Kia at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

We continue walking through the various halls and stands at the Frankfurt Motor Show until we stop at the South Korean brand Kia. Here we can discover two models that have been renewed for this occasion, such as the Optima and the Soul, which will go on sale from the first quarter of next year.

Alongside these two new models we also find a concept, the Kia Niro, a prototype that will possibly serve as the basis for a future B-segment model. The latest major novelty is the brand’s ecological commitment with the Kia Picanto bi-fuel LPG.

Optima

The renewed Kia Optima arrives at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the idea of trying to rival the reference models in the D-segment. Better design, new entertainment and safety systems, together with higher-quality materials and premium finishes, are the attributes with which Kia will try to carve out a place in this competitive segment. Externally the changes are minimal and aimed at adapting the model to European taste. At the front it features new LED light clusters and receives new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, customers can equip the Sport Pack, which adds details to the grille, 18-inch wheels of specific design together with a darkened diffuser and chrome details that accentuate the aggressive character of the Kia Optima.

Once inside the Optima we find finishes that improve in quality and a more refined design. The entertainment system is headlined by a 7-inch screen and the steering wheel is new. The brand’s engineers have reduced road noise through adjustments to the rear suspension dampers, which allows noise to be reduced by 3.3 dB. In terms of mechanicals, the novelty is the 1.7-litre diesel engine, which manages to reduce emissions to 133 g/km, and down to 128 g/km when fitted with the ISG (intelligent stop & go) system. The Kia Optima will possibly reach dealerships from the first quarter of 2014.

Soul

The next novelty we find on the stand is the second generation of the Soul, a model whose design leaves no one indifferent. In the words of one of the executives, “The Soul has earned an unconditional following among Kia buyers, so it was very important that the new model remain faithful to its original and iconic design,” which is why its design remains unchanged from the first generation.

The Kia Soul on display at the stand features a body that combines the main colour with black on elements such as the tailgate, the bumper and the wheel arches. The new Kia Soul will go on sale from spring of next year, and that is when the brand will specify the engine range, consumption figures, equipment, technical specifications and prices.

Kia Picanto bi-fuel LPG

In response to growing customer demand for urban cars with low consumption and maintenance costs, Kia presents the Picanto bi-fuel LPG. This version features a variant of the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine that develops around 67 CV of power and 90 Nm of torque. Its consumption figures in LPG mode are 5.8 l/100 km and emissions of 100 g/km, while the models equipped with the ISG system achieve 5.6 l/100 km and 97 g/km.

As is already customary in these LPG versions, the Kia Picanto has a 35-litre petrol tank plus an additional 27-litre LPG tank that sits in the space that would normally house the spare wheel. For now, this type of vehicle is not being received in Spain as the brands had hoped, so Kia will not launch it in our country for the time being, although it can be seen in Germany, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands. According to its market research, this version could account for around 7% of total Picanto sales.

Niro Concept

The latest novelty comes in the form of a concept known as the Kia Niro. This concept stands out for its compact dimensions and fairly tall body. According to the brand itself, the Kia Niro combines a “mischievous” character with an attractive and sturdy figure. It also features a mix of different materials, in which there is no shortage of stainless steel elements, all within compact and practical dimensions. The aim of this concept is to gauge the response of potential customers ahead of future models from the brand.

Images | Highmotor team