The Motoring World: 2016-12-04

SAIC Motor searches for rising stars with internship programme for 2017

Birmingham-based SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre (SMTC UK), the sister company of MG Motor UK, has launched its 2017 internship programme, in a search for the engineering talent of tomorrow.

Having selected seven aspiring engineering graduates in September 2016 to the year-long internship programme, the company is now on the hunt for its class of 2017.

Commencing in September next year, the course covers a diverse range of topics including electronic engineering, powertrain, advanced engineering, body structures, vehicle performance, chassis engineering and vehicle styling. Team working is a key part of the programme, which kicked off in 2016 with an outward bound event in the first week to help fast track graduates’ relationships with fellow students and learn about successful teams.

The recruitment process for next year’s intake has begun with current interns attending the University of Bath’s Engineering Placements Fair earlier in November. Alongside showcasing the annual internship opportunities on offer at the company’s Longbridge site, SAIC promoted its summer placement scheme and other graduate programmes.

One of the interns who attended the event at Bath University was Damon Elson. He said: “Since joining the internship at SAIC in September, I’ve learnt a huge amount about automotive engineering and working in a large organisation. As well as seeing how a global vehicle manufacturer operates from the inside, we have already learnt about the relevant software and planning skills needed to develop our automotive design skills in the months to come.

“With such a solid grounding in place, we’re now really looking forward to our joint project, which will be our main focus in 2017. This practical project will test our knowledge of engineering and automotive design, challenging us to show how modern technology can be harnessed to create a vehicle with levels of performance that were unimaginable even ten years ago. With such a rich heritage of car design from the MG brand, we certainly have plenty to inspire us!”

SMTC UK employs approximately 300 skilled design engineers at its Longbridge facilities and is responsible for the design and development of all new MG and Roewe models.

To find out more about the SAIC UK graduate opportunities, please go to: http://www.saicmotor.co.uk/careers-graduate.aspx

SMTC UK commenced its internship programme in 2013 and has so far accepted more than 30 students onto the Longbridge-based course.

CAPTION: SMTC UK Recruitment specialist Sheree Molenaar (far left) with Damon Elson (second left) and fellow 2016/17 internship students at the recent Engineering Placement Fair at Bath University.

Upgraded Soul crossover and Carens MPV now on sale in Britain
Both models feature revised exterior and interior styling
Restructured Soul range now headed by 201bhp Sport model
State-of-the-art connectivity systems for both Soul and Carens
Improvements in fuel economy and CO₂ emissions
Soul pricing from £13,995; Sport introduced at £23,250
New Carens on sale from £18,995

Two of Kia's Paris Motor Show stars – the 2017 Soul crossover and Carens compact MPV – are now on sale in the UK. Both feature upgraded exterior and interior styling, improved standard equipment and, for the first time, state-of-the-art connectivity systems.

The restructured Soul range is now headed by a 201bhp Sport performance model, while several versions consume less fuel and emit lower CO₂ emissions.

The Soul line-up now consists of grades 1, 2, 3 and Sport, bringing it closer into line with every other model in the Kia portfolio. Pricing starts at £13,995, with the Soul Sport introduced at £23,250.

The revised Carens range is on sale from £18,995 to £27,790.

The 2017 Soul

The Soul is a five-door, five-seat, front-wheel-drive urban crossover, introduced by Kia long before most manufacturers had identified a market for this kind of car. For 2017 it has a new trim grading structure – badged 1, 2, 3 and Sport – to bring it into one with every other model in the Kia portfolio. Sport is an all-new version powered by a 201bhp 1.6-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct-injection) engine driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch (7-DCT) automatic transmission.

Soul is based on the Kia Track'ster concept from the 2012 Chicago Auto Show – same upright stance, square shoulders, distinctive bumper flares, wraparound greenhouse and floating body-colour ‘backpack’ panel set into the tailgate. Links to the Track'ster concept are reinforced by the styling revisions to the 2017 model.

The Urban Styling Pack which was previously an option is now standard – but even this has been revised and improved. As a result, there is a cohesive range appearance from grade 1 through to grade 3.

The addition of the Urban Styling Pack brings a new lower front grille and foglights section with bright silver trims around the foglamps, echoed on the side sill trim. Roof rails are now standard and there are new 16-inch (grade 1) and 17-inch (grade 2) alloy wheels. Multi-focus reflector headlamps continue to feature on grade 1, while grades 2 and 3 have new projection headlamps with black interior bezels.

The all-new Soul Sport has a bespoke appearance, with red highlights above a skid plate beneath the front bumper and along the sides, a rear bumper with diffuser trim and twin exhaust tailpipes, xenon headlights and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. It is available in Quartz Black, Titanium Silver and new Wild Orange metallic paint finishes.

