Kia e-Soul: the details of the electric crossover | Geneva Motor Show 2019

KIA e-Soul

Previewed at the Geneva Motor Show in conjunction with the mysterious Kia electric concept , the third generation of the Kia Soul compact crossover will be marketed in the old one only in the electric version e-Soul .

Buyers will be able to choose between two different battery pack cuts (39 kWh and 64 kWh) with a powertrain that therefore derives from the one already used on Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro ( HERE our video preview of Kia e-Niro ). Compared to the previous Soul EV, performance (395 Nm of torque) improved by 39%, but also increased autonomy, thanks to the new generation lithium polymer batteries, optimized in energy density (250 Wh / kg, or 25 % more than the current).

On the 64 kWh version the engine develops 150 kW of power (204 hp), while the declared autonomy is 452 km (combined cycle WLTP). All with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.6 seconds. On the other side, on the 39 kWh variant, the engine delivers 100 kW (136 hp) and the range drops to 277 km . The torque value of 395 Nm is unchanged. Charging takes place at 80% in 42 minutes , thanks to the quick charger with CCS Combo standard that can support powers up to 100 kW .

e-Soul is proposing an advanced energy recovery system for energy coming from cooling systems (energy to be reused, for example for the heat pump). An "intelligent" heat pump that can choose to send air flows only to the driver when only his presence in the car is detected.

e-Soul is also equipped as standard with the regenerative braking system of Kia , driven by steering-wheel levers, the same principle that we also find on Hyundai Kona Electric, further developed. The driver can in fact choose between five levels of regenerative braking (none, from 1 to 3, or 'single pedal' mode). In single-pedal mode, the driver can completely stop the car by simply releasing the accelerator pedal.

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Preview Kia Stonic: the proof of the Korean SUV B

Urban crossover, so it is called Kia Stonic, the B SUV that represents the proposal of Koreans in this segment destined to grow in the future. Some claim that the high-wheel car will also dominate the B-segment, embracing the demands of a market that seems to appreciate the look of the crossover and the raised driving position.

So Kia interprets the question by answering with Stonic , a car that - like many colleagues - takes from the world of SUVs only the name but completely leaves aside more or less sophisticated all-wheel drive systems. Here the goal is a model for a young public, also made to travel thanks to a good habitability and with engines that are strictly children of the philosophy of downsizing.

Infotainment and interior

The interior is curious for the choice of Kia to create a bridge between past and future. If the dashboard becomes so dominated by the 7-inch infotainment display , compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay , the buttons remain. Unlike many who try to make them disappear or reduce to a minimum, Kia prefers to surround the display with nice buttons easy to reach: the touchscreen is comfortable, but nothing moves on the traditional keys in terms of speed of use and reduction of distractions.

Choice appreciated less by design lovers, more by those who look at the practical side. And the practical side is the winning one also in the lower section: reducing the space occupied by the automatic climate controls has allowed to create two rooms : the first is the traditional "cockpit", large for larger smartphones , and the second is a shelf where an S7 Edge is placed without problems so that you can place a second smartphone, your wallet or any other small object. Look at the images of the video to realize how much space there is ... not unimportant! Not enough for you? Just to mention the useful things in everyday life, there is also the eyeglass holder on the upper part of the passenger compartment.

If in the central section of the dashboard the choice halfway between the traditional and the innovative convinces, someone could complain of an excessive attachment to the past for the instrumentation that still maintains the analogs. Polo has also put it on a B segment and T-Cross will do the same for the B SUV but the digital instrumentation is still an exclusive endowment of the richer productions, and with Stonic the philosophy is to keep prices affordable. Here on Stonic you have to settle for a central screen that shows all the information needed by the pilot. Reactive the infotainment with a simple and immediate interface that shows some slight slowdown only when it has to work with Android Auto because of the times of mirroring.

The upper part of the cockpit offers the usual materials more cared for than the Spartan plastics of the lower section: choice understandable on this segment but it is not understandable that, for the plastic surrounding the controls of electric windows, you have chosen to insert a material that holds the fingerprints ... just in a part where the hand is positioned more often! Why Kia ... why?

The boot section gives Stonic a full enough. 350 liters are not at the top for a B-segment crossover but there is a clarification: first Kia has chosen to stay in compact size (4.14 meters) and then has privileged the pace for habitability. However, the left pocket is very comfortable, there is a practical double bottom and you only have to pay a load threshold not very low.

A crossover at affordable prices

For this we first tackle the "list" chapter and then move on to the driving dynamics. Stonic Urban , the entry-level entry, starts at € 16,250 with the 100 hp aspirated, € 17,250 with the 120-horsepower 120 hp and € 18,750 with the 110-hp and 1.6-liter diesel. These figures include the 7-year warranty, infotainment already standard and with Android Auto and CarPlay, manual climate, bluetooth, volanto commands, light sensors, adjustable and heated electric mirrors, USB and AUX.

