tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47078369711835237242024-02-19T06:33:58.456+00:00Viking Garages Blog - Authorised Kia Dealer | Southampton Hampshire UKViking Garages Blog - Authorised Kia Dealer of New and Used cars including Servicing Parts Motability in Southampton Hampshire UKViking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-73220127700187140332011-02-18T10:18:00.001+00:002011-02-18T10:21:01.953+00:00New Kia Rio Official Launch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh149GTX7bXqWSp75Wp5KvwU1QOEhUqAO2E6Di4Uh4TnLTMHEnN1u6gKJyc7R7It0nA2sjodStdOjXSrBcipGZFQdf6lCN1Oj5pErCCak8Px3xObHIWgx9kfi8a8lQrn5zyTxLrN-jnhwI/s1600/new+rio.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 347px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574972197365888450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh149GTX7bXqWSp75Wp5KvwU1QOEhUqAO2E6Di4Uh4TnLTMHEnN1u6gKJyc7R7It0nA2sjodStdOjXSrBcipGZFQdf6lCN1Oj5pErCCak8Px3xObHIWgx9kfi8a8lQrn5zyTxLrN-jnhwI/s320/new+rio.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqQ3PFxrtIDORstQ95Z-i3pEXLfZofLtABGUQeP59hllaKt2p3UBbQ2TvWcNaMEha4IV5_R9bH_itNv8WihQsjwzmO49_koCVfYDtaPXN3K51bwq8LIHYKHMSQzeY3RUX9eGF_63-c1Y/s1600/new+rio+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574972193663642466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqQ3PFxrtIDORstQ95Z-i3pEXLfZofLtABGUQeP59hllaKt2p3UBbQ2TvWcNaMEha4IV5_R9bH_itNv8WihQsjwzmO49_koCVfYDtaPXN3K51bwq8LIHYKHMSQzeY3RUX9eGF_63-c1Y/s320/new+rio+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Kia Motors has revealed the first photos of the next generation Rio, to be unveiled at Geneva Motorshow alongside the all new Picanto.<br />The Rio is the latest car to be revealed by Kia, boasting a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia's striking design-led passenger car range.<br />The Rio will be on sale in the UK from September as a 5-door version and a 3-door will be available from early 2012. Pricing and full range details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.<br />New Rio has its own interpretation of Kia's signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Rio a dynamic stance.<br />The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres for the hatchback. Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width).Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models - together with a wide selection of trim options.<br />Kia's B-segment newcomer will be offered with an extensive range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 petrol and diesel engines, depending on market - including a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 70 ps, with CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available from 2012.<br />Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, commented: "This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car that people will want to buy for its looks."<br />Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company's third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units. UK sales from launch total 52,626 units.</div></div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-12578937886837239462011-02-08T08:47:00.001+00:002011-02-08T08:49:55.388+00:00NEW 2011 KIA RIO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcxXa1Y6VXVBhIWlcJGxWd4CJSKJQPtyrYvd6_J8hsYU9yOrNcqIJEEKssOKNcOHRDPeYnQwSkgQxyncXKjLl538kmcz5oSGbLbLV6PFSPUiz4ET2aUgD2uIKtuXDbo9DQguTlfTR4Bc/s1600/2011+rio.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571238010563608594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcxXa1Y6VXVBhIWlcJGxWd4CJSKJQPtyrYvd6_J8hsYU9yOrNcqIJEEKssOKNcOHRDPeYnQwSkgQxyncXKjLl538kmcz5oSGbLbLV6PFSPUiz4ET2aUgD2uIKtuXDbo9DQguTlfTR4Bc/s320/2011+rio.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX__1LADwJzBreVdMEUyqN25w4EWjEgZX8irolgtWpzn-a7-pWvyIEFPI5Q14rRDfNLNY6ZaJhBiQlsxM9NooSqC421pJbzVSn_jl751LniAyBlHcUcAw4AldJFOA_am1CDqkWs2Bbic/s1600/2011+rio+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571238006995299202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX__1LADwJzBreVdMEUyqN25w4EWjEgZX8irolgtWpzn-a7-pWvyIEFPI5Q14rRDfNLNY6ZaJhBiQlsxM9NooSqC421pJbzVSn_jl751LniAyBlHcUcAw4AldJFOA_am1CDqkWs2Bbic/s320/2011+rio+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>The first official sketches of the next generation Kia Rio revealed today show a powerful, bold design that marks "the next big step" in the company's ongoing design revolution.<br />Longer, lower and wider than the existing Rio, the new model is designed to inject emotional appeal into the B-segment, targeting progressive, energetic consumers who want a stand-out design.<br />Described by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, as 'sporty and elegant', the B-segment newcomer has a swept-back profile and a character line rising out of the front wheel which gives it a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. Inside, new Rio will offer a feeling of quality typically associated with larger, more expensive models.<br /><br />"Downsizing is becoming more and more of a trend these days and a B-segment car as attractive as all-new Rio, with its driver-oriented cabin and interior trim options, will no doubt help consumers to be more comfortable making that switch. New Rio is the 'next big step' in Kia's design revolution and we anticipate this model becoming even more popular than the current vehicle," comments Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation.<br />The new Kia Rio will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1 2011.<br /><br />The current Kia Rio was the company's third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 205,000 units.</div></div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-64139574540368826372011-01-07T08:36:00.002+00:002011-01-07T08:39:48.046+00:00KIA FREEBIESKia would like to offer you FREE home energy saving products as part of the Government's initiative to cut carbon emissions. These products are designed for use in the home and aim to reduce energy use, resulting in savings on your utility bills.<br /><br />all you have to do is log on to <a href="http://www.freegreengadgets.co.uk/home/kia">www.freegreengadgets.co.uk/home/kia</a><br /><br />use the promotional code KIA<br /><br /><br />FREE Energy Saving Plug<br /><br />Don't just standby, start saving energy with a free LIME energy saving plug worth £19.99. This intelligent plug turns your appliances off standby in one easy click via your remote control. Households in the UK now spend around 10% of their electricity bill on standby power, with the average household having up to 12 gadgets left on standby at any one time. (source: Energy Saving Trust). Leaving items on standby wastes energy and money, so start thinking 'savings' not 'standby' with a free LIME energy saving plug and you could save up to £20 on your energy bills.<br /><br />FREE Water Widget<br /><br />One fifth of a household's carbon footprint already comes just from heating water (source: Act On CO2), turn your shower into an ecoshower and save money on your energy and water bill. This clever gadget takes less than 5 minutes to fit and reduces the amount of water used by up to 70%. For an averaged sized 3 bedroom house this could result in a saving of up to £80 off your annual bill. Not suitable for low flow showers and not recommended for electric showers.<br />Offer ends 28th February 2011 so register now!