2013 Kia Sportage Leather Seat on 2040-cars

Auto blog

NHTSA investigating 8 million airbags not made by Takata

In a shocking turn of events, we have a line of airbags under investigation that weren't made by Takata. Rather, Automotive News reports that 8,000,000 airbags made by ARC Automotive Inc. are under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to Automotive News, NHTSA is looking into ARC's airbags after two injuries and a recent death were attributed to the company's products. The two injuries occurred first and prompted the initial inquiry of 490,000 airbags, which then expanded after an airbag from a different line caused the death of a Canadian driver. The airbags in question are found in GM, FCA, Hyundai and Kia products, and all automakers are cooperating with the investigation, Automotive News reports. It is also important to note that these airbags have not been recalled, as NHTSA is trying to determine the issue and whether a recall is necessary. NHTSA also told the news outlet that the ARC inflators use a different design than those from Takata, instead using some pressurized gas and an ammonium nitrate charge. While the design may be different, the Takata inflators also used ammonium nitrate propellant, which other manufacturers have avoided. We will be watching this situation closely to see what develops. Here's hoping – for our collective safety and sanity – that we won't have to go through another airbag crisis like with the Takata recall. Related Video: News Source: Automotive NewsImage Credit: Shutterstock Government/Legal Hyundai Kia Safety FCA airbag fiat chrysler automobiles

Kia teases e-AWD Trail'ster concept ahead of Chicago

Last week, Kia dropped a teaser on our heads of a new concept it would be bringing to the Chicago Auto Show. Now it's revealed another view, and this time it's revealed the name, as well. The new concept is dubbed the Trail'ster, and it's essentially a turbocharged Soul with an electric all-wheel drive system, a retractable canvas roof and a rugged design. The shot above (depicting the back three-quarters angle from low on the ground) doesn't show us much more than the previous side shot of the nose, but as you can see, the round light theme continues around back, with lower body cladding, underbody protection panels and red-trimmed, five-hole wheels wearing chunky rubber. We'll have to hold on to find out more, but from what we've seen so far, our level of interest is officially piqued. Kia to Bring Electric All-Wheel Drive Trail'ster to Chicago Aligning form and function to conceive a uniquely compelling vehicle for the city-dweller-turned- outdoor-adventurer, Kia Motors America will take the wraps off the rugged Trail'ster e-AWD concept at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. With its bold design, fully retractable canvas roof and smartly integrated rear electric all-wheel drive system, the turbocharged Trail'ster takes Kia's iconic Soul to a new level of expression, efficiency and capability. The Kia Trail'ster concept will be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on Thursday, February 12, at 9 a.m. CT.

Kia bringing new Picanto city car to Geneva

The Kia Rio may be one of the smallest cars available in the United States, but over in Europe, the Korean automaker offers something even smaller. It's called the Picanto, and Kia is set to reveal an updated version at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Measuring just over 140 inches long and weighing less than 2,000 pounds, the Picanto shares its underpinnings with the equally tiny Hyundai i10, with power coming from an upgraded 1.0-liter inline-three with multi-point fuel injection. The new model also benefits from redesigned bumpers front and rear, new 14-inch (that's right, 14-inch!) alloys, larger brakes and a revised interior with a new center stack, chrome accents and cloth upholstery. Buyers will also be able to choose between three- and five-door body-styles and new color packs to make it stand out from other city cars in the urban landscape, along with a new seven-inch display for the infotainment system and cruise control. Kia to reveal new Picanto at 2015 Geneva Show - Updated exterior and interior design with new customisation options - New premium features include cruise control and touchscreen infotainment - Updates to 1.0-litre gasoline engine and reduced stopping distance - On sale across Europe by the end of Q1 2015 Frankfurt, 2 February 2015 – Kia Motors Europe will unveil the enhanced Kia Picanto at the 85th Salon International de l'Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015. Kia's stylish A-segment city hatchback features a range of dynamic and visual improvements to maintain its competitiveness. The enhanced Kia Picanto boasts redesigned front and rear bumpers to enhance the car's bold looks, as well as updates to Kia's hallmark 'tiger-nose' grille. Buyers can now choose a new 14-inch alloy wheel design, and the inclusion of an optional sport pack makes the upgraded car stand out as one of the best-looking vehicles in the A-segment, in both three- and five-door variants. Inside, the Picanto is now fitted with new chrome accents surrounding the driver's instrument binnacle and dashboard air vents, and a new cloth upholstery pattern boosts the car's youthful appeal. At the centre of the dashboard, a more modern fascia now surrounds the Picanto's audio system. Premium features and greater customisation A range of optional premium features are being introduced to the Kia Picanto for the first time, including the latest generation of Kia's AVN (audio-video navigation) system with a large 7.0-inch display screen (available from Q3).