Style costs respectively 17.750, 18.750 or 20.250EUR and adds alloy wheels, electric windows for all four windows, cruise control and limiter, fog lights, second USB socket, leather gear, DAB radio, rear view camera and parking sensors. Energy is only for the two turbo engines: at 21.250 or 22.750EUR there are 17 wheels, automatic climate, navigation system, LED daytime running lights, aluminum pedals, automatic high beam, rain sensor, automatic braking with pedestrian recognition, lane monitoring , keyless, tinted windows, perforated leather steering wheel and driver's attention monitoring.

The 84-horsepower petrol, specific for novice drivers, follows the prices of the 1.4-liter MPI.

Road test

So let's talk about the first impressions from the road test. The comfort chapter comes out as regards the spaces: on board you are wide , in four you will not have problems in height or depth and the fifth can stay there even for a short trip. As usual, in segment B, speaking of long trips in five is forbidden and Stonic certainly does not revolutionize this assumption. The seats look at savings and can be seen in terms of ergonomics. Slightly enveloping and flat bottom, still manage to ensure a good comfort because the suspensions help in reducing the roll, to the minimum for this segment .

Engine chapter : the test featured the two turbos, petrol and diesel. The petrol seems slightly greedier than average fuel but the test was too short to draw conclusions. Easier to draw conclusions on the performances that, with 120 horses, make Stonic agile in all situations, perfect for city driving but also for out-of-town, able to not feel the weight of the crossover and with a shooting overtaking in fifth on the highway. The diesel does not make the 10 horses miss too much because it compensates with its typical low-end torque: higher and available first (260 Nm between 1,500 and 2,700 rpm). This is a different driving style that has pros and cons, what is certain is that consumption decreases for those traveling on longer suburban routes.

The soundproofing could be better taken care of: at highway speeds the aerodynamic noise and the rolling of the tires enter the passenger compartment, which is not the case with the noise of the diesel engine or petrol. Finally, the structure convinces : the car does not disdain sport driving, where for sports it means cheerful and fun, certainly not devoted to performance. Even among the curves of the mixed race a reduced roll and an estate that is never questioned, thanks to the specific suspensions and the frame, travel well.

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New Kia Picanto, test drive

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the new model of access to the Korean house is now in its second generation. A car from 2004 (year of launch) has reinvented the concept and spirit of the city car. Over the past six years, Kia has increased global sales by 114%, showing only a +26% in 2010 (with Hyundai) reaching fifth place among the major manufacturers. With over 1.1 million units produced, Picanto boasts an undeniable sales success and a widespread appreciation of the "experts", having contributed significantly to strengthening the brand image, especially in the most attractive markets for this kind of compact cars. In Italy more than 73,000 cars sold. Now this second generation, completely redesigned, not only aims to collect the legacy of its predecessor, but also and above all to create an even greater interest, involving new groups of potential customers, in particular young people and all car enthusiasts very careful design and quality.

Picanto is presented now as a family of models, with two body variants: the obligatory five-door and three doors to a younger audience.

The salient features of the new Picanto is the increase in size and the longer wheelbase than the first generation, with obvious advantages in terms of roominess and load capacity that make it particularly competitive in a global market sector that absorbs about 2.4 million vehicles globally.

With the new design improves space, style and aerodynamics

in recent years Kia has experienced a substantial transformation of the design of their cars, speeding up the search path of the avant-garde stylistic trends. This process began with a striking symbol of modernity as the Soul, has progressed at an accelerated pace, punctuated by models such as the come and the new Sportage. As a newcomer in the family Kia, the Picanto offers a further bold step forward, able to attract the attention and curiosity with an even more dynamic design.

Already at first glance Picanto expresses vitality, strength and a strong personality that manifests itself even in the face, characterized by the unmistakable family resemblance Kia. Movement from the front take the slender side, marked by clean lines and elusive. Compared to the previous generation, the length is increased by 15 mm, just like the pace. Therefore, the footprint longitudinal total of 3.595 meters with a width that, if only for half an inch, does not exceed six feet. Even within the available space of the five passengers has increased, just as the boot volume, increased by 27%, up to the capacity (in a "five-seat") of 200 liters, arriving at 870 folding down the backrests the rear seat. With the attention paid to every detail of the vehicle body, aerodynamic drag has been reduced substantially, so as to obtain a value of all respect, equal to a value of 0.31 Cd.

