KIA Design
Kia Motors Corporation, commonly known as Kia Motors is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul. It is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 3.3 million vehicles in 2015. As of December 2015, the Kia Motor corporation is minority owned by Hyundai, which owns a 33.88% stake valued at just over US$6 billion. Kia in turn is a minority owner of more than twenty Hyundai subsidiaries ranging from 4.9% up to 45.37%, totaling more than US$8.3 billion.
Highlights from the Los Angeles Auto Show
Once again Korean brands anchor the show, but surprises elsewhere on the show floor make it worth a visit
In pictures: Kia Pride is a 90s hot EV
The Pride EV was commissioned to celebrate the brand’s 80th anniversary
Car design round-up: Goodwood, gongs and green paint
Car Design News looks at some of the design stories that may have gone under the radar over the past week. Read on for the latest from Alfa Romeo, Bertone, BYD and more…
Kia EV3 confirms Habib’s strong design direction
Car Design News had an early look at the new Kia EV3, a compact SUV that continues a theme set by the EV9
Kia reveals 'unique bodyshape' with K4 sedan
Kia has revealed the all-new K4 and voiced its commitment to sedans in general moving forward
Car design round-up: Chicago, ChatGPT and long bonnets
Car Design News looks at some of the design stories that may have gone under the radar over the last week, including news from BYD, Karma, Kia, Lancia, Nissan, Peugeot and more
Kia explores new typologies amid EV shift
Kia’s recent ‘EV day’ showcased not only a new production car but also two exciting new concepts, one of which explicitly aims to redefine an existing segment in the sedan. Teckkoun Kim, design director for Kia Next Design Group, tells us more
First Sight: Kia EV9 heralds Karim Habib’s new design strategy
Car Design News visited Kia in Seoul earlier in February to preview the new EV9 full-size SUV ahead of its official launch
Hyundai goes big at Busan (Motor Show)
Car Design News was in South Korea for the Busan motor show, where home brands Hyundai and Kia were out in force
Kia reveals refreshed XCeed crossover
Blending hatchback, SUV and coupe in one, Kia believes its refreshed XCeed is the perfect all rounder
Interview: Karim Habib, senior vice president of design, Kia
With the Concept EV9 behind him, head of design Karim Habib outlines a new direction for the Kia brand, one that is led by contrasts
Kia takes wraps off new Niro at Seoul Motor Show
The new Kia Niro is more aggressive on the outside and more calming on the inside than its predecessor
Driven: Kia EV6
Guy Bird gets behind the wheel of the EV6, hailing the model as Kia’s entry into the big league
Kia Forte gets a strong exterior design update
The new Kia Forte looks aggressive on the outside, but the interior appears a little lacklustre
Kia posts sketches of dramatic new Sportage for Europe
The new Sportage has already been shown, but Kia says it has designed a new variant specifically for European customers
First Sight: Kia EV6 unveiled as Habib outlines new design strategy
Kia’s EV6 suggests a softer, more subtle interpretation of its current design language. Senior design VP Karim Habib, however, wants to focus on concepts rather than style
Jochen Paesen joins Kia as vice president of interior design
Former NIO designer takes on the new role at Kia
Fourth-gen Kia Sorento lasers in on interior quality
Kia unveils its new Sorento – a large seven-seater SUV that has fresh exterior and interior designs
LA 2019: Kia Seltos debuts in US spec
The SUV maintains its confident yet modest appearance and ruggedness
Kia appoints Karim Habib to devise new design direction
Karim Habib, whose departure from Infiniti was recently announced, has been appointed as senior vice president and head of Kia Design Center, effective from October 2019. He is tasked with devising and developing the future design direction for Kia vehicles, as well as overseeing the design – exterior, interior, and colour and materials – of new models already in the pipeline, and will be based in the Kia studio in Namyang, South Korea, within the Hyundai Motor Group’s new, state-of-the-art, global design centre.
HMI walk through: Kia e-Niro
In their latest video, Screens tested the ADAS functions of the 2019 Kia e-Niro such as lane keep assist, speed limiter and active cruise control
Geneva 2019: Imagine by Kia
A Kia concept at Geneva is usually good news. Over the years Gregory Guillaume’s Frankfurt-based teams have explored new segments, integrated tech and produced cohesive, thought-provoking concepts like the Provo.
