- GT Line models blend the looks of the sporty cee’d GT and versatility of the conventional cee’d, inside and out
- Debut for Kia’s all-new three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI engine
- More power and torque and fewer emissions from 1.6-litre CRDi diesel
- Improved fuel consumption and emissions from new seven-speed DCT
- Kia cee’d GT Line available across Europe in Q4 2015

Frankfurt, 20 February 2015 – Kia Motors Europe will unveil a new Kia cee’d ‘GT Line’ specification at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015.

In addition to a range of visual upgrades, the new cee’d GT Line signifies the arrival of Kia’s all-new downsized 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine and new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in Europe.

The look of the GT, the versatility of a conventional cee’d
The new GT Line offers buyers the sporty looks of the high performance Kia cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT and the versatility of the conventional cee’d model family. The GT Line specification is available on all three cee’d body types – five-door cee’d, three-door pro_cee’d and cee’d Sportswagon.

The exterior of the GT Line evolves the design language of the cee’d GT, with ice-cube LED daytime running lights and deeper bumpers surrounding Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille. At the rear of the car, both the cee’d hatchback and pro_cee’d include the wider GT bumper and twin exhausts, while the Sportswagon is fitted with central dual exhausts and a subtle rear diffuser. All GT Line models are fitted as standard with the GT model’s eye-catching side sill mouldings and rear LED light units, and a stylish new 17-inch alloy wheel design.

The interior of the cee’d GT Line has been uprated with a higher quality, sportier ambience, inspired by the cabin of the turbo-powered cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT models. The GT Line boasts a classy, new grey, white and black upholstery with grey stitching; a series of GT Line logos throughout the cabin; and the same piano black and leather steering wheel and aluminium alloy pedals fitted to Kia’s high-performance GT models. The dashboard is also equipped with a new aluminium start-stop button, GT-inspired centre fascia design, illumination for the USB and aux-in ports and new chrome trim around the air vents and power window switches.

Debut for Kia’s downsized 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder engine
For the launch of the cee’d GT Line, Kia is introducing its all-new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDI’ engine, a downsized, three-cylinder power unit engineered to improve fuel consumption and emissions while offering strong, willing performance and immediate responses to driver input. This is the first of Kia’s upcoming range of downsized engines to make its debut in Europe.

The 1.0-litre T-GDI engine produces 120 ps and 172 Nm torque, and has been engineered to deliver lower CO2 emissions than the 1.6-litre GDI engine found in other cee’d models, pending final homologation closer to the GT Line’s launch. The 1.0-litre cee’d GT Line is also equipped with Kia’s fuel-saving Idle Stop & Go system as standard, improving emissions and fuel economy in traffic, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Kia’s new turbocharged engine, developed in-house at the company’s Namyang R&D centre in Korea, features a high-pressure direct injection system, advanced engine cooling and an integrated exhaust manifold for cleaner emissions and efficient packaging.

Immediate engine response and highly-efficient combustion were cornerstones of the engine’s development, fulfilling Kia’s sustainable engine downsizing strategy. The all-new 1.0-litre T-GDI engine will be fitted to other vehicles in Kia’s European model line-up in future.

More powerful and efficient diesel engine
The cee’d’s 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine has also been upgraded for its application in the new GT Line variant, with power increased from 128 to 133 ps and torque from 265 to 285 Nm. With the small increase in performance, the engine’s full torque is now available from lower engine speeds for more effortless acceleration under all road conditions.

Despite the increase in power and performance, however, CO2 emissions are expected to fall slightly once the homologation process is complete.

All-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
The new cee’d GT Line features a second new technology debut for Kia, with the arrival of the brand’s all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Available on GT Line models equipped with the 133 ps 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine, Kia’s new DCT is capable of handling torque outputs up to 300 Nm – higher than the six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission it replaces for application in the cee’d GT Line.

Like the new 1.0-litre T-GDI power unit, Kia’s new DCT has also been developed in-house and has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode.

Drivers specifying the new DCT for their cee’d GT Line will benefit from faster gear changes than a traditional automatic transmission, as well as lower running costs. It is anticipated that the new DCT will offer lower emissions and higher fuel economy compared to the outgoing six-speed automatic gearbox.

Kia’s R&D teams have targeted a three to five per cent improvement in acceleration (0 to 100 kph) and five to seven per cent improvement to fuel efficiency. After the cee’d GT Line, the new seven-speed DCT will be available on a number of Kia models in future, with similar gains expected in fuel efficiency and performance depending on its application in different models.

Kia cee’d GT Line on-sale in Q4 2015
The Kia cee’d GT Line will be available from Kia dealers across Europe in Q4 2015, offering the company’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty as standard.

