Kia Soul Fully Revealed – Equipped with 126 and 142PS engines

Kia has issued a new set of photos that include for the first time the interior along with more technical details of the Soul that’s scheduled to make its worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in a few weeks time. Set to go on sale in global markets early next year, the Korean subcompact car will be offered with a choice of two gasoline engines and one diesel engine with manual or automatic transmission (depending on individual markets).

The most powerful engine of the range will be a 2.0L gasoline unit producing 142 PS at 6,000 rpm and 186 Nm (137-lbs/ft) of torque at 4,600 rpm. This engine can be combined with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. A smaller 1.6L gasoline engine generating 126 PS at 6,300 rpm and 156 Nm (115-lbs/ft) of torque at 4,200 rpm will be offered in most countries, while consumers in Europe and some other markets will also be able to order a 1.6L turbo diesel engine delivering 126 PS at 4,000 rpm and 255 Nm (188-lbs/ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm. Kia notes that some markets will get a 115 PS version of the diesel engine. -Continued

The Korean automaker describes its new model as an ‘urban crossover’ but leaving the marketing hype aside, the Soul is essentially a tall 5-door subcompact mini (or a supermini if you prefer) that manages to stand out thanks to its contemporary design that takes styling cues from crossover models.

The Soul’s overall length is 4,105 mm with a 2,550 mm wheelbase while the overall height is 1,610 mm. Kia says that the base of the windshield is 135 mm higher than a typical compact car while the ground clearance is raised by 45 mm. Despite its compact dimensions, the Korean automaker says that the Soul will ‘accommodate five large adults in genuine comfort’ thanks to its generous headroom (1020/1005 mm front/rear), legroom (1070/990 mm front/rear) and shoulder room (1403/1400 mm front/rear).

Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “Drivers and passengers will be treated to a very unique experience when sitting inside the Soul for the first time. The tall doors and high-mounted seats make for easy access, while the ‘laid-back’ dashboard design, triple dial instrument cluster and thick-rimmed steering wheel create a combination of spaciousness for passengers and tailored fit for the driver, generating a very special ambience.”

The Kia Soul cars destined for the U.S., European and other markets will be manufactured at the Kia Gwangju facility in Korea starting in November 2008.

2009 Renault Megane 5-door Images Leaked on the net!

The first official photos of Renault’s all-new Megane that will compete head on with the 2009 VW Golf VI were leaked into the net by a Spanish website ahead of the compact hatchback’s planned debut at the Paris International Auto Show on October 2. The new Megane’s styling of is more adventurous than that of the recently introduced Laguna but also less divisive that that of the outgoing Megane which let’s face it, wasn’t well received in most European markets. -Continued

As well as the 5-door Megane seen here, Renault will also unveil at the Paris show a sportier 3-door version inspired from the Megane Coupe Concept that we saw at this year’s Geneva Auto Show. In 2009 the Megane’s line-up will be enhanced with the addition of a 4-door sedan, a station-wagon and a convertible version with an electric-folding hardtop.

Via: Motorpasion , Source: KM77

Aston Martin Revives ‘Lagonda’ Brand, first Concept Car due in 2009

About a year after Aston Martin was sold by Ford to a consortium comprised of David Richards from Prodrive, John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co., and the British sports carmaker announced its plans to relaunch the Lagonda marque. The famous nameplate will be used on a series of exclusive luxury cars, the first of which we’ll see in the form of a concept model in 2009, the year that Lagonda celebrates its 100th birthday. The concept car will lead to a production version that is slated to enter global markets in 2012. -Continued

Here’s what Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez had to say about the revival of the Lagonda marquee:

“After my eight years with Aston Martin, four with profitability, and 16 months of independence, it’s time to think about a longer term future. Aston Martin is an honest, authentic brand which builds the most beautiful sportscars combining modern technology with craftsmanship.”

“Next year we will launch the four door Rapide sportscar, and this will be followed by the project ‘one 77’, the most spectacular Aston Martin ever. Aston Martins are currently available in 32 countries but we will remain limited in our market penetration by the pure character of our cars - sportscars.”

“We have now investigated and concluded that the revival of the Lagonda brand would allow us to develop cars which can have a different character than a sportscar, and therefore offer a perfect synergy. Lagonda will use a unique design language as Aston Martin does. We will take elements of DNA from the past but will be very future orientated as we are with Aston Martin. With Lagonda offering exclusive, luxurious and truly versatile products with high quality and usability and suitable for both existing and emerging markets, I believe we can be present in more than 100 countries in the world. “

“In 2009 Lagonda is about to celebrate its 100th birthday and in its centenary year we are confident that we will show the first concept of a car which could be in the market in 2012,” he confirmed.