Geneva teaser round-up: Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot, Skoda
A quick summary of the pre-show PR hints
CCotW: Kia POP (2010)
A fun city car that may be more relevant now than at its introduction
CES 2019: Kia looks beyond autonomy to well-being
The autonomous pod that cares
LA 2018: Kia launches third-gen Soul
The new Soul gets a bit moody... but was that really necessary?
Kia releases production Proceed images
Official images of Kia’s new production-spec estate appear before the Paris show
Geneva 2018: Kia’s Gregory Guillaume on the third-gen Ceed
The chief designer of Kia Motors Europe on their newest addition
CES 2018: Niro EV concept previews Kia’s future
Could this be a pointer to where the Korean brand is heading?
Pierre Leclercq Moves to Kia
Belgian joins from Great Wall for a newly created 'Head of Styling' role
Frankfurt 2017: Peter Schreyer on Kia and Hyundai’s family ties
We chat to Kia-Hyundai's chief design officer following the unveil of the Proceed Concept at Frankfurt
Geneva 2017: Kia’s Gregory Guillaume on the production Stinger
It's been a long journey for the production Stinger explains Gregory Guillaume
New Kia Picanto: Designers Interviewed
New Kia hatchback sparks a wide-ranging design conversation...
New Car: Kia Rio
Rejigged proportions alter its overall stance
The Designers Pt3: Seon-Ho Yeon, Kia
How ensuring the needs of the user are met is at the heart of Kia design
New Car: Kia Niro
The 'un-hybrid' alternative to the Prius
Detroit 2016: Telluride is the Kia for your country manor, apparently
Premium full-size SUV explores new market for the brand
LA 2015: Does Kia’s SEMA Koup concept preview a potential mainstream trend?
Coupe-turned-crossover feels like a niche with design potential
Frankfurt 2015: Why are there so many buttons in the new Kia Sportage?
Muscle memory obliterated by 23 tightly packed rectangular controls
Kia Soul concepts
The Kia Soul concept was presented nearly two years ago in Seoul. But this new Soul concept car in Geneva is a production preview concept car which closely follows the design theme of its predecessor namesake.
Kia Koup concept
One of the surprises in New York was this Koup concept unveiled by Korean automaker Kia. Speaking with Kia's head of design Peter Shreyer, CDN was told that the show car actually previews a forthcoming sedan set to be revealed by the automaker in two years, if public reaction is ...
Kia cee'd
Kia is one of the fastest growing brands in Europe and the c'eed is a concept car preview of a new production car that will compete in Europe's most popular class of car; the C-sector.
New Car: Kia Sportage (2016)
On-trend evolution for the latest version of Kia's big-selling C-segment crossover
Kia Kue
The Kue is a four-seater crossover coupe/SUV with a powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine and 4WD that hails from the new studio of Kia Motors America (KMA) in Irvine, California.
Kia Soul
This is the US market debut of the Soul, officially launched in Paris last month after Kia showed the design in Geneva as a concept preview earlier this year.
Kia KND-4
Along with Hyundai, Kia also failed to display a significant concept at the 2005 Seoul Motor Show, instead displaying the 'used' concepts like the Mesa, and Soul.
Kia Soul'ster concept
Kia unveiled a two-door concept based on the recently released Soul at the 2009 NAIAS. Inspired by basic, utilitarian vehicles like the International Scout, the more dramatic four-seat Soul'ster concept features an elemental design which brings the functionality of the vehicle to the surface, particularly in the interior.
Kia Kee
Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer and his Frankfurt design team - headed by Gregory Guillaume - admit it's no coincidence that the Kee name plays on the word 'key' because that is how essential they believe this concept is for the future direction of Kia design
Kia No3 Concept
Created at Kia's European design center in Frankfurt, the No3 concept is the Korean carmaker's first foray into the B-MPV segment.
Kia Sorento R
As a car that Kia hopes will not only hold its own against domestic rivals but will also take the brand up a step in terms of perceived quality in North America, the Sorento R SUV took center stage at the company's Seoul show stand.
