2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur: New Spy Shots!

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2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Turbo Starting At $24,145*

Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for its all-new Sonata 2.0T Turbo, starting at $24,145 MSRP for the Sonata SE 2.0T and $27,045 for the Sonata Limited 2.0T. *The MSRP excludes a $720 destination charge.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1750-4500 rpm with regular fuel, while delivering 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Hyundai's 2.0T engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that, when combined with the GDI system, minimizes turbocharger lag and results in crisp, responsive power delivery.

The Sonata SE 2.0T adds an upgraded fully automatic temperature control system, in addition to packing an impressive list of standard equipment from the non-turbo SE trim. Some of these features include a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, 18-inch hyper-silver alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, proximity entry with keyless start, and SE leather bolster/cloth insert sport seats.

The Sonata Limited 2.0T adds to the generous equipment list of the non-turbo Limited with the SE's 18-inch alloys, dual exhausts, and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The Limited already comes with amenities such as power tilt/slide sunroof, side mirror turn signal indicators, leather trimmed interior, heated front and rear seats, Dimension premium speakers with subwoofer/external amplifier, HD Radio, and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

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Hyundai Sonata Turbo to be Spruced Up For SEMA 2010 [Motor Trend]

Nate Martinez [Motor Trend] - Joining Hyundai's ARK Performance Genesis Coupe time attack car at this year's SEMA Show will be a pearl white 2011 Sonata Turbo built with luxury and style in mind. Unfortunately, this is the only teaser image we received from Hyundai.

Fabricators say that Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Porsche sports cars inspired their design direction. Its aggressive exterior lines, for example, take much from the Brabus CLS Rocket. The car rides on 20-inch one-piece wheels as well, much like the Rocket.

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Hyundai Australia Updates Entire 2011 Line-Up with Customer-Driven Upgrades

In response to consumer and media feedback, Hyundai Australia announced today a tidal wave of changes for some of its core products, namely the 2011 Hyundai i45 (Sonata in other markets). Follow the jump to see what Hyundai has in store for its Australian line-up for the 2011 model year


2011 Hyundai i20

The 2011 Hyundai i20 now gets Bluetooth hands-free connectivity standard across the range. Dashboard illumination is changed from orange to the familiar blue already offered in nearly all Hyundai vehicles today. Side and curtain airbags are now standard across the range for the 2011 model year. Stability control, traction control and ABS have been available on all i20 models since launch.

The new standard equipment adds $500 to the sticker price of the entry level i20 Active, but the Elite and Premium prices stay the same. The range now stretches from $15,490 to $23,490.

2011 Hyundai i30

The popular Hyundai i30 gets some minor cosmetic updates in the form of black headlamp bezels, plus a dark silver finish for the mid-spec SLX's 16-inch rims. Wagon variants get silver roof rails. Inside, Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all models and a one-touch triple turn signal is fitted to the i30 SLX and i30 SR. A follow-home headlight function has also been added to all models.

All variants bar the i30 SR and i30cw Sportswagon undergo a $200 price rise, however dealership drive-away pricing of $19,990 has been retained for the entry-level i30 SX.

2011 Hyundai i45

The 2011 i45 has undergone the most radical changes, with criticism of the car's handling at launch prompting the company to develop a new suspension package for the mid-size sedan. Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD), previously only available on the i45 Premium, are now fitted to the entire range. The damper tune has also been revised to give less damping force at low speeds and a firmer ride at high speed, eliminating the 'looseness' reported by various media publications at the model's launch earlier this year. Front spring rates are also 15 percent firmer, while the rear spring rates rise 6 percent. The front swaybar is now 1mm thicker, with the rear swaybar growing 3mm.

Extra sound deadening has been added to the rear wheelarches, improving noise suppression.

i45 Premium models now enjoy front seat heaters and sat-nav with integrated Bluetooth as standard. The sat-nav unit is unique to Australian i45s, and is sourced from Continental. Although only the Premium gets it as standard, it's available as a $1000 option on the i45 Active and Elite.

Prices rise $100 for the i45 Active and i45 Elite (thanks to the adoption of ASD suspension), while the Premium goes up $1000 due to the addition of satellite navigation. The base i45 Active manual now costs $29,590, while the i45 Premium now retails at $38,990.

