The Kia STI

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CONFIRMED: Kia performance cars to be badged XR

Source: Autoblog

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Back in March we showed you spy pics of a Kia cee'd dressed in performance paraphernalia. It was wearing an "XR" badge, which forecasted Kia's recent confirmation that over the next three years it will be introducing high-performance models under an XR sub-brand. The confirmation became apparent when Kia rolled out a cee'd XR last week at a press event in South Korea. The five-door hatch has been fitted with various aero enhancements, as well as larger wheels wearing lower profile tires. While the cee'd XR's engine was admittedly unaltered, Kia's people say they're investigating turbocharged engines for the Euro market and supercharged engine for the U.S. market.

Back in the day, Kia made it known that it wanted to be the performance brand to Hyundai's mainstream bread-and-butter image when it grew up. It appears that puberty may be over for the littler Korean brand that could, and the XR lineup could give Kia its own high-po hardware to square off against vehicles with badges like SRT, SS and WRX.

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If that car looked anymore like the new WRX STI wagon thing it'd be comical.
 
Technically, if the new WRX STI wagon looked anymore like a Kia it'd be comical.
 
Matrix meets new WRX... and uses a Toyota like code, "XR".

But if they do this right, could be nice. Lets hope they do go with forced induction and play with the big boys.
 
I thought Kia was supposed to be Hyundai's econo-line. Performance? LULZ.
 
-> I think Kia is on a good track here, but unfortunately its one of those good cars that won't see a US daylight. :indiff:

-> All I say is nice, STi-like performance for a WRX price sounds good to me. Lucky people who can get this pocket-pocket, watch out Mazdaspeed 3.

(:
 
I'm ahead of the curve TVB, I have a Pocket-Pocket. :p


Does anyone remember the older Kia STi? That was funny. But this one looks really good.
 
I'm ahead of the curve TVB, I have a Pocket-Pocket. :p
^ Same here dude! I drive a WRX wagon! ;)


Does anyone remember the older Kia STi? That was funny. But this one looks really good.
Joey D
What was the older Kia thing?

^ Is this the one? Take note that is is not a photochopped:

Kia Rio/Pride "STi"

riosti305tg1.jpg


^ EsTehAi!

:lol:
 
That looks like the offspring of a one night stand between this...

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and this...

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With Kia and Hyundai becoming serious contenders in the car market, I really don't think this is anything to scoff at. We've seen what they can do with cars like the Rio5 (actually pretty sporty), Optima/Sonata, Rondo, Santa Fe, etc... I have no doubt in my mind that this could be a seriously quick little car in the near-future.

...Granted of course, I don't think this is going to be a fast car. Hyndai/Kia is just figuring out how to build engines the right way, and they've certainly done their homework on the chassis and suspension stuff. It will probably just be a cheap, fun-to-drive hatchback with a modest amount of power buttoned down to the road with a nicely stiff setup...

If they can build us a Rio5 XR here in the US, I'd bet they'd sell moderately well...
 
The Rio5 would sell well here with some serious performance to pull along that hefty weight.
 
^ Same here dude! I drive a WRX wagon! ;)





^ Is this the one? Take note that is is not a photochopped:

Kia Rio/Pride "STi"

riosti305tg1.jpg


^ EsTehAi!

:lol:

Hahaha! I've actually seen a review of that in MOTOR magazine. They tracked down an owner and did a side-by-side comparison with an actual WRX STi. Quite funny.

I'd go for a Kia XR, though... as long as they put in a 150hp 2 liter turbodiesel... :D ...chippable up to 200 hp... :lol:
 
It looks quite cool at the front but the wheels and as much as i can see of the interior dont look good at all!
 
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