Just the Facts:
- Korean automaker Kia has released the first photos of the new Ray in the home market.
- The Kia Ray is the automaker's boxy answer to the Nissan Cube and Scion xB.
- The Ray is a new minicar that seats five and features a sliding rear passenger door for easier access to backseat.
SEOUL, South Korea — Korean automaker Kia has released the first photos of the new Ray, its boxy answer to the Nissan Cube and Scion xB.
To be released shortly in the home market, the Ray is a new minicar that seats five and features a sliding rear passenger door for easier access to backseat.
The tall-roof hatchback is said to have a roomy, versatile passenger compartment and is easily maneuverable in tight parking spaces.
Kia hasn't released information yet on engines or other hardware.
Inside Line says: Because of its miniscule dimensions — the Ray will compete at the low end of the market in the A-segment. It is not likely to be seen any time soon in the U.S. where the smallest Kia currently sold is the B-segment Rio.
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isend2c says:
11:39 AM, 11/12/2011
Mitsubishi brought the i-MIEV to the US... That's a Kei car. I do consider the Soul to be a competitor to the Cube, xB, Element and any other boxes if I'm forgetting them... All box cars are pretty much in the same class in the US.
k55 says:
08:26 AM, 11/11/2011
I wonder which auto company will introduce a Kei car to the USA. I t will seat 4 average sized adults( or one average size 'merican.) Basket ball players could drive this sitting in the back seat or with head fitting through the sunroof.
ibook says:
05:08 AM, 11/11/2011
Very interesting how only the right side has the sliding rear door, with a normal hinged rear door on the left. I wouldn't have minded a single larger door on the left side, like Veloster.
K-cars (kei as in light weight) are big in Japan, and looks like it's catching on in S. Korea, yet in America, things only get BIGGER and heavier. Hmm....
lolxd says:
07:25 PM, 11/10/2011
The soul is a lot better looking than this one.
motorstreet says:
04:37 PM, 11/10/2011
I thought the Soul was Kia's answer to the xB and Cube, this looks more like a Japanese market Kei car.
rayzor says:
08:31 AM, 11/10/2011
I like the rear sliding door idea, the rest is comparable to offerings from Scion or Nissan; well done.