Kia Introducing New Soul and Urban Concept in Frankfurt

KiaKiaRepublic of Korea, 1944 > present52 models
1724 photos
4 videos
already teased its new Urban Concept that will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but now it is revealing its entire Frankfurt lineup including the liquid petroleum gas-fueled version of the PicantoKia Picanto Gen.2Republic of Korea, 2011 > present49 versions
43 photos
, new generation of the SoulKia Soul Gen.2Republic of Korea, 2013 > present10 versions
23 photos
and refreshed OptimaKia Optima Gen.3Republic of Korea, 2011 > present39 versions
57 photos
3 videos
.

All Kia is saying about the Urban Concept is that is hints at a possible B-segment city car in the future. It has released a single, dark image of the car that makes it appear like a stylish hatchback, but not much has been confirmed yet. Kia’s European design team with the tastes of European buyers in mind.

The second generation Soul follows the first generation’s lead but mixes in the style of the 2012 Track’sterKia Track´sterRepublic of Korea, 2012 > 20125 photos
concept as well.  It will go on sale in the early spring of 2014, and Kia will not reveal more details about its European specifications until them.

“The Soul has attracted a loyal following among Kia buyers, so it was important that the all-new model remained true to the original iconic design,” said Benny Oeyen, head of product planning at Kia Europe.

Kia also has a few updates planned for its cars in Frankfurt. The Picanto will get an LPG-fueled engine option. It is based on Kia’s three-cylinder 1.0-liter gasoline engine and produce 66hp (67ps) and 66lb-ft (90Nm) or torque. It will use 5.8l/100km and emit 100g/km of CO2. The optional start/stop system drops improves economy to 5.6l/100km and 97g/km of CO2.

Kia is also refreshing the European Optima at the Frankfurt show with a refreshed exterior, new infotainment system and better quality materials. The new car gets adaptive dampers for the rear suspension and more soundproofing to reduce interior noise by 3.3 decibels.