Kia Pro_Cee'D 2014 News

Kia's announcement of an Australian-first seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty could benefit buyers of others brands as they try to match it.One of Australia's fastest growing car brands, Korean company Kia, is about to upset its big name rivals by announcing a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, the longest in Australian automotive history. Kia’s sister brand Hyundai was the first company to offer a five-year, 130,000km warranty in Australia 15 years ago -- in 1999 -- as a response to quality concerns over a bungled safety recall the year before.Hyundai then increased its warranty coverage to five years and unlimited kilometres in 2006.RELATED: Small car price war about to heat upFrench car maker Citroen then raised the bar in March this year, offering new-car buyers an unprecedented six-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.Kia's new benchmark of a seven year, unlimited kilometre warranty will put the market leaders under increasing pressure given brands such as Toyota, Holden, Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Subaru, Honda, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz only offer three years coverage. It means buyers of most mainstream brands will eventually be the winners as they try to raise their level of warranty coverage to either match or get closer to Kia's seven-year stretch. But none are yet to react.The longer warranty period will likely boost the resale value of Kia cars at trade-in time because used-car buyers will get the balance of the new-car warranty.Most new cars are sold after four years, according to industry figures. This means a typical secondhand Kia would give used car buyers three years of factory-backed protection against faults.The Kia warranty is part of the company's ambitious sales push in Australia after a decade of weak results.Kia is just outside the top 10 sellers but its sister brand Hyundai -- which sells, in effect, the same cars under the skin but with different body styles and different branding -- is in the top four.It is the largest gap between the two jointly owned companies in the world.Kia recently poached Hyundai Australia's sales and marketing boss Damien Meredith to head the Kia division locally and this is his first step towards doubling sales within four years."This is a watershed moment," said Mr Meredith. "Kia customers now have a peace of mind that can't be matched in the Australian new car market."The deal includes free roadside assistance for seven years -- if the car is serviced at a Kia dealer once a year.Kia has also extended its capped price servicing program to seven years -- one of the longest in the car business -- and that prices of routine maintenance will remain the same as before."The two year increase in warranty, capped-price servicing and roadside assist is absolutely transparent and we will not be asking our customers to dip into their pockets to fund the extra benefits," said Mr Meredith.