<br /><br />Promotion Code: KIAViking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-51780053017147360232011-01-06T08:54:00.002+00:002011-01-06T08:56:26.234+00:002011 New Picanto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSSUsdhTSn0jjg52vzAjzmhQwH9fm6jc_h4W_SIINsazlXkNCwsT05iZq1jSW18Q-T_xw_E1HGHduJWIQg1RPG3po-aMpQNWWLcS27duskFFLmQKmanAQlQo_KD29e3O2UdZOdIqeStc/s1600/new+picanto+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558993991987800002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSSUsdhTSn0jjg52vzAjzmhQwH9fm6jc_h4W_SIINsazlXkNCwsT05iZq1jSW18Q-T_xw_E1HGHduJWIQg1RPG3po-aMpQNWWLcS27duskFFLmQKmanAQlQo_KD29e3O2UdZOdIqeStc/s400/new+picanto+1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UK3oNn98nAT71SHKcJz-XHUWSqfw2aIKweUC5C5BI5Y27ku9AkDGkuPXdSyMrDLnkBmTWx_rzzNzAxhepZB8m42ZWuL9RRHwAO1lDTqt_2YHGVWqb4d31fsXeK2YD2cocFGBhwD2m_s/s1600/new+picanto.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558993991413696066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UK3oNn98nAT71SHKcJz-XHUWSqfw2aIKweUC5C5BI5Y27ku9AkDGkuPXdSyMrDLnkBmTWx_rzzNzAxhepZB8m42ZWuL9RRHwAO1lDTqt_2YHGVWqb4d31fsXeK2YD2cocFGBhwD2m_s/s400/new+picanto.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Kia release images of revamped supermini<br />South Korean car manufacturers Kia have released pictures of their all new Picanto, which will be unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show this March.<br />The updated Picanto has been designed to be more in line with Kia's other models, offering a modern streamlined look.<br />To maintain its reputation as one of the UK's more popular superminis, the new offering will be available in a range of specifications. <a href="http://www.sellcar-uk.com/cash-for-cars/">Car buyers</a> will be able to choose from either a 1-litre or 1.2-litre petrol engine, as well as a 3-door or 5-door option. It is also rumoured that LPG, bi-fuel and flex fuel choices could be available in the months after the model's launch.<br />The Picanto's new look should appeal to a broader market spectrum, offering a more grown-up aesthetic. Speaking to Auto Express, Kia announced that the model was ''bolder, more mature and more self confident.'' Complementing its more mature design, the new Picanto is larger than its predecessor.<br />Kia's design chief Peter Schreyer explains in CAR Magazine the reasons for increasing the supermini's size, saying it is ''to break up the height and give the car a more sure-footed stance.''<br />As well as growing in stature, the Picanto, which is famed for its economical characteristics, is expected to increase in price. Estimates put the starting price of the new model at £7,000. </div></div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-63150569587887487552010-12-29T11:12:00.001+00:002010-12-29T11:14:56.634+00:00<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;">Hat-trick for Kia in the 2011 Total Off Road Awards<br /></span><br /><br /><br />Kia's newly-launched Sportage and Sorento have both walked away with wins in Total Off Road magazine's 2011 4x4 of the Year awards. Kia itself also scooped the '4x4 Manufacturer of the Year' award completing the hat-trick .<br /><br />The Sportage won the category of 'Junior SUV' fending off competition from 18 mainstream and premium models including the Volkswagen Tiguan, Volvo XC60 and the Ford Kuga. The Sorento came away with top prize in the SUV category, ahead of 12 rivals, and overcame strong opposition from luxury brands such as Range Rover and Lexus.<br /><br />Alan Kidd, Editor, Total Off Road magazine commented: The new Sportage and Sorento are about much more than just that. If money were no object, they'd still be really strong contenders - even the Sorento, in a category where it's up against some absurdly expensive rivals. Fact is, it's way more practical inside than many SUVs costing twice as much. And in the style-conscious junior SUV market, the Sportage's looks blow most of its premium opposition out of the water."Explaining their decision to award Kia a third trophy Kidd added: "The fact that Kia has managed to introduce two such outstanding vehicles in the last 12 months, and do so at incredibly keen prices, makes it our Manufacturer of the Year, too: no contest."<br />Michael Cole, Managing Director, Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: "We've always been confident about the abilities of Sportage and Sorento and are delighted that these have been recognised by one of the UK's leading off-road magazines. Being chosen as Total Off Road's manufacturer of the year is the icing on the cake."<br />The full Sportage line-up, including 2WD versions, went on sale in November priced from £16,645 and comes with a choice of two petrol and two turbo-diesel engines. Equipment levels are generous with even the entry-level version coming with features more usually associated with more expensive vehicles such as cruise control, Bluetooth & iPod connectivity and automatic rain-sensing wipers.<br />Sorento is also available in 2WD and AWD versions and with either five or seven seat layouts. The powerful 2.2 CRDi turbo-diesel engine was recently joined by an efficient 2.0 CRDi engine and a new range-topping '3 Sat-Nav' version - with integrated touch-screen satellite navigation and a premium audio system - was also added to the line-up. The Sorento range is priced from £22,495Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-88825608104600459432010-07-27T16:41:00.005+01:002010-07-27T16:49:41.283+01:00<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 494px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498612574196879794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R3iDer6FjSGEz5SrRWRsVv48i1YW72rJNFSpCKfNUmWrM5XTSeQT1w2lCAsCokxooK4VXOJVg8rthJU643vY3gndR6FkPvJuoyqBNwWXmBy1sVa9b0mnyBQmpGTqiGPAZKLxB5qJjDw/s400/newsportage9_1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>“I want to give Kia global appeal, and I want that appeal to be about design above all else – the new Sportage is a major step towards achieving that goal” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. Schreyer, who joined Kia in 2006, intends to transform the public perception of Kia right around the world. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1RcpO1rEkGkJtpdQ3dndCQ0xBH2h9gk8IwNeAWlHu1FLNnvuTyTLrb9GU4MPAsWuF-0vRmWptZqR1f1PAFB1X1JhlEGyELFf9jiSLRD4UCMdwfLEwmdzQcBPxFqscI0eV1leRvhnBUc/s1600/sportage3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 476px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498612827472294738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1RcpO1rEkGkJtpdQ3dndCQ0xBH2h9gk8IwNeAWlHu1FLNnvuTyTLrb9GU4MPAsWuF-0vRmWptZqR1f1PAFB1X1JhlEGyELFf9jiSLRD4UCMdwfLEwmdzQcBPxFqscI0eV1leRvhnBUc/s400/sportage3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br />“The new Sportage is fresh and bold and could not be mistaken for anything other than a Kia,” says Schreyer. “It embodies Kia’s new-found visual dynamism by successfully taking the key features of an off-road vehicle – the raised ground clearance, the commanding driving position and heightened sense of security – and enveloping them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal. With its athletic and muscular design the Sportage fits its name perfectly.”<br />Previously seen exclusively as a mid-sized offroader, the new Sportage has taken a dramatic turn in design direction and has broadened its appeal to a more urban and design-conscious market. Longer, lower and wider than the model it replaces, the new Sportage is immediately identifiable as a Kia by its ‘tiger’ face – incorporating Schreyer’s striking signature grille design – that links all new models from the Korean firm.<br />New Sportage - Background<br />Look at the new Sportage and its visual links with the Kue show car – unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show – are hard to ignore. “It’s crucial that we draw real design inspiration from our concept and showcars, like the Kue, and inject that motivation into our production cars –The new Sportage is clear proof of that,” says Schreyer.