A new reference for the category with the comfort of a "great"

The interior is another strong point of the new Picanto, both at the design for the attention paid to detail, called to make life on board and driving the enjoyable as possible. Each buyer can choose from four levels of equipment to which they correspond as many ways to live a modern city car: essential, practical, or even refined luxury. The four versions, identified by the names Easy, City Life and Trendy, representing increasing levels in the range of accessories to offer the customer an offer clear and well identified, which simplifies the choice. The new Picanto Easy, that is the version of ' access, is already offering qualifying elements such as six airbags, electronic assistance dynamic generation (abs, ebd, bas ess), power steering, adjustable steering wheel height, asymmetrically folding rear seat with 60/40 canopy tonneau cover and trip computer. Version City, in turn, is characterized by a very attractive balance between price and equipment which include, as standard, electric front windows, central locking, manual air conditioning with air filter incoming air, height-adjustable driver's seat , color-keyed bumpers and inserts "Metal Look". The next step, style, tone adds a further refinement and enhanced standard equipment with the radio with four speakers and MP3 CDs, USB and iPod ® connection, front fog lights, tachometer, door handles and exterior mirrors in body color.

The most complete, Trendy, is enriched by the steering wheel and shift knob partially coated leather, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric windows for the rear windows, LED daytime running lights with "Autolight control" function and "follow me home" and central locking with remote control (with the alarm-) integrated into the ignition key which is collapsible. To further enhance the driving comfort of the Picanto has been adopted all possible measures to reduce any kind of noise or vibration, hydraulic supports for the engine and transmission, three-layer insulation at the dashboard, double seals at the doors and dampers in the binding of the side mirrors.

New engine 1000 for a sporty driving and economic

engine of the new Kia Picanto, the family "Kappa", is characterized by high efficiency combined with a particularly lively in every operating condition. The brilliant three-cylinder of 998 cc., With its 51 kW/69 hp at 6,200 rpm 'and 95 Nm / 9.7 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm', ensures all the liveliness in all conditions necessary in city driving and never affect consumption, which are maintained on all levels of interest with a mileage of 23.8 km with a well-liter of fuel in combined cycle and a CO2 emissions level certificate of just 99 g / km. For this engine, Kia Motors has also developed a special version with 82 hp LPG available later this year.

Dynamic handling unusual

designing the new Picanto engineers have focused on the evolution of the frame so as to obtain a particularly agile road manners and pleasant, as well as improve the absorption and overall comfort. The front McPherson strut geometry has a new, more flexible springs and a 12% greater excursion of the wheels at the rear trailing arms interconnected diagram has the "torsion" of 60% stiffer, softer springs, and 29% elastic supports larger. The result of these changes is reduced understeer and improved steering precision. The braking system is standard on four discs in specimens fitted with stability control ESC and the system offers as standard ABS, Emergency Brake Assist and electronic brake-force distribution on both axles. More safe for passengers and pedestrians The new shell is made ​​with generous use of high strength steels, while the structure of the uprights at two elements have been integrated with the function of rollbar to stiffen and protect the passenger volume. So much so that at the front to the rear suspension of attacks have been reinforced with additional elements that further stiffen the body, improving the safety level of steering precision and smoothness of operation. In case of accident all passengers enjoy a particularly high level of security, unusual for this class of cars, but rather in line with the standards of higher segment cars. The standard equipment includes in fact, in addition to safety belts with pretensioners six airbags (front, side and slightly posterior), which provide the best protection of the head and chest in the presence of any type of impact. Moreover, in the violent and sudden braking, the system ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) automatically activates the hazard warning lights to alert other motorists that follow and prevent the risk of collisions.

Finally, to best meet the increasingly stringent standards on pedestrian safety, the new Picanto is equipped with a side of safety under the front bumper, while in front of the windshield has been created a zone of shock absorption, so as to further optimize pedestrian protection in case of investment. Precisely for this reason it was created a specific area of ​​deformation of the body, obtained by moving the locking side of the bonnet.

The Picanto security sweeps at 360 °, however, also arriving to ensure peace of mind throughout the life cycle of the car. This is made ​​possible by the now famous Kia warranty of 7 years or 150,000 km which in fact it protects against unpleasant surprises in a clear and lasting. This coverage is, of course, valid for all versions of the Picanto and transferred to subsequent owners of the car, along with contributing to the high overall quality to enhance significantly the maintenance of a high resale value on the used market. Prices How to prices, the Picanto Easy has a price of 9,200 euros, the City costs 10,500 euros, the Style Trendy 11,200 and 12,050. To launch a campaign was launched which provides a general and unconditional discount of 1,500 euros. The entry fee goes down well to 7,700 euros, which together with the guarantee of 7 years or 150,000 km is a strength of the competition.

