The all-new Kia Carens is a completely fresh model from the ground up, and its sleek and sculpted design marks a dramatic shift away from the more utilitarian look of its predecessor.

Published | 27/09/2012
All-new Kia Carens – comments from Design

The all-new Kia Carens is a completely fresh model from the ground up, and its sleek and sculpted design marks a dramatic shift away from the more utilitarian look of its predecessor.

It builds on the functionality and versatility of the original Carens, with a spacious five or five-plus-two seating layout, a generously proportioned luggage bay and numerous stowage spaces, but wraps this family-friendly adaptability in more purposeful sheet metal.

“I wanted to give the new Carens a sleeker look and feel, to create a design that envelops its functionality and versatility in something altogether more athletic and dynamic,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer.

“This new-found visual dynamism is important – this car needs to look appealing and attractive – but during its design and development stages, we never lost sight of the fact that its packaging flexibility and adaptability are why people buy these cars,” explains Schreyer.

Both Schreyer and Gregory Guillaume, Kia’s Chief Designer Europe, are candid when discussing the design of the Carens. “A vehicle like the Carens is probably one of the hardest of all to get right because we are very tightly constrained by the car’s functionality,” says Guillaume. “That packaging versatility cannot in any way be compromised by the design of the car because to do so would eradicate the car’s raison d'être.”

Schreyer and Guillaume’s team created subtle styling cues to enhance the Carens’ elegant and balanced proportions and deliver an air of sophistication and refinement.

As an example Schreyer singles out the understated chrome strip that runs from the base of the windscreen, along the lower level of windows and curls up to meet the C-pillar. “This not only adds a premium feel to the clean-cut exterior, but also creates a visual link with the new Sportage, which features the same design motif,” he explains.

One of Schreyer’s design goals was improved visibility – a key element for safe driving, particularly in congested urban areas. “The base of the windscreen is very low and this works with the front quarter windows and the low and wide sweeping dashboard design to deliver excellent visibility,” explains Schreyer. The panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with light further enhances this sense of spaciousness.

Similarly, the Carens design team worked hard on ensuring the front and rear overhangs were kept as short as possible to boost manoeuvrability when parking and negotiating city traffic.

Neat touches abound – the integrated roof rails, the sleek rear spoiler, the three-way split second-row seats that feature individual fore and aft adjustment, and Kia’s tactile new steering wheel.

“With its nigh-perfect balance of proportion, style and functionality, the distinctive new Carens marks yet another successful and stylish step for Kia’s global design team,” says Schreyer proudly. “There’s a design honesty here - the Carens is neither over-dressed nor does it feature contrived design elements. It’s a car cleanly and elegantly defined by its functionality.”


SEPTEMBER 2012



  • All-new Kia Carens delivers stylish, spacious practicality
  • Lower, sleeker compact MPV with choice of five or seven seats  
  • Longer wheelbase delivers impressive interior space and versatility 
  • Choice of four engines with CO2 emissions from 118 g/km 
Frankfurt, 27 September 2012 – The all-new Kia Carens is a compact MPV designed and engineered from a clean sheet to meet the needs of modern families.  With sleek aerodynamics, a cab-forward design, choice of four powertrains, low CO2 emissions (from 118 g/km), up to seven seats and a broad range of convenience and safety features, the new third-generation Carens is set to attract even more customers to the Kia brand. 

“The all-new Carens takes Kia back into one of the most important and competitive sectors of the European market with a strong contender for class-honours.  Very stylish and sporty looking, new Carens has a spacious and versatile interior with five or seven seats and large storage compartments throughout the cabin.  This model will have great appeal to families with an active lifestyle who don‘t want to compromise between style and practicality.  New Carens is a key step in Kia’s strategy to become a Top 10 car manufacturer in Europe,” commented Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe. 

Measuring 4.5-metre long, the new Kia Carens is 20 mm shorter, 15 mm narrower and 40 mm lower than the previous generation model.  Its overall height (1610 mm) is the same as the Kia Soul and is one of the lowest in class – giving the model a more sporty appearance.  Cabin space is generous thanks to the new model’s increased wheelbase (up by 50 mm) and cab-forward design which places the base of the A-pillar above the front-wheel centre line. 

The contemporary styling of new Carens is highlighted by its standard LED daylight running lights and optional LED rear combination lamps. 

“With its low CO2 emissions, competitive pricing and total cost of ownership, unique Kia 7-Year warranty, higher residual values and added appeal to fleet customers, we expect new Carens to bring a new group of consumers to Kia showrooms across Europe and introduce many of them to the benefits of Kia ownership,” adds Oeyen. 

Depending on individual market preferences, the new Kia Carens will be available in a choice of up to seven exterior colours – Clear White (solid), Bright Silver, Titanium Silver (metallic) and Black Cherry (pearl), plus three new metallic colours: Powder Newport Blue, Celestial Silver and Galaxy Brown. 

Up to seven seats with great versatility  

For the new Carens, the long wheelbase and the latest packaging technologies have resulted in a spacious cabin with generous room for up to seven occupants. 

To deliver the maximum carrying versatility expected by MPV customers, the front passenger seat backrest can fold forwards, the second row features three individual sliding/folding seats split 33/33/33 and the third row seats (where fitted) split 50/50 and fold flat into the trunk floor when not required. 

A comfortable environment for the driver and passengers is assured by the standard air-conditioning (manual or automatic, depending on model), rear air vents and optional side window blinds.  A special wide-angle mirror in the overhead console allows parents to safely monitor their children while on the move. 

Storage compartments are conveniently located throughout the new Carens with under-seat drawers, under-floor storage boxes, a deep centre console cubby hole and large door pockets. 

All models will be available with optional heated front and second row seats, while top-specification models will also offer ventilated front seats with powered cushion extension and powered lumbar support as an option.  Buyers can also choose a heated steering wheel and a supervision instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch TFT LCD screen that displays high-definition graphics. 

There will be a choice of black or black/beige interior colour schemes for the seats and cabin trim, in regular cloth, woven cloth or leather – depending on model. 

Multiple choice of high-tech features 

The new Carens will offer buyers a wide range of innovative and high-tech comfort and convenience features.  

Cruise control with a speed limiter will be standard on all models.  Available features will include an electric parking brake, smart key with engine start/stop button, a six-speaker audio system with optional amplifier and sub-woofer, puddle lights in the exterior front door handles, and an optional large powered panoramic glass sunroof. 

Power spread from 115-to-177 ps

Customers in Europe will have a choice of four engines.  Two diesel and two gasoline power units offer a broader power spread than for the previous model – ranging from 115 ps to 177 ps with competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions from 118 to 167 g/km for manual models. 

The 1.7-litre diesel engine is already popular in a variety of Kia vehicles around the world and in new Carens it will be available in two versions.  The low power version generates 115 ps maximum power and 260 Nm maximum torque.  The high power unit produces 136 ps and 330 Nm.  Modifications to these engines have resulted in lower CO2 emissions for both versions – down to as little as 118 g/km for the ISG stop/start equipped low power variant, a 19% improvement over its predecessor.

Both gasoline engines feature gasoline direct injection to boost power output without increasing fuel consumption.  The 1.6-litre GDI engine, introduced in the Kia Sportage and subsequently fitted to new cee’d, generates a maximum of 135 ps and 165 Nm.  The 2.0-litre unit delivers 177 ps and 211 Nm maximum torque. 

