels. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The rear door lines are very purposeful with rear-hinged coach doors, yet stylish because their height and shape improves ingress and egress.
The Ray employs new ‘cool car’ technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials applied to the concept to dramatically reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool will reduce air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.
Light and Airy Interior
Using the natural element of air as the design focus to convey feelings of pure, lightweight, breathable and refreshing, Ray’s interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones to offer the passengers a sense of purity while also reflecting the heat of the sun, keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy. Front and rear seats, mounted on side sills, create a floating effect with hollowed out elastomeric materials to support body weight, also made of lightweight composite materials.
Fresh and sustainable materials like wool flooring unite to create a simple yet sophisticated and comfortable cabin, with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout featuring touch screen push-button start and gear shift toggle. The center stack features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced infotainment system, which provides users with friendly voice- and touch-activated controls for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation.
Adding to the list of green technology features, Ray also employs the all-new GreenEdge™ system by Infinity® Audio, complete with loudspeakers that reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self heating temperatures with increased acoustic performance, a better synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle. The amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50 percent of current Infinity speakers and employs a lower dissipation design for significant savings in overall weight.
With a focus to reduce overall weight through materials and design, the hexagon/honeycomb shape can be found throughout the cabin, used as a repeated design element while tying the interior theme together. Used also in the door inserts and seats, this lightweight and breathable mesh serves to reduce overall curb weight as well as being a unique design element. Other materials found in the cabin are soft to the touch with a matte finish, including white leather, offering a more luxurious feel while making the interior more inviting and tranquil. The 100-percent earthy mocha wool felt floors add a touch of warmth and also are environmentally friendly by coming from a renewable resource. Adding further to Ray’s green characteristics, the floor mats are incorporated into the design of the floor, greatly reducing the amount of material used.
Hybrid Architecture
The Ray Concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4-liter engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78kw electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the wheels from the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together. The Ray concept is front-wheel drive with a four-wheel independent suspension.
Furthering EcoDynamics innovation, the Ray concept’s advanced system is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage economical driving. Custom-designed low-rolling resistance with a hexagon pattern, narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) tires also improve Ray’s efficiency.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 670 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline ‘The Power to Surprise.’

Kia Forte

MSRP: $13,695-18,195
Invoice: $13,435-17,335
2010 Kia Forte news, pictures, and information
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KIA MOTORS AMERICA INTRODUCES ALL-NEW KIA FORTE
Kia’s New Compact Sedan Makes its Debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show
• Kia Motors debuts sporty and fuel-efficient compact sedan
• New Forte blends impressive new style with Kia Motors quality and value
On the heels of announcing the widely acclaimed, all-new Kia Soul, Kia Motors America (KMA) today introduced the all-new 2010 Kia Forte (pronounced for-tay) compact sedan at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Forte blends Kia’s exciting new design direction under the tutelage of Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ chief design officer, with a multitude of standard features. The 2010 Kia Forte will go on sale in North America in late spring or early summer of 2009.
‘Kia Motors’ product line is rapidly evolving and the Forte compact sedan is another head turner,’ said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO, KMA and KMMG. ‘The Forte is an aggressively stylish blend of comfort and practicality – and with a host of standard features it provides the great quality and value that consumers have come to expect from Kia vehicles.’
Style in Motion
Sporting stylish and aggressive design cues, the new Forte firmly establishes itself as a strong contender in its segment. With a bold look set apart by crisp lines, swept-back headlamps and a sleek profile, Forte exudes a confident stance that conveys motion both while cruising the highway and parked in the driveway. Available in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX), Forte offers a sleek, sophisticated design. The sportier SX trim offers a more athletic profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires and a rear spoiler.
Smooth and Comfortable Ride
With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 178.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, Forte offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class with seating for up to five passengers. The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling on curvy roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout Forte to help ensure a comfortable ride with good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.
Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte utilizes an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling by providing the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. In keeping with the sporty essence of the SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension gives the chassis a firmer feel and responsiveness resulting in a sportier and more spirited ride. The SX model also features larger front brakes for improved stopping capabilities.
