Occasion: the first Russian test drive Kia Third generation Picanto
Scene: Moscow and surroundings
Impression: doesn't look dated at all. Created under the direction of Peter Schreyer, this urban hatch is still an eye-catcher and fits perfectly into the company's current lineup. And yet, six full years on the assembly line is an impressive period. At the beginning of this year, the Koreans showed. And yesterday the city car was rolled out to the Russian press.
The share of high-strength steels in the body structure doubled from 22% to 44%. Torsional rigidity increased by 32%. The length and width of the car remained the same - 3595 and 1595 mm. But wheelbase stretched by 15 mm and is now 2400 mm. The company proudly emphasizes: the Golf of the first generation has exactly the same indicator.
With a height of 176 cm, it is really possible to get a good job on one's own. At the same time, several centimeters separate the knees from the back of the driver's seat. Kia Picanto can definitely be called a full-fledged car for four. And although I wouldn’t dare to travel with such a train for several thousand kilometers, it’s easy to wave with friends to Minsk or St. Petersburg for the weekend.
According to the manufacturer, the trunk volume added 55 liters and reached 255 liters. They say that a slightly increased rear overhang and a different finish made it possible to achieve such indicators. It seems to me that the real value is much more modest, but let's still wait for a full-fledged test and our measurements.
What is really captivating new Picanto is the lack of feeling of a cheap and small car. Yes, everything inside is made of hard plastic, but the fit, ergonomics and equipment level are absolutely adult. If a broad-shouldered comrade is not sitting on the right, trying to grab the central armrest, you quickly forget about the modest dimensions of the Picanto.
The top versions of the Picanto are equipped with a heated steering wheel, push-button engine start, a multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen (support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and even a rear-view camera. So, in terms of options, the little Kia surpasses all direct competitors, of which there are only two - Ravon R2 and Smart ForFour. The first does not offer any of the above in principle. The second is deprived of push-button engine start and steering wheel heating.
At the presentation, there were cars exclusively with a top-end 1.2-liter engine with 84 hp. This is combined only with a 4-speed automatic and should accelerate the Picanto to hundreds in 12 seconds. There are no special questions about the dynamics. But the number of stages in fluid mechanics and, as a result, fuel consumption are very frustrating. After a hundred-kilometer route with average speed 58 km / h trip computer showed 7.4 l / 100 km. I think in hard traffic jams Picanto can "gobble up" all nine. Liter versions power 67 hp equipped with a 5-speed manual, so the demand for such Picantos will be small.
GT line version? It's just styling. Behind the evil appearance is the same harmless baby: a 1.2-liter engine, similar suspension settings. By the way, the Picanto steers very well by the standards of the class. Excellent stands on the arc, almost no heels in corners. Yes, and with the effort on the steering wheel, too, the order. If Picanto can be blamed for a lack feedback, but only at high speeds.
One of the main parameters that buyers of a new car are trying to evaluate today is the place of assembly. It often turns out that a car of a German or Japanese brand is assembled in Russia or in another country with not too high build quality. This makes the credibility of the car limited, so it is important to know where the car was assembled before going to a car dealership to get acquainted with it. Sometimes potential buyers refuse to purchase a car after learning that the country of the brand and assembly are two different states. However, such news no longer scares specialists. automotive market, because manufacturers are often looking for ways to reduce the cost of manufacturing vehicles.
But for the buyer, the news that his expensive car was brought from a Chinese factory, for example, will not be too joyful. Today we will talk about where KIA is assembled, and also consider the modern range of this brand. The Korean company KIA has recently begun to actively develop in all world markets and provide customers with high quality vehicles. The last ten years have brought the brand to a very high level, today Korean cars are ready to compete with any global manufacturer.
KIA assembly - the main plants of the company and cars of the Russian market
KIA Corporation is part of the group Hyundai companies Group, but is a separate brand and an independent part of the concern. However, in recent years, the cooperation of these companies in terms of the development of technology has been especially noticeable. For machines of the same class, one base, one engine and transmission are used. However, the KIA brand has managed to retain its design identity and model range.
Today the company owns full-fledged automobile factories in Korea, India, China, Turkey and the USA. In almost all countries where the brand's cars are sold, there is a subassembly of cars, which reduces their cost in local markets. For example, in Russia the corporation's assembly partners are IZH-Avto and Avtotor. Almost the entire model range of the company is produced in Kaliningrad today, and KIA cars Russian assembly are distinguished by the following features:
- quite high-quality production with the necessary reliability checks and certifications;
- the absence of factory blunders, which are a tradition of Russian assembly plants for other brands;
- the use of Korean nodes, fully assembled and assembled at one of the company's five factories in South Korea;
- adaptation of almost the entire model range to the Russian conditions of transport operation;
- the presence of serious modifications for some models that were developed for Russia.