<br />“If you look at the side profile of the new Sportage, you can see a strong resemblance to the Kue, underlined by the show car’s distinctive sheetmetal motif which again is mirrored in the Sportage.” While some manufacturers simply tease the car-buying public with futuristic concepts, the look and feel of Kia’s forward-looking show cars can easily be found in its subsequent production vehicles.<br />“We started work on the Sportage about three years ago,” says Schreyer. “We worked mainly with the design team here in Frankfurt and with our counterparts in California, so we’re talking about fifty designers in total. We started by analysing what the current Sportage means to the brand, what it means to Kia customers and what our customers expect.”<br />According to Schreyer, there were two divergent trains of thought – one idea was to pursue a tougher and more off-roadish theme, while the other was to create an agile and urban-friendly style. Either way, the designs had to maintain the advantages of the four-wheel drive – a usefully high ground clearance, an elevated seating position and the feeling of being in command. “I encouraged our designers to go in both directions because there is always the chance that a design element from one could be used on the other,” says Schreyer.<br />“Then we moved onto sketches and quarter scale models. We then picked maybe three of the most promising ones and created full-sized models. This decision-making process takes three to four months, part of the entire eighteen-month design process. Such a quick process makes Kia very flexible,” explains Schreyer, “because time-wise we are close to market and can react very quickly.”<br />New Sportage - Exterior Design<br />“Since starting the project, it was clear for us designers that we wanted to leap ahead and establish a paradigm shift in the way we look at Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), while at the same time strengthening the new Kia design language in the interior” explains Massimo Frascella, Head of the Exterior Design Team on the new Sportage. Frascella continues: “If you look at current compact SUVs, you‘ll discover that in the past the main focus was merely on the ‘utility’ side: the cars were practical, but often aren’t show-stoppers to look at. A contradiction to how they are often used, with most SUVs driven in urban environments, where style and a bit of ‘show-off’ play an increasingly important role.”<br />Sitting below the central bonnet-mounted badge, the trademark ‘tiger’ face sweeps out to effectively frame the grille before broadening out and encompassing the car’s large and piercing headlamps to create a distinctive and powerful visage. The strength of this countenance is reinforced by the clamshell bonnet and its contours that run into raised shoulders as they flow down to meet the headlamps. “The clamshell bonnet gives a sense of strength and solidity to the front end,” says Schreyer. “Together with the grille, these shoulders create a strong three-dimensional feel to the face of the new Sportage, and they also help the driver accurately place the car on the road.”<br />The new Sportage’s athleticism is reinforced by its rakish windscreen angle, which sweeps seamlessly into the low roofline. And the top of the screen itself reflects the grille profile. “The profile line of the top of the windscreen mirrors that of the grille,” explains Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Europe.<br />“We first featured this castellated element on the Kee concept car, at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. This is followed through to the rear, which has the same distinctive outline at the base of the rear windscreen. These two features instantly heighten the Sportage’s on-the-road visibility – as do its sculpted flanks, which, flanked by boldly flared wheelarches, feature a striking concave motif in the door panels.”<br />The key design element of new Sportage’s purposeful stance is the relationship between its high shoulders and narrow glasshouse, explains Schreyer. “We’ve created a car with a sportscar-like ratio between sheetmetal and glass. The side-windows are very narrow which gives you an almost rally-car feeling.” Follow the shoulder and roof lines and they meet at the striking reverse-angled C-pillar. “The size, the shape and the proportion of the C-pillar on any car is absolutely crucial to its appearance,” says Schreyer. “And as you can see on our new Sportage, it determines the entire look and feel of the car.”<br />Using a tape-measure against the new Sportage confirms it is slightly lower than the previous generation, but the design of the new Sportage makes it look significantly lower, and both sleeker and more assertive. The surfacing is modern and clean and the side profile is defined by a spearing shoulder running the whole length of the car, visually connecting headlamps and tail lamps. The simplicity of this line, together with the lower body sculpting, conveys a sense of precision and dynamism.<br />Large-diameter wheels, muscular wheel arches and a prominent shoulder line provide a powerful stance while the darker cladding brings a touch of ruggedness to the whole vehicle.<br />New Sportage - Interior Design<br />The new Sportage’s cabin had to reflect the dynamism and sporting nature of the exterior. But how do you inject real ‘sportiness’ into a compact SUV with a high seating position? Ralph Kluge, Head of Interior Design on the new Sportage project explains: “The driver needed to feel connected and cocooned by sitting “in” rather than “on” the vehicle as they would in a sports vehicle. As new Sportage is rather compact, a balance was required so that this didn’t feel claustrophobic – we achieved by two significant changes in the architecture of the Sportage’s interior. Firstly, the horizontal layout of the instrument panel (IP) creates a feeling of space by visually stretching the car’s width. Secondly, the high centre console, that in conjunction with rising feature lines on the doors makes you feel like you are sitting inside of a sporty coupé rather than in an SUV. The Sportage’s exterior, with its high shoulder line and compact glass areas further support this.”<br />The main feature of the IP is the ‘wing’ that seamlessly integrates the radio, air-vents and instrument cluster into one clean, sweeping form. This ‘wing’ sits in a deep cut-out that reinforces the impression of solidity, and, at the same, time integrates a second level of controls for the heating & ventilation control unit below and a second screen above. This two-tier design stretches across the width of the interior, going against the convention of upright, blocky SUV interiors, and creating, instead, a much more harmonious atmosphere. The muscular IP section together with the high level console further enhances the feeling of being in a solid, secure interior.<br />“The exterior design is very sporty for a car of this type and, although you sit high in the cabin, there’s still something undeniably sporting about it because the windscreen has a very fast angle and the shoulderline is high,” says Guillaume. “This gives you a sort of cocooned and safe feeling, and yet from a practical point of view there is still plenty of rear headroom.” In the generously proportioned rear cabin, the boldly angled C-pillar cuts back on itself well behind the rear passengers, to enhance the car’s low-slung profile without encroaching on their view out.”