Kia’s 2010 VG: Continuing the comeback
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If Tony Montana himself put a gun to your head, could you say for certain what the Kia Rondo or Kia Spectra5 looks like? If you can, you’re in the minority of Americans, which is understandably something of an annoyance to Kia. Previously known for making fabulous rental cars, Kia has been seen by some as a bottom-of-the-barrel choice of vehicle; great for those who want a cheap car, but expect everything about it to be cheap as well.
Fed up with being treated in this manner, Kia is throwing an automaker’s version of a tantrum. But instead of holding its breath and stomping its feet, the company is sending out a slew of the best cars they’ve ever produced. If only our blue-in-the-face kids were equally as industrious.
Beginning with the Soul’s debut, the 2010 model year marks a distinct change of direction for the Korean company. The release of the funky four-door was quickly followed by the Forte -- a Honda Civic competitor that has a good chance of standing its ground against some of the most successful compacts on the market. Appearing late this summer, a sleek and sexy coupe version, conveniently dubbed the Forte Koup, will continue the upswing.
The interior and exterior designs of all three cars show signs of much-improved quality without sacrificing style, and contain standard features which would send a geek’s heart aflutter.
What makes me want front-row seats to this reinvention tour is a quick glimpse of the Amanti’s replacement, the 2010 VG pictured above. Wow, it’s kind of hot. And not just for a Kia. The “premium” sedan, as Kia puts it, is still only available to us in the concept renderings released today, but if it takes any cues from the models we’ve already seen, we can expect a high level of fit and finish to accompany its release early next year.
Engine choices could possibly range from a frugal 2.4-liter found in the Forte to a more robust, and decidedly fun, 3.8-liter V6 to appeal to a range of buyers. Naysayers will point out design similarities to the Audi lineup and the Volkswagen CC -- Kia’s designer hails from Audi, after all -- but it certainly looks like Kia is leaving its rental-car reputation behind.
-- Alison Lakin
Alison Lakin is a staff writer at DriverSide.com
Photo: A concept rendering of Kia’s 2010 VG. Credit: Kia Motors