2014 Kia Soul Plus on 2040-cars

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Hyundai closes the books on fuel economy litigation

Hyundai-Kia ended up with a lot of kimchi on its face in 2012 when it admitted it had mistakenly exaggerated fuel economy estimates on several 2012 and 2013 model-year offerings like the Hyundai Accent, Veloster and Elantra and Kia Soul. Before the admission a lawsuit had been filed by an entity called Consumer Watchdog, afterward there were "approximately 53" lawsuits filed in federal court that were eventually consolidated into one case in a California Central District court.
The companies apologized profusely and gave customers prepaid gas cards that they could refill with funds for as long as they own their vehicle, as well as perks like free car washes and routine maintenance services. The company has just announced that it has reached a preliminary settlement of the case by adding another method of reimbursement, a lump sum payment that would free drivers from having to go back to the dealership to have their mileage verified for debit card refills.
Assuming the preliminary agreement is approved by the judge, customers could choose the lump sum or the cards. The settlement's value could be as much as $210 million, but the exact number depends on which program plaintiffs choose. On average, affected customers will receive $353. Approval could come in "early 2014," after which Hyundai will notify customers. You'll find more particulars on the potential settlement in the press release below.

Kia reveals facelifted 2017 Cadenza

Kia has revealed a facelifted version of its Cadenza sedan. Little in the way of technical details were released to accompany these two images of the model known in its home market as the K7. However the updated model "maintains the progressive, contemporary image of the current model" with "sharper, more defined lines and wider, lower stance" compared to the existing version. Previewed in a trio of teaser renderings just weeks ago, the new Cadenza adopts a more sharply-creased appearance. Kia says that the "long [hood], gently rising shoulder line and swept-back roofline give the car a sleek, elongated silhouette." Those lines are complemented by a a window line that rises towards the rear into a sharp kick upwards in the C-pillar, with the brand's signature tiger-nose grille flanked by wraparound LED headlamps, more muscular fenders, squared-off bumpers, wide LED taillamps, and dual exhaust tips. The new Kia Cadenza is set to reach showrooms around the world in the new year ahead. The current model shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Azera, and was introduced in Korea in 2010 before arriving in North America in 2013. The version we currently get in the United States is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Purposeful design for all-new Kia Cadenza - Sharper, more defined styling for Kia's full-size sedan - Distinctive, European-inspired looks with a sleek, elongated silhouette - Bold new model maintains the progressive image of existing Cadenza, promising greater refinement and luxury - On sale in overseas markets in 2016 (SEOUL) November 24, 2015 – Kia Motors has today revealed the updated exterior styling of the Korean domestic market all-new Kia Cadenza (known as 'K7' in Korea) in the first official photos of the new model. The all-new Cadenza boasts a purposeful new design and will feature high levels of interior quality and contemporary luxury when it goes on sale in overseas markets in 2016. The next-generation Cadenza maintains the progressive, contemporary image of the current model, and the sharper, more defined lines and wider, lower stance give the new model a modern and thoroughly distinctive new look – with key design elements ensuring the new Cadenza remains recognizable as a Kia.

Kia teases next Sorento [w/video]

We recently spotted it testing, and now Kia digitally dropped all of the cladding and obfuscation from its next-generation Sorento crossover to tease its true face. For the new model, it certainly looks as if the company's designers will evolve the current CUV's shape to be a bit more curvaceous than before.
According to Kia, the new design has a lower roofline and higher beltline than the current model, and the side windows certainly look a lot narrower than they are now. These renderings also hint at the next Sorento's more rectangular, vertical front end with the Korean automaker's now recognizable "tiger-nose grille." At the back, the styling appears to be a bit more rounded with the rear glass and taillights wrapping around slightly.
We won't have to base our opinions on renderings for long. Kia says that it will unveil the new Sorento in Korea at the end of August and will debut it to Europeans at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in early October. Scroll down to watch a video showing off some more renderings of the upcoming model and read Kia's teaser release.