2011 Hyundai ix35

The ix35 range is joined by a new model for 2011. Due to high customer demand, the Highlander variant – previously only available with a 2.0 litre turbodiesel – can now be had with a 2.4 litre petrol engine.

Available only with a six-speed automatic transmission, the ix35 Highlander 2.4 petrol joins the range from November 2010 and will retail from $35,490 - $3000 cheaper than the existing Highlander diesel.

Rear parking assist is now standard across the ix35 range, as is Bluetooth phone and audio integration.

The electronic power steering has come in for some minor changes to improve steering feel, and in response to criticism of harsh ride quality all AWD variants now get ASD suspension as standard.

More sound insulation also improves the cabin ambience, however the electrically-adjusted driver's seat on the Active has been deleted. Highlander variants now get rear privacy glass as standard.

Retail pricing remains static for the base ix35 Active, while the Elite variants and Highlander diesel rise by $500. Price of entry is still $26,990 for the ix35 Active manual, while the range-topping ix35 Highlander diesel is now $38,490.

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2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur (HG): Best Rendering Yet

Remember that spy shot of the first undisguised 2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur prototype we posted recently? The image generated great interest probably because it gave us our first good glimpse at the final design of the upcoming redesign.

Well thanks to a renowned amateur CGI artist from Korea, who goes by a Korean nickname of "우얄라고", we now have the closest thing to an official rendering from the folks at Hyundai themselves with this stellar rendering of the 2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur (HG). This clean rendering is based on the spy shot we referred to above, but we would have taken it as an official one had we not known about the original image.

We would love to hear from you about your thoughts on this rendering. Does it change your impression of the all-new Azera? Perhaps it makes the new Azera look even more similar to the Sonata. Leave us your two cents in the comments below!

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Hyundai Delays Unveiling of Veloster to Early 2011

Fresh from the South Korean presses, we bring you the unfortunate news that the upcoming production version of the Hyundai Veloster 2-door compact hatchback will be delayed in unveiling to early 2011.

The Veloster, code-named "FS", was scheduled to be launched in its home market in November. However, with the coinciding launches of the all-new Accent and Azera/Grandeur planned for November and December respectively, Hyundai did not wish for the Veloster to steal the spotlight alone. Hyundai intended to produce 2000 units of the Veloster before the year's end.

According to the news source, Hyundai is also considering keeping the Veloster moniker for the front-wheel drive sport hatchback, as the automaker has not been able to coin a suitable name for it yet.

The production "FS" measures 4285mm in length and 1790mm in width, which is nearly the same as the dimensions of one of its rivals, the Volkswagen Scirocco. It will be powered by a turbocharged version of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with GDI (direct injection). Output is estimated at around 140 horsepower and it will be mated to a standard dual-clutch gearbox.

Hyundai will commence production of the Veloster in December and start sales in the South Korean market in January of next year. The automaker will subsequently launch the Veloster in North American and European markets by the first half of 2011.

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SEMA 2010 Preview: Hyundai Equus Gets the Rhys Millen Racing Treatment

Hyundai's partnership with racer and tuner Rhys Millen has fared well for the automaker, and the upcoming SEMA Show will bear testimony to more evidence regarding that statement.

The 2010 SEMA Show will be host to the 2011 Hyundai Equus bearing the RMR signature, which is short for Rhys Millen Racing. This special edition launch will be the third consecutive year when Hyundai flaunts off the RMR insignia in Las Vegas.

And here goes what you have been waiting for- the new edition delivers 415 horsepower, a 30 horsepower addition to the stock figure using Hyundai’s 4.6-liter Tau V8. This is accomplished with an RMR bolt-on cold air intake and stainless steel exhausts, with a 14-inch brake kit thrown in to make the sedan screech to halt faster.

The exterior looks bold with two-tone carbon fiber and Red Bull Racing blue satin paint scheme, while the set of HRE 21-inch P40 wheels take care of the rest. The passengers will be lavished upon with an elaborate swathing of ostrich leather and suede

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2012 Kia Rio (UB): New Spy Shots! Interior Revealed!

For full details and more spy shots of the 2012 Kia Rio, click the link below.

2012 Kia Rio (UB) Spied For The First Time

READ MORE for 7 more spy shots, including the first ever ones of the interior!

