Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Following the previous Kia rumors, new information about the product line-up has leaked onto the web.
2008:
Forte:
Sales of the compact sedan will begin on the 22nd August in South Korea. U.S will commence during mid-2009.
2009:
This year will bring facelift for the Rio supermini and Sportage SUV.
2010:
Rio:
A Europe-only redesign of the Rio (codenamed UB) will be released in November to compete with the Hyundai i20, Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio.
Sportage:
Codenamed "SL", the next Sportage will be redesigned and will be released in February.
Forte coupe:
The Forte coupe will join the Kia line-up in 2010. Engines will be taken from the Forte sedan.
Magentis/Optima/Lotze:
The Magentis, known internally as "TF" will debut in May. Expect a plushier interior to compete with European rivals.
Mid-sized sedan:
A upmarket mid-sized sedan will be available in 2010. The "VG" is designed by Peter Schreyer and will related closely to Hyundai's Grandeur/Azera.
Amanti/Opirus replacement:
The flagship sedan of the Kia range will be codenamed either "CH" and will arrive in September. Engines will be used from the Hyundai Genesis and the Hyundai i70 large sedan. If you want it in the UK, don't hold your breath, however, European sales hasn't been ruled out.
2011:
Picanto/Morning:
Otherwise known as the (JA) internally will be redesigned in April.
Rio/Pride:
The new Rio (LB) will be fully redesigned for the world market and should be on sale by January in the North American and South Korean markets.
Cee'd:
The Cee'd (JD) will undergo a full refresh in December but just like the Sedona, expect a facelift before the second generation.
Sedona/Carnival:
The Sedona (YP) will be redesigned in June, although we could expect a minor facelift just before.
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