LEAKED! - 2011 Kia Sportage appears ahead of Geneva

These images from the 2011 Kia Sportage have leaked from the European patent office and they present the car in full details. They would only be better if the interior of the vehicle had also been revealed, but the images already allow us to know what to expect from the new crossover when it is officially released at the Geneva Motor Show, which will take place in March.



Based on the Hyundai ix35, also named Tucson in some markets, such as the USA, the new Sportage is ahead of its sibling due to the visual identity Peter Schreyer has given Kia (and Hyundai still did not manage to present). We can see the high waistline as a promise for a crossover that has a good handling, but this is something we will only be sure about when we drive it.

Considering ix35 and Sportage have so much in common, we can try to guess its final technical specifications: 4.41 m long, 1.82 m wide, 1.66 m tall and a wheelbase of 2.64 m. Engines will probably be a petrol 2-litre four-cylinder able to generate 123 kW (165 bhp) and a turbodiesel 2-litre four-cylinder that produces 135 kW (180 bhp), both managed by a 6-speed automatic transmission.

If the new-generation Sportage is not presented at the Geneva Motor Show (what is not very likely, considering these images have leaked from the European patent office), it will make its world premiere in April, back in its homeland, South Korea.







Source: Autoblog.bnl

Kia reveals the new Forte Koup at the New York Auto Show

When Kia revealed the new Forte, also known as Cerato, its striking looks proved Peter Schreyer has been a hell of a good hire. Now Kia has presented its first coupe and, guess what, it is based on the good-looking Forte.



The new car, which is 4.48 m long, 1.77 m wide and only 1.34 m tall, with a wheelbase of 2.65 m, will not deny its sport appearance promises.

It will be sold in two trim levels. The entry-level will be EX. Besides 16-inch alloy wheels that wear 205/55 R16 tyres, this car will also have a 2-litre DOHC four-cylindre powerplant able to deliver 156 bhp and 195 Nm, guided by a five-speed manual gearbox or by a four-speed automatic transmission.

The SX, of course, will be much more interesting. It will have dual exhaust pipes, but no V6 or V8, only a 2.4-litre four-cylindre engine, but not an ordinary one. In such a small car, the 173 bhp and 228 Nm will be very interesting, especially with its 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/45 R17 tyres. Optionally, you can have a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic gearbox. Depending on its price, we may be in front of a new cult car, such as Datsun Z.





Source: Kia