Designed and engineered in Europe, the Kia cee’d family – incorporating the hatchback, wagon and pro_cee’d – continues to be manufactured at Kia’s production facility in Žilina, Slovakia. With 75,960 units sold across Europe in 2014, the cee’d remains one of the brand’s bestselling models across the region.


About Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing and service arm of the Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation 
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
- Kia K-velo promises electric range of up to 70 km
- Features technical innovations in design, specification and manufacturing
- Two models – City and MTB – made from ultra-high strength steel

Geneva, 3 March 2015 – Kia Motors will unveil the latest versions of its prototype K-velo electric bikes at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing the brand’s ongoing efforts in pioneering eco-friendly future mobility.

The new Kia K-velo is a pedelec electric bike, shown in both City and MTB versions, offering zero-emissions transport. In either form, the K-velo promises lively performance from its powerful electric motor, while incorporating a host of technical innovations in the bike’s design, specification and manufacturing techniques. The K-velo draws on innovations and processes used by Kia’s global car production facilities.

Range of up to 70 km from innovative electric powertrain
The rear-wheel drive K-velo is propelled by an innovative electric powertrain from Bosch, with a 250 Watt electric motor, which produces a generous 45 Nm of torque, powered by a 36 volt, 10 amp / hour lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

The City model will appeal to commuters thanks to a range of up to 70 km – an improvement of 30 km over Kia’s 2014 electric bike prototypes – while the MTB version, designed for use in harsher, off-road environments, will offer a cycle range of around 50 km. For ease of use, the power back is easily detached for recharging – a process expected to take around four hours from a domestic power supply.

Both the City and MTB models feature the same drivetrain and power pack and weigh around 20 kg in total. A top speed of 25 kph (15.5 mph) complies with EU regulations for electric bikes.

Automotive manufacturing techniques
Designed and engineered by Kia’s Venture Business Development Team at the company’s Namyang R&D centre in Korea, the K-velo features an innovative monocoque metal frame, produced by an advanced metal stamping technology and a robotic automated welding process. The result is an E-bike manufactured with automotive-industry levels of production and quality control.

Advanced metal stamping technology is a new production method specially developed at the Namyang R&D centre for manufacturing the K-velo’s ultra-high strength steel frame. After pressing a metal sheet each side of the frame, the ‘skeleton’ of the bike then undergoes a robotic automated welding process to ensure uniform quality. This is in contrast to the frame of more conventional bicycles, which are often manufactured by hydroforming, increasing the complexity and cost of production.

Using these production methods has allowed Kia a greater degree of design freedom, with distinctive surfacing details and a unique structural design. A greater choice of metals can be used during production, with metal stamping allowing the frame to be made up of aluminium, high-tensile steel or stainless steel.

City vs. MTB – broad appeal for commuting and off-road adventures
The City is intended as a universal design to appeal to commuters, with its step-through frame, rear-mounted battery, 28-inch wheels and mud-flaps. The MTB is designed for off-road use, and features RockShox 100mm front forks, a mid-mounted battery and 27.5-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres.

The frame, electric motor and power pack are manufactured in Korea, while final assembly is carried out in Germany, with the addition of braking and gear components from Shimano in Japan.

Media and public reactions to the all-new Kia K-velo will be monitored closed by Kia Motors Corporation, 71 years after it first manufactured bicycles in Korea in 1944.



About Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing and service arm of the Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation 
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

- World premiere for Kia SPORTSPACE concept
- First appearance of sporty new Kia cee’d GT Line
- First production application of Kia’s all-new downsized 1.0-litre T-GDI engine and seven-speed double-clutch transmission
- European debut for upgraded Kia Picanto

Frankfurt, 27 February 2015 – Kia Motors Europe will unveil the all-new Kia SPORTSPACE concept, a pair of upgraded production models and its latest powertrain technologies at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015.

The Kia SPORTSPACE concept will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, alongside the new Kia cee’d GT Line and the enhanced Kia Picanto, Kia’s A-segment bestseller. The cee’d GT Line also marks the first application of Kia’s all-new downsized powertrain technology – an all-new 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine and the brand’s newly-developed seven-speed DCT (double-clutch transmission).

World premiere for striking new Kia SPORTSPACE concept
Created for long distance driving, the new Kia SPORTSPACE concept has been designed for fast and efficient travel, with maximum comfort and minimal stress.

Designed at Kia’s Frankfurt design studio, under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe, the SPORTSPACE features a striking, sporty wagon silhouette. The car is born out of a commitment to provide stylish and exciting transportation for four, without sacrificing the performance, sustainability and economy for which Kia is known.

