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Cut the Cute: The 2017 Kia Rio grows up

The last time the Kia Rio got a ground-up redesign was for the 2012 model year. That gave the Rio a crisp, modern look, but was also extremely cute-sy. For the 2017 model year, Kia tweaked the Rio with a leaner, meaner look. Relatively speaking, anyway. The South Korean automaker previously released design renderings of the Rio, and now come official photos of the car. Kia claims that much of the styling changes were made to emphasize width inside and out. The headlights are slimmer and more aggressive than the wide-eyed lamps of the previous model, and much of the gently curving sheetmetal has been removed in favor of more flat planes. Not only that, but the new Rio is slightly longer, wider, and shorter than its predecessor. Inside, Kia has spruced things up with what looks like a nicer mix of materials. The most unusual part of the interior is the infotainment system, which Kia describes as "floating." The infotainment system extends up and off the dashboard, a bit like the screen on the Honda Civic. The good news is that Kia kept physical buttons part of the interface. The bad news is that the design looks a bit odd, as some of the buttons extend up with the screen and make it look a little like Kia used a stereo that didn't quite fit in the dash. Kia didn't reveal any other specs on the car, but those details will likely come during the Paris Motor Show. This updated Rio is an important model for Kia, as last year it sold 473,000 units worldwide. While it isn't Kia's biggest seller in the US, it did have a slight increase in sales this year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Kia Rio: Paris 2016 View 15 Photos Related Gallery 2017 Kia Rio Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / Autoblog Design/Style Paris Motor Show Kia Hatchback Economy Cars kia rio

Kia recalls 260k Souls for possible steering failure

Kia will recall 256,459 examples of the 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV for a steering failure problem. The affected models have production dates between Jan. 18, 2014, and Sept. 30, 2015. According to a chronology (as a PDF) posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are five warranty claims from this issue as of Oct. 29 but no reports of accidents or injuries. On these hatchbacks, the adhesive that secures the steering pinion gear and the steering gear assembly can potentially separate, and if this happens drivers lose control. Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the pinion plug if necessary. They'll also install a set bolt to further reinforce things. The campaign will begin Dec. 22. RECALL Subject : Steering Gear may Separate Report Receipt Date: NOV 06, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V736000 Component(s): STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected: 256,459 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) KIA SOUL 2014-2016 Details Manufacturer: Kia Motors America SUMMARY: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV vehicles manufactured January 18, 2014, to September 30, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the adhesive used to secure the steering pinion gear to the steering gear assembly may have insufficient strength, and as a result, the pinion gear may separate from the steering gear assembly. CONSEQUENCE: If the pinion gear separates, there would be a loss of steering which could increase the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the pinion plug that secures the pinion gear. Dealers will also install a set bolt for additional reinforcement. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 22, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC125. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. Related Video:

Kia Stinger GT Atlantica is a deep-blue limited edition

Kia continues its massive marketing push for the brand-new Stinger fastback by announcing a limited-edition "Atlantica" model for 2019. It adds European and Korean badging and other features to the standard U.S. version of the sport sedan. It's based on the Stinger GT2 AWD, which starts at $51,400 and features a 3.3-liter V6 that puts out 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. From there, the Atlantica will get a deep chroma blue metallic paint finish, plus 19-inch alloy wheels borrowed straight from the European version. And instead of the standard Kia badge on the rear, there's a large-font Stinger logo, just like Korean buyers get. Inside is where things get more luxurious, with an exclusive espresso-brown nappa leather and a black "suede-type" headliner. There's also a surround-view monitor, wireless phone charger and heated rear outboard seats. There's a Stinger Atlantica badge on the front center console, plus two flanking both front fenders. Kia says it'll make just 500 examples of the Atlantica and will announce pricing closer to the on-sale date this summer. It's the latest example of the Korean automaker's marketing push for the new Stinger, which it bills as its most performance-focused vehicle yet. In addition to its Super Bowl ad last month starring Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, it's also offering "Stinger Experience" events in nine U.S. cities. There, people can take a Stinger, accompanied by a professional driver, through paces including a 0-60 mph acceleration run, alongside competitors like the Audi A5 and Porsche Panamera. It's also opened non-sales Stinger "salons" in shopping malls in several states. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Kia Stinger GT Atlantica Image Credit: Kia Marketing/Advertising Kia Performance Sedan kia stinger gt kia stinger