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Kia rolls out updated Cee'd hatches in Europe

Kia makes some models specifically for the North American market, and keeps some models back at home in South Korea that we never see. But it also makes some for other markets, like the Cee'd. And now it's rolling out a revised version for the European market. Top Gear jokes aside, the Cee'd has been a popular model for Kia in Europe, selling over a million units since its introduction there nine years ago to take on the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The updated model benefits from revised styling inside and out, improved NHV refinement (particularly for diesel models), new tech, and several new engine options – all of which are now Euro 6 compliant. The biggest news, which we already knew, is the addition of a new 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. It's available in two states of tune, producing 99 horsepower or 118, but produces the same 127 pound-feet of torque either way. The 1.6-liter diesel option now packs a stronger punch at 134 hp (up from 126) and 210 lb-ft (instead of 195), and offers a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission option. The remaining four-cylinder engines carry over essentially unchanged. The flagship Cee'd GT and Pro_Cee'd GT performance models benefit from some new trim inside and out, as well. The 1.6-liter turbo four carries over with the same 201 hp and 195 lb-ft, but a new turbocharger improves low-end response to cut a fraction of a second off the 0-62 time. There's also a sound synthesizer that replicates the engine note inside the cabin, and larger brakes available. European buyers will once again be able to choose between three body-styles: five-door hatch, extended Sportswagon and three-door Pro_Cee'd. There's also a new GT Line that offers the looks of the performance models without the mechanical upgrades (and commensurate hike in purchase and fuel costs). Dealers across the pond will begin taking delivery next month. Major upgrade for Kia cee'd with new look, new engines and improved dynamics 26-Jun-2015 Kia has today announced details of a comprehensive upgrade to its increasingly popular Kia cee'd, a model that has provided the foundation for Kia's continuing success in Europe over recent years. Kia's European designers have evolved the interior and exterior styling of the current cee'd into an exciting new look, with the powertrain team developing a wider range of engines and transmissions.

2016 Kia K900 introduces new 3.8-liter V6 base model

Kia has announced a series of updates to its K900 flagship sedan. Some of the enhancements applied to the 2016 model are more significant than others. The biggest news here is the arrival of a new V6 base model. Previously available Stateside only with the V8, the 2016 Kia K900 will now be offered with an all-new 3.8-liter V6 engine option, good for 311 horsepower. That base model still includes navigation, a leather interior, and a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment – just with a smaller engine to move it all. No changes were announced for the 5.0-liter V8, which is quoted at 420 hp. Revised pricing and realigned trim levels place the base Premium V6 model at $49,950, the Luxury V6 at $54,950, and the top-of-the-line Luxury V8 model at $62,850. This compared to $56,350 base MSRP that Kia charged for last year's eight-cylinder model. A $950 destination charge is included in all of those prices. Some stylistic changes have been made to the K900 as well, including new 18-inch wheels for the V6 model (19 for the V8), a new front grille, and updated rear-end styling that includes chrome trim, new exhaust pipes, taillights, and rear bumper. New equipment includes a hands-free trunk lid and optional autonomous braking system, along with a new 9.2-inch infotainment display and a system that can operate the ignition, door locks, and climate control from a remote smartphone app. The arrival of the new K900 (known as the K9 back in Korea) coincides with the emergence of a more substantially updated Cadenza (known domestically as the K7). Along with the refreshed Kia premium sedans, Hyundai is separating its luxury lineup into the new Genesis sub-brand. Between them, the Korean automaker aims to take a larger slice of the pie from the usual upscale suspects from Japan, Europe, and these United States. Will this entry-level model move the needle much further? Probably not, but we'll see. 2016 K900 OVERVIEWKia's Luxury Flagship Sedan Adds more Features, Technology and Style - 2016 K9001 receives all-new V6 powertrain - First-class interior and exterior enhancements continue to set K900 apart from segment IRVINE, Calif., November 23, 2015 – The K900 continues to challenge conventional notions of luxury as it did in 2015 when it earned the "International Car of the Year" award by Road and Travel Magazine and set a record-high score in its segment to earn AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA).

Driver unaware SUV is in flames going down the highway

NBC Nightly News recently carried the above segment on a video showing a 2012 Kia Sorento spewing flames as its driver travels at highway speed on Interstate 4 in Orlando. Another motorist, Meredith Olinger, drives alongside, shooting the video while trying to warn the driver to pull over. She does, just in time. Seconds later, the Kia is cooked. The driver, Susan King, says, "I got out, and suddenly the car was engulfed in flames. (Olinger) saved my life. I'm incredibly grateful, and she was my angel that day. It was surreal." NBC did a nice job of using the video to highlight a serious issue. The SUV's owner was not King but her friend Tyla Kennedy, and though the Kia was part of a recall of 2012-14 Sorentos having to do with an engine defect, Kennedy says she never received a recall notice. That's because she was not the car's original owner. And as anyone who has received a recall notice for a long-sold car knows, automakers send the notices to original owners. Subsequent owners are out of luck. We could argue all day about whether automakers, sellers or subsequent owners should do more to ensure that automakers know the current whereabouts of their products, but luckily there's an easy way past all of that. If you own a car you bought second-hand, go to safercar.gov and enter your VIN. If there is a recall on your vehicle, it will show up there. If one pops up, contact a dealership and the repair will be carried out free of charge. Even if you bought your vehicle new, doing this check couldn't hurt, just in case your notice got lost in the mail. It could keep you from discovering, as you fly down the highway, that you are driving a fireball. Related Video: Image Credit: Meredith Olinger Auto News Recalls Kia Crossover SUV Videos