The fastest accelerating new Carens, the 2.0-litre model, reaches 100 kph in 9.7 seconds and top speeds range from 181 to 203 kph. 

Six-speed transmissions for all 

To help optimise the balance between performance and economy, every new Carens will be fitted with a six-speed transmission.  Low first and second gear ratios boost low-speed acceleration, while high top (sixth) gear ratios allow low engine revs during high-speed cruising – reducing cabin noise, enhancing refinement and lowering fuel consumption. 

The highest power diesel and gasoline engines will be offered with an optional automatic transmission engineered and manufactured in-house by Kia.  This six-speed unit has a manual sport mode with optional paddle-shift on the steering wheel, and is an unusually compact design ideal for front-wheel drive vehicles.  

Extensively engineered running gear 

The suspension and running gear of new Carens has been comprehensively developed to deliver responsive handling, excellent straight-line stability, and exceptional ride quality and refinement. 

The MDPS electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering features a combined torque/angle sensor to protect against side wind gusts.  It is geared for 2.7 turns lock-to-lock, and the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach.  Kia’s new FlexSteer™ system is fitted as standard.  This offers three different steering weights to match customer preference with Normal, Sport and Comfort modes. 

Mounted on a sub-frame to isolate road shocks, new Carens boasts MacPherson strut front suspension, while at the rear, the CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle) is engineered with a strong connection between the trailing-arms and the stub-axles, and designed to reduce under-steer and bump-steer, while delivering a comfortably compliant ride. 

In Europe, an all-disc braking system – with 300 mm ventilated front, and 284 mm solid rear discs – is standard on all models.  The performance of the braking system is supported by ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and emergency ‘brake assist’ systems.  Braking from 100 kph takes 40.8 metres.

The standard wheel and tyre package is a 16-inch steel wheel with 205/55 R16 low rolling resistance tyres, or similar size alloy wheels – depending on model.  To suit customer preference, new 17-inch silver and 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels with lower-profile tyres will be available as options. 

Active safety systems make a big step forward 

Kia has a strong record for producing vehicles that offer customers high levels of active and passive safety technology.  The all-new bodyshell created for the new Carens incorporates Kia’s latest CAD techniques and structural lessons from recent Kia models.  Manufactured with a high percentage of high-strength steel, the new bodyshell will contribute to new Carens earning an anticipated 5-Star rating in Euro NCAP crash safety tests. 

Innovative ‘active’ safety features available for the new Carens will include LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System) and SPAS (Smart Parking Assist System). 

LDWS uses a forward-facing video camera to monitor the car’s position in relation to lane markings and triggers a warning in case of unintended lane departures at speeds above 60 kph. SPAS features automatic steering control by ultrasonic sensors and an on-board computer to safely perform parallel parking.  The computer ‘takes over’ the task of steering, while the driver remains in control of the accelerator and brake. 

Safety during parking manoeuvres can be enhanced by using the optional rear-view safety camera, while visibility during night-time driving can be enhanced by specifying HID Xenon headlamps. 


Editors’ Notes 

All-new Kia Carens range 
Some markets may select particular powertrains and levels of equipment to suit the preferences of their local consumers.  Please check the final technical specification and model equipment details with your national Kia PR representative. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS / EUROPE

All-new Kia Carens

Body and chassis

Five-door, five- or seven-seater MPV, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell.  Choice of transversely mounted diesel and gasoline engines driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (depending on model and market).

Diesel engines

1.7-litre 115 ps
Type / capacity U2, TCI, WGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1685 cc 
Power / torque 115 ps (84.6 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @1500-2750 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)    77.2 x 90.0
Compression ratio 17.0

1.7-litre 136 ps
Type / capacity U2, TCI, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1685 cc
Power / torque 136 ps (100 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 330 Nm @ 1900-2750 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)    77.2 x 90.0
Compression ratio 17.3

Gasoline engines

1.6-litre 135 ps
Type / capacity Gamma, GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc
Power / torque 135 ps (99.0 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 165 Nm @ 4850 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)    77.0 x 85.4
Compression ratio 11.0


2.0-litre 177 ps
Type / capacity Nu, GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1999cc
Power / torque 177 ps (130 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 211 Nm @ 4850 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)    81.0 x 97.0
Compression ratio 11.5

Transmissions

Diesel Gasoline
1.7 (115)    1.7 (136)    1.6 (135)    2.0 (177)
Manual 6-sp 6-sp 6-sp 6-sp
Automatic    ----- 6-sp ----- 6-sp

Suspension and damping

Front                   Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Coupled torsion beam axle, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.

Steering

Type MDPS motor-driven electric power steering, with Flex Steer™
Wheel turns      2.7 turns lock-to-lock; turning circle of 11.0 metres

Brakes

Front Ventilated discs, 300 x 28 mm
Rear Solid discs, 284 x 10 mm
Booster size 11-inch
100-to-0 kph     40.8 metres

Wheels and tyres

Standard           16 x 6.5 inch steel          205 / 55 R16
Optional 16 x 6.5 inch alloy* 205 / 55 R16
17 x 7.0 inch alloy 225 / 45 R17
18 x 7.5 inch alloy**            225 / 45 R18
Spare Temporary mobility kit

*standard on top models, **top models only

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior
Overall length 4525
Overall width 1805 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height 1610 (excluding roof rails)
Wheelbase 2750
Front track 1563-1573 (depending on wheel/tyre combination)
Rear track 1576-1586 (depending on wheel/tyre combination)
Front overhang 940
Rear overhang 835
Ground clearance      151
Aerodynamic Cd 0.30


Interior Front      2nd row      3rd row
Head room 1028 991 861
Leg room 1034 970 707
Shoulder room           ---* ---* ---*
Hip room ---* ---* ---*

* This data will be announced closer to launch.

Capacities (litres)

Fuel tank                     58.0
Luggage 103 behind 3rd row seats, to window
492 behind 2rd row seats, to window
1667      behind front row seats, to roof

Weights (5-seater)

Diesel Gasoline
1.7 (115)      1.7 (136) MT / AT      1.6 (135)      2.0 (177) MT / AT
Kerb weight (kg)        1482 1492 / 1512 1383 1420 / 1445
Maximum (kg) 2110 2110 / 2130 2000 2040 / 2060

Weights (7-seater)

Diesel Gasoline
1.7 (115)      1.7 (136) MT / AT      1.6 (135)      2.0 (177) MT / AT
Kerb weight (kg)        1506 1516 / 1525 1408 1444 / 1469
Maximum (kg) 2240 2250 / 2270 2140 2180 / 2200 

Performance

Diesel Gasoline
1.7 (115)      1.7 (136) MT / AT      1.6 (135)      2.0 (177) MT / AT
Top speed (kph) 181 191 / 186 185 203 / 200
0-to-100 kph (sec)     13.0 10.4 / 12.0 11.3 9.7 / 10.8

Standard models
Fuel Consumption and Emissions*

Diesel Gasoline
1.7 (115)      1.7 (136) MT / AT      1.6 (135)      2.0 (177) MT / AT
Litres / 100 km           4.7 4.8 / 6.1  5.9 6.4 / 6.8
CO2 (g/km) 124 126 / 159 154 167 / 179

ISG models
Fuel Consumption and Emissions*

Diesel Gasoline
1.7 (115)      1.7 (136) MT / AT      1.6 (135)      2.0 (177) MT / AT
Litres / 100 km           4.5 4.6 / --- 5.5 6.1 / ---
CO2 (g/km) 118 120 / --- 145 159 / ---

* Target data. Confirmed data will be announced closer to launch.