The spacious and functional cabin is designed to be as light and airy as possible, with a full-length panoramic sunroof providing natural light throughout the interior. The cabin itself combines functionality with modern styling. Luxurious leather is with combined with contemporary technical materials – such as carbon fibre and milled, anodised aluminium – while the driver benefits from a configurable digital display.

Occupants sit on hand-woven single-piece gloss black leather seats, with generous space for all passengers, while the cargo area features steel rollers to more easily load the boot – these then retract into the boot floor when the engine starts, holding everything in place during the drive.

Recognisably a Kia due to its signature ‘tiger nose’ grille, finely judged proportions and simple, clean surfaces, the Kia SPORTSPACE has a bold, dynamic shape with real road presence. At the same time, it offers a high level of interior comfort and substantial practical load space.

Sporty new Kia cee’d ‘GT Line’
The new Kia cee’d ‘GT Line’ specification combines the sporty nature of the high-performance cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT with the everyday versatility of the conventional cee’d range. The GT Line specification is available on all three cee’d body types – five-door cee’d, three-door pro_cee’d and cee’d Sportswagon.

The GT Line evolves the design language of the cee’d GT, inside and out, with ice-cube LED daytime running lights and deeper bumpers surrounding Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille. Wider GT rear bumpers and twin exhausts, eye-catching side sills, LED lights and a new 17-inch alloy wheel design complete the car’s sporty looks. The GT-inspired cabin features a higher quality, sportier ambience, with its own unique black, white and grey upholstery, GT Line logos throughout the cabin, and the same piano black and leather steering wheel and aluminium alloy pedals fitted to Kia’s high-performance GT models.

The cee’d GT Line is available with a choice of two engines. The brand’s all-new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDI’ engine, producing 120 ps and 172 Nm torque; and an upgraded version of the cee’d’s existing 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine, with power increased from 128 to 133 ps and torque from 265 to 285 Nm. Both engines have been engineered to deliver lower CO2 emissions than existing engines in the current cee’d range, pending final homologation closer to the GT Line’s launch.

The gasoline engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission, while diesel buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or Kia’s all-new seven-speed DCT, which offers faster gear changes, lower fuel consumption and a smooth drive.

The Kia cee’d GT Line will go on sale across Europe in Q4 2015.

First application of Kia’s all-new downsized 1.0-litre T-GDI engine
Kia’s all-new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDI’ engine is a downsized, three-cylinder power unit engineered to improve fuel consumption and emissions while offering strong, willing performance and immediate responses to driver input. This is the first of Kia’s upcoming range of downsized engines to make its debut in Europe, making its production debut in the new cee’d GT Line.

Kia’s new turbocharged engine, developed in-house at the company’s Namyang R&D centre in Korea, features a high-pressure direct injection system, advanced engine cooling and an integrated exhaust manifold for cleaner emissions and efficient packaging.

Immediate engine response and highly-efficient combustion were cornerstones of the engine’s development, fulfilling Kia’s sustainable engine downsizing strategy. The all-new 1.0-litre T-GDI engine will be fitted to other vehicles in Kia’s European model line-up in future.

All-new seven-speed double-clutch transmission
The new cee’d GT Line features a second new technology debut for Kia, with the arrival of the brand’s all-new seven-speed DCT, available on GT Line models equipped with the upgraded 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine. With the engine’s torque increased from 265 to 285 Nm, the new DCT is engineered to effectively manage outputs of up to 300 Nm, achieving a better balance between the engine’s improved, more effortless performance and potential for greater fuel economy. 


Like the new 1.0-litre T-GDI power unit, Kia’s new DCT has also been developed in-house and has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode.

Drivers specifying the new DCT for their cee’d GT Line will benefit from faster gear changes than a traditional torque-converter automatic transmission, as well as lower running costs. It is anticipated that the new DCT will offer lower emissions and higher fuel economy compared to the outgoing six-speed automatic gearbox.

Kia’s R&D teams have targeted a three to five per cent improvement in acceleration (0 to 100 kph) and five to seven per cent improvement to fuel efficiency. After the cee’d GT Line, the new seven-speed DCT will be available on a number of Kia models in future, with similar gains expected in fuel efficiency and performance depending on its application in different models.

The best-looking car in its segment – the enhanced Kia Picanto
Kia Motors Europe will unveil the enhanced Kia Picanto in Geneva, which boasts a range of dynamic and visual improvements to maintain its competitiveness as a stylish A-segment city hatchback.

The enhanced Kia Picanto boasts redesigned front and rear bumpers to enhance the car’s bold looks, as well as updates to Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille. The exterior design is boosted by a new 14-inch alloy wheel design and an optional sport pack for both three- and five-door variants. Inside, the Picanto is now fitted with new chrome accents surrounding the driver’s instrument binnacle and dashboard air vents, a new cloth upholstery pattern, and more modern fascia.