<br />Kia Design – Beyond the new Sportage<br />Kia’s design language is based around architecture. “It’s the way the greenhouse sits on the body, the proportion, the graphic when viewed from the side, the wheel arch size, the face, the stance, the overhangs, and the down-the-road look and feel of the car. Everything should work together.” explains Schreyer. “When it comes to encapsulating Kia design I always refer back to the simplicity of the straight line. It means that we are trying to keep our design simple… and, in design, simple is the hardest thing to create.”<br />The arrival of the new Sportage marks another design milestone for Schreyer and Kia’s design teams – another step closer to his goal. “I think the new Sportage is fresh and bold and couldn’t be mistaken for anything but a Kia.” says Schreyer. “In the past to buy a Kia was to make a very rational decision. I want to create the situation where people see a Kia and want one firstly because of the way it looks, and then they discover that in addition to its great design it’s also attractively priced and has a great warranty. I want to give Kia global appeal, and I want that appeal to be about design above all else.”</div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-91424210176250671672010-06-17T09:00:00.002+01:002010-06-17T09:05:06.623+01:00NEW KIA SOUL 2011 MODELSMY11 Soul Launch Announcement<br /><br />We are delighted to announce the launch of MY11 Soul models, available with immediate effect for ordering purposes. Deliveries are expected to begin during July 2010.<br /><br />As with most Model Year introductions, there are various changes made to the model range. These are detailed grade-by-grade below.<br /><br /><strong>All models</strong><br /><br />• The design of the exterior door handles changes from the previous flip-up type to a more stylish and premium pull-type handle. Soul 1 continues to feature black door handles; Soul 2 and Soul Shaker feature body coloured handles; whilst Tempest and Burner feature chrome coloured handles.<br /><br />• Electric window switchgear panels featured on interior door panel armrests gain illumination to enhance usability when driving at night.<br /><br />• A trip computer is added as standard to the instrument cluster, showing features such as distance to empty, average fuel consumption, journey time elapsed, ambient temperature.<br /><br />• All MY11 models will feature the standard fitment of a luggage area parcel shelf. This includes the Soul 1 grade, which previous to MY11 did not feature this item of equipment. This enables luggage and shopping to be safely stored out of sight. It can be removed as and when required for larger loads.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Soul 2<br /></strong><br />Bluetooth is added as a standard feature to all ‘2’ grades upwards (including all ‘Original’ models). Bluetooth functionality allows a mobile phone to wirelessly connect to the audio system, enabling the driver to safely receive hands-free calls whilst driving. Functionality is provided via buttons mounted on the steering wheel. MP3 music files can also be played from the phone via the vehicle audio system, similar to the CD Audio with MP3 functionality.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>New Soul Shaker<br /></strong><br />As you are aware, it is KMUK’s strategy to implement a rotation process on the high-end ‘Originals’ collection of Soul, in order to keep the models fresh and modern, whilst also showcasing individual character models which suit different customer lifestyles. The first rotation was implemented in Q4 2009 and saw the Tempest model launch in place of the Samba.<br /><br />MY11 will now see a change made to the Soul ‘Shaker’ range. As one of the most popular Original models, Shaker will continue as part of the MY11 range but will gain a significant design restyle to update the model. For MY11 Shaker gains unique body coloured bumpers in place of the usual front and rear black bumper inserts. This feature adds to the elegant and refined style of this sophisticated model, whilst also significantly altering the appearance of the vehicle.<br /><br />In conjunction with this new appearance, Shaker is the first Original model to also diversify into a secondary paint colour. Joining the solid Vanilla Shake colour; a stylish new metallic brown paintwork is added - Chocolate Shake. Customers can now choose to have the Shaker in either the solid paint Vanilla colour or in the metallic Chocolate for an additional £395 inclusive of VAT.<br /><br /><br />The stylish Houndstooth trim remains as the interior for both exterior colours, and both derivatives gain Bluetooth functionality; whilst existing standard features currently found on the Vanilla model are also be found on the Chocolate version, such as an advanced reversing camera system, cream dash interior, USB/AUX ports with iPod cable and an electric sunroof.<br /><br />The Advanced reversing camera system featured on the Shaker and also its stable-mate Tempest, also gains a design change for MY11 models. Screen resolution is enhanced and distortion is reduced, whilst parking guidelines appear on screen in order to assist the driver in easier, more effective parking.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Soul Burner</strong><br /><br />The top of the range ‘Burner’ remains as the flagship model in the ‘Originals’ collection but gains some minor additional specification changes.<br /><br />MY11 sees the introduction of a telescopic (reach) steering wheel adjustment paired to the existing tilt-adjust function. This enables the steering wheel angle and height to be optimally adjusted according to the driver’s height and comfort preference.<br /><br /><br />Also added to the MY11 Burner models is an update to the mood-reflecting speaker lights which can be set to pulsate in time to music played on the audio system. On previous MY10 models the type of lights used on the front speakers were a clear LED-style speaker surround. For MY11 however, additional colours will be applied, meaning that the lights can pulsate with red, green or blue lighting.Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-26099013683672517182010-02-18T08:09:00.003+00:002010-02-18T08:12:50.886+00:00All New Sportage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryt9IGdjUTP36QM6ZULnmT_RCHnfs3eylgOC8L_hnu6nnswg2XJrNSL08kNSBNYP6bpzJmRC-r077Q_8jyXZtc-i05r5tYfxj7t9IL7SBdWaD26tlSJEsApPr-3f0CkS5K-SAMH3nPX0/s1600-h/sportage3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryt9IGdjUTP36QM6ZULnmT_RCHnfs3eylgOC8L_hnu6nnswg2XJrNSL08kNSBNYP6bpzJmRC-r077Q_8jyXZtc-i05r5tYfxj7t9IL7SBdWaD26tlSJEsApPr-3f0CkS5K-SAMH3nPX0/s400/sportage3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439493156035662674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2z5aDowx0HfTzIv-EfPDMFG8VgTVhQ2X-1xdI0NwX50SsrEIS8MgTiQlD7cK9VUfzd-MMkdVkHgxWFaCtANYr3xP4YIZ8gXb5uHeV_jCHqjisK9H9-poisx4DtIyou-cfv8piNidc0s/s1600-h/sportage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2z5aDowx0HfTzIv-EfPDMFG8VgTVhQ2X-1xdI0NwX50SsrEIS8MgTiQlD7cK9VUfzd-MMkdVkHgxWFaCtANYr3xP4YIZ8gXb5uHeV_jCHqjisK9H9-poisx4DtIyou-cfv8piNidc0s/s400/sportage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439493146187930738" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V5EjtpBGBWwaliGysjLBec6BbVNSrLu6d_4kJOWAXCZCwqT4FRBP-uaybiuVXniMr4zlpOXr3jCPmwkMbd5yzOLDHNAwcn0xZpIJ3qJA0-jCX1wNP-5rvjazF40hZ65EKOSBBRaZd1w/s1600-h/sportage1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V5EjtpBGBWwaliGysjLBec6BbVNSrLu6d_4kJOWAXCZCwqT4FRBP-uaybiuVXniMr4zlpOXr3jCPmwkMbd5yzOLDHNAwcn0xZpIJ3qJA0-jCX1wNP-5rvjazF40hZ65EKOSBBRaZd1w/s400/sportage1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439493141570060322" /></a><br />The all-new Kia Sportage will show a dramatic shift in design direction when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March, 2010. <br /><br />Embodying Kia’s new visual dynamism, all-new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV – the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – in a sleek and urban-friendly design. <br /><br />Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, all-new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase. <br /><br />Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: “Sportage was the car that really made the breakthrough for Kia in Europe and the all-new version will make people sit up and take notice just as the original did. I am convinced it will begin a remarkable new chapter in the Kia story.”