SEPTEMBER 2012


All-new Kia pro_cee'd - comments from Design

“The all-new pro_cee’d is a true clean-sheet design,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “With its distinct form-language and dynamic proportions, muscular stance and athletic lines, this ‘coupe’ follows a very different visual path to the cee’d. It’s a completely different car on every level.”

The new pro_cee’d is Kia’s most emotionally-charged car to date, a powerful looking hatch that drips performance and dynamism from every crease and curve. You know from just a single glance that this is a car that you want to drive down your favourite road.

“The first pro_cee’d surprised a lot of people,” adds Gregory Guillaume, Kia’s Chief Designer Europe. “We wanted to build on that elevated expectation with this new model and continue to surprise and delight Kia drivers. The new five-door cee’d takes on the emotional level of the outgoing pro_cee’d, so the role of the new pro_cee’d is to push forward, forge ahead.”

When design work on the pro_cee’d started 24 months ago, both Schreyer and Guillaume drew inspiration from the muscular and honed bodies of world-class athletes.

“We pictured a world-class sprinter crouched in the starting blocks,” says Schreyer, “and our eyes were drawn to their bulging shoulder muscles, full of power and pace, ready to be unleashed. That’s what we wanted to capture - all that performance potential, just waiting to be unleashed.”

To create this hunkered-down stance, Kia’s design team injected substantial amounts of visual muscle into the rear haunches, dramatically flaring the rear wings, and introducing a more acute angle to the rear windscreen and an integrated roof spoiler. “The roofline drops down to meet the shoulders in a taut line that effectively ties down the edge of the pro_cee’d’s wedge-shaped profile,” explains Schreyer.

The lowered roofline – the pro_cee’d sits a full 40 mm lower than the five-door cee’d – and raised shoulder line has resulted in a significantly tighter glasshouse, and the resulting wedge-like profile is further enhanced by the bold lateral crease that runs its way across the car’s flanks.

Those bold wheelarches are filled with eye-catching 17-inch multi-spoke lightweight alloy wheels, wrapped in sticky, low-profile tyres. A split twin-exhaust layout with large diameter outlet pipes lend further visual weight to the pro_cee’d’s performance potential.

“We wanted to give the pro_cee’d a really strong and dominant face, like that of an unbeaten champion boxer,” says Guillaume. “Which is why we have given the car a far more aggressive front bumper with a deep and square chin.”

The car also features a leaner and more assertive version of Kia’s ‘tiger’ grille than that found on the cee’d. Framed in a dark silver metallic finish, it is linked to the headlamps to further emphasise the muscular width of the pro_cee’d.

“Although the development of cars at Kia is fast paced, we took our time with the five-door cee’d. Looking takes time, you see. Sometimes you need to step back, step away and get some perspective. We knew that if we got the proportions and volumes of five-door cee’d right, everything else with the three-door pro_cee’d would fall into place,” explains Guillaume.

Despite its overt athleticism the pro_cee’d shares its wheelbase and tracks with its five-door relative, which means versatility is uncompromised – both luggage capacity and rear space are virtually identical to those of the five-door cee’d.

“There’s a muscular tension here,” says Schreyer as he walks around the pro_cee’d. “It’s a car that’s ready to pounce forward. Kia is on a distinctive design adventure, and the pro_cee’d spearheads this forward-looking journey.”


SEPTEMBER 2012

All-new Kia pro_cee’d on sale next spring
  • New Kia pro_cee’d on sale in Europe next spring
  • Choice of four engines and two equipment levels
  • Roofline lowered 40 mm for enhanced sporty appearance

Frankfurt, 27 September 2012 – Kia is releasing early details of the third member of its all-new Kia cee’d family – the three-door pro_cee’d – at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show today. On sale in Europe next spring, the new pro_cee’d is a more sophisticated car, like the second-generation cee’d five-door introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. It features all the improvements of its sister model, while dramatically progressing the enhanced sporty appearance that made its predecessor so popular.

The new pro_cee’d will offer buyers the same range of engines, transmissions and running gear as the cee’d five-door and cee’d Sportswagon. While the overall length (4,310 mm), width (1,780 mm) and wheelbase (2,650 mm) are also the same as the five-door, the new pro_cee’d showcases significant styling changes as part of the transformation into the sporty three-door body.

The roofline of the new pro_cee’d is lowered by 40 mm, the B-pillar is moved back by 220 mm, the side panels behind the B-pillar are new, as are the side windows, C-pillar, tailgate, rear light clusters and rear bumper.

“This car embodies emotion and energy through and through,” explains Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “You know from a single glance that this is a car you want to drive, not just own. Kia is on a distinctive design adventure and the all new pro-cee’d spearheads this forward looking journey.”

To further distinguish the new pro_cee’d from its stablemates it will be offered in a range of six colours.

Depending on model, the exterior grabs the attention thanks to a unique dark chrome front grille, LED daylight running lights, LED rear lamp clusters and a new selection of bold alloy wheel designs. Premium features available inside include leather seats and steering wheel, piano black dashboard and centre console, and alloy pedals. Among the options to maximise safety and convenience, new pro_cee’d also offers electric heated folding exterior mirrors with puddle lamps and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

“Since its introduction in 2007, the original Kia pro_cee’d has attracted more than 55,000 customers across Europe, accounting for 12% of total cee’d sales. With the second-generation pro_cee’d looking even more sensational than the first, we expect to significantly grow Kia sales in this niche of the popular C-segment,” comments Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.


Editors’ Notes

New pro_cee’d range
Some markets may select particular powertrains and levels of equipment to suit the preferences of their local consumers. Please check the final technical specification and model equipment details with your national Kia PR representative.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS / EUROPE

New Kia pro_cee’d

Body and chassis

Three-door, five-seater coupe, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell.  Choice of transversely mounted diesel and gasoline engines driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (depending on model and market). 

Diesel engines

1.4-litre 90 ps
Type / capacity U2, WGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc
Power / torque 90 ps (66.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 220 Nm @1500-2750 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)           75.0 x 79.0
Compression ratio 17.0


1.6-litre 110 or 128 ps     
Type / capacity U2, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1582 cc
Power / torque 128 ps (94.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @ 1900-2750 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)    77.2 x 84.5
Compression ratio 17.3

Gasoline engines

1.4-litre 100 ps
Type / capacity Gamma, 1.4 MPI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc
Power / torque 100 ps (73.2 kW) @ 5500 rpm / 137 Nm @ 4200 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)           77.0 x 74.9
Compression ratio 10.5


1.6-litre 135 ps
Type / capacity Gamma, GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc
Power / torque 135 ps (99.0 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 164.3 Nm @ 4850 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)           77.0 x 85.4 
Compression ratio 11.0

Transmissions

Diesel Gasoline
1.4 (90)     1.6 (110 / 128)    1.4 (100)    1.6 (135)
Manual 6-sp 6-sp 6-sp 6-sp
Automatic    ----- 6-sp ----- 6-sp (DCT) 

Suspension and damping

Front                   Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Fully independent subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.