Kia VG concept
The VG is a front-wheel-drive sedan that has been handed the significant task of lowering the manufacturer's median purchasing age in North America, which currently hovers around 50 years old.
Kia Forte Koup
Following the international debut of the Kia Forte in Chicago a couple of months ago is the debut in New York of the coupe variant.
Kia Venga
Kia has unveiled the Venga, a new production model of the No3 concept shown in Geneva this year.
Kia Sorrento
The first impression that the new Sorrento makes in the flesh is how impressively competent this design is.
Kia Sportage
This is the third generation Sportage, a ground-up new design that was previewed in theme by the 2007 Kia Kue concept - one of the first Kia designs to have emerged since the appointment of Peter Schreyer as Kia Design Director in July 2006.
Kia Optima
The new Kia Optima making its debut in New York is undoubtedly the star of the show.
Kia Pop concept
We talk, wistfully at times, about cars that capture the zeitgeist. This is what Kia has done in Paris.
Kia KV7
Designed under the guidance of Tom Kearns at Kia's US West Coast studio, the KV7 is a seven-seat minivan concept that fits the mold of VW's Microbus and Ford's Fairlane concept."We wanted to do a 'van that was honest," Peter Schreyer told us, lamenting that "everyone is doing sporty, aggressive ...
Hyundai/Kia studio to be established in Germany
A combined design studio for Hyundai and Kia is to be set up in Eschborn, on the outskirts of Frankfurt.
Is Luc Donckerwolke heading to Hyundai-Kia as long-term Schreyer replacement?
Rumours mount that former head of Bentley design is to replace fellow Schreyer
Kia ED
The first official photos of the new Kia ED 5-door hatch were released at the time of the British Motor Show. As part of Kia's continuing effort to establish the brand in the European market, ED jumps straight into the hottest and the most competitive cluster of the European C-segment. ...
Kia pro_cee'd concept
Kia Motors has revealed its Paris concept called pro_cee'd.
Kia Kue concept
Kia has released a design sketch of its newest concept car - the Kue. With distinctly grand SUV styling, Kue majors on greater driving dynamics and performance. The focus is very much about an exciting driving experience, as opposed to the typical SUV or CUV [Crossover Utility Vehicle] lifestyle ...
Kia c'eed Sporty Wagon
Geneva marks the world debut of the Kia c'eed Sporty Wagon, which will be unveiled in production-ready form at the show.
Kia Picanto
Korean automaker Kia has announced that the new facelifted Picanto (badged as the Morning in domestic market) will make its public debut at the Barcelona International Motor Show on June 7th.
Kia coupe concept
Kia has released a teaser image of a new 2+2 sports coupe it will unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Kia Pro-cee'd
Kia has released a photo of its Pro Cee'd three-door scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the 'pro_cee'd' concept unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show the new model was developed under the direction of Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer by Kia's design team in Europe.
Kia Sports Coupe concept
Kia has released a second teaser image of the Sports Coupe Concept it will unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Kia Kee concept
Say hello to the new Kia Kee concept, the Korean automaker's bold step into the sporting GT arena. To view more photos of the concepts and read our opinions of the car see our Frankfurt Motor Show Highlights.
Kia Borrego
Kia has released photos of the Borrego, a full-size SUV for the North American market. The production model, which was originally previewed as the Mesa Concept at the 2005 Detroit Auto show, would have taken exactly three years to be transformed from a show car to a full production model ...
Kia Soul concepts
Kia has just unveiled a trio of concept cars at the Geneva Motor Show. The concept cars - Soul Diva, Soul Burner and Soul Searcher - are each designed to appeal to different consumers and clearly display the potential for personalization.
Kia Forte
Kia has released official photos of the new Forte, a C-segment sedan for the global market. Developed under the 'dynamic, futuristic sedan' theme, the Forte will replace the Cerato in Europe and Korea, and the Spectra in the US market.
Kia Soul
Kia Motors will reveal the new Soul at the Paris Motor Show in September. Though this design was signed off well before Peter Shreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer, joined the Korean company, the production model (main picture) closely follows the three Soul concept vehicles unveiled the Geneva Motor Show earlier ...