A range of optional premium features are being introduced to the Kia Picanto for the first time, including the latest generation of Kia’s AVN (audio-video navigation) system with a large 7.0-inch display screen (available from Q3). Customers can also specify a cruise control and speed limiter system to improve long distance comfort for the driver.

In addition, the enhanced model now offers a series of three interior colour packs – Red, Yellow and Brown – which allow owners to customise their Picanto and stand out from the crowd. Footwell illumination is fitted to the Picanto when buyers specify one of the three colour packs.

Safety is further improved with the addition of optional larger (252 mm) front brakes, which reduce the car’s stopping distance to just 37 metres from 100 km/h – an improvement of 2 metres. The upgraded Picanto has received a series of small modifications to its 1.0-litre MPI (Multi-Point Injection) engine, ensuring the car meets strict Euro 6 emissions standards.

The enhanced model will go on sale across Europe in by the end of March 2015, and will be sold with Kia’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty for complete peace of mind.




About Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing and service arm of the Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation 
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.


- World premiere for Kia’s new downsized 1.0-litre T-GDI engine
- Developed in-house at Kia’s Namyang R&D centre
- Newly-developed laser-drilled injectors enable more efficient combustion
- Single-scroll turbocharger with electric scavenging system
- Innovative dual-thermostat cooling for cylinder heads and engine block

Frankfurt, 20 February 2015 – Kia’s all-new 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) ‘Kappa’ engine will make its world production debut at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015. Previewed by Kia in a special powertrain technology exhibition at Geneva in 2013, the new downsized engine is now fitted in a production model for the first time – the new Kia cee’d GT Line.

Kia’s new T-GDI Kappa engine embraces the industry trend towards smaller capacity, higher efficiency units which consume less fuel and emit fewer emissions – while still delivering responsive performance.

World production debut – the new Kia cee’d GT Line
The first car to benefit from Kia’s new 1.0-litre T-GDI engine will be the new cee’d GT Line range. In this application, the new Kappa engine will develop 120 ps and 172 Nm torque, and has been engineered to deliver lower CO2 emissions than the 1.6-litre GDI engine found in other cee’d models, pending homologation closer to the GT Line’s launch later in the year.

After the cee’d GT Line, which goes on sale across Europe in Q4 2015, the new 1.0-litre T-GDI engine will be made available on a range of other Kia models in future.

Fulfilling a sustainable engine downsizing strategy
The new power unit is the first of Kia’s upcoming range of downsized engines to make its debut in Europe, and has been developed in-house by Kia’s powertrain development team at its Namyang, Korea R&D centre.

Engineers’ key aims throughout development were to provide immediate engine response, highly-efficient combustion and access to maximum torque from low engine speeds. These represent the cornerstones of Kia’s wider strategy to develop downsized engines for its global model line-up.

Throughout the T-GDI’s development, Kia’s R&D teams have aimed for a 10 to 15 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the brand’s current 1.6-litre GDI engine.

More efficient combustion with high pressure fuel injection and improved air flow
The new downsized engine features a newly-developed laser-drilled injector, with six individual holes. Instead of consistently injecting the fuel-air mixture onto certain points within the combustion chamber, the laser-drilled holes, laid out in a pyramid shape, provide a more even spread of fuel and air throughout the cylinder. Backed by a high pressure pump, the new laser-drilled injectors are able to provide fuel injection pressure of up to 200 bar.

The adoption of a straight air intake port – instead of the gently curved port in Kia’s existing 1.6-litre GDI engine – further improves air flow to the combustion chamber for improved fuel efficiency. The straight air intake port ends in a sharper air intake throat, reducing air resistance at all stages of air intake to the engine, improving cylinder tumble flow for faster, more efficient combustion and suppressing engine knocking.

Single-scroll turbocharger with efficient electric scavenging motor
The T-GDI’s single-scroll turbocharger is paired with an electric waste-gate motor, which improves the turbocharger’s performance with a highly efficient air scavenging strategy. As well as scavenging clean air for the engine to re-use for combustion, it is able to open the waste-gate at the same time to improve waste air flow.

This innovative system allows for greater low-end torque, more immediate engine response from any throttle position, and improved fuel economy under higher engine loads. In the Kia cee’d GT Line, the engine’s maximum 172 Nm torque is available across a wide 1,500-4,100 rpm range, with maximum power arriving at 6,000 rpm.

Lower exhaust gas temperatures and split cooling
The engine is also fitted with an integrated exhaust manifold, which lowers the exhaust gas temperature slightly. As well as improving high speed, high load fuel economy, lower temperatures also result in cleaner emissions by allowing the catalytic converter to operate more effectively.