Steering

Type Motor-driven electric power steering, with (optional) FlexSteer™
Wheel turns      2.85 turns lock-to-lock; turning circle of 10.6 metres

Technical specifications / New Kia pro_cee’d

Brakes

Front Ventilated discs, 280 x 23 mm / 300 x 28 mm  (depending on model)
Rear Solid discs, 262 x 10 mm / 284 x 10 mm  (depending on model)
Booster size 10-inch 
100-to-0 kph     36.5 metres 

Wheels and tyres

Standard*           15 x 6.0 inch steel          195 / 65 R15

16 x 6.5 inch steel 205 / 55 R16
  16 x 6.5 inch alloy 205 / 55 R16 
  17 x 7.0 inch alloy  225 / 45 R17 
18 x 7.5 inch alloy 225 / 40 R18
Spare Temporary mobility kit

*depending on model and market

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior     
Overall length 4310 Overall width 1780 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height 1430 Wheelbase 2650
Front track            1549-1563 (depending on wheel / tyre combination)
Rear track 1557-1571 (depending on wheel / tyre combination)
Front overhang  900  Rear overhang  760 
Ground clearance  140  Aerodynamic Cd  0.30
Interior Front      Rear     
Head room 986 939
Leg room 1067 894
Shoulder room           1420 1372
Hip room 1362 1308

Capacities (litres)

Fuel tank                     53.0 
Luggage 380 rear seats upright  (up to belt line)
1225      rear seats folded  (up to roof line)

Weights (manual models)

Diesel Gasoline
1.4 (90)     1.6 (110 / 128)      1.4 (100)      1.6 (135)
Kerb weight (kg)        n/a n/a / n/a n/a n/a
Maximum (kg) n/a n/a / n/a n/a n/a

Performance* (manual models)

Top speed (kph) 170             182 / 197               182               195
0-to-100 kph (sec)     13.5 12.7 / 10.9 12.8 9.9

Fuel consumption and emissions*  Standard (manual models, 15-inch wheels)

Litres / 100 km          4.1              4.0 / 4.1                   6.0                  5.8
CO2 (g/km) 109 104 / 109 139 135

Fuel consumption and emissions*  EcoDynamics** (manual models, 15-inch wheels) 

Litres / 100 km          4.0              3.7 / 3.7                    5.6                  5.2
CO2 (g/km) 105 97 / 97 130 119

* Target data. Confirmed data will be announced closer to launch.

**models fitted with ISG only 



SEPTEMBER 2012


Kia Ray EV shows commitment to future technologies

Kia Motors introduced Korea’s first electric production vehicle in December 2011, with the launch of the Kia Ray EV – a zero-emissions city car with lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge.

Designed exclusively for the domestic Korean market, the 3.6-metre long, front-wheel drive Ray EV being displayed at the Paris Motor Show is powered by a 50 kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack. Engineered for a 10-year lifecycle, the battery is skilfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.

Although Ray EV weighs more than the gasoline version, the electric motor’s generous torque (167 Nm, an increase of 77 per cent) ensures responsive performance. The EV’s acceleration is brisker than the gasoline model’s (0-to-100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph. Recharging times are six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

Inside, the Ray EV features unique instruments, with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that shows slow and fast recharging destinations within the vehicle’s current range. The automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes while in ‘D’ drive. ‘E’ (or ‘eco’) mode delivers minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range, while ‘B’ (or ‘brake’) mode maximises braking power when driving down steep descents.

The Kia Ray EV features numerous other innovations. The electric motor achieves 93 per cent efficiency, which is the best in its segment. The design of the battery’s cell has reduced its weight by 13 per cent and increased its energy density by 15 per cent compared to the leading competitor system.

Ray EV is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system, featuring an active hydraulic booster that utilises the electric motor to create hydraulic pressure for a consistent brake pedal force in all driving conditions. For maximum safety, Ray EV is equipped with six airbags and electronic stability features – VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) – as standard.

Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 examples of the Ray EV during 2012, many of which will go to Korean government departments and public offices. These units will form part of Kia’s long-term real-world research and development programme to provide environmentally friendly transport to customers around the world during the next decade.


Kia Ray EV / Technical specifications

DIMENSIONS
Length 3,593 mm      Width 1,595 mm
Height 1,700 mm Wheelbase      2,520 mm
Kerb weight              1,185 kg

POWERTRAIN
Electric motor           50 kW           
Max power 68 ps Max torque       167 Nm (17.0 g/km)

BATTERY
Power / type             330V Lithium ion polymer
Capacity 16.4 kWh
Charge time 6.0 hours (slow) / 25 minutes (fast)

PERFORMANCE
0-to-100 kph             15.9 sec
Max speed 130 kph (81 mph)
Max range 139 km (86 miles)

SEPTEMBER 2012

New Optima Hybrid delivers performance and economy
  • New Optima Hybrid sedan delivers rare blend of performance and economy
  • 190 ps powertrain, 0-to-100 kph in 9.4 seconds, top speed of 192 kph
  • Sophisticated ‘parallel hybrid system’ ensures 5.4 l/100 km, 125 g/km CO2
  • Lithium polymer battery pack guaranteed for 7 years and 150,000 km

Frankfurt, 27 September 2012 – The new Optima Hybrid is a powerful, fast accelerating performance sedan with low fuel consumption and emissions, a highly competitive price and the backing of Kia’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty.

The new 2.0-litre Optima Hybrid is manufactured in Korea exclusively for the European market (left-hand drive only) and pioneers new technologies which are destined to appear in other Kia production models in Europe and around the world as the decade unfolds. The 2.0-litre model has been developed from the 2.4-litre Optima Hybrid originally created primarily with the US market in mind.

Taking Kia further forwards into its ‘EcoDynamics’ era, the new 4.85-metre long Optima Hybrid is the first gasoline hybrid on sale in the European D-segment.

“The new Optima Hybrid combines the best of both worlds – performance and fuel economy. It’s the fastest accelerating automatic transmission Optima and also has the lowest emissions,” commented Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.

“By adding a hybrid model to our Optima line-up in Europe, we are providing customers with a fascinating powertrain choice. Our first hybrid production model in Europe showcases ingenious engineering and advanced technologies that will have a unique appeal, attracting new customers to the Kia brand,” adds Mr Oeyen.

The Optima Hybrid 2.0-litre employs a truly innovative Kia-developed ‘parallel hybrid system’ that delivers a unique blend of performance – maximum power is 190 ps, delivering acceleration to 100 kph in 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 192 kph – and class-leading fuel economy (5.4 l/100 km), plus low CO2 emissions of 125 g/km.

The gasoline engine is paired with a small electric motor and drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission – without the traditional torque converter. A special clutch is fitted between the gasoline engine and the electric motor, enabling the gasoline engine to be de-coupled from the powertrain so the sleek sedan can operate in zero-emissions, full-electric drive mode. Furthermore, the system’s configuration does not require a high-capacity electric motor and generator, saving both weight and cost.

