So sayeth market research firm Polk, and I’m tempted to agree. Hyundai and its partner-brand / internal rival Kia have steadily been evolving into truly world-class carmakers. They’re keenly priced, inoffensive to look at and comprehensively covered quality-wise – everything the vast majority of new car buyers want in this day and age.
The company said that its Ford Fiesta rival is "designed to inject emotional appeal into the B-segment, targeting progressive, energetic consumers who want a stand-out design", adding that the new Rio's styling marks “the next big step” in the company’s ongoing design revolution.
But while it's obvious that the new Rio will be a more stylish proposal than the current model, our recent spy shots suggest that Kia's renderings aren't as close to reality as the company would like us to believe.
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"By adding our first-ever hybrid in the U.S. to the Optima lineup we are providing consumers with three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain choices, and continuing KIA's philosophy of offering stylish, value-packed vehicles with outstanding fuel efficiency" said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.
The Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in full-electric mode at speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h). It also has a stop/start function, which eliminates idle fuel consumption and reduces overall emissions.
Now, we all know you can't and you shouldn't buy a car based upon looks or preliminary specs alone. It's the whole package that counts. However, in this case, we simply want to find out which one of these new family sedans captured your attention for the right reasons.
Place your vote in the poll after the jump and be sure to have your say in the comments section.
Kia's funk-o-wagon was modified by "GOGOGEAR" and it features upgraded suspension and tires, plus special strobe lights inside the headlamps, taillights and the light bar.
According to a post on Kia's Korean website (yes, we let do-no-evil Google handle the translation), the Optima's interior will feature "Bio-Care" heated seats, heated steering wheel... [and] a Driver-oriented sporty stylish and ergonomic interior design." That's a lot of adjectives, but it looks the part.
The aesthetics of the Koup are beefed up with a five-piece bodykit that includes a pair of front lip spoiler, chunky side skirts and a discreet boot lid spoiler. The two-door model's looks are complemented by a set of neat 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohoma S-drive tires, and 'R' branded badges and door sills.
What remains questionable is the Kia's C-pillar, which is reminiscent of an upside-down Hofmeister kink. Looks like we're going to have to see that in person; otherwise, looking pretty crisp.
Big news other than the leap forward in design is that, much like the recently-debuted Sportage, the new model is "longer, wider, and lower"; that seems to be the name of the game.
This, along with its longer wheelbase, will provide more space in order to go up against D-segment top dogs like the Passat, Camry, and Mondeo.
Featuring one of the nicest exterior designs to come out of the Kia / Hyundai group, the new Sportage shares its platform and mechanical underpinnings with its Hyundai brethren, the Tucson, or as it is known in Europe, the iX35.
The new Sportage will have four engines, two gasoline and two diesel. Specifically, they'll be 2.0 liters and under (1.7-liter diesel and 1.6-liter gasoline arrive later, and both will be available with Intelligent Stop and Go), while ranging in output from 115 to 163 horsepower and keeping emissions at a low 138g/km.
Not only does this new Sportage represent some of the best style and efficiency in the segment, it's also going to be able to be optioned with quite a bit of kit: LED daytime running lights, HID headlamps, panoramic sunroof, roll-over sensors, cooler-glovebox, Hillstart Assist Control, and Downhill Brake Control.
According to the South Korean automaker, the Venga EV is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 11.8 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 140km/h or 87mph.
The teaser sketches of the 2011 Magentis suggest that the new sedan with the coupe-like roofline will be a much more interesting affair in terms of design than today's model and possibly more sportier looking than the larger Cadenza that will replace the Opirus in the States.
Kia said that the new Magentis will also be longer, lower and wider than the previous model, featuring a significantly longer wheelbase and will offer "considerably more" space for both people and luggage.
The South Korean firm's new proposal in the mid-size sedan segment is scheduled to reach North American shores from autumn 2010, while sales in Europe are expected to begin in the Spring of 2011.