The engine’s temperature is closely regulated with the adoption of a new dual-thermostat split cooling system. This allows the engine block and cylinder heads to be cooled independent of one another, the main thermostat controlling the flow of engine coolant to cylinder heads above 88°C to reduce knocking, and an engine block thermostat shutting off coolant flow above 105°C to reduce mechanical friction and aid efficiency.



About Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing and service arm of the Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation 
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
- Kia launches its first seven-speed DCT in new cee’d GT Line models
- Developed in-house at Kia’s Namyang R&D centre
- Innovative hollow double-gear input shaft minimises loss of torque
- Improved fuel economy and more decisive acceleration
- New DCT will appear on other Kia models in the future

Frankfurt, 20 February 2015 – Kia has announced application of the all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) to a production model for the first time, the new Kia cee’d GT Line – which makes its global debut at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015. 

Production debut – the new Kia cee’d GT Line
The new DCT will be paired with the cee’d GT Line’s 133 ps 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine. Capable of handling larger torque outputs than Kia’s existing six-speed torque converter automatic (up to 300 Nm), the DCT’s fast-shifting nature is ideally suited to the new cee’d GT Line’s sporty image.

Drivers will benefit from faster gear changes than a traditional torque converter automatic transmission, as well as lower running costs. It is anticipated that the new DCT will offer lower emissions and higher fuel economy, pending European homologation tests later in 2015. It will be made available on a wider range of Kia models in the future.

Developed in-house for greater fuel economy and acceleration
The new transmission is the first of its type from the brand, and has been developed in-house by Kia’s research and development teams at its Namyang, Korea R&D centre. More fuel efficient than Kia’s existing six-speed automatic transmission, the new DCT has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode. 

Throughout its development, Kia’s R&D teams targeted a three to five per cent improvement in acceleration (0 to 100 kph) and five to seven per cent improvement to fuel efficiency, depending on model. 

Innovative hollow double-gear input shaft allows quick shifts
The DCT is made up of two dry clutches, each fitted with electric motor-driven clutch actuator to improve responsiveness, and an innovative hollow double-gear input shaft. The hollow shaft itself allows the system to quickly engage even gears, while a solid shaft that runs through the middle operates odd gears. This crossed gear shifting enables continuous power delivery and more efficient packaging, two development cornerstones for the engineering teams behind the project.

The hollow shaft mechanism lets the DCT operate sequentially, the car anticipating the next gear that the driver is likely to need next under acceleration or braking, or jump immediately to any of its seven forward gears (and reverse). This is particularly useful under kickdown or heavy braking, allowing the driver to remain in control of the vehicle at all times.

The continuous power delivery of the DCT minimises the loss of torque and forward motion by the powertrain during gear shifts, resulting in more decisive acceleration and a smoother drive. This contributes towards the transmission’s boost to performance in all road conditions in its first application in the cee’d GT Line.

Combined with an increase in power from 128 to 133 ps, the DCT’s seven gears allow the GT Line’s diesel engine to operate at its most efficient speeds at all times. With the engine’s torque increased from 265 to 285 Nm, the new DCT is engineered to effectively manage outputs of up to 300 Nm, achieving a better balance between the engine’s improved, more effortless performance and potential for greater fuel economy. 

Reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) has also been a focus for the team behind the DCT’s development, with an external damper ensuring a higher level of refinement for the new transmission.

After the cee’d GT Line, which will go on sale across Europe in Q4 2015, the new seven-speed DCT will be made available on a range of other Kia models.



About Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing and service arm of the Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation 
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
- Updated exterior and interior design with new customisation options
- New premium features include cruise control and touchscreen infotainment
- Updates to 1.0-litre gasoline engine and reduced stopping distance
- On sale across Europe by the end of Q1 2015

Frankfurt, 2 February 2015 – Kia Motors Europe will unveil the enhanced Kia Picanto at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015. Kia’s stylish A-segment city hatchback features a range of dynamic and visual improvements to maintain its competitiveness.

The enhanced Kia Picanto boasts redesigned front and rear bumpers to enhance the car’s bold looks, as well as updates to Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille. Buyers can now choose a new 14-inch alloy wheel design, and the inclusion of an optional sport pack makes the upgraded car stand out as one of the best-looking vehicles in the A-segment, in both three- and five-door variants.

Inside, the Picanto is now fitted with new chrome accents surrounding the driver’s instrument binnacle and dashboard air vents, and a new cloth upholstery pattern boosts the car’s youthful appeal. At the centre of the dashboard, a more modern fascia now surrounds the Picanto’s audio system. 