Every Optima Hybrid comes with Kia’s HSG stop/start system (equivalent to the company’s ISG stop/start system for its conventional internal combustion engine-powered vehicles), which minimises idle fuel consumption and reduces emissions.

Seamless driving for everyday motoring

Throughout the entire driving experience, in everyday motoring, under all conditions, the Optima Hybrid’s operation is automatic and seamless. When setting off, the car drives in Electric Mode at speeds up to 100 kph. As vehicle speed increases, the Hybrid Starter motor/Generator (HSG) starts the gasoline engine and the clutch is closed, allowing the engine to take over the task of powering the car. The electric motor switches into hybrid operation and serves as either a secondary engine (during full acceleration and hill-climbing) or a generator (during cruising and deceleration) to recharge the battery pack as necessary.

Whenever the car comes to a stop for more than a few seconds, the gasoline engine automatically shuts off to conserve fuel and minimise emissions. When braking, the electric motor converts kinetic energy into electricity for storage in the battery pack. The HSG also functions as a generator to recharge the battery pack if the state of charge is low when the car is stationary.

A responsive and rewarding drive is guaranteed by the Optima Hybrid’s 30 kW Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor, which produces 40 ps and 205 Nm of torque in electric mode, and by the combined (electric motor plus gasoline engine) hybrid powertrain power output of 190 ps.

State-of-the-art batteries and optimised engine

With the Optima Hybrid, Kia is the first manufacturer (together with Hyundai) to employ a lithium polymer battery pack in a production car. Developed in partnership with LG Chem., lithium polymer battery technology is 20% lighter and 40% more compact than a traditional nickel metal hydride battery. The new batteries for Optima Hybrid hold a charge for up to 25% longer and provide an optimum balance between power delivery, energy density and thermal stability. Reliability is so good that the Optima’s battery pack is covered by a 7-Year, 150-000-kilometre warranty.

Taking advantage of the additional, instant and continuously available torque from the electric motor, the Optima Hybrid uses 10% less fuel on the combined cycle, 28% less on the urban cycle and produces 21% less CO2 – than the 1.7-litre diesel Optima automatic model.

Kia has modified its popular six-speed automatic transmission to suit the hybrid application. The traditional torque converter is replaced with the electric motor and a high-efficiency oil pump. This allows EV mode operation, maximises regeneration of kinetic energy during braking and also provides a more responsive drive than competitors’ CVT systems.

Ultra-low-drag aerodynamics

The award-winning styling of the Optima is further enhanced for the hybrid model to optimise its streamlining. Smoother front and rear bumpers are fitted, plus unique side sills, lightweight low-drag alloy wheels, smooth under-floor panels, a lip-type boot spoiler and a new front grille with an ‘active air flap’ that closes as the car’s speed increases. Together, these changes result in an ultra-low drag coefficient of Cd 0.26 – down from 0.29.

Inside, there is a unique supervision instrument cluster (with added hybrid powertrain information), plus a new centre stack, new door trim and new seat trim. Thanks to the long (2795 mm) wheelbase, the Optima Hybrid’s cabin is exceptionally spacious, offering best-in-class front passenger headroom and legroom.

Generous equipment across three variants

Depending on individual markets, Optima Hybrid will be available with up to three different equipment levels. The ‘Base’ model is generously specified with 16-inch alloy wheels, solar glass, dual zone air-conditioning, cruise control, eight-way powered driver’s seat with memory function, Bluetooth® hands free and smart-key entry with engine start/stop button.

The ‘Mid’ model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, part-leather seat trim, heated front seats, ventilated driver’s seat, 7-inch touch-screen sat-nav, rear-view safety camera and an Infinity premium audio system developed by Harman.

The flagship in the Optima Hybrid line-up, the ‘Top’ model, gains Xenon headlamps, full leather seat trim, four-way powered front passenger seat, heated rear seats and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Mid and Top models will be available with an optional panoramic glass sunroof.


Editors’ Notes

Optima Hybrid range
Some markets may select particular levels of equipment to suit the preferences of their local consumers. Please check the final technical specification and model equipment details with your national Kia PR representative.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS / EUROPE

New Kia Optima Hybrid

Body and chassis

Four-door, five-seater D-segment sedan, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell.  Transversely mounted gasoline / electric parallel drive hybrid system powering the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Gasoline engine

2.0-litre 150 ps
Type / capacity Nu, MPI, 4-in-line, DOHC 16-valve CVVT / 1999 cc
Power / torque 150 ps (110 kW) @ 6000 rpm / 180 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)           81.0 x 97.0
Compression ratio 12.5:1 

Electric motor

270 VDC, 40.2 ps           
Type Interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor
Power / torque 40.2 ps (30 kW) @ 1400-6000 rpm / 205 Nm @ 0-1400 rpm

Combined outputs

Max power                        190.2 ps (140 kW) @ 6000 rpm

Transmission

Automatic                          6-sp  (with fully automatic & sport modes)

Battery pack

Type           Lithium Polymer
Voltage / Capacity           270 / 5.3 Ah
Max output 34 kW
Weight (kg)  43.5 

Suspension and damping

Front                                     Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar.
Rear Fully independent by subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar. 

Steering

Type MDPS electric power assisted rack & pinion steering
Wheel turns                      2.94 turns lock-to-lock; turning circle of 10.9 metres

Brakes

Front           300 x 28 mm ventilated discs
Rear 284 x 10 mm solid discs
Booster size                     10.5 inch
100-to-0 kph   38.3 metres (with 16-inch wheels/tyres) 
  37.6 metres (with 17-inch wheels/tyres) 

Wheels and tyres

Standard                           16 x 6.5 inch alloy 205/65 R16 
Optional 17 x 7.0 inch alloy 215/55 R17
Spare Temporary steel wheel     

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior                  
Overall length 4845
Overall width  1830  (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height  1455 
Wheelbase  2795
Front track  1595-1601  (depending on wheel / tyre combination) 
Rear track  1595-1601  (depending on wheel / tyre combination) 
Front overhang  965 
Rear overhang  1085
Ground clearance       135
Aerodynamic Cd  0.26
Interior  Front Rear
Head room           1028          965
Leg room 1155 880
Shoulder room             1455 1415 
Hip room   1388  1384 

Capacities (litres)

Fuel tank                       65
Luggage      381

Weights

Kerb weight (kg)      1587
Maximum (kg) 2050
Weight distribution      57.6 / 42.4%  front / rear  

Performance

Top speed (kph)          192       
0-to-100 kph (sec) 9.4

Fuel consumption and emissions

Litres / 100 km*           5.4       
CO2 (g/km) 125


*Official combined cycle test, model with 16-inch wheels/tyres


OCTOBER 2012 


Significant improvements for upgraded Sorento
  • Fresh new look with premium appeal for popular Sorento SUV
  • New 2.4-litre GDI gasoline engine generates 192 ps
  • Stronger bodyshell improves ride, handling and refinement
  • High-tech active safety technology enhances protection

Frankfurt, 27 September 2012 – The upgraded Kia Sorento SUV incorporates significant changes, including a re-engineered bodyshell, a new 2.4-litre GDI engine among a range of enhanced powertrains for better fuel economy with lower emissions, improved ride, handling and refinement, additional high-tech convenience and safety features, plus a fresh, new look for the exterior.