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSAlfa-Romeo MiTo: The Mini Cooper-rivalling MiTo hatch is due for a refresh in January. Tweaked styling is expected, along with updated features and sharpened pricing in line with other recent Fiat Chrysler Australia pricetag shuffles. (Approximately 25,000-30,000)Honda City and Jazz: Honda’s slow-selling City compact sedan is due to be replaced by an all-new model in the second quarter of 2014, leading the also-new third-generation Jazz compact hatch which is expected in around June. The new Jazz will benefit from a new dual-clutch auto transmission, and a new hybrid variant is expected to dip well below the current petrol-electric model’s 4.5L/100km combined figure. (Approximately $16,000-23,000)Kia Rio: Also due for a refresh in the third quarter is the Kia Rio light hatch and sedan range, with the stylish model likely to score visual tweaks and value gains to keep up with more recent competition. (Approximately $15,000-22,000)Mini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)Volkswagen Polo: Volkswagen’s Polo light hatch range is also due for a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of the year, with revised styling, plus efficiency and technology trickle-down from the Mk7 Golf likely. Approximately $17,000-29,000)SMALL CARSAlfa Romeo Giulietta: Following on from its pricing shuffle in 2013, the small Giulietta hatch range also due for a mid-cycle refresh later in 2014. Approximately 24,000-40,000)Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai will revise its Elantra sedan in January, with freshened styling and a new local suspension tune expected to be the main changes. (Approximately $20,990-$30,190)Kia Pro_cee'd GT: Kia will bring the Pro_cee’d GT down under in March, with the new hot hatch set to go head to head with its mechanical sibling the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. (Approximately $30,000)Kia Soul: Also expected in March is a heavily revised version of the trendy Soul small hatch, with rejigged styling, upgraded underpinnings and petrol and diesel drivetrains. (Approximately $21,000-$30,000)Mazda3: Mazda will renew its assault on the Australian sales charts in January, with the arrival of the new third-generation 3 sedan and hatch models. The new 3 will be available with 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of Mazda’s SkyActiv petrol engine from launch, with diesel versions set to follow later. (Approximately $20,000-35,000)Nissan Pulsar SSS sedan: In the third quarter, Nissan will break with Pulsar SSS tradition by adding a sedan version of the hot turbocharged model, with Mazda’s SP25 sedan its only logical rival. (Approximately $31,000)Peugeot 308: Peugeot’s headline act for 2014 will be the new 308 small hatch, with the lighter and more efficient model arriving before the end of the year to target Volkswagen’s Golf head-on. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Proton Suprima S: Proton will launch the Preve sedan-based Suprima S small hatch in January, in $21,790 (drive away) GX and $26,590 (drive away) GXR spec levels. Available with a CVT auto initially, both versions will use a 103kW/250Nm 1.6 litre petrol turbo. Cheaper $19,790 (GX) and $24,590 (GXR) six –speed manual versions will arrive later in the year. (Approximately $19,790-$24,590)Proton Preve: In the second quarter, ther Malaysian brand will add a five-speed manual version of the Preve GXR sedan, which is expected to undercut the existing CVT auto version by $2000 with a $20,990 drive away pricetag. A more upmarket Preve LE is expected at around the same time, and likely to be priced around the $25,000 mark.Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Skoda will introduce the much anticipated Rapid Spaceback in the second quarter, with the new hatch to sit beneath the recently launched Octavia Liftback and wagon. (Approximately from $20,000)Toyota Corolla sedan: Toyota’s grasp on the Australian market is set to be strengthened by the arrival of a sedan version of the new Corolla in February. Both European and US versions of the new sedan have been unveiled, and the Australian model will most closely resemble the European model. (Approximately $20,000-$32,000)Volkswagen Golf wagon: Volkswagen will add a wagon bodystyle to its Mk7 Golf lineup early in 2014, mirroring the hatch with its range of petrol and diesel engines. (Approximately $27,000-37,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. (Approximately 37,000-56,000)Kia Optima: Kia’s Optima will score a mid-cycle update in January, with revised styling inside and out, along with added features. (Approximately $30,990-$40,490)PEOPLE MOVERSCitroen C4 Grand Picasso: Citroen will replace the long-serving C4 Grand Picasso with an all-new version in the second quarter of 2014. The new model promises to continue as a stylish alternative to other seven-seat people movers with a choice of petrol or diesel drivetrains and will hopefully retain the current model’s sub-$40,000 pricing. (Approximately $37,000-$40,000)Honda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDFord EcoSport: The Blue Oval’s new EcoSport baby will complete its lineup in February, with the cheaper Trend and Ambiente spec levels joining the top-line Titanium that launched the model in December. (Approximately $20,790-27,790)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Jeep Cherokee: Jeep’s new more-civilised Cherokee SUV will arrive in the first half of 2014, with a choice of 2.4-litre petrol, 3.2-litre petrol V6, or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. (Approximately $28,000-$37,000)Kia Sportage: During the second quarter, Kia will grace its Sportage medium SUV with a more significant update than the minor revisions made in mid-2013 with the shift to European production. Like Optima, expect fresh interior and exterior styling and new features. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Nissan Qashqai: Nissan’s other significant SUV arrival for 2014 will be the Dualis-replacing Qashqai compact SUV, which will arrive in five-seat only guise in the third quarter. (Approximately $26,000-$36,000)Renault Captur: The Renault Captur will arrive mid-year, representing the French brand in the rapidly expanding compact SUV segement. The Clio-based crossover should start in the low $20,000s, and challenge the Trax, Juke, 2008, and EcoSport. (Approximately from $20,000)Skoda Yeti: Skoda’s best-selling Yeti compact SUV is also in line for a mid-cycle refresh in around June, with revised styling and features to bring it in line with the brand’s newer models. (Approximately $26,000-$38,000)Suzuki S-Cross: Suzuki’s SX4-replacing S-Cross will arrive in January, with reduced fuel consumption an increased interior space over the model it supercedes. Like the SX4, the S-Cross will continue with 2WD and AWD options, and will be priced between $22,990 and $34,990.COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000)Renault Kangoo Maxi crew van: A passenger-carrying Kangoo Maxi crew van is also expected in the second quarter. (Approximately $27,000)

Kia's new Pro_cee'd GT sports coupe has been spotted in Sydney, five months ahead of its official Australian launch.