Attractive and Practical Interior
Forte boasts a class-leading¹ 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, while driver and passengers have an impressive 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.8 inches of headroom and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Forte’s trunk also offers an impressive 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its class, perfect for luggage for weekend getaways.
Capitalizing on its spacious interior, Forte pampers its riders with a host of interior features, starting with comfortable, nicely appointed full cloth seats. A six-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering column, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver- and passenger-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle.
EX and SX models offer a number of additional standard luxurious touches such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats. Forte EX and SX models also include standard cruise control with an optional sunroof and leather-trimmed seats. Also standard on SX models is a telescoping steering column as well as sport cloth seats adorned with red stitching, further enhancing its energetic persona.
Peppy Performance
Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower – more than the most powerful versions of the Toyota Corolla¹ or even the 2010 Mazda3.
Two transmission options are offered for the 2010 Forte: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (LX and EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.
The optional Fuel Economy Package, available with the 2.0-liter powerplant, will include the five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering and low-rolling resistance tires with aero enhancements. These improvements result in class-leading combined fuel economy of 36 mpg (highway).
Music that Moves
Forte comes with a standard four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service². Standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players. Standard Bluetooth® connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. For true audiophiles, the EX and SX packages also add a standard six speaker surround audio system and steering wheel controls.
Standard Kia Motors Safety
Forte offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Forte is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
2009 Product Line
Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 11 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The 2009 vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full-size sedan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The 2010 Soul will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships this spring.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline ‘The Power to Surprise.’

Kia Sedona

MSRP: $22,195-28,695
Invoice: $21,765-26,825
2010 Kia Sedona news, pictures, and information
Kia Motors’ Award-Winning Minivan Offers Abundance of Value, Convenience and Safety Features
• Kia minivan surpasses competition with class-leading safety
• Plethora of standard comfort and convenience features offered
Recognized for numerous accolades in 2009, the Kia Sedona minivan returns to the 2010 line-up and remains a segment leader in value and safety. Highly praised with a ‘Good’ rating and being chosen as a Top Safety Pick while being noted as the safest minivan ever tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a five-star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and named a ‘Best Buy’ by Consumer’s Digest, Sedona offers Long Wheelbase (LWB) and Short Wheelbase (SWB) models.
The 3.8-liter V6 engine has been retuned for the 2010 Sedona and provides improved fuel economy, now with an EPA rating of 17/23 city/highway. Also new on LX and EX models is a standard back-up warning system, to alert drivers when they are too close to an object directly behind the vehicle.
Exceptional Standard Safety Features
An eight-time recipient of a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA for each seating position¹ and a ‘Top Safety Pick’ by IIHS for three consecutive years, the 2010 Sedona (both SWB and LWB models) offers consumers invaluable protection provided by an extensive list of standard safety features, including six standard airbags (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags for all three seating rows), active front headrests, a four-channel, four-sensor, Antilock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which takes into account vehicle load and weight distribution and ensures the appropriate stopping force is used. The EBD adapts to individual wheel grip conditions, to help improve both control and stability.
Additional standard safety equipment for the 2010 Sedona includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a Traction Control System (TCS) ensure a smoother and safer ride.
Working in conjunction with the ABS, the TCS uses brake and engine torque intervention to enhance traction during launch and acceleration on road surfaces. If the ABS system detects wheel slip, it signals the engine control unit to adjust engine torque output accordingly. TCS also senses when one or more wheels spin faster than the vehicle’s speed, and if this condition is present it applies the brakes to that wheel or wheels. Working together, the two systems limit wheel spin and help the driver maintain control.
Working with the standard ABS with EBD and TCS, the ESC system can apply individual brakes selectively to control oversteer and understeer as needed to help the driver maintain control on slippery surfaces or during certain emergency maneuvers. Being able to control any or all of the brakes allows the ESC system to provide responsiveness, control and enhanced accident avoidance capabilities to help the driver, although ESC is not a substitute for safe driving procedures.