“Since its introduction in 2009, the second-generation Kia Sorento has achieved more than 34,000 sales across Europe, following global sales of almost 900,000 units achieved by the original Sorento from 2002. This all-new model was a ‘landmark’ vehicle in the history of our brand, starting the process of changing public perceptions of Kia as a maker of supposedly only small cars,” commented Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.

“During the last decade, Sorento has earned widespread public acclaim and attracted thousands of new customers to Kia. While creating the upgraded Sorento, Kia’s design and engineering teams have paid very careful attention to owners’ feedback, and the result is a new Kia model which is not just a cosmetic exercise but represents a major step forwards for our popular SUV,” added Mr Oeyen.

Introducing a fresh new look with premium appeal

To give the upgraded Sorento a fresh look that reflected the new model’s stronger structure, premium quality and enhanced specification, Kia’s design team restyled the upgraded vehicle’s front and rear, creating larger areas of body-colour surface. Careful attention to surface detailing cut aerodynamic drag to Cd 0.34.

Kia’s designers developed new front and rear bumpers with unconventional upright fog lights, a new front grille and headlamps with LED positioning lights, and a new tailgate with reshaped LED combination lamps. Depending on model, the Sorento’s updated styling can be completed with 17-inch, 18-inch or new, optional 19-inch alloy wheels.

A new two-part glass panoramic sunroof with a single powered roller-blind shade will be available. Seven new exterior colours will be introduced.

New high-tech features and top quality cabin trim

Inside the upgraded Sorento’s cabin, numerous enhancements create a refreshed ambience, with premium high-tech equipment available on some models and an extended choice of options. The interior can be trimmed in black or beige cloth, or in optional black, beige, brown or black-and-white leather.

Inside the seven-seater cabin, there are more soft-touch surfaces – with a satin chrome finish for the door handles, air-vent surrounds and switches – plus a new LCD instrument cluster, new centre stack with 7-inch LCD display screen and a new centre console featuring (on automatic transmission models), a straight-gate selector with a leather-booted lever – reinforcing the vehicle’s more luxurious character.

Further premium options include powered, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seat cushions, a Bluetooth® hands-free system, UV-reflecting Solar glass, and independent air-conditioning for the third-row seats.

Customers will be also able to specify radar-based BSD (blind spot detection), LDWS (lane departure warning system) using a camera above the windshield and SPAS (smart parking assist system) with ultrasonic sensors to control automatic parallel parking.

Access to the cabin is improved by the lower ride height (down by 10 mm), and the cabin floor has also been lowered, increasing legroom by 30 mm (second row) and 9 mm (third row).

Kia’s engineers have implemented a host of measures to reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) to ensure that the upgraded Sorento boasts even greater refinement than the previous model, making it one of the quietest vehicles in its class.

Enhanced powertrains cut consumption and emissions

Depending on individual market preferences, Kia’s upgraded Sorento will be available with one gasoline and two diesel engines (generating from 150 to 197 ps). Anticipating consumer trends, Kia has fine-tuned the all-new 2.4-litre GDI gasoline (appearing in a Kia vehicle for the first time in Europe) and the 2.2-litre TCI diesel engine, which are expected to be the most popular customer choices in Europe, to improve their efficiency.

The revised 2.4-litre ‘Theta II’ GDI engine is fitted with a new cylinder head, pistons, fuel injection and intake systems. It generates 9% more power (192 ps) and 6.6% more torque (242 Nm) – than the 2.4 MPI engine available in some markets outside Western Europe – while delivering better fuel economy (up 14%) and lower emissions, from 199 g/km.

The ‘R’ family of Kia diesel engines has become immensely popular in a variety of Kia models around the world. In the upgraded Sorento, the 2.2-litre, 197 ps TCI (turbo charged inter-cooler) engine features a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system which reduces CO2 emissions by 14% – down to as little as 153 g/km. Maximum torque is 436 Nm (automatic models) and 421 Nm (manual).

The smaller capacity 2.0-litre TCI engine generating 150 ps and 382 Nm will also be available.

Six-speed gearboxes, plus choice of 2WD or 4WD

Every upgraded Sorento model will feature a manual or automatic six-speed transmission carried over from the previous model. Also carried over is the choice of 2WD (front-wheel drive) or 4WD (four-wheel drive) – depending on model. The 2WD drivetrain offers a weight saving of approximately 60 kg, further enhancing fuel economy.

The 4WD drivetrain is an ‘on demand’ system that delivers 100% of engine torque to the front wheels during all routine city and highway driving. Whenever a front wheel loses grip a percentage of torque (up to 50%) is automatically transferred to the rear wheels. In severely slippery conditions the driver can select ‘Lock Mode’ which delivers 50% of torque to both the front and rear axles.

Improved on-road performance, retained off-road capability

Kia chassis engineers worked hard to ensure that while the upgraded Sorento gives rewarding responses to driver inputs, it also delivers a sophisticated ride/handling balance to rival the best vehicles in its class.

While the basic specification of the suspension is unchanged – front MacPherson struts and a multi-link set up at the rear – the subframes which support the suspension are completely new, stronger designs. They give more precise location of the suspension components and have revised mounting bushes to dampen vibrations. Larger suspension bushes, longer trailing arms at the rear and HPD (High Performance Dampers) work together to improve ride comfort and stability.

For precise vehicle control and good ‘feel’ the upgraded Sorento’s steering is now more direct, with 2.95 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock. Kia’s new FlexSteer™ system is an option, providing Normal, Sport and Comfort modes with three different weights to match customer preference.

5-Star standards with advanced ‘active’ and ‘passive’ systems

When it was introduced in 2009, the second-generation Sorento was awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating. Today, official crash test standards in Europe are much tougher and Kia engineers re-visited the upgraded Sorento’s structure and safety equipment to ensure that the new model will also win the accolade of a top safety score in Europe’s Euro NCAP and the USA’s official NHTSA crash tests.

Extensive revisions to the bodyshell, which already incorporates a higher percentage (70.4%) of high-tensile strength steel than most vehicles in its class, have improved front, side and rear impact protection. Hot stamping is used to heat steel to 900º C and press immensely strong components for the front bumper, centre floor member and rear floor side members – improving crashworthiness.

A bracing bar between the top of the front suspension towers is fitted and the bodyshell’s torsional rigidity has been raised by 18%, enhancing refinement and creating a stronger foundation for the suspension and steering, which benefits ride comfort and directional stability.

Inside, the upgraded Sorento can be equipped with up to six front, side and curtain airbags, while for maximum stopping power, all upgraded Sorento models are equipped with larger diameter (320 mm) ventilated front disc brakes.

All upgraded Sorentos will be fitted with an AHS (active hood system) which raises the trailing edge of the hood during a collision to reduce the severity of pedestrian injury.

Active safety technologies that upgraded Sorento buyers can specify will include ESC (electronic stability control), VSM (vehicle stability management), a KRSC (Kia reversing safety camera) mounted on the tailgate with a 130 degree wide-angle lens, HID (high intensity discharge) Xenon headlamps and HAC (hill-start assist control), which prevents slip-back during stop-start driving on inclines.


