Argentina Allow Hyundai and Kia Imports for Peanuts – Literally…

Argentina’s exports for imports saga continues, with South Korean carmaker Hyundai agreeing to export peanuts, wine, biodiesel and soy flour to offset the US$91 million (€64 million) it added to Argentina’s growing trade deficit in 2010. Partner company / subsidiary Kia has agreed export white goods and plastics for their contribution.
The South American nation’s US$6 billion (€4.19 billion) trade deficit has already led to one Porsche distributor agreeing to export wine and olive products, while similar deals have been struck with carmakers Chery, GM, Peugeot-Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Fiat and Ford.
Soaring consumer demand for foreign goods, which is up some 38% year-to-date for the January to April period, has resulted in these highly protectionist policies with the Argentine government flat out refusing imports from parties that don’t agree. An undisclosed source in the motor industry told the Financial Times:
“In December, they told us and all the other car importers to reduce imports by 20 per cent compared with 2010. [When they want to enforce things] they simply give a call to customs and say, from now on, don’t let any vehicles come in.”
Hyundai is expected to earn a surplus of US$55 million (€38 million) in 2012, thanks to the US$157 million (€110 million) deal it’s made with Argentina’s federal government in Buenos Aires.
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Kia’s Brand New Optima Hybrid

Kia is ready to talk pricing on its first ever hybrid vehicle in the States, the all-new Optima Hybrid, which we first saw at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. A sister model to Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid, with which is shares the same gasoline-electric powertrain, the Optima Hybrid will reach U.S. showrooms in June with a starting price of $26,500, not including a $750 destination and handling fee that lifts the cost to $27,250. By comparison, the hybrid version of the Sonata starts at $25,795, excluding destination charges.

The Optima’s parallel hybrid powetrain makes use of a modified 2.4-liter Theta II engine without direct-injection that runs on the Atkinson cycle and delivers 166HP and 151 lb-ft of peak torque. The four-cylinder gasoline unit is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor capable of delivering 40.2 horsepower (30 kW) and 151.2 pound-feet of torque when electric only. When in hybrid mode, the combined output of the two motors comes to 206.2 horsepower and 195.4 pound-feet of torque. A set of lithium polymer batteries from LG Chem completes the hybrid package.
Kia claims the Optima Hybrid can deliver up to 35 miles per gallon in city driving and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with smart key and the company's UVO powered by Microsoft hands-free, voice-activated infotainment and communications system.
For an additional $5,000, customers can opt for the Hybrid Premium Technology Package, that ups the luxury ante with several comfort and convenience features. These include a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloys, four-way power adjustable front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID headlamps with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a navigation system with back-up camera and SIRIUS Traffic, and an upgraded eight-speaker Infinity audio system.

GALLERY

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All-New 2012 Kia Rio 5 Hatchback

Kia’s brand-new Rio small sedan was joined by the hatchback version of the sub compact model named Rio5 at this week’s New York Auto Show. Unlike the four-sedan that received its world premiere in the Big Apple, we got our first taste of the Rio5 at the Geneva Salon in March. The only visible styling changes over the European model, concern the colored turn signals up front and the market-specific trim options inside.
The 2012 Rio5 is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. The direct-injection four-pot delivers 138 horsepower, and thanks to the addition of Kia’s ISG start-stop technology, it returns 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Kia’s newcomer will be offered with a choice of three trim levels, LX, EX and SX. The base LX includes 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, driver's seat height adjuster, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which coordinates the car's ESC and ABS.
Moving up to the EX gets you standard power windows with automatic up/down on the driver's window, Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls, 60/40 split folding rear seats and leatherette door trim and power door locks with keyless entry.
Finally, the range topping SX trim adds 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, dual chrome tip exhaust, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, cruise control, UVO powered by Microsoft in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display, and chrome-coated accents throughout.
Pricing and availability in the States will be announced at a later date.

GALLERY

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New Kia Cadenza Sedan in California

An undisguised example of the new Kia Cadenza sedan has been spotted by a carsandtec reader rolling around in California for the second time since the beginning of the year. This one was caught by Sanjay Patel. "Saw this Kia Cadenza with Michigan plates going 55 North in Orange County, California," 

The sleek looking sedan which is already on sale in South Korea as the K-7, is longer and wider than the Amanti it will replace. It is expected to be revealed this year in U.S.-spec with sales to follow before the end of 2011. In its home market, the K7/Cadenza is offered with three gasoline engines ranging in output from 165HP for the four-cylinder unit to 295HP for the 3.5 liter V6. 

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New KIA Forte 2011 Review

Kia moves lately, and Korean firms are packed in the New York auto show presentations with the U.S. debut of the Sportage crossover, the opening of the all-new Optima, and the introduction of this car, five-door hatchback Forte.

2011 Kia Forte receive aesthetics and some mechanical changes, but the most visible changes is the introduction of the five-door hatchback Forte. Edmunds says that with these upgrades, the Forte is "good enough to compete with the stars segment lasting from Honda and Toyota."