After years of being in the styling doldrums, Kia looks as though it has seized the day with design.It has followed up the C'eed and surprising new-look Cerato with the No3 concept, which will be unveiled at next Tuesday's Geneva Motor Show.The No3 concept hatch, described as a multi-purpose vehicle, is one of three new Kias to be at the show.Apart from the No3, Kia will show off a range of cars with what it calls ISG for “idle, stop and go”, as well as an innovative hybrid.Kia executives say the No3 concept “redefines the small MPV genre by creating a beautiful car that is also fun-to-drive”.The concept looks almost production ready and could end up battling the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Getz in the ultra-competitive light-car class.The concept features an extended windscreen and panorama glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar, an automatic sun visor and the new Kia corporate grille treatment, headlights and brand logo in a new constellation.At 4045 mm long, the concept is 95mm longer than a Ford Fiesta concept.The No3 is finished in matt Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents.The ISG system will be previewed in the Kia Cee'd.It delivers about to 15 oper cent fuel savings in city driving.The device is already on sale in many countries across Europe.The system automatically switches the engine off when the car is stopped in traffic and restarts the engine instantly when the driver moves off.ISG cars are available with a choice of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines.The 1.4-litre ISG models at Geneva have a 137 g/km CO2 rating.In keeping with an emerging green theme at Geneva, the Korean carmaker has built a fleet of prototype Kia Cee'd hybrids especially for testing and evaluation in Europe.The Cee'd Hybrid uses an upgraded powertrain with Kia's Gamma 1.6-litre petrol engine, mated to a 15kW, 105Nm AC synchronised electric motor, CVT transmission and ISG.The hybrid hits 100km/h in 11.8 seconds and has a top speed of 185 km/h.The prototype achieves fuel consumption of 4.81 litres/100km and a CO2 figure of 109 g/km, a 25 per cent reduction compared to the standard 1.6-litre petrol Cee'd.The 79th Salon International de l'Auto which opens next Tuesday. The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

The name might not survive, but the Kia Soul is definitely being turned from a motor-show concept into a compact four-wheel-drive production model.

The South Korean company is extending its cee'd line-up in Europe with a compact hatch and, more importantly, is about to reveal its first sports car.The name of the new Kia coupe will stay a secret until the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but its basic shape has been revealed in a single picture.And it will also show the Kia 'face' that will be the signature in coming years.The concept coupe is the work of the man who gave the world the original Audi TT, and Peter Schreyer is promising something special for his Kia leader.“I'm sure Kia will surprise the entire automotive world when people see our new sports coupe concept in the metal,” says Schreyer, the chief design director at Kia.“Kia is allowing me to shape its whole brand design and character. Seldom does a designer have such a clean sheet to work with.”The implications for the 2+2 concept are clear, particularly as Kia's big brother, Hyundai, recently confirmed plans for a new sports car, probably with rear-wheel drive.“Schreyer is showing the concept car at Frankfurt and he says it is a design direction that could easily be produced and could potentially go on a rear-drive platform,” Kia Australia's Jonathan Fletcher says.The newest member of the Euro-focused cee'd range is the three-door hatch, called Pro-cee'd, which follows the five-door and wagon.Kia says it shares only the bonnet and front guards of the existing five-door and has been designed to look more sporty with a lower body.It will be previewed at Frankfurt, but there is no news on when the car will come to Australia. And that's not just the new three-door, but the whole cee'd family.“It's not going to be this year,” Fletcher says. “The short answer on cee'd is we don't know the price. They also have a forward-order book that is growing in Europe. And there is a limit to their production capacity.”He says Kia Australia is keen to get the cee'd, but the company is still considering which cars it will push to launch.“The new hatch was always planned as part of the cee'd family,” he says. 