Superior Performance
For 2010, Sedona’s retuned 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine produces an impressive 244 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, and has improved city fuel economy of 17/23 mpg city/highway. This aluminum block engine continues to be mated to a five-speed Sportmatic™ transmission with a four-wheel independent suspension, designed to be more rewarding to drive than its competitors.
Sedona’s four-wheel independent suspension system is comprised of MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front, while the rear uses a multi-link design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar.
Stopping power comes from a power-assisted four-wheel-disc braking system with large-diameter vented front disc brakes (11.7 inches) and solid rear disc brakes (11.9 inches). Sedona models come standard with 16-inch steel wheels and 225/70R16 tires on all SWB and LX LWB models, and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted to 235/60R17 tires are standard for EX LWB models.
Spacious, Adaptable and Comfortable
Competitively sized, the seven-passenger LWB Sedona’s generous dimensions and unibody construction offer impressive passenger and luggage space and sophisticated ride and handling. Adding to its space and versatility, flip-and-fold second row seats provide easy access to third row seating on LWB and SWB versions. A simple-to-operate 60/40-split folding-into-the-floor third row seat is standard on all LWB models to create a larger flat cargo area, while a 50/50-split folding, removable third row seat is standard on the SWB model.
The LWB Sedona comes in two trim levels – LX and EX – while the SWB version comes in a base model. All Sedonas maintain Kia’s tradition of high value by offering a generous list of standard features and amenities. Besides standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service², ABS, six airbags and a five-speed Sportmatic™ transmission, the SWB Sedona and LWB Sedona LX also comes standard with air conditioning, sliding doors with power windows, power mirrors and door locks, cruise control, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system that includes an auxiliary and USB-MP3 input jack, captain’s chairs for the second row and keyless entry. The back-up warning system, which was part of the Power and Luxury Packages in 2009, also now comes standard on LWB models, and is used to alert the driver of an object in close proximity to the vehicle.
The LWB Sedona EX adds fog lamps, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat, heated power mirrors, an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink®, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear quarter glass, trip computer with compass and a roof rack. The 2010 LWB Sedona EX now brings with it a standard rear view camera in addition to the back-up warning system to help the driver better see surroundings and reverse more safely.
In addition to the LX and EX model standard equipment, the LWB Sedona offers several option packages for maximum convenience and entertainment. The Power Package, available only on the LWB LX, offers dual power sliding doors and the rear view camera. The Luxury Package, available on the LWB EX, combines leather seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver’s memory seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals, tri-zone automatic temperature control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a sunroof. Additional options on the LWB Sedona include a 660-watt premium entertainment system featuring a DVD player with an eight-inch monitor and a 13-speaker Infinity® surround sound system, navigation system (on EX models with Luxury Package only), roof rails and floor mats.
Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Sedona is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
Kia Motors Product Line
Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the stylish and all-new Forte compact sedan and all-new two-door Forte Koup, the highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan and versatile yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego and value-packed Sportage SUVs, while the rugged 2011 Sorento CUV arrives in showrooms in January 2010.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 650 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline ‘The Power to Surprise.’
Source – Kia
The Kia Carnival, known in the UK and North America as the Sedona, began production in 1999. It rested on a 114.6-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced nearly 200 horsepower. The only gearbox available on the Sedona was the five-speed automatic. In other markets, it had a five-speed manual and a 2.5-liter V6 engine that produced just under 180 horsepower. A four-speed automatic was available for an additional cost.
The early Sedona’s suffered from teething problems. They offered few amenities and were known to be gas-guzzlers. It has taken a few years, but the Sedona has evolved into a very polished automobile.
The second version of the Kia Sedona was introduced in autumn of 2005 and ready for production in 2006. It brought with it popular features such as a 60/40 fold flat seat, second row power windows, power sliding doors and liftgate, and a backup sensor. The 3.8-liter V6 engine was capable of producing nearly 245 horsepower.
It has earned a five-star safety rating, the highest honor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bestows, for all seating in side and frontal impact crashes.