<br /><br />The all-new Sportage comes to the UK later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and petrol engines. <br /><br />The world premiere of the all-new Sportage will take place at 08.45 on 2 March, 2010 on the Kia Stand (No 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show.Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-12654197942126941302010-02-02T16:06:00.003+00:002010-02-02T16:10:19.202+00:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCBVHFZCdUZxJ7ND2kgK7zJB-BghDJyEHVoWP5Lexvf2jj73zQd9DJU-CYbUUIdcH9tyNpIv23jHyYytfUziWJV3mP6tjp-93b9pCGupSPuGd5JPJ5GkwC4cVRH3C6IPLoIHS1bXpQEQ/s1600-h/venga.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCBVHFZCdUZxJ7ND2kgK7zJB-BghDJyEHVoWP5Lexvf2jj73zQd9DJU-CYbUUIdcH9tyNpIv23jHyYytfUziWJV3mP6tjp-93b9pCGupSPuGd5JPJ5GkwC4cVRH3C6IPLoIHS1bXpQEQ/s400/venga.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433678968856838594" /></a><br /><br />KIA has come up with a king-sized supermini good enough to rival the top-selling Ford Fiesta.<br />Built in Europe and guaranteed for seven years, the new Venga demonstrates Kia is now up with the best.<br />The Venga has as much room inside as a compact people mover while being little larger than a basic hatchback.<br />Venga means 'arrived' in Spanish and that is exactly what has happened to the Korean car maker.<br />The Venga is on sale from February 1 - the same time as Kia launches an all-new version of its flagship SUV, the Sorento.<br />The new model is not only capable of taking on the Fiesta but will also have the likes of the Citroen C3 and Honda Civic in its sights.<br />Priced from £11,495 to £15,395 the Venga shows that Kia is no longer in the bargain basement but nevertheless it is still serious value for money.<br />From tip to toe the Venga is a smart car - the first model to be styled from scratch since Kia's design guru Peter Schreyer was headhunted from Audi.<br />The clever touch has been creating a spacious five seat cabin in a body which is just over 12 feet long.<br />Sliding rear seats mean a six footer can sit in the back with plenty of room while the luggage space varies from saloon car proportions of 444 litres to a very useful 1,253.<br />There is even an underfloor storage area to keep belongings out of sight.<br />The rear seats can fold flat and split on a 60/40 basis delivering added flexibility while there is plenty of usable space inside.<br />Sharing some of its instrumentation with Kia's trendy Soul, the dash is uncluttered but still a touch on the plasticky side.<br />Air conditioning is standard across the three model range and so is electronic stability, traction control and a device to help moving off on slopes.<br />That is quite a lot of kit for a small car and should help it follow the Soul by gaining top Euro NCAP safety ratings.<br />The Venga also marks the introduction of a new lean burn diesel engine from Kia.<br />Like the car, the 1.4-litre engine is built at the Kia factory in Slovakia and comes with a stop/start system pushing fuel economy to 62.8mpg on average. Emissions of 117g/lm mean £35 a year road tax for private motorists.<br />The little diesel has been designed and engineered in Germany where Kia has a technical facility and will become an important part of the car maker's armoury.<br />Developing 89bhp - the same as the 1.4-litre petrol engine also available in the Venga - it has a 0 to 60mph time of 14 seconds and a claimed top speed of 104mph.<br />That's not earth shattering but it is very eco-friendly and has enough acceleration to cope.<br />A 1.6-litre petrol automatic is available in mid-range trim only and priced from £14,095 while the entry level 1.4-litre petrol Venga will return an average of 45 to the gallon with CO2 figures of 147g/km.<br />The petrol version is slightly quicker and less noisy but both versions handle better than any little Kia has done before.<br />The Venga shares its underpinnings with the larger Soul but its suspension is much more suited to British roads.<br />The car feels very confident and well put together - as good as anything more established European car brands can produce.<br />Kia's heavy investment in its European operations is now paying dividends and the cars from Slovakia - the cee'd, Sportage and now the Venga - are genuinely competent.<br />They have to be. For any manufacturer to offer a seven year warranty on all its cars is a bold step and one which is certain to impressViking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-7285212883689532882010-01-11T15:10:00.001+00:002010-01-11T15:13:07.061+00:007 YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL NEW KIA'S<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYrNuAU4R2zIKD7XTUD1hONvVHcQNhp4PNI9q6ahB9F0V077FpmXSa6myjvFMLHKyv9bf189adi9m78EzMOIWkYHX1Bfm0Gn9AkW10gUeO6FkOOTZ7qpq6AyxnsuWkBvI8AGM0MyI07Y/s1600-h/7+yr+warranty.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYrNuAU4R2zIKD7XTUD1hONvVHcQNhp4PNI9q6ahB9F0V077FpmXSa6myjvFMLHKyv9bf189adi9m78EzMOIWkYHX1Bfm0Gn9AkW10gUeO6FkOOTZ7qpq6AyxnsuWkBvI8AGM0MyI07Y/s400/7+yr+warranty.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425500489838871346" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kia is celebrating a remarkable 2009 sales performance and the start of the New Year by offering an industry-leading seven-year warranty on every new Kia vehicle sold in the UK<br />This follows the success of the company's unique '7-Year Kia Warranty', which was first introduced on the European-made Kia Ceed in 2006, Kia will now offer a similar seven-year/100,000 mile warranty on all models in Europe, from the small Picanto to the range-topping Kia Sorento.<br />The new '7-Year Kia Warranty' will apply to all vehicles sold and registered from January 1, 2010.<br />The comprehensive new warranty is a 'bumper-to-bumper' manufacturer's warranty and covers each vehicle for up to seven years (whole car) plus a seven-to-12 years anti-perforation corrosion warranty (model-dependent).<br />A major benefit of the warranty, in addition to peace-of-mind' motoring for the buyer, will be its transferability to subsequent owners. Certain qualifications will apply, and the normal 'wear and tear' on such items as tyres, brake pads and clutch linings is excluded from cover.<br /> Kia is the only manufacturer in Europe who will stand over their product for an unbeatable 7 yearsViking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-12022875567356279272009-11-17T07:59:00.002+00:002009-11-17T08:10:52.483+00:00New models for winterThe New Kia Soul Tempest<br /><a title="The New Kia Soul Tempest" href="http://www.carpages.co.uk/kia/kia-soul-03-11-09.asp">The New Kia Soul Tempest</a>Kia launched the funky new Kia Soul earlier this year to include a range of 'Originals' - limited edition versions of the car - and with the change in season comes a change to the Originals collection.<br /><br /><a title="Kia Introduces Special Edition Models" href="http://www.carpages.co.uk/kia/kia-special-editions-03-11-09.asp">Kia Introduces Special Edition Models</a>Kia has introduced a whole host of special editions this month to help keep the winter blues at bay. The best-selling Kia Picanto city car and Kia Rio supermini have both had a range-topping Graphite model added in stunning Titanium Silver and the Kia Soul range has introduced a new design to its 'Originals' collection. They say the best things come in small packages and the new 1. 