PARIS - Kia has the world premiere of the new Rio, and upgrades to teh SOUL and Carens at the French event.

• World premiere for the all-new Rio
• Upgrades to the Soul range include design and technology enhancements
• Kia launches powerful new 204 ps Soul SX
• New exterior and interior design for Carens with new technologies

The new Kia Rio makes its world debut in Paris today at the 2016 Mondial de l’Automobile. Alongside the Rio, Kia is also introducing the latest upgraded versions of two of its cars, the Carens and Soul, as well as a new high-powered ‘T-GDI’ version of the Soul.

World premiere for all-new Kia Rio

The Rio is the Korean manufacturer’s global best-selling model, with more than 473,000 sold around the world in 2015, accounting for 16 per cent of Kia’s annual sales. Now entering its fourth generation, the new Rio will offer B-segment buyers a compelling package – designed and engineered to appeal to more people than ever before. 

The new Rio will build on the outgoing model’s key strengths – design, low running costs and a practical nature – with higher desirability, a more enjoyable drive and some of the most advanced safety features in its class.

The Rio’s progressive new exterior and interior design was led by Kia’s design centres in Germany and California, in close collaboration with the company’s domestic design base in Namyang, Korea. The exterior appearance of the new Rio is defined by straight lines and smooth surfacing, giving the car a distinctive new look and more mature character than its predecessor. Its driver-oriented cabin is also the most spacious in its class, and – with larger, 325-litre cargo capacity (VDA) – it is more practical than ever before.

The new model will be the most technologically-advanced Rio ever produced, and is equipped with new cabin technologies, safety systems, and connectivity features. The Rio will offer both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ integration, and will be the first car in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition.

It will be powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines. In particular, the Rio features Kia’s latest three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engines, offering high efficiency and low emissions. The lightweight nature of the new downsized T-GDI engines means the Rio benefits from keen front-end handling, with less mass and inertia for the car to work against under cornering.

The new Rio will be manufactured at Kia’s Sohari manufacturing facility in Korea. The fourth-generation Rio will go on sale globally during the first quarter of 2017.

Kia upgrades the Soul range

Kia has introduced a series of upgrades to the Soul compact SUV to further enhance its appeal to global buyers, with a modernised exterior and interior design, and new safety and infotainment technologies.

The upgraded Soul boasts remodelled front and rear bumpers with a metallic skid plate for a more robust appearance, optional bi-function HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights with LED daytime running lights, and an updated finish to Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille. Three new metallic exterior paint finishes are available – Mysterious Blue, Russet Brown, and Wild Orange – with white contrast roof and door mirror caps available with Mysterious Blue and Russet Brown. Buyers can specify optional new 10-spoke 16- and 17-inch aluminium alloy wheel designs.

In the cabin, the upgraded Soul receives unique new cloth upholstery, available with a single or two-tone colour scheme (black, black and grey, black and brown). New gloss black and metallic highlights and switchgear add to the interior’s quality ambience. More customisable than ever, the Soul is available with a new Orange design pack, with orange-and-grey upholstery, grey stitching and orange highlights throughout the cabin. Existing design packs have been enhanced, with Urban Active emphasising the car’s compact SUV credentials, with a series of cosmetic enhancements including a gloss black finish to front and rear wheel arches, and a body kit for front and rear bumpers and side sills. The Red Zone pack provides owners with a set of red highlights to the grille, front and rear bumpers and sills, a red roof, and a small red rear spoiler.

Buyers can choose from Kia’s latest 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment HMI (human-machine interface). The new HMI systems provide smartphone-style touchscreen control over the audio-visual navigation system, and is available with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for full smartphone integration. A new USB port has been added to the rear of the cabin, allowing back-seat passengers to charge mobile devices, and drivers can benefit from new rain-sensing windscreen wipers. In models equipped with 7DCT, a new Drive Mode Selector provides varying levels of steering assistance depending on driver preference. The Soul adopts Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), for better all-round visibility and safety.

The upgraded Soul is now available to order worldwide.

Kia launches new 204 ps Soul T-GDI

Alongside the updates to the Soul Range, Kia has launched a powerful new Soul T-GDI variant, with a 204 ps 1.6-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine – making it the most powerful Soul ever engineered by the Korean brand.