Editors’ Notes

Upgraded Sorento range
Some markets may select particular powertrains and levels of equipment to suit the preferences of their local consumers. Please check the final technical specification and model equipment details with your national Kia PR representative.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS / EUROPE

Upgraded Kia Sorento

Body and chassis

Five-door, seven seater, mid-size SUV with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell.  Choice of transversely mounted gasoline or diesel engines with 2WD (front-wheel drive) or 4WD (four-wheel drive) and six-speed manual or automatic transmission (depending on model and market). 

Engines

Gasoline

2.4-litre 192 ps GDI
Type / capacity Theta II GDI, 4-in-line, twin DOHC, dual CVVT and VIS / 2359 cc
Power / torque 192 ps (141 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 242 Nm (24.7 kg.m) @ 4250 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)           88.0 x 97.0
Compression ratio 11.3 

Diesel

2.2-litre 197 ps TCI        
Type / capacity Interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor
Power / torque 197 ps (145 kW) @ 3800 rpm / 421 Nm (43.0 kg.m) @ 1800-2500 rpm
  436 Nm (44.5 kg.m) @ 1800-2500 rpm  (automatic) 
Bore x stroke (mm)  85.4 x 96.0 
Compression ratio  16.0 
   
2.0-litre 150 ps TCI   
Type / capacity  ‘R’ 2.0 TCI, 4-in-line, twin DOHC, dual CVVT and VGT / 1995 cc
Power / torque  150 ps (110 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 382 Nm (39.0 kg.m) @ 1800-2500 rpm 
Bore x stroke (mm)  84.0 x 90.0 
Compression ratio  16.5 

Transmissions / drivetrains

                         2.4 GDI      2.2 TCI      2.0 TCI
Manual  6-sp  6-sp  6-sp 
Automatic                          6-sp  6-sp  ----- 
2WD  2WD  2WD  2WD 
4WD  4WD  4WD  4WD 

Drivetrains

Type      2WD (front-wheel drive)
Type 4WD (four-wheel drive)
Operation Normal driving, front-wheel drive only.  If the ‘on demand’ system detects front wheel ‘slip’ a percentage of engine torque is transferred to the rear wheels, up to 50/50% front/rear torque split.  To maximize traction, system can be locked in 50/50% torque split up to 40 kph.

Suspension and damping

Front                                     Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled HPD shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.
Rear Fully independent by subframe-mounted multi-links, with coil springs and gas-filled HPD shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.

Steering

Type MDPS electric power-assisted rack & pinion with FlexSteer™ option
Gearing                      2.95 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle  10.9 meters 

Brakes

Power           Single 10.5-inch Booster
Front / Rear 320 x 28 mm ventilated discs / 302 x 11 mm solid discs
Assistance                 ABS anti-lock with EBD and BAS
100-to-0 kph   36.3 / 37.0 metres  (cold / warm modes) 

Wheels and tyres

Standard                    Alloy 17 in x 7.0J       235/65 R17
Optional Alloy 18 in x 7.5J 235/60 R18*
Alloy 19 in x 8.0J 235/55 R19*     
Temporary Spare  Mobility Kit   

*depending on model

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior                  
 
Overall length 4685  
Overall width  1885*  
Overall height  1700  1735 (with roof rails) 
Wheelbase  2700  
Front overhang  945
Rear overhang  1040  
Front track** 1623-1626   
Rear track**  1618-1621  
Ground clearance       185  
Approach angle  19.4 deg  
Departure angle  22.1 deg
Ramp over angle  16.6 deg   
Aerodynamics  0.34 Cd   

*excluding door mirrors, **depending on wheel/tyre combination

Interior  Front 2nd Row       3rd Row     
Headroom           996          995 906
Legroom 1048 985  804
Shoulder room             1506 1491  1045 
Hip room   1431  1421  1128 

Capacities

Fuel tank (litres)                       70.0
Luggage (SAE)       258 litres (behind 3rd row) to roof
  1047 litres (behind 2nd row) to roof 
  2052 litres (behind front seats) to roof 

Manual models

2WD                    
 
Weights (kg) 2.4 GDI 2.2 D 2.0 D 
Curb (minimum)  1605  1720 1720 
Gross (maximum)  2510  2510 2510 
Towing (braked)  2000  2000 2000 

 
Performance*  
 
Top speed / kph 190  190  187 
0-to-100 kph / sec   9.8 9.3 10.8 
        
 
Economy**   
 
Litres / 100 km 8.7  5.8 6.1
CO2 g/km 202 153 159
       
4WD     
Weights (kg)  2.4 GDI      2.2 D      2.0 D 
Curb (minimum)  1675 1787 1787
Gross (maximum)  2510  2510  2510 
Towing (braked)  2000  2000  2000 
       
Performance*       
Top speed / kph  190  190  186 
0-to-100 kph / sec             10.3 9.7 11.1
       
Economy**       
Litres / 100 km  8.9  5.9 6.1
CO2 g/km  207  155 160

Automatic models

2WD
         
Weights (kg)           2.4 GDI      2.2 D      2.0 D
Curb (minimum) 1605 1748 -----
Gross (maximum)             2510 2510  -----
Towing (braked) 2000 2000 -----
     
Performance*     
Top speed / kph      ----- 
0-to-100 kph / sec      -----
     
Economy**     
Litres / 100 km  190  190  -----
CO2 g/km  10.2  9.7 -----
     
4WD   
Weights (kg)  2.4 GDI  2.2 D  2.0 D 
Curb (minimum)  1698  1815  -----
Gross (maximum)  2510  2510  -----
Towing (braked)  2000  2000  -----
       
Performance*       
Top speed / kph   190  190  -----
0-to-100 kph / sec 10.7 9.9 -----
       
Economy**


Litres / 100 km  8.9  6.7  ----- 
CO2 g/km 208 175 -----

*Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates, **Combined cycle, cars with 17-inch wheels


SEPTEMBER 2012 


Sophisticated wagon model joins all-new Kia cee’d line-up
  • Longer, taller cee’d Sportswagon joins second-generation Kia cee’d range 
  • Increased passenger and cargo space with enhanced practicality 
  • Powerful 135 ps GDI gasoline and 128 ps turbo-diesel engines

Frankfurt, 27 September 2012 – Kia is revealing full details of another member of its all-new Kia cee’d family – the cee’d Sportswagon – at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show today.  Like the second-generation hatchback cee’d first exhibited at the Geneva Show, the new Sportswagon is more sophisticated, more efficient, more refined and with a more engaging driving experience than its predecessor. 

While offering the same range of engines, transmissions and running gear as the cee’d five-door hatchback, the cee’d Sportswagon offers increased passenger and cargo space, with enhanced practicality.  With a new roof, side panels, rear doors and tailgate, the Sportswagon is 195 mm longer (to 4,505 mm) and 15 mm taller (to 1,485 mm), while the 2,650 mm wheelbase, one of the longest in the C-segment, is common to all cee’d variants.  When open, the new tailgate rises to 1,888 mm to allow easy, unimpeded access to the cargo bay. 

Cargo capacity is 39% greater than the cee’d five-door hatchback (528 litres compared to 380 litres) with the rear seats upright and 25% greater with the rear seats folded and the cargo bay loaded to the roof (1,642 litres compared to 1,318 litres).  The higher roofline ensures that headroom is increased, by 21 mm (front) and by 2 mm (rear). 