1 Kia Picanto Graphite is no exception.<br /><br /><br />The Kia Soul<br /><a title="A Unique Kia Soul Designed By Jeff Banks For Matalan" href="http://www.carpages.co.uk/kia/kia-soul-27-10-09.asp">A Unique Kia Soul Designed By Jeff Banks For Matalan</a>Local dealership Loughborough Kia recently hosted a visit from a very rare guest - a unique Kia Soul designed exclusively by Jeff Banks for fashion retailer Matalan.<br /><br /><a title="Kia Welcomes The Scrappage Scheme Extension" href="http://www.carpages.co.uk/kia/kia-scrappage-scheme-28-09-09.asp">Kia Welcomes The Scrappage Scheme Extension</a>Kia Motors welcomes the extension to the UK scrappage scheme, announced by Government Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. It will mean that UK car buyers can now drive off in a new model Kia cee'd from only £7,995 when the new car goes on sale from 1st October 2009.<br /><a title="Kia Welcomes The Scrappage Scheme Extension" href="http://www.carpages.co.uk/kia/kia-scrappage-scheme-28-09-09.asp"></a>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-88361967772828868822009-09-29T07:56:00.001+01:002009-09-29T07:58:43.843+01:00Scrappage Scheme to be extendedThe scrappage scheme is to be extended to give a £2,000 incentive towards an 100,000 additional cars and vans.<br />Business Secretary Lord Mandelson announced the move in his Labour Party Conference speech this afternoon.<br /><br />Alongside the increased funding the Government will extend eligibility for the scheme to van owners with vehicles over 8 years old rather than the current 10 year requirement.<br /><br />Car owners will also get a boost, with the age qualification changed by 6 months to extend the benefits to cars registered on or before 29 Feb 2000 <strong>(V registration).</strong> The scheme will come to an end in February 2010 or when the funding runs out, which ever is sooner.Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-20819537899122532102009-09-02T07:57:00.003+01:002009-09-02T08:23:11.457+01:00Viking Team Up With UK Owners ClubViking are proud to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">announce</span> that they have teamed up with the UK <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">KIA</span> owners club to offer its members discounts and free advice.<br /><br />Owners clubs are great places for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">KIA</span> owners to share there experiences and gain knowledge about the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">KIA</span> brand. We were <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">particularly</span> impressed by the UK site with its up to date news pages and a good forum site. Forums are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">always</span> a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">worry</span> for dealers as there will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">always</span> be the person who feels they have the worst car in the world, or who feels they are better placed to offer advice than a fully trained technician. The joy with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">KIA</span> product is that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">these</span> people are few and far between and there are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">always</span> another 10 owners who will jump to the brands defence.<br /><br />So have a visit of the site it costs nothing to join or you can just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">browse</span> . we have also listed some of our older stock items on the site at very large discounts.Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-34353178507955540522009-08-19T11:28:00.003+01:002009-08-19T11:41:24.688+01:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDNQ30eRf1cfkgXlO9BNCNpULScAPCuYI_UIPPfsNaxCTYbNOk_9V8ptye_Zbm89y14XF-2I5UKqNN7S9oe2XUv78hRc_oTKUtN4YPQ31nLidHiAP7GKjstlGa_b719MkG772m76jjI8/s1600-h/yn.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 356px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371623055502864194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDNQ30eRf1cfkgXlO9BNCNpULScAPCuYI_UIPPfsNaxCTYbNOk_9V8ptye_Zbm89y14XF-2I5UKqNN7S9oe2XUv78hRc_oTKUtN4YPQ31nLidHiAP7GKjstlGa_b719MkG772m76jjI8/s400/yn.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-6Solcrx_sRv7Q1BJSgNVpuhSkJsSwdRsDwfnzkYWtdlUI0kG1RGDXQoV-HUFTMENFjOdHgL-6Om3v2qkYInGePNoxSSsgQXijPZB6U5O_F4upqOqFvN7v9HijVXlCoj9x8qQMvOXPo/s1600-h/yn2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 356px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371622887269661746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-6Solcrx_sRv7Q1BJSgNVpuhSkJsSwdRsDwfnzkYWtdlUI0kG1RGDXQoV-HUFTMENFjOdHgL-6Om3v2qkYInGePNoxSSsgQXijPZB6U5O_F4upqOqFvN7v9HijVXlCoj9x8qQMvOXPo/s400/yn2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kia</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Venga</span> launched at Geneva Motor Show<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Previously</span> only known at No3 the all New <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kia</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Venga</span> will be on sale in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">UK</span> early in 2010<br />both Diesel and Petrol models will be available both with stop go <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">technology</span>, designed in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Europe</span> this model will be made along side the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kia</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ceed</span> so expect it to carry the industry leading 7 year warranty, videos can be viewed on u tube showing the interior including a full length glass sunroof.</div></div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-40399510928209222092009-07-25T08:47:00.006+01:002009-07-25T08:54:09.648+01:002010 KIA SORENTO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOCqv0cJazVkU8nlX4hOE9_yFgVGoV38_ZPNZGJPE6ZsqugQVLBMhDk4txvYRMDsAOfq-ag_YzOHSZZ0NvXGKqO__qLxB1ohlkLVVAIqwSHBZOqzB5VqLONFbHCaa_LowkyPM7-DYSVI/s1600-h/2010-kia-sorento_1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362302589462661586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOCqv0cJazVkU8nlX4hOE9_yFgVGoV38_ZPNZGJPE6ZsqugQVLBMhDk4txvYRMDsAOfq-ag_YzOHSZZ0NvXGKqO__qLxB1ohlkLVVAIqwSHBZOqzB5VqLONFbHCaa_LowkyPM7-DYSVI/s400/2010-kia-sorento_1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IVWis3iCs3WRN6ySNKgCmqCCi4akVZwO05iiiRi9aRAStRRaWYWNplCwC-sCg-en6hlRsah7-nYClDLLz5MN0IpDQOiwRiQa9B4mYrkuL4IbVtLl-jXTH6UcperrxhGlsIu4LG24q2Y/s1600-h/2010-kia-sorento-interior.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362302584404755890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IVWis3iCs3WRN6ySNKgCmqCCi4akVZwO05iiiRi9aRAStRRaWYWNplCwC-sCg-en6hlRsah7-nYClDLLz5MN0IpDQOiwRiQa9B4mYrkuL4IbVtLl-jXTH6UcperrxhGlsIu4LG24q2Y/s400/2010-kia-sorento-interior.