Premium features and greater customisation
A range of optional premium features are being introduced to the Kia Picanto for the first time, including the latest generation of Kia’s AVN (audio-video navigation) system with a large 7.0-inch display screen (available from Q3). Customers can also specify a cruise control and speed limiter system to improve long distance comfort for the driver.

In addition, the enhanced model now offers a series of three interior colour packs, allowing owners to customise their Picanto and stand out from the crowd. The sporty-looking Red Pack features black artificial leather and red cloth seats and high-gloss red and black door panel inserts. The vibrant, trendy Yellow Pack features black artificial leather and cloth seat upholstery with yellow stitching, as well as a bright yellow dashboard and steering wheel trim. Finally, the premium Brown Pack offers classy brown artificial leather seats, brown door trim and high-gloss piano black dashboard trim. Footwell illumination is fitted to the Picanto when buyers specify one of the three colour packs.

Improved braking performance and Euro 6-compliant engines
Occupant safety is further improved in the enhanced Picanto, with larger brakes reducing the car’s stopping distance. New larger 252 mm front brakes (increased from 241 mm) are available as an option, allowing the car to stop from 100 km/h in just 37 metres – an improvement of 2 metres.

The upgraded Picanto has received a series of small modifications to its 1.0-litre MPI (Multi-Point Injection) engine, ensuring the car meets strict Euro 6 emissions standards.

Enhanced Picanto on-sale in Q1 2015
The Picanto is manufactured at Kia’s Seosan manufacturing facility in Korea, and is among the brand’s best-selling models in Europe, with 51,102 units sold in 2014. The enhanced model will go on sale across Europe in by the end of March 2015, and will be sold with Kia’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty for complete peace of mind.


About Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing and service arm of the Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation 
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

- Fresh appearance inside and out for Kia’s B-segment global best-seller
- Enhanced Rio range now on sale across Europe

Geneva, 3 March 2015 – The Kia enhanced Kia Rio is now on sale across Europe, featuring a number of improvements to maintain its competitiveness.

“The Kia Rio was our best-selling vehicle nameplate worldwide in 2014, with a total of 500,506 sales, and among our top-three sellers here in Europe with 58,702 units delivered. Improvements to this model are of major significance for our brand,” commented Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe.

“The immense popularity of the Rio shows that our designers and engineers got most things ‘right’ when creating the fourth-generation of our compact B-segment challenger in 2011. The Rio retains the core attributes that have proved so popular with owners, while enhancements include a slight visual makeover, giving it a fresh exterior and interior look,” added Cole.

Under the direction of Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Group, the Rio design team in Korea has updated the Rio’s ‘tiger-nose grille’ and given the car a newly-designed front bumper and fog lights. Three new alloy wheel designs (available in 15-, 16- and 17-inch) refresh the Rio’s profile and a new rear bumper completes the exterior makeover. In addition, two new paint finishes (Urban Blue and Digital Yellow) have been added to the colour line-up. 

The Rio’s cabin is brightened by the addition of chrome accents around the four dashboard air-vents, and the fitting of a newly-designed centre-stack around the audio system. Range-topping EX models have a new cloth trim as standard, while Kia is introducing the option of grey faux leather upholstery on this model.

New optional features for the 2015 Kia Rio include a new DAB digital radio and a new generation of Kia’s AVN (audio-video navigation) system with a 7.0-inch display screen, improved processing speed and faster route calculation (availability of system depends on individual markets). 

Depending on individual markets, the enhanced Rio is offered in Europe with a choice of up to four highly efficient engines – ranging in power output from 75 to 109 ps – driving the front wheels via five- or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

Every engine in the enhanced Rio range is available with Kia’s optional second-generation fuel-stretching Start/Stop (ISG) technology (automatic start-stop, advanced alternator control and an upgraded starter motor, as well as the fitment of low-rolling resistance tyres).

The Kia Rio hatchback is manufactured for Europe at Kia’s Sohari plant in Korea. The enhanced Kia Rio is now on-sale across Europe, featuring Kia’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty.



About Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing and service arm of the Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation 
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

Frankfurt, 27 February 2015 – The working week is over. The late afternoon sun is glinting on the ice crystals in the road-side snowbanks and turning the snow-capped peaks ahead pink. The road snakes ahead towards a weekend of fun and action. The journey demands a swift, efficient and refined machine to allow the maximum pleasure to be extracted from the time available.

This is exactly the role for which the Kia SPORTSPACE was conceived. Its muscular proportions are ready to deliver a safe, secure but speedy passage to the slopes. Its cosseting and refined interior provides convivial yet individual space for its four passengers. Its sleek and elegant lines – both inside and out – are functional but stylish, allowing its travelling partners both comfort and convenience within a bodyshape that stands out from the crowd.

