Category: Kia

Jul 21

2023 Kia Seltos Unveiled: New Features and Competitive Pricing

Introduction of the 2023 Kia Seltos

Kia India has recently unveiled the 2023 Kia Seltos, setting a competitive starting price of ₹10.89 lakh (ex-showroom). This versatile SUV is available with three different powertrains and five transmission options, allowing for a highly customizable driving experience. It is offered in three trim levels: X-line, GT-line, and Tech line, each designed to cater to various preferences and styles.

Detailed Pricing Structure for the 2023 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Kia Seltos presents a comprehensive price range across its various configurations:

  • 1.5L NA Petrol Variants range from ₹10.90 lakh for the base HTE 6-speed manual to ₹16.60 lakh for the HTX CVT.
  • 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol Models start at ₹15.00 lakh for the HTK+ 6-speed iMT, extending up to ₹20.00 lakh for the X-Line 7-speed DCT.
  • 1.5L Diesel Options begin at ₹12.00 lakh for the HTE 6-speed iMT and go up to ₹20.00 lakh for the X-Line 6-speed AT.

These models are available in eight striking colors, including two dual-tone options and a unique matte graphite.

Performance and Design Enhancements

Underneath the hood, the Seltos facelift provides a choice between a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-liter diesel engine, and a new 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine, with transmission options ranging from a standard six-speed manual to a more advanced seven-speed DCT. The exterior sees significant updates with a new grille, modern LED DRLs, and a revamped bumper that underscores the SUV’s robust aesthetics.

In terms of interior luxury, the Seltos facelift boasts a new 10.25-inch fully digital instrument console and an equivalent-sized touchscreen infotainment system enhanced with Alexa-powered smart home connectivity. Additional premium features include a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and an adjustable driver’s seat, ensuring both comfort and convenience.

In summary, the updated Kia Seltos combines elegant design with advanced technology and performance upgrades, making it an attractive choice for SUV buyers looking for quality and value in the competitive 2023 market.

Jul 20

4 Unexpected Rivals Surpassing the Kia Telluride in Popularity This Year

Honda Pilot: Leading with New Appeal

This year, the Honda Pilot has edged out the Kia Telluride in sales, with 55,783 units sold. Its slight lead over the Telluride, combined with a redesign that has added about three inches in length, has contributed to its increased popularity. Enhanced third-row legroom and a competitive cargo capacity make the Pilot a notable alternative, offering a blend of updated features and practicality.

Chevy Traverse: A Strong Contender

The Chevy Traverse, with 68,681 units sold, outpaces the Telluride significantly. Its robust 310-hp V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission provide a dynamic driving experience, complemented by generous third-row legroom. While its interior features more plastic components, the Traverse’s additional cargo space and versatile driving modes enhance its appeal.

Chrysler Pacifica: The Minivan Advantage

The Chrysler Pacifica has garnered impressive sales of 73,845 units this year, outperforming the Telluride. Priced slightly lower and offering seating for seven with substantial third-row legroom, the Pacifica stands out with its innovative Stow ‘n Go system for versatile cargo and seating arrangements. Its optional all-wheel drive and plush ride quality contribute to its growing popularity.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Dominating the Market

Leading the pack is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with nearly 125,000 units sold. This SUV combines a standard 293-hp engine with an optional 357-hp V8 for powerful performance. Its luxurious interior and advanced off-roading capabilities make it a top choice, despite offering less cargo space compared to the Telluride.

Jul 20

2025 Kia EV5 SUV: Is Kia on a Roll or What?

WHAT IT IS: Kia has a multistage strategy for capturing a large slice of the EV market across several tiers, and the Kia EV5 SUV is the next step in the automaker’s master plan. The company revealed the EV5 concept in March with the promise of being the brand’s next “true” electrified SUV. It will be less sporty than the performance flagship EV6 and not as massive as the upcoming EV9 three-row SUV.

WHY IT MATTERS: The real battle for SUV market share happens in the midsize category—three-row SUVs are great for cargo and extra passengers, but most families opt for two-row models. This means the EV5 is critical in Kia’s battle against the likes of Tesla’s Model Y, Chevrolet’s Blazer EV, Volkswagen’s ID4, and other contenders.

PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN: Like the EV6 and EV9, the EV5 will be built on the E-GMP platform Kia shares with Hyundai. Thanks to its modular design, the platform will be adapted for the EV5’s intended footprint. We expect the EV5 to use the same 76.1-kW battery that will come standard in the EV9, and it should make its debut with a single motor that will produce roughly 215 hp.

Jul 12

Kia’s $200M Investment in Georgia: New Electric SUV and Job Creation

Major Expansion for Kia’s Georgia Plant

Kia’s announcement of a $200 million expansion at its West Point, Georgia, plant marks the company’s largest investment in the state since its arrival nearly 15 years ago. The new investment will focus on producing the EV9, Kia’s first three-row electric SUV, starting in the second quarter of next year. This expansion is expected to create 200 new jobs, further bolstering the local economy.

Boosting Local Economy and Enhancing EV Production

Governor Brian Kemp praised Kia’s commitment to Georgia, highlighting the benefits of the project for local job creation and the state’s goal to become a leader in e-mobility. The West Point facility, which opened in 2009, now employs over 2,700 people and supports a regional network of more than 14,000 jobs. This expansion, coupled with the future battery production in Bartow County and Hyundai’s nearby factory, underscores Georgia’s growing prominence in the electric vehicle sector.