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>All of the moving and shaking going on at <a class="zem_slink" title="Kia Motors" href="http://www.kia.com/" rel="homepage">Kia</a> is leaving no vehicle untouched, and following the introduction of the all-new Soul and Forte the company will be unveiling a 2010 upgrade and redesign for the <a class="zem_slink" title="Kia Sorento" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Sorento" rel="wikipedia">Sorento</a> crossover at the <a class="zem_slink" title="Seoul" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=37.55,126.983333333&spn=1.0,1.0&q=37.55,126.983333333" rel="geolocation" t="'h">Seoul</a> Auto Show next month. The first official Sorento photos have just surfaced at <a href="http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2009/03/09/exclusive-2010-kia-sorento-finally-shows-its-face/">Kia-world.net</a>.<br />The wheelbase is slightly shorter, and overall length and width have grown. Overall height has decreased<br />Slightly as well. The silhouette remains similar, with a wrapped hood and more aggressive front bumper treatment visible in the photos. For Asian and European markets, the 2010 Sorento will get its first <a class="zem_slink" title="Diesel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel" rel="wikipedia">diesel</a> powerplant. The 2.2 liter, 200-horsepower "R-diesel" offers 14.1 km/l fuel economy, making it number one in the Korean market. Gasoline engines will include a 2.4 liter four-cylinder and 3.8 liter V6, and a six-speed <a class="zem_slink" title="Automatic transmission" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_transmission" rel="wikipedia">automatic transmission</a> is also in the cards. Kia will release more powertrain and equipment information when the 2010 Sorento is officially unveiled next month in Seoul.<br />The biggest news is the seriously updated Sorento. Gone is the old-school body-on-frame construction, replaced with a monocoque structure, which Kia says will deliver seating for seven, better performance and handling, better fuel economy and enhanced safety.Inside, Kia has freed up a lot of space for the passengers by pushing the dashboard forward and the tailgate back. Head-, shoulder- and legroom are all up, as is the cargo capacity. Passengers are treated to a redesigned interior that's much more stylish and modern and packs features like <a class="zem_slink" title="IPod" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod" rel="wikipedia">iPod</a> connections, <a class="zem_slink" title="Global navigation satellite system" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_navigation_satellite_system" rel="wikipedia">satellite navigation</a>, <a class="zem_slink" title="Steering wheel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steering_wheel" rel="wikipedia">steering wheel</a> controls and a six-, eight- or ten-speaker audio system. Technology like a <a class="zem_slink" title="Tire-pressure monitoring system" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire-pressure_monitoring_system" rel="wikipedia">Tire Pressure Monitoring System</a>, <a class="zem_slink" title="Electronic stability control" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_stability_control" rel="wikipedia">stability control</a>, Rear Parking Assist, Hill-start Assist Control and Down-hill Brake Control will help the driver keep control of the vehicle in adverse conditions</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><fieldset class="zemanta-related"><legend class="zemanta-related-title">Related articles by Zemanta</legend><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://jalopnik.com/5166715/2010-kia-sorento-leaked-ahead-of-seoul-unveiling">2010 Kia Sorento Leaked Ahead Of Seoul Unveiling [Seoul Auto Show]</a> (jalopnik.com)</li></ul></fieldset> <div style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px; HEIGHT: 15px" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/c87517b5-cc81-49cf-8adc-2c9ee5d2c91c/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; FLOAT: right; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none" class="zemanta-pixie-img" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_b.png?x-id=c87517b5-cc81-49cf-8adc-2c9ee5d2c91c" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js"></script><br /></span></div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-9401512624092883862009-07-20T12:17:00.003+01:002009-07-20T12:23:11.936+01:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6tl7g7uuUySH_4cjAZnW2aChmHbZ8UbzyFiGjK6twCpSKfF5qBrNJEH3QAemwLZ978xuXxXXzx42QrHr53YRvosKoj3gnRXpJ7zNLVdR_4sHoqYItV0eIGcPsKfovz27zuI2F6wZysQ/s1600-h/kia+forte+-+cerato.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360500703498722674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6tl7g7uuUySH_4cjAZnW2aChmHbZ8UbzyFiGjK6twCpSKfF5qBrNJEH3QAemwLZ978xuXxXXzx42QrHr53YRvosKoj3gnRXpJ7zNLVdR_4sHoqYItV0eIGcPsKfovz27zuI2F6wZysQ/s400/kia+forte+-+cerato.bmp" /></a><br /><div>Kia starts green market future </div><br /><div>17 July 2009 </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Kia Motors has launched its first commercialised hybrid electric vehicle, the Forte Liquid Petroleum Injection Hybrid, onto the Korean market.This move represents Kia’s first step on the road to a greener future with hundreds of millions of dollars of research and development work now coming to the market. Although the UK will not get this model, British motorists will be able to choose to buy Kia hybrid vehicles under the company’s Eco-dynamics brand within three years.The Forte LPI Hybrid is the newest addition to Kia’s Forte family - known as Cerato in some markets and based on the cee’d platform - which includes both petrol-powered four-door sedan and sporty KOUP versions. Kia Motors invested KRW 240 billion - approximately USD 180 million - over a period of 25 months to develop the eco-friendly Forte LPI Hybrid. in Europe Kia are working on petrol-powered and plug-in hybrids that are likely to arrive in showrooms by 2013. Kia is also working on hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicles and already has vehicles operating in the United States that are capable of starting at minus 25 degrees centigrade and delivering a range of more than 350kms on a single charge.Kia will be introducing the Eco-dynamics brand to the UK market later this year with diesel powered cee’d models featuring Intelligent Stop & Go technology from Bosch coupled to low-rolling resistance Michelin tyres that will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve fuel efficiency.Simon Hetherington, Kia Motors (UK) Limited’s Marketing Director said: “Although we are not bringing this particular hybrid to the UK we are aware of the growing demand for better sustainability in the new car market and are committed to improving the choice we offer to motorists.“The cee’d ISG models will be our first dedicated step here in the UK and Kia is committed to bringing a range of new technologies to UK consumers as soon as is viable. It will not be too long before we have hybrid vehicles but we see this as a step on the way to a fuel-cell powered future. This is the real answer to the problem of automotive pollution – even fully electric cars just push the pollution problem further up the chain to the generators. Hydrogen offers a real long-term solution to the challenge of individual mobility coupled with environmental sustainability,” he added.The Forte LPI Hybrid answers consumer demand for environmentally friendly vehicles that are exciting and fun to drive. Additionally, with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, the Forte LPI Hybrid qualifies for billing as a Super Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).The new car utilizes a 1.6-litre Gamma LPI engine with an independently developed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a hybrid system, comprising an electric motor, inverter, converter and 180V lithium ion polymer battery.</div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-17781713106764543282009-06-25T12:31:00.003+01:002009-06-25T12:36:24.832+01:00Kia Soulster<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrUIFfK7SiCTM79Wignc-jOHemJi9zMKDIlitpOdjSnuoFlqGmAfSNdtUArGi48bVEHXzcfnizLKyDEJPEby2Yh_bfvgGuPbHkLfh7Dq5hDhASMSYVMDF6XZbTtvvg-nxU7pyklWpHBo/s1600-h/SOULSTER.