Themes from the Track’ster concept car are also to be found in the interior, especially in its circular patterns in the steering wheel-mounted audio controls, outer air vents which sit on the top of the fascia, deeply recessed instrument gauges and sculpted door panels. The Soul 3 and Soul Sport have 'floating’ tweeters with red mood lighting utilising LED technology to create a ripple effect.

The 2017 Soul offers full connectivity with upgraded navigation and multimedia services on grades 2 and above. Kia Connected Services with TomTom is offered with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay once the system has been paired with a compatible smartphone. There is a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display and 3D maps with SD upgrades.

Kia Connected Services with TomTom allows the driver to make phone calls, send and receive text messages and access music apps or audio books using Google Now or Siri voice commands, minimising distraction on the move. On grades 3 and Sport the multimedia system includes a JBL sound system with external amplifier and subwoofer.

Soul Sport has a bespoke interior, with orange stitching on the seats, gearlever, armrest and the dedicated D-shaped steering wheel, which has a high-gloss black bezel.

Standard features include USB and AUX ports, Flex Steer variable power-assisted steering (except Sport) and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Also fitted to every model are body-colour bumpers, door handles and side mirror casings, a high-gloss black grille with chrome surround, keyless entry, air conditioning, all-round electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a luggage area cover, hooks and light, a trip computer and the refreshed Urban Styling Pack with roof rails.

Grade 2 adds navigation with a 7-inch screen linked to Kia Connected Services with TomTom and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 17-inch instead of 16-inch alloy wheels, heated door mirrors with high-gloss black casings, automatic light control, high-gloss black interior trim details and satin chrome interior door handles, a leather-covered steering wheel and gearshifter, cruise control with a speed limiter, privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate, projection headlamps, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and automatic air conditioning.

Grade 3 supplements this with 18-inch alloys, chrome exterior door handles, front and rear parking sensors, a cooled glovebox, leather seats (front two heated), a luggage underfloor tray and boot power outlet, a portable LED luggage light, a TFT supervision cluster, an engine start/stop button, aeroblade windscreen wipers, mood lighting around the front door speakers, the JBL eight-speaker audio system, an 8-inch navigation screen and rain-sensing front wipers.

Finally, the unique specification of the Sport model introduces unique 18-inch alloy wheels and larger (320mm) front disc brakes, a twin exhaust system, an electric tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, LED front fog lights, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist, red exterior embellishments, orange interior stitching, heated outer rear seats, 10-way driver's seat and 8-way passenger seat electric adjustment and a heated D-shaped steering wheel.

The three engines in Soul are direct-injection units which spray a fine mist of fuel into the cylinders through a high-pressure injection system. This ensures the engine uses only as much fuel as it needs for the load being put on it. The result is highly efficient combustion with excellent performance. Direct injection, with turbocharging in the case of the U2 diesel engine and the T-GDi, also helps to boost low-speed response and driveability.

For mainstream models, there are 1.6-litre GDi petrol and CRDi turbodiesel engines. The CRDi diesel is made at Kia's s manufacturing facility at Žilina, in Slovakia. It develops 134bhp and 260Nm of torque, and 300Nm with the optional 7-DCT transmission. Acceleration from 0-60mph is achieved in 10.8 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox, while the top speed is 112mph. The respective figures with the 7-DCT gearbox are 10.7 seconds and 113mph.

Manual versions have combined fuel consumption of 58.8mpg with CO₂ emissions lowered to 127g/km, while the figures for the DCT have been improved to 56.5mpg and 130g/km.

Kia's 1.6-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) Gamma petrol engine in Soul develops 130bhp and 161Nm of torque. The GDi-engined Soul accelerates from 0-60mph in 10.6 seconds and has a top speed of 115mph. Average fuel consumption has been improved to 43.5mpg, with CO₂ emissions now down to 152g/m.

And now the Soul range offers the excitement of a 201bhp T-GDi engine in the Sport model. It develops its 201bhp at 6,000rpm, but what really gives the Sport its instantaneous response and rapid acceleration is the 265Nm of torque available without interruption from only 1,500rpm to 4,500rpm.

The Sport also contributes towards Kia’s goal of improving fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions thanks to its small 1.6-litre capacity, direct injection and exhaust-driven turbocharging. The combined fuel consumption is 40.9mpg, while CO₂ emissions are 156g/km.

A number of factors contribute towards this exemplary driveability and efficiency. There is continuously variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust sides of the engine, electronic throttle control and light, low-friction moving parts. The twin-scroll turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold. The T-GDi engine eliminates the ‘turbo lag’ between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger building up boost pressure while simultaneously improving gas flow and reducing heat losses for maximum efficiency.