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Hyundai Begins Accepting Orders for New Accent in Korea

Hyundai has begun accepting orders for the all-new redesigned Accent in its home market of South Korea today, ahead of its official sales launch on November 1st. For the new generation, Hyundai is bringing back the Accent nameplate for the Korean market after having supplanted it with the Verna moniker since 1999.

Hyundai is marketing the new Accent as a "premium compact" sedan, and is packing an expansive list of amenities and technologies to back such an audacious claim. For one, the Accent is the first in its class to bring six airbags standard across the range. Active front headrests and rear parking assist are also standard equipment in the new Accent. Also available is Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), or Hyundai's way of calling electronic stability control.

The highlight of the new Hyundai Accent, however, is found under the hood where an all-new 1.6-liter GDI Gamma four-cylinder engine resides. It produces a class-leading 140 PS (138 horsepower) and 122 lbs.ft of torque, and achieves equally segment-topping fuel economy figures of 16.7 km/L (40 US MPG) thanks to a 6-speed automatic transmission mated to the engine. A smaller 1.4L MPI Gamma four-cylinder engine is also available.

The new Accent also boasts the largest interior room in its class, thanks to increased dimensions in all aspects (4370mm length x 1700m width x 1455mm height). The wheelbase has also augmented by 70mm from its predecessor to 2570mm.

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2011 Hyundai Equus Priced from $58,000: USA

Hyundai Motor America today announced pricing for the all new 2011 Hyundai Equus luxury sedan, which will go on sale nationwide in December in select Hyundai dealerships. The Equus Signature trim will start at $58,000, while the more lavishly contented Equus Ultimate trim will be priced at $64,500. Both prices exclude a $900 destination charge.

Every Equus comes standard with “At Your Service,” Hyundai’s approach to the luxury ownership experience that provides complimentary valet service and covers all maintenance needs for 5 years or 60,000 miles. With "At Your Service," owners enjoy no-charge maintenance, including complimentary oil and filter changes, brake pads and rotors, wiper blades, and battery. Valet pickup and drop-off is provided for all warranty, maintenance and service repairs, and a Genesis or Equus replacement vehicle is provided while the owner’s car is at the dealership.

[Source: Hyundai]

READ more for the full press release!

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE ALL-NEW EQUUS

Includes Complimentary Valet Service and Maintenance for 5 Years, 60,000 Miles

Fountain Valley, Calif., 10/19/2010 - Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the all-new Equus luxury sedan. The lavishly contented Equus Signature will be priced at $58,000 and the top-of-the-line Equus Ultimate at $64,500. Hyundai Equus brings a fresh approach to product innovation and the ownership experience in this price segment.

Every Equus comes standard with “At Your Service,” Hyundai's revolutionary approach to the luxury ownership experience that provides complimentary valet service and covers all maintenance needs for 5 years or 60,000 miles. With “At Your Service,” Hyundai Equus owners enjoy no-charge maintenance, including complimentary oil and filter changes, brake pads and rotors, wiper blades, and battery. Valet pickup and drop-off is provided for all warranty, maintenance and service repairs, and a Genesis or Equus replacement vehicle is provided while the owner’s car is at the dealership.

The Equus retail and ownership experience includes other innovative and time-saving premium services such as:

“Your Time, Your Place,” the industry’s first at-home vehicle demonstration program
Equus Champion (product expert) at each authorized Equus dealer
Apple iPad with interactive owner’s manual capability
Equus Customer Connect Center hotline (phone and e-mail) for VIP customer service
“We’re confident that smart luxury buyers will discover that Equus competes well with similar flagship products from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Lexus,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “But the traditional luxury brands simply can’t compete with the unique retail and ownership experience we’ll be providing for the Equus owner, including “Your Time, Your Place,” the industry’s first at-home vehicle demonstration program; the “At Your Service” program, which provides complimentary valet at-home pickup and no-charge maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles; and the industry’s first iPad-based interactive owner’s manual.”

Equus arrives at select Hyundai dealerships in December. Hyundai expects the premium luxury market to total close to 45,000 units this year.