Kia Soul'ster concept
Kia unveiled a two-door concept based on the recently released Soul at the 2009 NAIAS. Called the Soul'ster, the four-seat concept's elemental design was inspired by basic, utilitarian vehicles like the International Scout. It is the first vehicle born out of Kia's newly opened design center in Irvine, California.
Kia No3 Concept (w/ Gallery)
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Kia Sorento
After a series of darkened teaser photos, Korean automaker Kia has officially released the first exterior image of its next-generation, mid-sized Sorento SUV, set to make its debut at the Seoul Motor Show in April.
Kia KND-5 concept
Kia Motors took the wraps off its latest concept car at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show today. Called the KND-5, the prototype features Kia's family-look radiator grille and 20-inch alloy wheels. It measures 4945mm in length, 1850mm wide, and stands 1475mm tall. It has a 2845mm-long wheelbase. The KND-5 ...
Kia Sorento
Kia will unveil its new Sorento SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The all-new car features a modern and dynamic design, created under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.
Kia Venga
Kia has released the first official pictures of its new B-segment supermini, the Venga, which first appeared in concept form as the 'No3' at the 2009 Geneva motor show. Measuring 4068mm long, 1600mm high and riding on an unusually long-for-its-class 2615mm wheelbase, the Venga was designed and manufactured in Europe ...
Kia Cadenza
Kia has revealed the first image of its new Cadenza sedan, the production version of the VG concept car unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year.
Kia Sportage preview
Kia is poised to reveal the third generation Sportage at the 80th Geneva motor show next month.
Kia Ray concept
Kia has unveiled the Ray concept at the Chicago Auto Show. Designed to showcase the Korean automaker's environmentally efficient initiatives, the plug-in hybrid concept – said to be 'a bold new collaboration between design and engineering' – has been built using lightweight and recycled materials.
Kia Optima preview (w/ Gallery)
These are the first images of the next generation Kia Optima/Magentis, which will make its public debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show in April.
Kia Optima (w/ Gallery)
The new Kia Optima made its debut at the New York Auto Show earlier this week. Pushing Kia's new design initiatives forward, the new sedan is a clear departure from the previous generation, continuing the design language first seen on the Soul and since evolved into the recently revealed Sportage.
Kia Pop concept (w/ Gallery)
The Kia Pop will make its world debut at the Paris motor show, but the Korean manufacturer has released these digital renders of the electric city car concept in advance. At three meters long, the Pop is similar in length to the Toyota iQ. It features a wave-like front bench ...
Kia KV7 concept
Kia is clearly keen to grab the last of 2010's headlines by releasing this teaser render of its upcoming concept, the KV7, due to be unveiled at the Detroit auto show.The large crossover appears to preview a replacement for the Korean manufacturer's Borrego. While the exterior's clamshell tailgate, muscular wheelarches ...
Kia Picanto
Kia is set to unveil its next generation Picanto city car at the Geneva motor show in March in the next step of its continual range overhaul.
Kia Rio
Another car set to be unveiled at Geneva is the Kia Rio. Debuting alongside the Picanto, the Rio's new look brings it inline with the rest of the Kia family.
Kia Rio
The new Kia Rio made its debut earlier this month, at the 81st Geneva show. Falling in line with the new Kia identity, the Rio now sports the family DRG as well as certain design cues from other models in the range.
Kia Naimo concept
As the Seoul Motor Show starts today, Thursday 31st March, Kia is debuting the Naimo all-electric concept.
Kia four-door sports sedan concept
Kia isn't giving much away about its Frankfurt-bound concept car, indeed it hasn't even released its name yet, referring to it as the 'four-door sports sedan concept.' The press release talks of it as 'signalling a distinctive new design direction' for the Korean brand, yet the now-familiar 'tiger-nose' grille and ...
Kia Ray
Kia has released images of its latest vehicle, the Ray. The compact A-segment car is destined for sale solely in its Korean home market.
Kia Cee'd
Despite the Detroit Auto Show still being in full swing, Kia has given a first look at the all-new Cee'd, set to debut at Geneva in March.
Kia Track'ster concept
The Kia Track'ster concept has been unveiled at the 2012 Chicago International Auto Show. Beneath the racetrack makeup, the three-door crossover concept is a heavy hint at the next-generation Soul.