In 2010, Kia Forte launched its new all in an effort to redeem himself from 2009 Spectra's poor reputation among the automotive press. Kia successfully, and 2010, Forte became a favorite reviewer for ample cargo space, reasonable prices and a strong list of standard features. For 2011, the sedan and the Kia Forte Koup models remain largely unchanged. Kia, however, has added another model to the lineup Forte: a five-door hatchback.

Not only a new body styles, five-door Forte also predict some changes which come for the whole family Forte. hatched a new grille and fascia design will migrate to the Forte sedan and coupe for 2011, as it will begin to push buttons and paddle shifters is available. More importantly, they paddle shifters will direct a new six-speed automatic transmission, so that both automatic and manual will be a six-speed for 2011. As with the entire family Forte, five-door offers inline 2.0-liter and 2.4-crawling.

The five-door hatchback will have the same engine with the sedan and Koup, but adopted a six-speed automatic transmission or a new manual that is not available with the sedan model 2010 and Koup. New transmission should improve fuel economy, but the Kia nor the EPA has released its fuel economy ratings.

Some aspects of the five-door hatchback model brings to 2011sedan and Koup. Sedan and Koup will upgrade to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and adopting a new grille design and the fascia, push-button starting system and paddle shifters. This model is they keep a list of class-leading standard features that include Bluetooth, SIRIUS satellite radio and iPod connectivity.

Release automotive Forte acknowledges that isn'ta strong car, but at the price, satisfied with the enthusiastic reviews the accuracy, attitude and improvement in the road.

2011 Kia Forte has two four-cylinder engine options: 2.0-liter that produces 156 horsepower and 2.4-liter that produces 173 horsepower. Both engines have a six-speed manual and automatic options.

Reviewers have various opinions on Forte's performance of 2010. Some say it has a zippy acceleration, while others say it's a bit slow. Although not review Forte's performance was criticized in 2011, their perspective will not change because the 2010 models have the same machine. Release automotive disagree, however, that Forte has a big fuel economy, averaging an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, and no fine on the road for cars that do not focus on performance.

Reviewers have a problem with manual and automatic transmission in 2010 Forte. For the manual, making clutch stick shift is not smooth and does not feel right. Also, some members of the automotive press say gas is too aggressive, making the car feel sloppy rather than sporty. Others claim that the gas was not aggressive enough. With 2010 Forte, reviewers have a problem with the manual and automatic transmission. For 2011, however, Forte has a six-speed transmission, so the reviewer opinion may change with this update.

2011 Kia Forte five-door hatchback will be available this fall, but Kia does not provide release dates for 2011 and Koup Forte sedan. Keep checking back as more information was released on the addition of new Kia.

KIA SOUL 2011 Review And Specification

Kia Soul is a "high hatchback" compact with a unique style reminiscent of the Scion's boxy xB. It was first used as a concept in 2006, and finally go into production for 2010 and onwards models. Soul base model retail from $ 13,995, including destination. For the entry price, buyers get a 122 horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder engine, ABS, electronic stability control, six airbags, air conditioning, audio system featuring CD, MP3 (USB and AUX input) and Sirius satellite radio, and power windows and locks .

2011 Kia Soul to see some of these changes were introduced for model year 2010. This subcompact car is front wheel, the door carriage 4 which is slightly larger than the Kia Rio. Four trim levels are offered: Soul, Soul +, Soul! (Fun), and the Soul of sports. Soul Base models are powered by a 122 horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that teams with 5-speed manual transmission. Standard on the other version is 142-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission is offered in Soul +. Optional on models and standard on the Soul! and sport is a 4-speed automatic.

Soul manual transmission! and sport has been discontinued. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Power windows and locks are standard on all models. Soul Base has wheels 15 inches. Soul + add-16 inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, cell-phone and wireless links. Soul! has a sunroof and 18-inch wheels. Soul sport has a unique 18-inch wheels, sport suspension and specific interior and exterior trim. An uprated audio system is optional on the Soul + and standard on the Soul! and Soul of sports. sunroof is standard on the Soul! and optional on the sport and Soul + automatic transmission. Front seats with leather upholstery.

Kia says it feels the Soul name reflects how passionately buyers feel about the car, and it is also a bit of a play on words as the Korean automaker has its headquarters in Seoul.

"Reaction from the media and public to the three Soul concept cars seen at the Geneva Show in March and shown subsequently at other international events, has been overwhelmingly positive," said Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO. "This reaction, plus the fact that both physically and emotionally, the Soul concept cars are so closely related to the new Kia Soul production car, made it a natural choice to retain this evocative name."

When the Soul debuted in 2006 as a concept, Tom Kearns, chief designer for KMA said, "the Soul really was a collaborative effort between our design studio in California and our design studio in Korea [...] We went so far as to send one of our California designers to Korea for a month and half during the project."