The Soul’s fun-to-drive handling characteristics are supported by a supple ride quality to cope with the deteriorating roads in many parts of the UK. The suspension bushing, suspension insulator at the front and suspension geometry at the rear are significant factors, aided by the car's structural rigidity.

The Soul has Kia’s Motor Driven Power Steering system with Flex Steer, the variable-assistance function which allows drivers to adjust the degree of assistance provided according to preference and where the car is being driven. It is standard except on DCT transmissions. For parking or manoeuvring in narrow town streets, the Comfort setting offers increased assistance, while for highway driving at speed the Sport mode reduces the amount of assistance to maximise feedback and stability. There is also a Normal setting that is suited to most everyday driving conditions.

The 2017 Carens

The Carens is Kia's five-door, seven-seat, front-wheel-drive compact MPV. It is a rarity in the world of compact MPVs – a car which provides all the practicality and versatility families need with style which they could only dream of. There are trim grades 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The upgraded 2017 model features new front and rear bumpers, new front grilles, new front fog lights on all but the entry-level version and new rear combination lamps. Front and rear skid plates embellish all models from grade 2 upwards, giving the Carens something of a crossover appearance. The trademark Kia 'tiger-nose' main grille is now wider and has a new black or high-gloss black mesh, with a chrome surround. The mesh patterns are repeated in the lower front grilles. There are new 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels on all grades.

The 2017 Carens is fully connected through Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom. This is standard from grade 2. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia Connected Services delivers additional, live information to that on the 3D navigation display through TMC (Traffic Messaging Channel). Drivers can be kept up to date about traffic jams, speed camera locations, weather reports and local points of interest information once the system has been paired with a compatible smartphone. When this has been done, the driver can make phone calls, send and receive messages and call up music apps and audio books using Google Now or Siri voice commands to minimise distraction while driving.

The Carens is a masterpiece of packaging – somewhere between the five-seat and seven-seat models from competitors in overall length, yet more than a match for any of them for space, with abundant head, leg and shoulder room in all three rows of seats. The car's height is one of the lowest in class.

There are three individual sliding and reclining centre-row seats and two separate seats in the rear, all of which fold flat to ensure the ultimate in passenger-to-cargo versatility. A long, wide and tall luggage area and an under-floor compartment to store the cargo screen add to practicality. The front passenger seat also folds flat to allow exceptionally long loads to be carried.

The 2017 Carens features new seat materials on models with cloth upholstery. There is a stylish black knit for the entry-level grade 1 and a smart woven pattern in either black or beige for grade 2. The leather upholstery for grades 3 and 4, again in black or beige, is unchanged. Beige upholstery is available only with the new Mysterious Blue metallic paint option.

The centre fascia has been redesigned to accommodate the new 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen for the navigation, infotainment and connectivity system. This has made space for a neater arrangement for some of the minor controls and information displays: the centre door lock has been moved from the fascia to the door panel, and the air conditioning display is now incorporated within the centre screen rather than on the panel lower in the dash, which now shows airbag and seat-belt reminder details and incorporates the hazard warning light button.

Carens is available with a choice of three direct-injection engines – one petrol and two turbodiesels – which share the common characteristics of strong performance, outstanding fuel efficiency and excellent driveability and refinement.

The European-designed 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engines develop either 114bhp with 260Nm of torque or 134bhp and 340Nm. Those high torque figures are maintained over a wide rev range, giving the Carens supreme driveability. The standard version now emits only 109g/km of CO₂ (previously 117g/km) while fuel consumption improves by a 7.1mpg to 67.2mpg. The corresponding figures for more powerful option are 118g/km and 62.8mpg. The more powerful engine is also available with a seven-speed double-clutch (7-DCT) automatic gearbox, with highly impressive economy and emissions figures of 58.9mpg and 127g/km.

The petrol engine is a 1.6-litre GDi direct-injection unit which, with 133bhp and 165Nm of torque, ensures relaxed motorway performance and flexible responses in stop-start driving. Combined fuel economy is 45.6mpg, with comfortably more than 50mpg possible when cruising, while CO₂ emissions are an impressively low 143g/km.

Kia’s Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop-start system is standard on all models. This ensures no fuel is used and no CO₂ is emitted when the car is stationary in traffic.

The suspension has been tuned to ensure precise handling and taut body control. This minimises undesirable lateral movement which can make passengers travelling in the middle and rear rows queasy. At the same time the suspension is supple enough to prevent the effects of bumpy and uneven roads from being felt in the cabin.

Kia’s Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) provides quick and direct responses and includes as standard the triple-mode Flex Steer function. This allows drivers to select a greater level of assistance (Comfort) to make parking easier or reduced assistance (Sport) for improved high-speed stability. There is also a default Normal setting.

