otors Corporation announced today that its global sales (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) of passenger cars, recreation vehicles (RVs) and light trucks in October recorded  units, representing  year-on-year increase.

By region, Kia’s North America market posted a year-ar sales increase of 25.9% in October with 28,400 units sold. Meanwhile, sales of Kia vehicles in Europe, China, general markets and Korea were 31,535 units (12.0% year-on-year increase), 8,464 units (yearyear decreaseunits (39.5% year-on-year increase) and 25,104 units (8.0% year-on-year increase), respective

Vrand are planning to launch a range of new AWD models in coming years, with engineers currently testing a new prototype drivetrain sourced from Sweden’s Haldex. Hyundai is expected to use the same XWD system and electronic differential offered by Saab, making it the first Asian carmaker to use Haldex mechanicals.

Haldex will supply Hyundai, for a prototype installation, with an electronic AWD system, based on the fourth generation of its established Haldex Limited Slip Coupling and the all-new, evolutionary Haldex electronic Limited Slip Differential (Haldex XWD) developed from the Haldex product platform of limited slip differentials.

production version of Kia Motors Corp.’s full-sized sports utility vehicle Mohave was shown to the press for the first time yesterday. The vehicle was introduced during a test-drive session at the automaker’s plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. It is scheduled for launch on the local market in January

Mohave, short for “majesty of hi-tech active vehicle,” is Kia’s first full-sized SUV, and is the first one which embodies chief design officer Peter Schreyer’s “simplicity of the straight line” princi

ill Caven charts the Korean marque’s spectacular growth – and says there’s a lot more to come…

When you think about it, life is full of little surprises. For example, how did the Spanish equivalent of Stevie Wonder become an international football referee?

Similarly, if you had dared to suggest a few years ago that a Korean motor manufacturer would become a major world player, then the chances are you would have been laughed out of tow

clearly when I first drove the Lancer GT the weekend after it was launched. Never in my hands before had a test car, including more exotic/expensive ones, turned so many necks and caught so much attention. Never mind that it’s just a humble C-segment saloon battling the Civic and Altis, the Lancer looked every bit the Fantastic Sports Machine it was touted to be and everywhere we went, there were people asking “Evo ah?”

Few years have passed, and while the Lancer doesn’t get so many stares these days due to familarity, it’s still a very handsome car – one that proclaims perforthe sedan’s looks, I’d have to say that I don’t fully “get” the Sportback’s design. While I’m quite fond of hatchbacks, I don’t see much allure in the Sportback’s shape. In searching for a reason why, I looked up the side profile pics of current five-door hatchbacks that were drawn ground up, cars like the Subaru Impreza and Hyundai i30 for instance (the likes of Focus and Golf already have their “trademark” shapes), to compare side-by-side with the Mitsubishi.

From this, I realised that it was down to the Sportback’s long overhangs and heavy rear end. The former is not an issue in the sedan, but most modern hatchbacks have their wheels closer to the edges. The elongated rear section (demonstrated by the angle of the rear glass) also contributes to the impression of an ample bum. Furthermore, the more rounded rear edges don’t really go well with the sharp front end.

Think about it. Sedans converted from hatchbacks are normally critisised for being poorly proportioned, so crafting a hatchback out of a sedan shouldn’t be that straighforward either, and I’m sure there were constraints Mitsubishi desginers have to work within. To these eyes, the end result looks more utility (SUV, wagon) than sporty, but of course looks are subjective and there will be In any case, the rear spoiler helps the cause. Everything forward of the B-pillar is familiar. You might have noticed that the Sportback pictured here comes with the split grille of the Lancer EX (but only the upper half has a chrome outline, EX has chrome on both tiers) instead of the full “jet fighter” grille of the Lancer GT, and Malaysian bound cars will be similar. Most 2010 cars in other markets come with the sportier item, but perhaps MMM wanted to create some differentiation fmany who like it.mance from the design alone, and still the sporriver’s seat, what’s good and bad about the Lancer sedan is applicable. Let’s start with the positives. Mitsubishi’s C-segment machine was conceived with a sporty flavour, and all that’s essential and central to the business of driving is spot on here. The sporty twin barrelled dials are easy to read and look good; ditto the leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, which like the Lancer EX has buttons on both sides (audio left, cruise control right). The leather seats on our JDM spec test car were comfortable and reasonably supportive when cornering, and a good driving position wasn’t hard to find, for me at least.