There were a handful of hybrids, and a few fuel cell techno treats, but all the real action was just what you would expect in the style-conscious French capital: fast and flashy.Diesel was very big, and there is a lot more to come for Australia, but the headliners at the show were cars that proved there is life in the automobile for many years yet.Audi finally had its R8 supercar ready for the road and then announced it would be coming out to Sydney for the Australian International Motor Show this month.The Mini was bigger, Volkswagen previewed its born-again Scirocco coupe, and Australia tipped in with the outrageous Chevrolet WTCC Ultra, which points directly to the next Holden Viva hatch.Toyota had a thinly disguised and underwhelming new Corolla that looked like a fluffed-up Yaris, Renault finally got into four-wheel drives with its Koleos and previewed the next baby Twingo. Suzuki showed the car it will make in India.Ferrari pulled crowds with the Pininfarina P4/5 custom supercar, as did Alfa Romeo with its 8c Competizione, which will quickly become a hero car for Italy."Europe is still into premium cars," says Michael Simcoe, the Australian design guru who is now based in Detroit with General Motors."All the brands are looking to move up because that's where you get your profit. People are all about being noticed here, so the fuel price doesn't matter."Simcoe had a solid take on Paris, the last serious overseas international show of 2006."This show is growing. GM's presence here is much better than ever before, with a real effort to understand Europe. And it, like all shows around the world, is seeing a lot more non-European stuff. It says a lot about the way the international market is developing."So, too, is the growing emphasis on diesel hero cars, which are driving the economy end of the business in Europe and will soon be making much more of an impact at the top end.But the Audi R8 and the Alfa 8c, which both looked great and are seen as threats to Ferrari and Porsche, were up in lights with old-fashioned petrol power. The Alfa boasts 313kW and a 0-100km/h time that should be in the sub-five second range. The Audi R8 is much more than just another concept car.It, like the Alfa, is a genuine road runner.It is a full-on two-seater with a 309kW, 4.2-litre engine that also punches out 430Nm of torque. The performance numbers are simple and brutal: top speed of 301km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds.There is no news yet on price or delivery dates for Australia, but the R8 should be coming and will stick out in a crowd with its radical body — and the latest use of Audi's confronting frontal treatment.The other production heroes included, surprisingly, the chunky Dodge Nitro and Jeep Commando, which drew plenty of interest to the Americans, the vital new Volvo C30 compact and even the sporty Honda Civic Type R, still only a maybe for Australia.Nissan had the X-Trail based Qashqai that is likely Down Under, but there was no sign of the all-new Smart fortwo, even though Paris is packed with the funky little city runabouts.And then there were the concepts.Ford previewed the adventurous new Mondeo, which should be top of the shopping list for Ford Australia thanks to some of the best design work yet from the blue oval brand. What it does do is point to design elements in the new Falcon, due in 2008.Ford Australia's Sinead McAlary says: "Kinetic design is, if you like, the new global DNA of Ford and elements of it will be evident in the Falcon. That is not to say you are going to see a grille like that on a Falcon but there will be recognisable design language."Citroen was outrageous with its C-Metisse, while Renault tested the water for a rear-drive flagship with its Nepta, while pushing towards showrooms with the Koleos and Twingo, and Peugeot went racy with its 980RC.The Volkswagen Iroc is the template for the return of the Scirocco coupe, and looked brilliant with Kermit-green bodywork. Australians will also see production versions of the Hyundai Arnejs concept, which will be the next Accent, and Kia Cee'd twins — hatch and wagon — before long.Paris also featured lots of Chinese cars. Most looked like early South Korean work, or straight rip-offs of existing models, but demonstrated that the world's fastest growing car brands are looking for international expansion. At least one local importer — Ateco, run by Neville Crichton — took a very close look.