“The original cee’d wagon was hugely popular, accounting for more than half of cee’d sales in some markets and for over 40% of the 430,000 sales in Western Europe recorded by the first-generation cee’d family,” comments Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.  “Now, the second-generation Sportswagon model represents another leap for our brand – both in terms of the capability and sophistication of the vehicle, and what it will do to drive our continuing sales momentum in Europe.” 

Powerful engine with six-speed transmission for every model 

Depending on individual market preferences, the new cee’d Sportswagon will be available with a wide choice of engines offering power outputs from 90 to 135 ps.  Across most of Western Europe there will be two gasoline engines – a 1.4 MPI and a 1.6 GDI producing 100 and 135 ps respectively – plus two diesels – a 1.4 WGT with an output of 90 ps and 1.6 VGT diesel offered in two states of tune (110 and 128 ps).  

Kia anticipates that its top-of-the-range diesel – the highly-efficient 1.6-litre variable geometry turbo unit – will be the most popular choice in most markets.  Generating 128 ps and 260 Nm, the engine will be offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and will accelerate the new Sportswagon to 100 kph in 11.2 seconds.  Fuel consumption will be just 4.3 l/100 km on the combined cycle (4.2 l/100 km for cars fitted with Kia’s fuel-saving ISG technology), and CO2 emissions start at just 109 g/km.

For drivers who prefer gasoline power, the 1.6-litre Gamma GDI engine features direct injection to maximise power (135 ps) and torque (165 Nm) while minimising fuel consumption and emissions.  With this engine, the new Sportswagon will accelerate to 100 kph in 10.2 seconds while delivering fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100 km (5.9 l/100 km with ISG), and tailpipe CO2 emissions from 131 g/km.  This engine will also be available with Kia’s all-new six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which delivers smooth automatic gear shifts for maximum comfort.

Sophisticated exterior, plus high-quality interior 

New cee’d Sportswagon can be ordered with LED daytime running lights, fixed cornering lamps (to illuminated the road side at low speeds), and advanced HID headlamps that turn the low beam to match curves in the road and enhance the driver’s night vision. 

Inside, higher quality cabin materials and a broader range of high-tech equipment will ensure the interior of new Sportswagon matches the premium exterior appearance.  For maximum driver convenience, the Sportswagon can be ordered with a Flex Steer™ system offering Comfort, Normal and Sport modes so that drivers can select the level of assistance and weight of feedback to suit their personal preferences.  

Parking can be made easier with the new optional Smart Parking Assist System that automatically controls the steering to safely perform parallel parking.  

Like the cee’d hatchback, the new Sportswagon benefits from significant improvements over the previous model in terms of refinement and NVH, so that cabin noise levels have been cut to match C-segment class-best standards.  

New cee’d Sportswagon will go on sale across Europe during the third quarter of 2012, depending on market, and will play a significant role in driving Kia’s sales in Europe to new heights.


Editors’ Notes

Second-generation cee’d Sportswagon range
Some markets may select particular powertrains and levels of equipment to suit the preferences of their local consumers.  Please check the final technical specification and model equipment details with your national Kia PR representative. 


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS / EUROPE

New Kia cee’d Sportswagon

Body and chassis

Five-door, five-seater wagon, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell.  Choice of transversely mounted diesel and gasoline engines driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (depending on model and market).

Diesel engines

1.4-litre 90 ps
Type / capacity U2, WGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc
Power / torque 90 ps (66.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 220 Nm @1500-2750 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)           75.0 x 79.0
Compression ratio 17.0  
   
1.6-litre 110 or 128 ps   
Type / capacity  U2, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1582 cc 
Power / torque 128 ps (94.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @ 1900-2750 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)  77.2 x 84.5
Compression ratio  17.3 

Gasoline engines

1.4-litre 100 ps        
Type / capacity Gamma, 1.4 MPI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc
Power / torque 100 ps (73.2 kW) @ 5500 rpm / 137 Nm @ 4200 rpm
Bore x stroke (mm)  77.0 x 74.9
Compression ratio  10.5 
   
1.6-litre 135 ps   
Type / capacity  Gamma, GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc 
Power / torque  135 ps (99.0 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 164.3 Nm @ 4850 rpm 
Bore x stroke (mm)  77.0 x 85.4
Compression ratio  11.0 

Transmissions

  Diesel  Gasoline   
                         1.4 (90)     1.6 (110 / 128)     1.4 (100)  1.6 (135)
Manual  6-sp  6-sp  6-sp 6-sp 
Automatic                          -----  6-sp  -----  6-sp 

Suspension and damping

Front                                     Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Fully independent subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.

Steering

Type Motor-driven electric power steering, with (optional) Flex Steer™
Wheel turns                      2.85 turns lock-to-lock; turning circle of 10.6 metres

Brakes

Front            Ventilated discs, 280 x 23 mm / 300 x 28 mm  (depending on model)
Rear Solid discs, 262 x 10 mm / 284 x 10 mm  (depending on model)
Booster size                 10-inch
100-to-0 kph   36.5 metres

Wheels and tyres

Standard                    15 x 6.0 inch steel      195 / 65 R15

16 x 6.5 inch steel 205 / 55 R16

16 x 6.5 inch alloy      205 / 55 R16
  17 x 7.0 inch alloy  225 / 45 R17 
Spare  Temporary mobility kit  

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior                  
Overall length 4505
Overall width  1780 (excluding door mirrors)  
Overall height  1485 
Wheelbase  2650
Front track  1549-1563 (depending on wheel / tyre combination)
Rear track  1557-1571 (depending on wheel / tyre combination)
Front overhang 900 
Rear overhang  955
Ground clearance       140
Aerodynamics Cd 0.30
Interior  Front Rear      
Head room           1024          996
Leg room 1067 894 
Shoulder room             1420 1392 
Hip room   1360  1295 

Capacities (litres)

Fuel tank                      53.0
Luggage      528 / 679 rear seats upright  (up to belt line / to roof)
  1110 / 1642 rear seats folded  (up to belt line / to roof) 


Weights (manual models)

                  Diesel 
Gasoline  

1.4 (90)      1.6 (110 / 128)      1.4 (100)      1.6 (135) 
Kerb weight (kg)      1336  1345 / 1345 1233  1241 
Maximum (kg)  1910  1920 / 1920 1820  1820 

Performance (manual models)

Top speed (kph)      170      185 / 193      180 192 
0-to-100 kph (sec) 13.9            11.8 / 11.2             13.5              10.2 

Fuel consumption and emissions  Standard (manual models, 15-inch wheels)

Litres / 100 km*       4.4        4.3 / 4.3      6.5 6.3 
CO2 (g/km)  113             113 / 113               145                141 

Fuel consumption and emissions  EcoDynamics (manual models, 15-inch wheels)

Litres / 100 km*       4.2      4.2 / 4.2      6.1 5.9 
CO2 (g/km) 109**          110 / 110               136**             131** 

*Official combined cycle test, **models fitted with ISG only


SEPTEMBER 2012 

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Press Contacts

Aidan Doyle

Head of Marketing and PR

Phone: +35314601288

E-mail: adoyle@kiaireland.ie