Kia KH
These official sketches of the Kia KH preview an all-new flagship sedan that will also be the brand's first rear-wheel drive car, notwithstanding last year's GT concept.
Kia Carens
Kia's latest Carens compact MPV is set to debut on 27 September during the Paris motor show.
Kia Forte
Kia has released renderings of its 2014 Forte model, known as the K3 in Korea and the Cerato in the European market, ahead of its debut at this year's Los Angeles auto show in November.
Kia Carens
Kia's total range overhaul is now complete as the new Carens C-segment MPV joins the Korean manufacturer's brochures at the Paris motor show.
Kia Cadenza (2014)
Kia's Cadenza has been unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.
Kia CUB concept
Kia gave its new CUB concept its official debut at this week's Seoul Auto Show. The B-segment five-door hatchback was designed at Kia's Namyang Design Center in Hwaseong, South Korea, under the direction of the carmaker's president and chief design officer Peter Schreyer and is less than 4 meters long.
Kia Niro concept
Kia's Niro concept, which debuts at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show, will hint at a possible B-segment model.
Kia GT4 Stinger concept
Kia's 2+2 GT4 Stinger sports car concept is the latest creation from the carmaker's California design studio, home to the team behind the 2012 Track'ster concept.
Kia Sorento
Kia has released pictures of the exterior of its new Sorento, ahead of the car's debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. It's the third generation of the Korean firm's mid-size SUV, and first impressions are that it conforms to the inexorable trend towards crossover aesthetics shown by both ...
Kia KX3 concept
Kia 's Chinese subsidiary, Dongfeng Yueda Kia (DYK), unveiled the KX3 concept at the Guangzhou motor show. Designed to appeal to ‘young Chinese consumers who are looking for high-value, high-quality that reflect their passion for and pursuit of an outgoing lifestyle,' the firm claims that a production model is as-yet ...
Kia Sportspace concept (2015)
Increasing numbers of crossovers mean you'd be forgiven for forgetting about the traditional three-box sedan. In order to ensure its new Optima, due next year, is suitably embedded in the collective consciousness, Kia has elected to preview its new D-segment model with a wagon.
Kia Novo concept
While the new Optima made its debut at the New York show, Kia used its home show in Seoul, South Korea, to unveil the Novo concept, which introduces themes that will appear on its next generation of models.
Kia Optima (2016)
The Optima is Kia's best-selling nameplate worldwide, thanks in no small part to the major step forward taken when the outgoing model was introduced at the New York show back in 2010. Five-years later and the new car, previewed by the Sportspace concept in Geneva, offers an understandable evolution of ...
Jaguar Land Rover lands Nokia's Damien Dinning
Jaguar Land Rover has acquired the services of Nokia's chief imaging head Damien Dinning, who it hopes will advance its connected car systems.
Motortrend examines making of Kia’s Track’ster concept
Motortrend has included a comprehensive step-by-step guide exploring the process through which Kia built its Track'ster concept car in its April edition.
Design Review: Kia Pop concept
Contrasting with the dark chrome body sides is the gloss-white front panel, onto which the minimal DRG is rendered. While not entirely benign, the facial expression is a welcome relief - and much more appropriate for the car's intended city environment - from the overt aggression that could be seen ...
Design Review: Kia Pop concept
There is a connection between a specific country and certain typologies of car. True muscle cars only come from the USA; exotic sports cars really have to be Italian; and, having invented the layout (front wheel drive) that made the type practical, France is synonymous with the small car.
Kia and BMW claim 2012 Red Dot Design Awards
Kia and BMW have been recognized by the 2012 Red Dot Design Awards judging panel, picking up the ‘best-of-best' awards in the transportation product design category.
Kia scoops three design awards
Kia has won three design awards in this year's Automotive Brand Contest, continuing its strong showing in last year's competition.
Kia teases Chicago-bound Cross GT concept
Kia has revealed a sneek peek of its Cross GT Concept ahead of its unveiling at the Chicago auto show.
Kia announces upcoming concept
Kia will unveil an, as yet, unnamed concept car at the Geneva motor show this March.
Kia wins in Automotive Brand Contest
Kia has scooped four awards in the first-ever Automotive Brand Contest. Organized and promoted by the German Design Council, the new international brand and design competition announced the winners on 22 July.