KIA NIRO ELECTRIC SPORT

Kia Niro is a small to medium-sized, five-seat SUV that comes in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully-electric form. All things considered, this is the first electric vehicle we’d actually consider buying. As a daily driver, it’s doable — and here’s why. STYLING Niro is priced from $39,990 for the hybrid, but the one we are interested in — the Niro Pure Electric — starts from $62,590. There are two grades to choose from: S ($62,590) and Sport ($65,990). Premium paint adds $520 and includes all colours apart from Clear White… Read more

NEXT GENERATION KIA NIRO

Kia has provided information on its next generation Niro, telling us that it demonstrates the company’s rapid progress in becoming a global sustainable mobility solutions provider. Based on the third-generation platform, the new Niro benefits from a larger body to provide more interior space and storage capacity. As is common in almost all new models the Niro’s dimensions have grown over its predecessor, with a length measuring 4,420mm, a width of 1,825mm, a height of 1,545mm, and a wheelbase of 2,720mm. It will be offered in several electrified powertrains with… Read more

KIA’S FIRST PURE ELECTRIC VEHICLE IS UNDER TEST DOWNUNDER

Kia’s first dedicated BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) has been subjected to Kia Australia’s rigorous Ride and Handling Program. The company’s Australia’s Ride and Handling Engineer, Graeme Gambold, who has localised the ride of over 50 Kia models during the last 10 years, came away astonished by the performance of the EV6. “I just love driving the Kia EV6, it’s a car that just wants corners. It is so engaging and so rewarding to drive. “Personally, as a chassis dynamist, I think the biggest part of that enjoyment is the width… Read more

KIA BRAND MAKES ITS MARK, BUT . . .

Is it not unchallengeable that a car with a name like a wood-fired Italian pizza – Cerato – should come in for some spicing up, especially if it takes on a ‘sport’ suffix? The proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating and in the case of the upgraded small hatch and sedan from Kia it sadly falls short of sporting expectations. In line with its recent rebranding, Kia has juggled, sort of, what had become its best-selling vehicle. Four models – S, Sport, Sport + and… Read more

2022 KIA SPORTAGE GT-LINE

Kia Sportage is almost an ‘oldtimer’ in this day and age, having been around since 1993. It’s undergone quite a few upgrades and changes in almost 30 years on the market. The fifth generation is built on a new architecture and has fascinating styling. It’s no longer aimed at buyers who simply want to move people, it’s designed to be stylish and even slightly upmarket in people’s minds. STYLING The classic Kia Tiger Nose grille and boomerang-shaped daytime running lamps make a real styling statement. At the rear it has… Read more

ALL-NEW KIA SPORTAGE

Kia has launched its all-new Sportage mid-sized SUV. It’s the fifth generation of one of Kia’s most popular vehicles and its first SUV, having been on sale here since 1997. Sportage sales have declined steadily in the past few years, partly because of new models and upgrades in its highly-competitive market segment but also with existing Kia owners downsizing to the newer and smaller siblings Seltos and Stonic. Then, there will no doubt be others who have been holding off for this important upgraded model. As before, Gen 5 Sportage… Read more

KIA SORENTO 2009-2020

Kia Sorento is a medium-large SUV that’s been popular in Australia for many years. The second generation arrived in Australia in November 2009 and uses a monocoque rather than a body-on-chassis setup to provide extra comfort. Like many in this vehicle class the Sorento is a bought by those looking for a station wagon, not a 4WD. Kia Sorento’s suspension and steering have significant Australian engineering input. This firms it up in road grip without any obvious loss of comfort. It handles dirt tracks with ease and can be used… Read more

KIA NIRO SPORT PHEV

Kia Australia has launched into its electric future in a big way with Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and full-electric versions of the Niro crossover SUV. Each of the three powertrains is offered in two trims, S and Sport. Our road test review was of the Hybrid version in Sport trim. We feel it’s the one we feel is most likely to appeal to typical folks concerned about minimising air pollution, but unable, or unwilling to pay the almost $17,000 more for the full electric version. Again, it’s time for me to… Read more

KIA SORENTO PLUG-IN HYBRID INTRODUCED

The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid GT-Line is a low emissions version of the big selling Korean SUV. It’s the first electrified model in the Sorento line-up with its powertrain combining a turbocharged engine with a high-capacity battery pack and high output electric motor. With a fully charged battery pack, the powertrain enables drivers to complete shorter drives on all-electric, zero-emissions power. Thus, you can drive a Sorento out of covered carparks such as those in major shopping centres and high-rise apartments. The fourth generation Sorento was designed from the outset… Read more

SEDAN LAPS UP MORE STING IN TAIL

The Stinger GT has a new spring in its step and added sting in the tail, thanks to a new factory-developed exhaust system and LED combination tail lamp layout, plus upgraded safety tech. The Kia MY21 sports sedan flag bearer heads a rejigged range, with a choice of a four-cylinder or V6 engine, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The twin-turbo V6 powered Kia has forging a strong link with police services around Australia as an operational intercept and road command vehicle. Buyers can get to experience… Read more