This is a concept that has extracting the maximum from life at its heart.

To be unveiled to the world at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva, the Kia SPORTSPACE is perhaps the ultimate ‘getaway’ car – a thoroughly practical vehicle for everyday business use, yet a stylish and athletic grand tourer in the classic sense – ready to eat up the miles across continents, whether for business or leisure.

Conceived and developed at Kia’s European Design Centre in Frankfurt under the leadership of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe, the Kia SPORTSPACE is a car that spurns traditional compromises. It is neither saloon car nor wagon. It is neither hatchback nor shooting brake. It is instead a vehicle that can meet the demands of those who refuse to be categorised when it comes to their lifestyle or their motoring needs.

Guillaume is open about its origins: “Kia does not have a wagon in this important segment of the European market, but I was determined that we would not simply create something that conformed to tradition. This car comes from an ambition I had when I was studying design in Switzerland as a young man.

“I always had this picture in my mind of creating a vehicle that I could have used to go for a weekend’s skiing with friends before driving back for it to be displayed at the Geneva Salon. Geneva is a special show for me – it comes as winter starts to release its grip. It has a special atmosphere and a particular appeal. The ideal concept vehicle had to reflect this – and I believe the SPORTSPACE does just that!” he added.

Indeed, the Kia SPORTSPACE stands as a very different type of vehicle in the segment. It is neither meant to be, nor does it look like, a load-lugger – it is clearly a sleek, road-eater that owners will want to get into and drive. A long way.

Exterior design
Unlike traditional estate cars, wagons or even shooting brakes, the Kia SPORTSPACE presents an architectural outline that is distinctly different and sophisticated.

Its long and lean profile with unbroken surfaces and purposeful lines is emphasised by a very forward-positioned D-pillar and almost hatchback-like rear door arrangement.

Guillaume comments: “The normal wagon treatment would include a long third window to suggest and show the luggage carrying capacity. But by applying a strong D-pillar treatment and a much more swept back rear hatch, we have given the back of the car a strong character – muscular and athletic. It has great power and strength within its mass.

“The visual weight of the rear is reduced with careful shaping of screen, door and rear bumper. The edges cut into the mass to make its raked appearance believable and less wagon-like.”

At the front, SPORTSPACE wears an evolution of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille. But the solid Plexiglas insert isn’t as solid as it appears. Close examination reveals it is actually louvred and these can rotate to allow greater air intake when required.

A powerful satin aluminium strip runs across the front of the bonnet above the ‘ice cube’ LED headlights, giving a sense of strength and determination. The subtlest of curves along the underside of the headlamps, add further visual movement to the SPORTSPACE’s bold, dynamic face. 

Further satin aluminium strips set into the chin-spoiler hide inset turn signals that become apparent when switched on.

In profile, the Kia SPORTSPACE is just as vivacious. A strong character line runs along the body, visually connecting the front and rear. The car’s high beltline, the simple yet gracefully shaped flanks and the low-down inset carbon fibre kick-plate add to the sense of athletic muscularity.

Further dynamism is added to the car’s ‘Ignition Red’ bodywork by another satin accent strip, a spear of aluminium which arcs from front to rear, accentuating the car’s long and narrow glasshouse. A horizontal turn signal is inset in each of the side mirrors and mimics the front spoiler indicators.

The design of the rear pillar, which is wider and slopes forwards, is combined with tapering side surfaces and a dramatic concave tailgate, ensuring the car is just as bold and exciting at the rear.

The wide rear tail lamps and a full-width carbon-fibre diffuser further emphasise the car’s wide stance and sporty appeal. The tail lamps incorporate the turn indicators, which pulse outwards when in operation. 

A roof-level spoiler and the diffuser maximise air flow efficiency around the rear of the car. Twin tailpipes within the diffuser echo the polygon shape of the tail lamps. A vertically oriented fog lamp is integrated centrally in the diffuser.

The SPORTSPACE is finished with unique 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels inset with carbon fibre which emerge from a pentagonal hub at the centre. The wheel design suggests powerful rotation even when stationary.

Interior design
The door handles sit flush in the panels until required. When operated they reveal a remarkably airy four-seat interior illuminated by panoramic glazing running the entire length of the roof and bathing the cockpit with light.

Guillaume comments: “The SPORTSPACE has to be purposeful and for me that means a very black interior with the focus on control and function – but the ambience of the passenger compartment must also be refined, relaxed and a welcoming place to be. The sense of space was essential, and whether the SPORTSPACE is being used during the working week or on that getaway, it has to convey quality and adaptability by providing occupants with a practical personal environment that delivers individual needs and preferences.”