The Carens is available with four trim and equipment packages, badged 1, 2, 3 and 4. Standard features include projection headlights with cornering lamps, LED daytime running lamps, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, a centre console armrest, air conditioning, rear air ventilation, steering wheel-mounted controls, front and rear power windows, cruise control with a speed limiter, remote central locking and Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming. Trim grades 1 to 3 also have a rear conversation mirror, which is replaced by the controls for the panoramic sunroof on trim grade 4. The audio equipment in grade 1 is a six-speaker RDS radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and USB and AUX ports. This model features 16-inch alloy wheels.

Mid-range 2 models now have a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system with Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a rear-view camera, a DAB radio, privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate, chrome window trim, front fog lights, roof rails, automatic headlight control, rain-sensing front wipers, electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators and kerbside lamps, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a luggage net, a portable LED luggage light, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera integrated into the centre fascia screen.

The 3 version is distinguished by 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, 10-way electric driver’s seat adjustment, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, aeroblade-type front wipers with a de-icing system, second-row sun blinds.

The 4 versions have the same high level of equipment as the 3 with the addition of an 8-inch touchscreen, LED reading lights, a panoramic sunroof, a premium vision instrument cluster, an engine start/stop button, Parallel Park Assist System (PPAS) with Front and Rear Parking Sensors and the eight-speaker JBL audio system including an eight-channel external amplifier and a subwoofer.

Market, warranty and after-care

All versions are of the Soul and Carens are protected by a seven-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty, Kia’s industry-leading demonstration of faith in the quality and reliability of its cars. For retail customers, Kia’s Care-3 and Care-3 Plus inflation-proof three- and five-year servicing packages are available. The servicing packages are also transferable if the car is sold before they expire.

The 2017 Soul line-up:

Model	Power bhp	Torque Nm	0-60 sec	Max speed mph	Comb. mpg	CO₂ g/km
Soul 1 1.6 GDi	130	161	10.6	115	43.5	152
Soul 2 1.6 GDi	130	161	10.6	115	43.5	152
Soul 2 1.6 CRDi	134	260	10.8	112	58.8	127
Soul 2 1.6 CRDi 7-DCT	134	300	10.7	113	56.5	130
Soul 3 1.6 CRDi	134	260	10.8	112	58.8	127
Soul 3 1.6 CRDi 7-DCT	134	300	10.7	113	56.5	130
Soul Sport 1.6 T-GDi	201	265	7.5	122	40.9	156

UK Soul pricing:

Model	Price
Soul 1 1.6 GDi	£13,995
Soul 2 1.6 GDi	£16,750
Soul 2 1.6 CRDi	£18,350
Soul 2 1.6 CRDi 7-DCT	£19,850
Soul 3 1.6 CRDi	£20,750
Soul 3 1.6 CRDi 7-DCT	£22,250
Soul Sport 1.6 T-GDi	£23,250

The 2017 Carens line-up:

Model	Power bhp	Torque Nm	0-60 sec	Max speed mph	Average mpg	CO₂g/km
1.6 GDi grade 1 6-speed manual ISG	133	165	10.9	115	45.6	143
1.6 GDi grade 2 6-speed manual ISG	133	165	10.9	115	45.6	143
1.7 CRDi grade 2 114bhp 6-speed manual ISG	114	260	12.7	110	67.2	109
1.7 CRDi grade 2 139bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG	139	340	10.9	117	58.9	127
1.7 CRDi grade 3 139bhp 6-speed manual ISG	139	340	10.0	120	62.8	118
1.7 CRDi grade 3 139 bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG	139	340	10.9	117	58.9	127
1.7 CRDi grade 4 139bhp 6-speed manual ISG	139	340	10.0	120	62.8	118
1.7 CRDi grade 4 139 bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG	139	340	10.9	117	58.9	127

UK Carens pricing:

Model	Price
1.6 GDi grade 1 6-speed manual ISG	£18,995
1.6 GDi grade 2 6-speed manual ISG	£20,395
1.7 CRDi grade 2 114bhp 6-speed manual ISG	£21,790
1.7 CRDi grade 2 139bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG	£23,290
1.7 CRDi grade 3 139bhp 6-speed manual ISG	£24,300
1.7 CRDi grade 3 139 bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG	£25,800
1.7 CRDi grade 4 139bhp 6-speed manual ISG	£26,290
1.7 CRDi grade 4 139 bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG	£27,290

The Motoring World

Friday, 9 December 2016

Seat launches an all new super fast and powerful 300ps Leon Cupra model from march 2017.

SAIC Motor searches for rising stars with internship programme for 2017.

The 100,000th Maserati is a White Quattroporte GranSport MY17 destined for China.

Kia now offers an updated and upgraded Kia Carens and Soul for UK customers.