With the new T-GDI engine, the car will accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 7.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 200kph. The engine transmits its power to the front wheels through Kia’s advanced new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (7DCT), only available on the T-GDI model, providing instant gear changes and decisive acceleration at all speeds.

The Soul T-GDI features a unique new design, with bolder front bumper and air intake grille design, twin exhaust pipes at the rear, wider side sills and its own 10-spoke 18-inch aluminium alloy wheel design. The model features the T-GDI engine badge on the tailgate, as well as a unique red Soul model logo and red highlights to the front bumper and side sills.

The T-GDI model features its own distinctive cabin colour scheme, with black cloth and leather upholstery paired with orange stitching, a D-shaped steering wheel and orange highlights throughout the cabin. The Soul T-GDI is now available to order worldwide.

Enhanced design and technology for 2017 Kia Carens

Kia has announced details of a range of upgrades to the Carens MPV, to refresh the appearance and functionality of the Carens, improve in-cabin ambience, and update the safety and connectivity features on offer to buyers.

Kia’s designers have introduced a series of changes to the upgraded Carens, including revised front and rear bumpers, new rear light signature, and an updated ‘tiger-nose’ grille. Buyers can specify a new exterior paint colour, Mysterious Blue, as well as three new designs for 16-, 17- and 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels. Inside, the Carens’ seven-seat cabin adopts new seat upholstery and new metallic and gloss-black accents for a more high-quality interior environment.

The latest version of the Carens is available with Kia’s 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) with navigation, as well asApple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for full smartphone integration. The Carens adopts a pair of new DRiVE WISE advanced driver assistance systems: Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; and a Speed Limit Information Function. Buyers can also specify a new JBL® Premium Sound system for greater audio quality throughout the cabin.

The upgraded Kia Carens is now available to order from Kia dealers worldwide.

Volkswagen launches the new Sixth Generation Caravelle, two tone paint, and a superior interior are just the start.

• New Volkswagen Caravelle Generation Six with iconic two-tone red and white paint
• Special edition 18” ‘DISC’ alloy wheels and bespoke interior design
• Available to order now from Volkswagen Van Centres, first deliveries next month

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched a special edition of its Caravelle people carrier which pays tribute to its iconic roots. 

With a bespoke red and white two-tone exterior, the Caravelle Generation Six special edition has visual stand-out, while inside, decorative inserts on the dashboard and top of the range technology combine with bespoke interior fittings. 

Available to order now in Volkswagen Van Centres and costing from £52,051 (RRP OTR incl. VAT), the first vehicles will start to arrive in the UK in November.

The fresh new design is inspired by the two-tone paint finishes from Volkswagen’s iconic camper van of the 1960s, and along with the new design of the T6 Caravelle, the special edition is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Thanks to the latest Euro 6 engines which are equipped with BlueMotion Technology as standard and the unique two-tone exterior, the new Caravelle Generation Six is already well on its way to becoming an icon of the future.

Engines:

The Generation Six is available with a choice of two power outputs, both using the new EU6 2.0 TDI engine with 7-speed DSG gearbox, one with 150 PS and the second with 204 PS.

Interior:

The Generation Six’s seats are in exclusive Alcantara /leather, with textile floor mats in Moonrock and Titanium Black. The leather covered multi-function steering wheel gives access to many of the vehicle’s convenience and safety features, including the standard Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) including Front Assist, and the new Discover Media infotainment / navigation system which also has DAB and Bluetooth as standard. The finer details further enhance the Generation Six: a step illumination with ‘Generation Six’ lettering, decorative trim in ‘Dark silver brushed’ and a decorative insert across the dashboard to match the two-tone exterior.

The 3-zone Climatronic air conditioning and heated front seats help to ensure the perfect temperature inside the vehicle for all those travelling.

Exterior:

As well as the Cherry Red and Candy White two-tone paint finish the Generation Six comes with special edition 18” ‘DISC’ alloy wheels as standard, LED headlights and tail lights, front fog lights with cornering function, chrome detailing around the grille, folding and electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, privacy glass to all rear windows and ‘Generation Six’ badging on the B-pillar.

Technology:

The Volkswagen Caravelle Generation Six offers a range of technology features as standard including Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), side scan for monitoring your blind spot, front and rear parking sensors, Automatic Post-Collision Braking and AppConnect, so you can use the apps from your phone on the touchscreen in the Caravelle.