The Soul is aimed at a young-at-heart, fashion-conscious demographic, and Kia will offer a slew of options that aim to personalize their Soul, in a similar vein as the MINI range, with new trim and color options coming every six to 12 months.

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
dohc I41 dohc I42
Size, liters/cu. in. 1.6/98 2.0/122
Horsepower @ rpm. 122 @ 6300 142 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 115 @ 4200 137 @ 4600
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
5-speed manual 26/31 24/30
4-speed automatic --/-- 24/30

FUEL DATA
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City 26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy 31 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx 12.7 gal

DRIVETRAIN SPECIFICATIONS
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive

INTERIOR SPECIFICATIONS
Front Headroom 40.2 in
Front Hiproom 53.3 in
Front Legroom 42.1 in
Front Shoulderroom 55.2 in
Passenger Capacity 5
Second Headroom 39.6 in
Second Hiproom 52.7 in
Second Legroom 39 in
Second Shoulderroom 55.1 in

EXTERIOR SPECIFICATIONS
Curb Weight 2560 lbs
Height, Overall 63.4 in
Length, Overall 161.6 in
Min Ground Clearance 6.5 in
Tread Width, Front 61.8 in
Tread Width, Rear 62.0 in
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb 34.4 ft
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall N/A ft
Wheelbase 100.4 in
Width, Max w/o mirrors 70.3 in

WHEELS
Front Wheel Material Steel
Rear Wheel Material Steel

TIRES
Front Tire Size P195/65R15
Rear Tire Size P195/65R15

Kia Rio 2012

Kia's product assault continues with the presentation of the all-new Rio subcompact, which will receive its world premiere together with the new Picanto at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.  

The latest car to be revealed by Kia boasts a far slicker exterior design than the current Rio bringing it in line with the rest of South Korean company's passenger model range. There are no photos of the interior, but Kia says its newcomer "will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models" along with a wider selection of trim options.
The Korean firm's Ford Fiesta-sized vehicle features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) compared to the outgoing Rio thus promising to offer improved passenger space together with an increased cargo capacity to 292 liters for the hatchback body style. Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width). 

In Europe, the firm's B-Segment contender will be offered with a comprehensive range of petrol and diesel engines including a 1.1-liter diesel unit delivering 70-horsepower and CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. 

But the big surprise is the announcement of an all-new 1.2-liter Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that will be available from 2012, and which will offer the Koreans a significant advantage over its Japanese rivals.
Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing for Kia, commented: “This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car that people will want to buy for its looks.”
The new Rio will go on sale in Europe as a 5-door model this fall, with a 3-door to be introduced into the range in early 2012. Pricing and full range details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.

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New Kia Rio Smart & Economical Choice

Year 2010 Kia Rio is a smart and economical choice that offers some additional benefits for the year 2010, is available as a sedan or hatchback Rio5, four-door. The sedan comes in base LX and SX trim levels, while the sporty hatchback is offered in LX and Rio5 SX trim only. 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission speed of the available power in 2010 Kia Rio four years. EPA estimated fuel economy ratings are extraordinary, ranging from 26-27 mpg in town and 33-25 mpg on the highway.

For the 2010 model year, the models received a facelift for sedan & hatchback models, adopting Kia's new bowtie grille. In addition, the steering wheel receives the same design as the Kia Soul and Kia Forte, featuring optional Bluetooth hands-free phone operation, and the gauges cluster receives a new red backlit design. The headlights were modified slightly, with a darker appearance and parking lights and side-marker lights sharing the turn-signal housing. Side moldings on the car became narrower and body-colored.

The Kia Rio is a decent competitor for the Chevrolet Aveo and Toyota Yaris in fuel economy alone and receive little enhancements for 2010, including revised front grille and front and rear bumper. Side-mirror-mounted turn signals are now available in LX and SX trims and all models are equipped with tire pressure monitoring system. New options include a second electrical outlets front and Bluetooth capabilities. EcoMinder glowing green signal when you drive efficiently.

Perched on a 14 - or 15-inch steel wheels, 2010 Kia Rio offers some standard features, such as auto-off headlights, but a lot of options, including power mirrors heated, and a rear spoiler and fog lamps. Inside, the steering wheel and shift keys SX wrapped in leather, and four-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player and satellite radio is standard on all models.

Options include power steering, air conditioning, a 60/40- split bench, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and MP3 capability. Strength of an optional package for LX and SX adding full power accessories, keyless entry and tweeter speakers. In addition, 16-inch alloy wheels are available for the SX. By lowering the rear seat, in 2010 Kia Rio5 offers up to 49.6 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Last year in front-impact collapse of government testing, the Kia Rio scored four stars (out of five) for driver protection and five stars for passenger protection. In side-impact test, Rio gets four stars for front-occupant protection and three stars for the rear. 2010 Kia Rio safety standards containing the victim-impact side airbags, curtain side airbags and child-safety locks. anti-lock brakes with rear discs in the LX and SX models are optional.