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Kia GT, the new study rear-drive sports sedan

Powerful, dynamic and forward-looking new saloon in Frankfurt as a concept proposal is another indication of Kia's stylistic evolution. A rear-drive sports sedan, a first for the brand, which combines sleek proportions and energetic with a refined and elegant interior, capable of seating four passengers. Kia GT Concept is the result of work started in November 2010 around the idea of a rear wheel drive sports car that time, the designers of Central European style cultivated. " This prototype allows us to explore new and exciting design themes, starting from different proportions that characterize the pattern than the traditional rear-wheel drive front-wheel drive " , said the head of Kia design, Peter Schreyer, "the classical configuration of the sports sedan with front engine and rear wheel drive, has a strong appeal for fans all over the world, in Korea, as in Europe and the United States. "

He is echoed by the Director of European Design Centre Gregory Guillaume: "In dealing with this project, the team of designers inspired by the famous GT has 70 years, rich and elegant car, capable of carrying passengers from Paris to the Cote d'Azur and quickly" in style ". We wanted to create something that will reclaim the style of travel, car performance and refined, but not excessively exciting. "

The dynamic view is based on the many references that characterize the aero body: the wheel rims, aluminum and carbon composite propeller design, small cameras instead of mirrors, the efficient diffuser in the rear, the shape of the air intakes front and the wings that emerge from the spoiler and join with the headlights.

Many motifs are inspired by the beauty Kee prototype, exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007 and reconfirms the strength of the stylistic design elements that recall by Kia Kee is the prototype of both the Pop (introduced in 2010) with total stylistic consistency despite the substantial differences between the two projects.

One of the objectives was to give William Schreyer and in this study that leads immediately to the idea of ​​the proportions of rear-drive sports sedan. Hence the long hood, the reduced front overhang, the cockpit moved back with "shoulders" robust and short tail.

The profile of the GT Athletic flows from the front pillar to the tail with a continuous line that emphasizes the development of the roof to the rear trunk, using a profile copper graphically accentuates the trend of the glass surface, from the small window at the windshield pillar to the rear window.

The idea of ​​using the copper came after a visit of specialists Kia of colors and materials to the DMY International Design Festival Berlin, the largest event dedicated to conceptual design in Germany, where this metal was featured for its "hot "This effect is balanced by the freshness of color that reacts to light silver mica light, creating surprising nuances.

From any angle you look at it, Kia GT expresses a clear sense of solidity and coherence in all directions, according to the design philosophy indicated by Schreyer and the general impression of solidity is further accented by the roof that extends beyond the incorporating the rear window pillar, with the result of making the car look even more "squashed" on the ground.

The view is enhanced by many special surprising. The calipers finished in copper recall the profile that emphasizes the cockpit, the trend goes on top of the windshield on the roof, creating two increases that increase the headroom for driver and passenger, while the shape of the bonnet bulge form a discrete which implies the potential of the powertrain.

Both William Schreyer and are particularly proud of the headlights of the GT accents at the front alongside the typical grid surrounded by an aluminum profile. Each projector has six groups of LED lights that create a powerful and feature, this setting is reflected in the advanced rear lights with a trend-wing groups which are inserted three pillars of light.

The front doors and rear-hinged opening at a slight angle upwards so as to give the car that Schreyer calls "a sense of beauty and confidence."

Despite the low height, the roofline and subtle glazing, the architecture of the body is able to create a welcoming and spacious interior with generous interior space for four people. 

The chairs are suspended on supports single arch that accentuate the feeling of spaciousness. The Kia's designers have deliberately increased the footprint of the center tunnel to enhance the feeling of sportiness and power, and at the same time obtained an environment created around the driver but away from the usual concept of a full console commands.

The dashboard transparent, similar to that proposed for the first time Pop on the prototype, consists of three layers of LEDs - that create a three-dimensional but also may show a large amount of information without the usual recourse to a large number of spies and switches. The selection of information to be represented on the dashboard is via fingertip controls located on the small three-spoke steering wheel. 

This sophisticated instrument panel is suspended above the massive center console in order to increase the feeling of spaciousness. The big red starter button and the rotary switch of the transmission are combined into a single element in order to further reduce the clutter of controls on the center console. 

The images taken by the two are reproduced in two small LED screens arranged in a position clearly visible on goalkeeper.

The warm reflections of the copper used for the profile around the line of windows recall the color of the skin treated with metallic suede that covers the entire passenger compartment and this particular light is accentuated by the golden color of the crystals. The principle which inspired the treatment of skin was to make contact surfaces for all passengers, is tender to the touch.

Schreyer believes that the importance of this prototype covers, rather than pure design, the effort to create an overall look and feel of high-impact, balanced proportions and impressive personality, elements that will guide the work of his team in ' approach to future achievements.

"One of the best things about this project that a car is a very real," says Schreyer, "it was nice to work on a project that could be on the street tomorrow. In fact, our dream is to see this project become a reality: it has a functional layout, with four seats, and a good load capacity, then it is attractive, dynamic and expresses a strong personality. So it's exactly the kind of car that Kia we think we do. "

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