But the masterpiece has to be those magnesium shift paddles that wouldn’t look out of place in a supercar, the exact same items you’ll find in the sedan. The “ting-ting” sound it makes when meeting your fingernails is great, and the action is substantial, unlike the toy like tactility of some plastic shifters. They’re mounted on the steering column, not the wheel itself, so those whose driving style involves twirling the wheel in corners with hands maintained at 10-2 won’t have to adapt. For the rest
clearly when I first drove the Lancer GT the weekend after it was launched. Never in my hands before had a test car, including more exotic/expensive ones, turned so many necks and caught so much attention. Never mind that it’s just a humble C-segment saloon battling the Civic and Altis, the Lancer looked every bit the Fantastic Sports Machine it was touted to be and everywhere we went, there were people asking “Evo ah?”

Few years have passed, and while the Lancer doesn’t get so many stares these days due to familarity, it’s still a very handsome car – one that proclaims perforthe sedan’s looks, I’d have to say that I don’t fully “get” the Sportback’s design. While I’m quite fond of hatchbacks, I don’t see much allure in the Sportback’s shape. In searching for a reason why, I looked up the side profile pics of current five-door hatchbacks that were drawn ground up, cars like the Subaru Impreza and Hyundai i30 for instance (the likes of Focus and Golf already have their “trademark” shapes), to compare side-by-side with the Mitsubishi.

From this, I realised that it was down to the Sportback’s long overhangs and heavy rear end. The former is not an issue in the sedan, but most modern hatchbacks have their wheels closer to the edges. The elongated rear section (demonstrated by the angle of the rear glass) also contributes to the impression of an ample bum. Furthermore, the more rounded rear edges don’t really go well with the sharp front end.

Think about it. Sedans converted from hatchbacks are normally critisised for being poorly proportioned, so crafting a hatchback out of a sedan shouldn’t be that straighforward either, and I’m sure there were constraints Mitsubishi desginers have to work within. To these eyes, the end result looks more utility (SUV, wagon) than sporty, but of course looks are subjective and there will be In any case, the rear spoiler helps the cause. Everything forward of the B-pillar is familiar. You might have noticed that the Sportback pictured here comes with the split grille of the Lancer EX (but only the upper half has a chrome outline, EX has chrome on both tiers) instead of the full “jet fighter” grille of the Lancer GT, and Malaysian bound cars will be similar. Most 2010 cars in other markets come with the sportier item, but perhaps MMM wanted to create some differentiation fmany who like it.mance from the design alone, and still the sporriver’s seat, what’s good and bad about the Lancer sedan is applicable. Let’s start with the positives. Mitsubishi’s C-segment machine was conceived with a sporty flavour, and all that’s essential and central to the business of driving is spot on here. The sporty twin barrelled dials are easy to read and look good; ditto the leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, which like the Lancer EX has buttons on both sides (audio left, cruise control right). The leather seats on our JDM spec test car were comfortable and reasonably supportive when cornering, and a good driving position wasn’t hard to find, for me at least.

But the masterpiece has to be those magnesium shift paddles that wouldn’t look out of place in a supercar, the exact same items you’ll find in the sedan. The “ting-ting” sound it makes when meeting your fingernails is great, and the action is substantial, unlike the toy like tactility of some plastic shifters. They’re mounted on the steering column, not the wheel itself, so those whose driving style involves twirling the wheel in corners with hands maintained at 10-2 won’t have to adapt. For the rest

ny of you have been impatiently waiting for an exciting Kia Soul crossover to make it’s official US debut, and last week, that day has finally arrived. At last, I would say. Since many of US automotive press and media published their juicy first-drive reports earlier this month, I got many requests for more Soul information from our readers.

On the same day, when Soul made it’s US debut, I received an official Soul press pack from Kia Motors, who has kindly responded to my request for sending me some official Soul information.