The cabin is simple and pure with bold, handsome styling. A balance of luxurious leather with contemporary technical materials – including carbon fibre and milled, anodised aluminium – underlines the car’s inherent functionality with utterly modern and evocative style.

“The cockpit is defined by clean and simple volumes, ‘grand gestures’ and detailing that doesn't detract from the whole,” says Guillaume. “The floating instrument panel is extremely horizontal and its width is accentuated by the anodised aluminium bar below it that links the side air vents. There are no central air vents in the instrument panel – instead they are set into the centre tunnel below.”

The inner surfacing of the door panels runs as one whole architectural sweep from the instrument panel rearwards into the tailgate. The centre console runs through the interior, shooting through the car, further enhancing the perception of space and length.

The hand woven ‘cuoio intrecciato’ seats are trimmed with black-polished leather backed with carbon fibre shells and provide modern and comfortable sport seating for each of the four occupants. The finely formed, free-standing metal door pulls are satisfyingly cool and shaped to the hand. Ergonomically set into the door pulls is a switch to allow the side windows to be ‘thumbed’ up or down.

Anodised aluminium in ‘Endurance Graphite’ is used elsewhere: on the flat-bottomed steering wheel, paddle shifters, sport pedals, barrel-shaped auto transmission shift and tunnel-mounted switches. These elements represent a strong technical contrast with the black leather and distinctive silver brushed aluminium-look fabric covering the instrument panel and the centre console.

Ahead of the driver is a highly configurable digital instrument cluster paired with a fully operational infotainment system. The large infotainment screen – which sits clearly within the driver’s view – can be operated in single or split-screen modes. Operation is via the anodised aluminium in-car infotainment controller located behind the gear shift – flanked by four shortcut buttons that enable fast and intuitive interaction. Additional functions can be operated via a row of fast access buttons integrated below the centre screen.

Where the rear view mirror would usually be located, a slim screen replaces it, fed by images from the rear view camera. Other driver information is also fed into this screen.

“We were able to integrate very technical detailing into the car and this helps to intensify driver involvement,” explains Guillaume. “The car, in the sense of its grand touring practical sports role should be a serene and comfortable place. It shouldn’t be distracting in any sense. As a driver, all of the controls and the things you need are directly around you and easily to hand and extremely positive and technical.”

Generous rear seat legroom maximises passenger comfort and heightens the sensation of spaciousness, enhanced by the substantial glazing above.

A prerequisite for an exciting grand tourer like the Kia SPORTSPACE is the capacity to accommodate skis. Skis can be stored between the rear seats, with a padded leather armrest doubling up as a ski rest. Slide it back and two recesses are revealed which accommodate two tablet PCs, one for each passenger. Rear seat occupants also have the option to utilise a unique tablet PC clamping system located on the back of the front seats, allowing them to view video and other multimedia content at eye level.

The rear section of central tunnel seamlessly connects to the boot space. An innovative loading system comprising 28 rolling balls is set within the matt leather trunk floor. In combination with the low tailgate, these allow the easy loading of heavy suitcases and sport equipment. When the SPORTSPACE’s ignition is switched on, each of the stainless steel balls lowers into its recess by 3 mm, ensuring cargo doesn’t slide when the journey begins.

Powertrain
SPORTSPACE is powered by the latest evolution of Kia’s diesel-electric T-Hybrid system, previously seen on the Optima T-Hybrid concept at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

The innovative powertrain is a further statement of the advanced technological capabilities of Kia, combining spontaneous and powerful acceleration in all situations with low emissions. 

The compact and lightweight 1.7-litre diesel engine is now twin charged, the conventional variable turbo charger supported by an electric booster. This 48V booster enhances engine torque at very low engine speeds, as well as under acceleration for more effortless overtaking.

Through its fully independent activation, it reacts faster than a traditional exhaust gas-driven turbocharger. At the same time the 48V technology is clearly simpler and lighter than conventional hybridisation. This state of the art innovation is further enhanced with an active multi-link rear axle to enable temporary all-wheel drive capability.

Not only does this enable zero emissions low speed mobility, when parking or crawling in traffic, for example, but it also perfectly supports the active driving experience promised by the dynamic exterior design.

Guillaume commented: “The SPORTSPACE was conceived as a car that drivers would want to use at weekends to get out and enjoy the journey. It was central to our thinking that the car should provide real encouragement to hit the road and make the most of every moment.

“Behind the sophisticated design, the Kia SPORTSPACE also delivers a drive that is easy and enthusiastic. It will make every work-day commute or dash to the mountains equally invigorating,” he added.

Kia SPORTSPACE dimensions

Length:	4,855 mm
Width:	1,870 mm
Height:	1,425 mm
Wheelbase:	2,840 mm

About Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing and service arm of the Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation 
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.