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351226790937333538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrUIFfK7SiCTM79Wignc-jOHemJi9zMKDIlitpOdjSnuoFlqGmAfSNdtUArGi48bVEHXzcfnizLKyDEJPEby2Yh_bfvgGuPbHkLfh7Dq5hDhASMSYVMDF6XZbTtvvg-nxU7pyklWpHBo/s400/SOULSTER.jpg" /></a> Kia Soul'ster awarded 2009 Concept Truck of the Year<br /><br /><br />- Open-air variation of popular Soul urban passenger vehicle recognized for pioneering design - Kia Design Center America team lauded for high-style, beach-ready concept - Soul'ster is first Kia Motors concept vehicle to be recognized for one of the Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards (SEOUL) June 24, 2009 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the open-air Soul'ster Concept, which made its debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January, was named the 2009 Concept Truck of the Year during the 2009 North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan. Honored for its beach-ready prowess and creative design, Soul'ster is the first concept from Kia Motors to receive one of the coveted Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards, proving that a small, personal-use truck can still be fun and capable. "The Soul production vehicle has provided our design team with a tremendous platform for expression, and with the Soul'ster we sought to highlight a different side of the Soul and take it to another level," said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America. "It is an honor for the Soul'ster to be named Concept Truck of the Year, and further proof that Kia's global commitment to design is dramatically altering the brand's image and consumer's opinion of our company and our vehicles." The eighth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry and are organized by the South East Automotive Media Organization. A jury of more than two dozen North American automotive journalists selected the winners from 23 Concept Vehicles and 11 Production Preview Vehicles that made a North American debut during the 2009 auto show season.<br /><div></div><br /><fieldset class="zemanta-related"><legend class="zemanta-related-title">Related articles by Zemanta</legend><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1021148_2009-kia-soulster-concept-under-serious-consideration-for-production&a=5336131&rid=44c62324-8dce-479d-b2ef-ce09c3ef1ff6&e=0863f31874e0815325dba0253ff756c2">2009 Kia Soul'ster Concept Under Serious Consideration For Production </a>(blogs.thecarconnection.com)</li></ul></fieldset> <div style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px; HEIGHT: 15px" class="zemanta-pixie"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; FLOAT: right; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=44c62324-8dce-479d-b2ef-ce09c3ef1ff6" /><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js"></script><br /></span></div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-13144512090370692382009-06-12T09:23:00.002+01:002009-06-12T09:35:10.792+01:00Bishops Waltham Carnival<p class="zemanta-img" style="DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 1em; WIDTH: 310px" jquery1244795035937="375"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Kia_Soul_Concept_%28Montreal%29.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="184" alt="Kia Soul Concept photographed at the Montreal ..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Kia_Soul_Concept_%28Montreal%29.jpg/300px-Kia_Soul_Concept_%28Montreal%29.jpg" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Kia_Soul_Concept_%28Montreal%29.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></p>Viking Garages are presenting the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kia</span> Soul at this weekends Bishops W<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">altham</span> carnival, also on show will be the award winning <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ceed</span>. the show takes place in the Palace grounds between 12.00 and 4.30. on hand will be many of our staff who will be happy to talk about any issues including the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Goverment's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Scrappage</span> incentive. <br /><fieldset class="zemanta-related"><legend class="zemanta-related-title">Related articles by Zemanta</legend><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1021236_kia-soul-and-honda-fit-earn-top-safety-ratings-in-europe&a=5424660&rid=0325cb7b-192a-48e7-9f91-51c4408fed01&e=f42a1df836f72fcf2ac5dd3855084c6f">Kia Soul and Honda Fit Earn Top Safety Ratings In Europe </a>(blogs.thecarconnection.com)</li></ul></fieldset> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px; HEIGHT: 15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/0325cb7b-192a-48e7-9f91-51c4408fed01/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; FLOAT: right; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=0325cb7b-192a-48e7-9f91-51c4408fed01" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /></span></div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-63145501345773333632009-05-29T11:53:00.003+01:002009-05-29T13:06:58.566+01:00New Kia Concept<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCRI_BhC7hgkT0nQxkz4XgNXj5SDK2Eu_LKjCJWaeSE2Uq8JX4QEYZESsMxG7l5Uj3zusDe-srp9B6r-xbSioBD01vQcEVidA2UwJKyx_rm3DOL0WgZsQqGHENSjKygmmArEHpahIVH0/s1600-h/kia-knd-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341216196637511858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCRI_BhC7hgkT0nQxkz4XgNXj5SDK2Eu_LKjCJWaeSE2Uq8JX4QEYZESsMxG7l5Uj3zusDe-srp9B6r-xbSioBD01vQcEVidA2UwJKyx_rm3DOL0WgZsQqGHENSjKygmmArEHpahIVH0/s320/kia-knd-5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>At this year’s Seoul Motor Show in<br />May, Kia Motors took the wraps off the KND-5 concept car which highlights the luxurious elements and dynamic styling of a luxury car (code named ‘VG’) that is scheduled to debut in the Korean domestic market in late 2009.<br />Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, said, “The aggressive and sophisticated KND-5 exemplifies Kia’s futuristic design and values Based on the pre-production VG, the KND-5 features an exterior with a newly interpreted line and the striking LED headlamps<br />The 20-inch large-diameter alloy wheels enhance its aggressive yet refined image.<br />The panorama sunroof extends seamlessly from the front windshield to contribute to its open<br />and sleek facade.</div>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707836971183523724.post-40149526063576055162009-05-21T09:47:00.002+01:002009-06-09T12:29:07.700+01:00Welcome to Viking Garages<p><span style="font-family:arial;">At Viking Garages, our customer support doesn't stop once you've purchased a new or used car. We want you to enjoy driving you car and keep it maintained to the highest of standards, which is why we offer the full aftersales service in house to provide you with complete peace of mind. You'll find our all of our staff friendly, knowledgeable and happy to deal with any enquiries or problems you may have regarding your vehicle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Whether you're looking for parts & accessories to personalise your car, had an accident & require a free estimate for your insurance, enquiring about extended warranties or perhaps have a problem with your car, or wish to buy another, they are there to help.</span></p>Viking Garageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06405953941415132549noreply@blogger.com0