head of the Korean car as the Americans from gas-guzzling SUV in houf.

Kia Motors America, sister / subordinate to Hyundai Motors, announced that it is small, fuel-efficient vehicles to their fast-Georgia completed plants. Until this plan was to use the site for the production of Kia Sorrento-badged sport utility vehicle.

car factory

This step can only be as head of the Korean car as the Americans from gas-guzzling SUV in houf. Kia models, such as a new compact stylish Seoul will no doubt drive the majority of future sales in this country, not netvor, as in the old school, 21 miles to the gallon Sorrento.

Kia / Hyundai, is also in the reports of “Robinson Crusoe” by the end of production in their Alabama-based Hyundai Sonata / Santa Fe production units. It appears that the home office in Korea are not as production at its manufacturing facilities to be included in accordance with demand. (It’s not known?) As a result, there is more than a few parking spaces in the overcrowded Alabama with a new US-Korean SUV.

So the question is, does the Hyundai / Kia still need another North American production site? If it was not economically wise to open a second production line in Alabama, the existing facilities? Too rapid expansion is one of the most common problems of each growing businesses. (We expect at Starbucks, the successful movie video.)

Another possibility, Hyundai / Kia is looking for in this second production unit is employed in other Hyundai-badged models also there. We know that once troubled Korean manufacturer has a very high target for sales in North America, but rather with the practical reality of the current economic climate, it is necessary at this time. There are only so many buyers out there, and every producer has his own model of growth is to try to achieve.

Finally, we, when we tleskat, Kia, because the foresight to recognize that more is for the production of SUV is unwise, who own movement, it is clear that on the new car market in the United States steps in the direction of smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles. We are simply not sure whether there are enough buyers who are there to ensure KIAS such a costly production investment

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Kia Pro_cee’d

Driving
The Pro_cee’d, with its stiffer chassis over the five-door, handles well. Steering is nicely weighted, offers reasonable feedback and turns the car in precisely, with strong grip. It’s not quite as sure-footed and confidence-inspiring as the class best, but body control is good. Ride quality does suffer a little over the five-door, though. Petrol engines are a little average but the 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel is very strong. It’s preferable to the 2.0-litre, which, while quiet enough on the move, can clatter at low revs and never feels particularly quick. The gearchange has a light touch but it’s long in throw.

Marketplace
The Pro_cee’d has a character all of its own. Sitting 30mm lower than the five-door, the three-door hatch has an elongated, coupe-like stance – an impression reinforced by the long doors. It looks more athletic and stands out better than the five-door, and should help attract younger buyers. The rear is the real talking point, thanks to high-set lights, raked screen and narrow tailgate. Unlike the five-door, which uses letters for its trim names, the Pro_cee’d uses numbers – 1, 2 and 3, with a Sport range-topper. Rivals include the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch, Volvo C30, Renault Megane Sport Hatch and Citroen C4 Coupe, along with the Ford Focus, Hyundai i30 and Peugeot 308.

Owning
It’s a shame the interior isn’t as bold as the exterior. Virtually identical to the five-door, we expected something a bit sportier. And while there’s no arguing with quality, it’s not quite up to Golf or Focus standards. But the soft-touch dash and air conditioning controls are neat, and the stereo easy to use, although it does constantly need retuning on the move. Accessing the back seats isn’t easy, but once there, passengers will find ample kneeroom. The 340-litre boot is big, too, and folding the seats is simple – you don’t have to remove the head restraints. The Kia is great value too, with competitive prices and excellent levels of standard equipment. The Pro_cee’d also looks to have better retained values than the five-door – though they are still a little way off three-door rivals such as the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch. You do get Kia’s excellent 100,000-mile, seven-year warranty, though.

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