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Kia Motors will continue its tradition of unveiling convention-challenging, design-led concept vehicles at motor shows when it reveals an all-new electric concept car at the Paris Show on September 30th.

Called the ‘POP’, Kia’s three-meter three-seater boasts zero-emissions and brings innovative design chic to the city car segment with its dramatic styling.

The all-new Kia Sportage crossover, one of the stars of the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, is to go on sale in the UK earlier than expected, on 1 August, with a high specification Sportage First Edition version. The full line-up of the all-new Sportage, including two wheel drive, petrol and additional diesel versions, will go on sale in the UK from November, however early production of RHD all-wheel-drive 2.0-litre diesel models means that eager British customers will not have to wait long to get into Kia’s latest stunningly designed model.

The Sportage First Edition is a unique version that comes complete with all-wheel drive, a choice of manual or automatic transmissions and an efficient common-rail turbodiesel engine. The 2.0-litre CRDi engine emits just 156g/km CO2 and achieves a combined cycle economy of 47.1 mpg – an impressive 31g/km less and 7.3mpg more respectively than the outgoing model.

Available in a choice of five colours – including the striking Techno Orange – the First Edition comes as standard with a comprehensive high-end specification including a full leather interior, dual zone climate control, automatic rain-sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Designed by Peter Schreyer to combine the stance and attitude of a compact SUV but with a sleek, urban design and have greener credentials, Kia’s all-new Sportage is designed to meet the requirements of young families – or the young at heart – who lead busy, primarily urban-centric, lifestyles. Final development of the Sportage’s chassis in the UK has ensured that the ride and handling are optimised for British road conditions.

Full details on the all-new Sportage First Edition will be available on 20 July.

Irmscher has prepared a special edition for the new Kia Soul urban vehicle. The newcomer benefits of new and surprisingly fresh style that is both outside and inside with a variety of features.

Called Edition 001, the vehicle comes with a black and white theme, thanks to the extensive use of graphics. The black roof and the new set of 20 inch black alloy wheels make a nice contrast with the white color of the body. The new package also includes black mirror casing, bumper inserts and black painted front and rear aprons.
In the terms of interior ambience, the Irmscher Soul gets luxurious seats, which renders black carbon-like leather finish contrasted by red middle parts with classic diamond patterns. The elegant leather is also found on the steer, the shift knob and dashboard’s peak.

The Irmscher Edition 001 transformation can be achieved with all engines and modifications of the Soul ride. Requests can be made at any Kia or Irmscher dealerships worldwide.

Also making its world premiere in New York is the Forte (‘Cerato’ in some markets) five-door. Keeping in line with the stylish and practical Forte compact sedan and first-for-Kia Forte Koup, the Forte five-door adds another attractive option to the Forte family.

Forte five-door builds on the popular Forte compact sedan and bold Forte Koup by employing another practical yet modern iteration of the platform. Lower and firmly set on its haunches, Forte five-door carries with it all the amenities of the Forte line and introduces a new front grille, alloy wheels, lower valence design, center console, paddle shifters, push-button start (already available in Forte line-up outside of North America) and navigation (available in North America only) in addition to the enhanced practicality of a fifth door for a distinct appearance and intentional practicality.

Depending on country, Forte five-door is available with three efficient gasoline engines – 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre – and a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. North American consumers will have a choice of the 2.0 and 2.4-liter engines while customers outside of North America will be able to choose from the 1.6 and 2.0-liter powerplants.

Known as Cerato in Australia, the new 5-door hatch is scheduled to be launched in October. Kia Motors Australia will confirm pricing and local specifications closer to this time.

The next generation Kia Magentis is set to make its world premiere next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

“The next generation of Magentis possesses the power to surprise,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “It’s a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.”

The saloon exudes an athletic confidence from every angle – its raked roofline, high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by flared wheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular, self-assured stance.

The striking visage of the car features a new interpretation of Kia’s bold ‘tiger’ family face that’s edged by piercing projector headlamps.

Following the theme of recent model revisions, new Magentis is longer, lower and wider than before, the Kia’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proportions.

“For this car we started with a clean sheet and worked to achieve an exterior design with a European feeling and stance,” explains Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Europe. To help achieve this, the exterior was designed by his team in Frankfurt. The interior was created by the design team in California.

The new D-segment offering is spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines a newfound poise and presence.

“This new model embodies Kia’s confident new design direction,” says Schreyer. “It’s a global car with individual appeal.”

The all-new Kia saloon will be launched in phases around the globe and will be seen in UK showrooms in 2011 – the model name will be confirmed closer to launch.

The Kia Motors press conference for the New York International Auto Show will take place on April 1, 2010 from 10:10 – 10:35 am (local time) at the Kia stand on Level 1 of the ‘Jacob Javits Center’ located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.