2011 EQUUS MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICING

Model
MSRP

Equus Signature
$58,000

Equus Ultimate
$64,500

$900 freight charge not included

“At Your Service” Summary

Valet service – The dealership will pickup and deliver the owner’s Equus for maintenance, replacement of wear items or warranty work
Replacement vehicle – If alternative transportation is needed while service is being performed, the dealer will provide a Genesis or Equus at no cost
Maintenance – Covers all factory maintenance for the first five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first
Wear items – Covers brake pads, brakes discs, wiper blades and battery

EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES

• 4.6L DOHC Tau V8 engine
• Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
• Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
• Electronically controlled air suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
• 19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires
• Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with TCS and Brake Assist
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system with pre-collision warning
• Nine airbags: advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
• Electronic active front head restraints with power controls
• Electronic seatbelt pretensioners
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Smart Cruise Control
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators
• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling
• Fog lights and automatic headlights
• Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera
• Dual power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors with turn signal indicators and approach lamps
• Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper
• Proximity key entry with push-button start
• Illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles and door armrest
• Premium leather seating surfaces and Alcantara® suede headliner
• 12-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10-way power front passenger seat
• Driver seat massage system
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Heated, wood-trimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
• Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim
• Electroluminescent cluster (Supervision) with 3.5-inch TFT LCD screen
• Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold
• Power windows with auto-down/up
• Navigation system with DIS and multimedia controller
• Apple iPad interactive owner’s manual
• 608-watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers
• iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks and iPod connection cable
• XM® Satellite Radio & NavTraffic® with trial subscription
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
• Dual automatic temperature control with air quality system
• Windshield-wiper deicer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor
• Electrochromic auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass
• Acoustic laminated windshield, front and rear side windows
• Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
• 60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats
• Power rear sunshade and rear side-window sunshades
• Luggage net
• Premium-grade floor mats
• Premium-grade trunk cargo mat
• First-aid kit (PIO)

EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA-LUXURY FEATURES

Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:
• 50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
• First-class passenger-side rear seat: leg support and massage system
• Cooled rear seats
• Rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch monitor
• Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
• Rear-seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt
• Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
• Forward-view cornering camera
• Power trunk lid

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program which now includes the 5-year/60,000 mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and 5-year complimentary Roadside Assistance in addition to the highly acclaimed vehicle return policy introduced in early 2009. For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com.

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Kia Canada Releases Info on 2011 Forte Sedan and Koup

PRESS RELEASE: 2011 Forte Sedan and 2011 Forte Koup set new benchmark with significant powertrain upgrades in the compact car segment

- Forte line-up includes available six-speed manual and six-speed powertrain offerings
- Transmission upgrade offers refinement coupled with exceptional fuel economy
- Kia's quest for continuous improvement includes additional upgrades to line-up

ANN ARBOR, MI, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. has taken the Forte line-up to an entire new level by offering six-speed manual and automatic transmissions for its entire Forte line-up in 2011. The standard manual transmission on the Forte Sedan and 2-door Koup has been improved from a five-speed to a six-speed while the standard offering on the automatic transmission receives an upgrade from a four-speed to a six-speed...READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP
[Source: Kia]

"Kia's mandate is to drive change not only in design but also in value and technology for Canadians" said Maria Soklis, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. "This further enhances our best-selling product line and provides a level of technology that would normally be found in vehicles priced much higher".

The powertrain change for 2011 also provides competitive fuel economy ratings with its 2.0-litre offering and 2.4-litre engine in its class. "Fuel economy is top of mind with Canadians and providing world class fuel efficient vehicles is part of our winning formula".

The Forte Sedan offers exceptional fuel economy. The 2.0-liter engine offers 8.1/5.7 litres/100km (city/highway) when mated with the six-speed manual transmission and 8.0/5.5 litres/100km (city/highway) with the optional six-speed automatic. The more powerful 2.4-liter engine offers fuel economy at 9.2/6.2 litres/100km with the six-speed manual and 9.0/6.2litres/100km when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission.

