LONDON — Kia used the London Motor Show to publish the first details of its forthcoming family hatch, which will be produced at the company's new production facility in Slovakia.
Developed under the code name ED — which stands for European Design — the new midsize hatch has the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla firmly in its sights. Kia promises exceptional roominess, courtesy of a 104.3-inch wheelbase and 165.3-inch overall length. The styling of the car closely follows that of the cee'd concept, which was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. Powertrain options will include 1.4-, 1.6- and 2.0-liter gasoline engines and a 1.6-liter diesel unit.
Kia has also announced that the company has started pilot production at its new facility in Zilina, Slovakia. Developed with an investment of more than $1 billion, this is the first production facility of the emerging South Korean company in mainland Europe. Before this, only a Russian company had assembled Kia models. The new factory will have a production capacity of 300,000 units.
The new five-door ED will make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, where its real name will also be revealed.
What this means to you: If you're in the market for a midsize hatchback, Kia may have something for you to consider in the very near future.
Developed under the code name ED — which stands for European Design — the new midsize hatch has the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla firmly in its sights. Kia promises exceptional roominess, courtesy of a 104.3-inch wheelbase and 165.3-inch overall length. The styling of the car closely follows that of the cee'd concept, which was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. Powertrain options will include 1.4-, 1.6- and 2.0-liter gasoline engines and a 1.6-liter diesel unit.
Kia has also announced that the company has started pilot production at its new facility in Zilina, Slovakia. Developed with an investment of more than $1 billion, this is the first production facility of the emerging South Korean company in mainland Europe. Before this, only a Russian company had assembled Kia models. The new factory will have a production capacity of 300,000 units.
The new five-door ED will make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, where its real name will also be revealed.
What this means to you: If you're in the market for a midsize hatchback, Kia may have something for you to consider in the very near future.
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