Cool Concepts - Kia KOUP
My, what big letters your model name uses!
Like Saturn which names its models in caps, Kia is starting to show off a concept car that they hope will garner the Korean automaker plenty of attention. The Kia KOUP is a sexy, stylish concept car now making the rounds of the auto shows. If it is receives a green light for production, this car could go a long way toward reforming Kia's budget image.
Kia KOUP - What's With The Name?
The variation of coupe in the KOUP's name is likely to stir some controversy. Personally, I don't like it, but I do think that the car is attractive. This car reminds me of Kia's sister company's coupe, the Hyundai Tiburon, but the Kia model certainly has the better looking lines. Kia would do well to come up with another name should the coupe go into production.
The Kia concept is powered by a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger designed to deliver superior power and fuel efficiency. By means of injecting fuel directly into the cylinder under high pressure using the Kia GDI system, the intake charge is cooled and combustion behavior is improved. Improved combustion assures excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Lower grille openings enable additional air intake for extra power. Kia claims that the KOUP delivers torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm.
These numbers put the KOUP squarely in Mitsubishi Eclipse territory, one of the car's likely competitors. The Eclipse has performed well for Mitsubishi and the KOUP could do the same for Kia. Besides, when you think of Kia the term "low-budget" comes to mind. The new coupe can help to burnish Kia's image like no car before it.
Where To See It?
Having made its debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, expect that Kia will show the car at major venues over the coming months. If public reception for the car is good, then expect that production will begin as soon as possible. This could mean that the oddly named KOUP will hit US streets as early as 2010, a car delivering good looks, performance, and fuel economy for a value price.
By Matthew Keegan
Visit the Blog about kia middlesexKia Rio, Tops J.D. Power And Associates' Subcompact Category
As part of the J.D. Power Associates’ 2006 Initial Quality Study SM, or commonly known as the IQS, the 2006 Kia Rio which is also known as the Kia Rio 5 has topped the subcompact category for initial quality. The IQS is actually an annual study that the organization does. This study actually focuses on measuring vehicle attributes that amount to 217. This is done by comparing such attributes across eight vehicle categories. The lists of such categories even include driving experience, engine system, transmission system, as well as quality problem symptoms that are commonly reported by vehicle owners.
The Kia Rio in the subcompact segment of the study took in 137 problems per 100 vehicles and this has brought the vehicle to the top of the list in its segment. Aside from the Kia Rio, the 2006 Kia Sedona which is a minivan also took one of the highest ranks in its segment. What makes this quite remarkable is that the Kia Sedona is just in its first year of production and of being in the market. Another Kia vehicle that took a good spot was the Kia Sportage in the compact SUV department.
The Kia Rio owning up to such a prestigious spot in a very well planned vehicle study is a great reward for Kia Motors America, the company that produces and is responsible for everything related to what the Kia Rio is. Len Hunt, the company’s executive vice president, even states, “Rio is a class leading subcompact vehicle and an excellent example of Kia’s continued dedication to offering consumers an affordable vehicle without sacrificing quality. We are extremely pleased that the automotive industry and consumers alike recognize Rio’s high level of excellence.”
By Joe Ratzkin