The Forte Koup fuel economy is not sacrificed for sportiness. The 2.0-liter engine offers 8.3/6.0 litres/100km (city/highway) when mated with the six-speed manual transmission and 8.0/5.7 litres/100km (city/highway) with the optional six-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine also can expect an economical 9.2/6.2 litres/100km with the six-speed manual and 9.0/6.4 litres/100km when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to powertrain enhancements, Kia designers also made some changes to the 2011 Forte sedan line-up to include the common use of the Forte 5 Door front fascia on the sedan, redesigned integrated fog lights and outside heated mirrors with LED turn-signals and new 16" aluminum wheels. Moving to the interior, the centre console has been upgraded which includes a new design, leather shifter boot, chrome lined cup-holders and outside temperature display found on the LX "Plus", EX and SX.

Across the Forte line-up, additions have been made available to the SX trim to include paddle shifter on the SX automatic transmission; Smart Key with push button start ignition on the SX Luxury automatic transmission, automatic light control, and voice activated navigation on the SX luxury and electrochromic auto-dimming mirror on the SX.

The 2011 Koup also receives an upgrade on the rear taillights by offering an available LED rear combination lamp which provides a more stylish, sporty and upscale image. The centre console has been upgraded which includes a new design, leather shifter boot, chrome lined cup-holders and outside temperature display on the 2011 Koup.

Kia also administered a variety of NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) improvements, such as adding additional sound dampening material throughout the Forte lineup as part of their continuous improvement objective.

2011 Forte Sedan
LX - Starting at $15,995
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags, active front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and steering wheel, 15" steel wheels with wheel covers.

EX - Starting at $18,495
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to LX): 16" alloy wheels, auto off headlamps, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 6 speakers audio, keyless entry, manual air conditioning, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, steering wheel mounted cruise control, outside mirror with integrated turn signal, sunroof is an available option.

SX - Starting at $21,795
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17" alloy wheels, front fog lights, Sirius satellite radio, trip computer, automatic air conditioning, leather seats, leather wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel, power sunroof, auto light control, supervision instrument cluster, alloy sport pedals.

SX - Luxury Trim offers Navigation, Electrochromic mirror, smart key with push button ignition start (only on Automatic transmission)

2011 Forte Koup
EX - Starting at $18,995
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags, active front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, keyless entry, air conditioning, heated front seats, cruise control, six speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 16" alloy wheels and exterior chrome door handles, front fog lamps and optional tilt and sliding sunroof.

SX - Starting at $22,295
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17" alloy wheels, sport tuned suspension, automatic climate control, power tilting and sliding sunroof, leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, alloy sport pedals, trip computer, paddle shifter (automatic only), Sirius satellite radio (includes 3 month free trial) and supervision instrument cluster.

SX Luxury trim Offers Navigation, Electrochromic mirror, smart key with push button ignition start (only on Automatic transmission), LED rear lights

Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Forte Koup is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a five-year or 100,000-km limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 100,000-km limited comprehensive warranty, and a five-year unlimited-km anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/100,000-km roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

The KOUP, the Forte Sedan and Soul represent Kia's new design strategy. They have enhanced the value of Kia's current line-up, which has already shown strong appeal, and have propelled Kia into the top tier of design led brands. With the successful launch of the Soul, Forte Sedan, Forte KOUP, Sorento, Sportage and now Forte5-Door, Kia is leading the way by creating a new generation of vehicles that offer premium styling combined with exceptional value.

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 168 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 136 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

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2011 Kia Forte5-Door: Hi-Res Image Gallery

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Is This Even Legal?: 2012 Hyundai Veloster Interior Spied Inside the Cabin

The term "friends with benefits" has been taken to an entire new level with the latest release of spy shots of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. A member over at a Chinese automotive forum today posted cell-phone shots of the interior of the upcoming Hyundai coupe taken sitting inside the test mule.

From what we can tell, the photographer of these images was probably allowed to take these images with the permission of a friend driving the prototype seen in one of the images. We don't need the help of Horatio Caine and his team to figure out that the driver likely works at Hyundai. And if what we observe is correct, a well deserved pink slip may be in order for that guy, if that whole fiasco between the clumsy Apple engineer who left an iPhone 4 prototype in a bar and Gizmodo is of any indication.

All the legal issues aside, we, as esteemed bystanders, now get a good glimpse of what to expect inside the cabin of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The shot of the car's cockpit shows the driver-oriented design of the car's interior. The gauges look a tad too plain-Jane, but hopefully Hyundai is already aware of this for the production-ready model.

Leave us your thoughts on this story in the comments after the jump!

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