Caravelle Generation Six - short wheelbase	Basic RRP exc. VAT	Total RRP inc. VAT	Total RRP inc. OTR exc. VAT	Total RRP inc. OTR inc. VAT
2.0TDI 150PS EU6 7-Speed DSG BMT	£42,595.00	£51,114.00	£43,415.00	£52,051.00
2.0TDI 204PS EU6 7-Speed DSG BMT	£44,675.00	£53,610.00	£45,495.00	£54,547.00

Prices and Specification announced for the new, latest generation, Volkswagen California

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced pricing for the latest generation California, ahead of UK dealers starting to take orders for the new campervan from 3 August and first deliveries before the end of the year. Prices start at £37,657 (RRP OTR inc VAT) for the Beach model. Continuing a campervan tradition which spans more than 60 years, the Volkswagen California is the only vehicle in its class to be designed, engineered and built in-house.

The new California is available in two trim levels – Beach and Ocean – and with a choice of three 2.0-litre engines ranging in power from 102 to 204 PS. All are EU6 compliant and feature BlueMotion Technology modifications to give fuel consumption and emissions figures which have been lowered by up to 15 per cent. A 4MOTION four-wheel drive version is also offered in conjunction with the 150 PS or range-topping 204 PS powerplant.

Entry to the California range starts with the Beach model which offers up to seven seats and sleeping space for four. The bench-seat easily folds to convert to a two-berth bed across the width of the vehicle, while a manual pop-up roof gives access to a further double bed. 

A fold-out table and chairs are cleverly stored in the sliding door and tailgate, while an integrated awning makes for a comfortable and practical camping experience. The Beach is available with a 2.0-litre 102 PS TDI engine with a five-speed manual gearbox, and a 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission.

The California Ocean replaces the SE model from the previous generation, with prices starting from £47,840 (RRP OTR inc VAT). Customers can choose from two engines with either 150 or 204 PS and six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. 4MOTION four-wheel drive variants mean the ultimate ‘home from home’ can go further and wider afield. The Ocean also adds an electro-hydraulic pop-up roof with lighting, plus a kitchenette with two rings, a fridge and sink.

The new generation California adds a host of safety, comfort and convenience features. These include a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, as well as the option to add innovations such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking for safer and more relaxed cruising. 

In the cabin the California gains a new ‘premium’ dashboard (optional on Beach) with wide centre console and car-like feel, plus the latest infotainment system, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and new multi-function display. A new cupholder as well as new fabrics, leathers and plastics enhance the ambience inside.

New Volkswagen GTE, capable of 166mpg and 39g/km, making this one clean car.

• New plug-in hybrid Golf GTE combines benefits of e-mobility with GTI dynamics
• GTE available to order now with first deliveries expected in March
• Golf becomes the only car to be available with five powertrain types (four in UK)
• Combines petrol and electric motor to produce 204 PS and range of up to 580 miles

The Volkswagen Golf GTE is available to order from today, costing £28,035* RRP.  And unlike Volkswagen’s other electric vehicles (the e-up! and e-Golf) which are sold through a network of 25 e-Retailers, the GTE will be available through all of the company’s franchised sales outlets.

The name of Golf GTE reflects its standing in the line-up alongside the petrol-powered GTI and diesel GTD, while its pricing also reinforces this position.  

The new car is driven by two engines: a 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a 102 PS electric motor.  

Together, they produce a maximum power of 204 PS and a theoretical range of 580 miles, while maximum torque is 350 Nm (258 lbs ft).  A six-speed DSG gearbox developed for hybrid vehicles is standard.

The electric motor is integrated into the gearbox housing, while further hybrid components include power electronics and a charger.  An electro-mechanical brake servo and an electric air conditioning compressor make for energy-efficient braking and air conditioning.  

There are five operating modes: ‘E-mode’, ‘GTE mode’, ‘Battery Hold’, ‘Battery charge’ and ‘Hybrid Auto’.  In pure electric mode (activated at the press of a button), the Golf GTE can travel up to 31 miles.  Electric power can also be saved – for example when driving to a zero-emissions zone – and in electric mode, the GTE is capable of speeds of up to 81 mph.

