Three Kia Models to be Revealed at Geneva Auto Show

Kia, the Korean auto brand, is already widening its market all over the word. In fact the car maker is showcasing three of its models at the ongoing 77th Salon de l'Automobiles (Geneva Motor Show). These three models are aimed to increase the popularity of the brand among European motorists. The three models making an appearance at the said international motor show are the Kia ex_cee’d Cabrio concept car, the Kia cee'd Sporty wagon, and the Kia Rio Hybrid.

The Cabrio concept car will make its world premiere at the aforementioned event. The convertible is aimed to attract the attention of motorists who are looking for both styling and performance in one reasonably priced package. The convertible stand out against its competition thanks to its use of a design concept from the past. The Kia Cabrio concept opts to employ a fabric roof. While this may seem a move backwards for the car maker, Kia Design Chief Peter Schreyer, the artist behind the ex_cee’d, has this to say: “I’m convinced that the fabric roof will have a renaissance and for me, it is the fabric that is the quintessential element of a truly rewarding Cabrio.”

The second model from Kia to take center stage at the Geneva International Auto Show is the Kia cee'd Sporty Wagon. This is the second installment in the cee'd family following the release of the cee'd hatchback last year. The Sporty Wagon version of the cee'd hatchback offers increased luggage capacity and versatility. The wheelbase of the wagon is increased over that of the hatchback. The tailgate hinge is also moved forward to provide convenient stowing of luggage on the luggage compartment at the back. According to Kia, the Sporty Wagon is essentially a hatchback in terms of performance. Its handling can be compared to the smaller hatchback, but the Sporty Wagon offers better stability thanks to its robust design.

The third Kia model to make an appearance for the first time in European soil is the Kia Rio Hybrid. The Rio is also known as the Kia Pride in other markets. The hybrid version of the Rio is the response of the Korean car maker to the increasing demand for green vehicles all over the world. In Europe, the appearance of the Rio hybrid is timely since the European Union is still hotly debating about the stricter emission standards which is said to be enforced by the year 2015. Aside from reducing the amount of fossil fuel burned by the car’s engine with the aid of an electric motor, Kia further added another feature to make their hybrid even more fuel efficient. The Rio Hybrid is the first Kia vehicle to feature a continuously variable transmission. The use of the technology makes the Rio Hybrid save more fuel. The transfer of power from the engine or electric motor is as smooth and as simple as the operation of a Chevy door handle.