I have published it here a few days ago. In case you missed it and want to know all the details and information on the US-Spec Soul, please check this link: Official press release of the

In addition to that, the official document also included a large number of high-quality interior and exterior images. Today we will look at 12 shots that showcase a beautiful red-black colored interior, while tomorrow I shall post a bunch of new exter

f you have been impatiently waiting for an exciting Kia Soul crossover to make it’s official US debut, and last week, that day has finally arrived. At last, I would say. Since many of US automotive press and media published their juicy first-drive reports earlier this month, I got many requests for more Soul information from our readers.

On the same day, when Soul made it’s US debut, I received an official Soul press pack from Kia Motors, who has kindly responded to my request for sending me some official Soul information.

I have published it here a few days ago. In case you missed it and want to know all the details and information on the US-Spec Soul, please check this link: Official press release of the 2010 Kia Soul.

In addition to that, the official document also included a large number of high-quality interior and exterior images. Today we will look at 12 shots that showcase a beautiful red-black colored interior, while tomorrow I shall post a bunch of new exterior shots. Enjoy the pic

a Motors America introduces yet another special edition  Soul model. Making its official debut at the A, the all-new Kia Soul White Tiger Concept previews one of the two special edition Soul models that Kia intends to introduce in

As previous four special edition Soul models, which include the Soul Denim, Ignition Soul, Soul Dragon and Soul Ghost, the all-new Soul White Tiger also features a unique exterior color combined with some exlusive graphics. Kia says the latest Soul  model takes styling cues from this year’s Asian Lunar year animal – the Tiger and dramatically combines an all-white exterior with one-of-a-kind tiger-themed graphics.

The 2011 Soul White Tiger Concept is equipped with all of the standard features of the Soul “+” model and adds an abundance of options, such as body colored bumpers, fog lamps, sport spoiler, black fender vents, rear bumper cat claw applique and striking white-finished 18 inch alloy-wheels

Inside, the oul White Tiger features a push-button start, black leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sport-styled floor mats with contrasting stitching and illuminated scuff plates.

Although the Soul White Tiger Special Edition models is currently presented as a concept car, it will soon appear in its final production form) at the Kia dealerships across the USA. You can expect the first models to hit the

After three million views online and the launch of their own “Hamsta” apparel line, the hip and music-loveable hamsters from Kia’s award-winning Soul commercial ad campaign are making their presence known at SEMA with a Molten Red Soul concept vehicle featuring custom Hamstar artwork and interior appointments.

The highly attractive Kia Soul Hamstar Concept stands out from the crowd with its custom red and black color scheme, highlighted by a “star” graphic with the signature Hamstar script logo on the hood and off-black matte finish stripes on the urban passenger vehicle’s sides that are reminiscent of vintage warm-up pants.

The exterior is dressed with black gloss and polished aluminum sport wheels for extra attitude and the all black interior includes red/black sport cloth seat materials with black chenille stars affixed to the back side of the front headrests. Speciamstar sport floor mats and a rubberized Hamstar badge create an additional surprise design elemenourcotors America

teaser images and even official shots revealing the stylish exterior design of the upcomingPicanto, we are now getting a chance to see the car’s modern interior layout for the first time. As evident from the image, Picanto’s interior has been built from ground up and now seems to be more functional and eye-pleasing.

As revealed earlier this week, there will be two body-styles and four-engines available once the new Picanto goes on sale worldwide. Korean-market Kia Picanto will be badged as Kia morning and will initially offer only one engine option; the 1.0L Kappa four-cylinder mill with an estimated output of 82 horsepower. The 1.0L Kappa engine will be mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Mated to the manual gearbox, the 2012 Picanto achieves 22 km/L and 19 km/L when coupled with automatic transmission.

Positioned below Kia Rio, the all-new Picanto measures 3.595 mm long, 1.595 mm wide and 1.485 mm tall. It is build upon a minicar platform which has a 2.385 mm long wheelbase.

a source close to Kia, the forth-coming Picanto has an exceptional level of standard safety and convenience features for the mini-car segment.  SP, Brake Assist System  and  Start Assist Control available, as well as navigation system, panoramic sunroof and a large number of other infotainment systems.

The Korean-market Picanto will be officially unveiled at the end of this month, with sales slated to commence shortly after its inaugural Korean premiere. The Euro-specs Picanto will make its official premiere at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show, where Kia will also display th

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