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 of greenville south carolinaKia Cars - A Legacy of Style and Affordability
The Kia brand aims to surpass customer expectations by the continuous innovation in automotives. Kia offers the world its ability to go across different market levels by creating vehicles that are very affordable. They are proud of their high quality, high value vehicles which are priced way below the competition. The affordability combined with excellent customer service and a 10-year warranty policy makes Kia a force to face in the industry of automotive manufacturing and worldwide sales.
The Kia range starts off with the Rio which is considered to be the most affordable sedan in USA. The Rio sedan has a sporty styling exterior and a 110 horsepower engine. Combined with its known roominess, it provides the all-practical sedan at a very economical price tag. The Rio5, on the other hand, provides a sporty look with its 15-inch alloy wheels, its body-color rear spoiler, and front fog lights. Spacious and comfortable, Rio5 also has leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sports seat fabric, metal pedals, and lots of storage spaces. The Rio and Rio5 both exude practicability but with the option to go sporty and chic.
The Kia Sportage is in line with competition SUVs with its 4-cylinder engine, an option for 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, and a 5-star crash safety rating. It offers safety features like the anti-lock brakes, six airbags including full-length side curtains, and Electronic Stability Control. The Kia Sportage is very competitive with other brand SUVs but at a very affordable price.
The Kia Optima is for those who want it sleek and elegant especially for city driving. Aside from the standard Kia features, it also boasts of its sumptuous leather seating, automatic temperature control, and 360-watt Infinity premium sound system. Those who want cars luxurious but with rare affordability, then Kia Optima is the car to drive.
Other cars on the Kia car leasing range are the Amanti for higher inspiration with its 3.8-liter, 264-horsepower V6 engine, the seven-passenger Kia Rondo SUV for an active lifestyle, the Kia Sorento SUV for ruggedness and luxury, and the mid-sized Kia Sedona with its luxurious DVD and surround speaker system for ultimate contract hire driving experience.
By Darrell Freeman