Kia’s EV9 and Future Prospects

The EV9 is set to join Kia’s lineup alongside the Telluride, Sorento, Sportage, and K5 models produced in West Point. As Kia’s most innovative vehicle to date, the EV9 aims to match the success of the Telluride, offering new levels of performance and design in the EV market. While specific pricing details are yet to be announced, the vehicle is expected to qualify for federal tax incentives, making it an attractive option for consumers interested in electric SUVs.

Jul 12

Kia expands Georgia plant to produce electric EV9 SUV with $200M investment

Kia is expanding its only manufacturing plant in the US to make room for its first electric three-row SUV. The Kia EV9 will be the automaker’s first EV assembled in North America. Assembly will begin at its West Point, Georgia, plant next year.

Kia to build EV9 electric SUV at West Point, Georgia

Kia announced an over $200 million expansion Wednesday, creating nearly 200 additional jobs in the area.

The EV9 will be the fifth model assembled at its Georgia facility but the first all-electric vehicle to join the lineup. Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America, said the “EV9 has the potential to be another ‘game changer’ for Kia.” He added:

This will be the most sophisticated vehicle that we have ever built and will be a standout in the EV market and on the road. Best of all, it will be assembled in West Point, Georgia.

In March, Kia officially unveiled the EV9 electric SUV, garnering praise for its bold design and advanced features.

Meet Kia’s first EV set for assembly in the US

The EV9 is the largest electric car from Kia so far and its first three-row electric SUV. Kia says the EV9 is reshaping the company with a “bold vision for the new era of electrification.”

As such, the EV9 includes some of the latest in-vehicle technology, including Kia’s most advanced Highway Driving Pilot, OTA updates, onboard power generator functionality (V2L), and ultra-wideband-based Digital Key.

Despite the advancements, Kia is not stepping away from the segment, claiming the EV9 offers “true SUV capabilities.” These include 7.8-inch ground clearance, up to 81.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, up to 5,000 lbs towing capacity, and available torque-vectoring dual-motor AWD.

Based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s 800-volt E-GMP platform (the same one used to power the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kia EV6), the EV9 includes fast-charging capabilities, designed to go from 10% to 80% charge (adding 148 miles of driving range) in under 25 minutes.

The EV9 will be available in two powertrain options. The standard is a 76.1 kWh battery (fourth-generation) with a 215 hp (160 kW) motor. In addition, a 99.8 kWh battery pack will be offered with a single motor, targeting 300 miles range, or a dual-motor 379 hp torque-vectoring AWD configuration with 516 lb-ft of torque.

Kia is expected to begin assembling the EV9 at its West Point, Georgia, plant starting in the second quarter of 2024. The automaker began delivering the electric SUV to customers in South Korea last month, gathering 13,000 preorders in its first eight days on the market.

Although Kia has yet to release prices for the US market, we expect that, based on the first European prices, the EV9 will start around $65,000 to $70,000 for the larger battery pack and around $60,000 for the standard model.

Jul 12

Kia’s $200 Million Investment in Georgia Plant to Drive Electric SUV Production

Major Expansion for Kia’s Georgia Facility

Kia Corp. has announced a significant $200 million investment in its Georgia manufacturing plant to launch production of its new electric SUV, the EV9. This expansion, set to begin in early 2024, will see the addition of 200 new jobs and aims to ramp up production at the facility in West Point, Georgia. The plant, currently producing popular models like the Telluride and Sorrento SUVs, will also see a boost in its annual output, which stands at 340,000 vehicles.

Impact on Local Economy and Industry

The EV9, anticipated to be a game-changer for Kia, is expected to mirror the success of the Telluride, which significantly boosted the brand’s sales upon its debut in 2019. As Kia ramps up its electric vehicle offerings, it aligns with Hyundai Motor Group’s broader push into the EV market, which includes substantial investments in nearby facilities. Despite challenges related to federal tax credits for electric vehicles, Georgia continues to be a focal point in the electric vehicle industry, benefiting from significant investments and job creation in the sector.

The investment will be complemented by state-supported worker training programs, with Kia potentially receiving up to $1.75 million in state tax credits. This move reinforces Georgia’s position as a key player in the electric vehicle boom, with numerous projects fueling economic growth and job opportunities across the state.

Jul 12

Kia’s $200 Million Boost to Georgia Plant to Launch EV9 SUV in 2024

Significant Investment to Drive Local Economy

On July 12, Kia announced a major investment of over $200 million in its Georgia assembly plant, set to begin production of the all-new EV9 SUV in 2024. This strategic move will add approximately 200 new jobs at the West Point facility, which will now assemble its first electric vehicle in North America alongside its existing models. This expansion is expected to significantly boost local employment and solidify the plant’s role in Kia’s growing EV portfolio.

Meeting New Tax Credit Requirements

The decision to produce the EV9 in the U.S. aligns with new regulations that offer up to $7,500 in federal tax credits for electric vehicles manufactured domestically. By meeting this requirement, Kia not only enhances its product lineup but also positions itself to benefit from U.S. consumer incentives. This investment underscores Kia’s commitment to both innovation and economic growth in the region.