With the TSI engine engaged as well, the Golf GTE can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds and on to 138 mph, yet returns a combined cycle figure of 166 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 39 g/km.  As such it is expected to be exempt from VED and the Congestion Charge.

The Golf GTE’s 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in 3.75 hours from a domestic mains outlet, or 2.25 hours from a domestic wallbox. 

The Golf GTE is available in five-door bodystyle only and in one highly-specified trim level.  Visually, it combines elements of the e-Golf and Golf GTI, with C-shaped LED daytime running lights (e-Golf) and aerodynamic horizontal ‘fins’ (GTI).  Where the GTI features red, the GTE has blue accents, including across the radiator grille and into the headlights (which as on the e-Golf are LED), while 18-inch ‘Serron’ alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

Inside too, the GTI’s red highlights are turned to blue – including the stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and seats, and a blue stripe in the tartan pattern on the sports seats.  Touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio and Bluetooth is standard, while optional navigation includes bespoke EV features such as the ability to identify potential destinations on electric range, and charging points. 

The GTE also has an e-manager which allows the driver to preset vehicle charging, as well as interior cooling or heating and these functions can be operated remotely using the Car-Net app on a smartphone; a three-year subscription is standard in the UK.  The speedometer and tachometer are familiar, and the latter is supplemented by a power meter in the central display, which shows the status of the battery, whether or not power is being used and the intensity of any regeneration.

(*RRP OTR after £5,000 Government plug-in car grant has been deducted)

Latest Volkswagen Touareg pricing and specs announced

Prices and specifications have been announced for the revised Volkswagen Touareg luxury SUV, which opens for orders on 27 August, ahead of first deliveries in November. 

Prices for the new Touareg start at £43,000 (RRP OTR), rising to £47,500.  Two engine choices are available – a 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 204 PS and a 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 262 PS (previously 245 PS).  Thanks to the introduction of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system using AdBlue, low-rolling resistance tyres and a coasting function on the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, both engines are complaint with Euro 6 emissions legislation.  The 204 PS engine now emits just 173 g/km of CO₂, 11 g/km less than before, putting it in a lower VED band than before, and also making for a two per cent benefit in kind taxation reduction for company car drivers. 

On the outside, the new Touareg features revised bumpers and grilles, new alloy wheel designs, new colours and bi-xenon headlights as standard.  Inside, the front seats now come with standard lumbar support, and there are two new optional wood trims – ‘Sapelli Mahogany’ and ‘Engineered Ebony’, while the optional Nappa leather upholstery in the R-Line model is now available in two-tone Flint Grey and Titan Black.  An automatic post-collision braking system also becomes standard across the range.

Three trim levels are available.  The range starts with the SE, which features a comprehensive specification including 19-inch ‘Salvador’ alloy wheels; RNS 850 satellite navigation with eight-inch touchscreen, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth; 2Zone climate control; ‘Cricket’ leather upholstery’; bi-xenon headlights; front fog lights; parking sensors and chrome roof rails.

The Escape model features an advanced 4XMOTION off-road four-wheel drive system, with 50:50 torque split and centre and rear axle mechanical differential locks; higher off-road suspension; 18-inch ‘Karakum’ alloy wheels; 100-litre fuel tank (85 litres is standard on SE); underbody protection; black roof rails and a headlight cleaning system.

The top-of-the-range Touareg R-Line features an R-Line body kit with bespoke bumpers front and rear, sill extensions and wheel arch extensions; 20-inch ‘Tarragona’ alloy wheels; lowered sports suspension; LED daytime running lights and a panoramic glass sunroof.  Inside is a black roof lining; bespoke R-Line seats and aluminium-look pedals, while enhanced equipment includes a heated steering wheel; electrically operated tailgate and keyless entry and start.

Trim	Engine/transmission	Combined mpg	CO2 (g/km)	Price (£), RRP OTR
SE	3.0-litre 204 PS TDI 8-speed automatic	42.8	173	43,000
SE	3.0-litre 262 PS TDI 8-speed automatic	42.8	174	44,500
Escape	3.0-litre 262 PS TDI 8-speed automatic	40.9	180	44,700
R-Line	3.0-litre 204 PS TDI 8-speed automatic	42.8	173	46,000
R-Line	3.0-litre 262 PS TDI 8-speed automatic	42.8	174	47,500