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Kia Niro EV concept coming to CES

Kia announced that it will show a new electric concept car at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. The announcement didn't explicitly say what the vehicle is, but that's fine, because the teaser images above reveal the car's "secret" identity. At the back of the car are bright glowing letters spelling out the name "Niro EV." Even without seeing the name, the images make it pretty clear this is a Niro of some sort. The profile fits the production hybrid and plug-in hybrid production cars, especially the upright and wide rear hatch. It also has the Niro's distinct hood with twin creases above the headlights. There are a number of styling changes, though, mainly up front. The headlights look to be more swept back and have LED strakes for style. The taillights mirror this design, and they add a center portion between the main elements to make the lights full width. Additional three-pointed fog lights are also added front and rear. The grille at the front is no longer a grille, instead now featuring a bunch of little lights. This may have something to do with the "motion graphic" lighting technology Kia will show on the car, since it looks like the pattern and intensity could change. The shape of this faux grille panel also looks wider and slimmer than that on the production Niro. On the topic of production Niros, we wouldn't be surprised if this full EV Niro makes it to market. The Niro is based on the Hyundai Ioniq, which itself offers normal hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric variants. And since the Niro is already available in hybrid and plug-in versions, a full EV would round out the model nicely. It wouldn't be without work, since the electric version of the Ioniq has a torsion bar suspension rather than the multi-link setup in the hybrid Ioniqs and Niros in order to fit the larger battery pack, but it's far from impossible. Stay tuned for more info on the concept and any news on a production version. Related Video:

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.

2017 Kia Sportage hits LA in US spec

Kia gave us our first look at the all-new Sportage back in August ahead of its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. But with the LA Auto Show opening this week, the Korean automaker has now released the full details on its new compact crossover. The 2017 Kia Sportage represents a ground-up redesign of the model, adopting a more rounded look compared to the crossover it replaces. The tiger-nose grille makes it instantly recognizable as a Kia. And though it clearly takes a different design approach, its upright quirkiness (to our eyes) makes it a more suitable bridge between (and distinct stablemate to) the unconventional Soul and the larger Sorento. Now entering its fourth iteration, the new Sportage stretches 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor and rides on a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase, but maintains the same width. That means a more spacious cabin for both occupants and cargo, done up with more upscale materials and with the latest technologies buyers have come to expect. The increased use of high-strength steel helps optimize rigidity and weight in the latest iteration of Kia's longest-running nameplate, helping it launch a more concerted assault on the increasingly competitive compact crossover market. Buyers will be able to choose between three trim levels, labeled LX, EX, and SX Turbo. The first two derive their power from a 2.4-liter four good for 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, while the latter steps up to a 2.0-liter turbo kicking out a more prodigious 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. Both promise improved efficiency, and can be had in front- or all-wheel drive, but either way they transmit their power to the road through a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for each model is set to be announced closer to their arrival in showrooms sometime in the new year.