As a vivid example of a car designed for our operating conditions, one can cite a very successful project companies - new generation KIA Rio. Excellent design and good technology without saving on important components made the car as attractive as possible in all respects. For these reasons, the company received almost 9% of the market of all foreign cars in Russia at the end of 2014.
But the competition in Koreans is quite big, because today the company has lost most of its developments. The popularity of models was especially negatively affected by a serious rise in prices associated with currency fluctuations in early 2015. From that moment on, the company's lineup practically ceased to develop, and the popularity of cars began to noticeably decline. However, some models remain popular today.
Lineup and brief description of KIA cars in Russia
The corporation's cars are presented in a fairly large assortment, despite the unfulfilled plan to update the lineup this year. The corporation offers solutions for both urban travel and off-road conquest. Among the general strengths The company should be called good design, high quality and ride comfort. But this is only the first impression of most of the manufacturer's machines.
Each model from the assortment of the Korean company has its own individual characteristics:
- Picanto - a hatchback baby with a bright design, a stylish interior for city trips, the car is regarded as a good offer for the fair sex;
- Rio is one of the most popular models company, compact sedan and hatchback with excellent individual external characteristics and hardy equipment for Russian conditions;
- Cee "d is a successful project of the company, present in hatchback, station wagon and coupe bodies, a comfortable and spacious car with good technical characteristics;
- Cerato is a traditional C-class sedan with good handling and a high level of equipment, very reliable technology and decent performance for daily use;
- Optima is one of the inexpensive premium sedans with a striking appearance, large saloon and a very productive engine, attractive in all aspects, including the price;
- Quoris is a truly premium car with an excellent interior, high quality equipment and excellent finishing materials, a car for business and executive class;
- Venga is a small family van with an attractive price, but not too much spacious interior, popular in European countries due to its versatility;
- Soul - a small urban crossover with an unusual appearance, memorable design features and a good spacious interior, a car for smooth trips;
- Sportage - completely reborn in a new generation compact crossover with authentic design and outstanding engines, respected for its bold appearance;
- sorento- big crossover with good technology and impressive size, in 2015 the next generation update is expected with complete change appearance details;
- Mohave is an SUV with very attractive characteristics, but not too affordable cost, which hinders its popularity in our country.
In general, the manufacturer's model range is quite wide, but some cars need updates. For this and the coming year, the company has planned a lot of changes in a number of models, but it is unlikely that they will be implemented all of them. Today, the company is experiencing a slight decline in popularity, because many models will be delayed, their entry into the market will be postponed indefinitely. We offer you to see a small test drive of a small and popular sedan KIA Rio:
Summing up
It is difficult to say what situation the Korean manufacturer is in today, and whether it is worth expecting certain new products from it in the near future. Nonetheless, salons KIA in Russia are full of offers, because the company continues to supply and assemble vehicles in our country. Despite a technical rapprochement with parent concern Hyundai, Kia cars have been able to retain their uniqueness and are in many ways superior to the products of the corporation-owner.
In today's market, the Korean company KIA is far from the last place in the ratings and offers very high quality and modern cars. Given the active expansion of the brand to the US market, we can assume that in the near future new models will appear in the model line, which will also be available for the Russian market. How do you feel about cars from South Korea, including the KIA brand?
The Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad has been assembling KIA cars for more than 20 years. The first KIA model left the Kaliningrad assembly line back in 1997. This model was KIA Clarus:
To date, the Kaliningrad plant produces 11 KIA models:
- Kia Sorento
- KIA Sorento Prime
- KIA Soul
- KIA Picanto
- KIA Optima
- KIA Sportage
- KIA Cee'd
- KIA Cerato
- KIA Mohave
- KIA Quoris
- KIA Stinger
The Avtotor plant started production of the KIA Stinger in January 2018. Kia Stinger is assembled using the SKD method (large assembly from car kits), which are supplied by Kia Motors factories in Slovakia and South Korea:
The Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad is one of the largest and largest enterprises in Russian Federation which specializes in the automotive industry. Every ninth car in the state leaves the assembly line of the company. The assembly and production of Kia brand cars have been made since 1996, it was then that a contract was signed with the KIA Group.
The plant first receives molding metal sheets, from which individual parts of future machines are welded. During the assembly process, more than 3,000 weld points need to be connected. Then the product is sent to the welding jig, where the bodies are formed. After that, additional points are combined at the body finishing section. Then the geometric parameters of the body are measured on special equipment. To do this, a random car is taken and tested at 300 points along x, y, z coordinates. After that, the machine is painted, sealant is applied, polished, and then control testing is carried out.
In Russia, applications for the purchase of the Kia Stinger were accepted back in December 2017, for buyers they began to supply products in March 2018. The Stinger is the first Gran Turismo fastback in the history of the Korean manufacturer. The car was created in the Kia Design Center in Europe based on the GT-concept. According to Avtotor's public relations and media control, the car is sold in the Russian Federation in 3 versions with 2 types of motor: 2.0 T-GDI and 3.3 T-GDI.
The updated version is sold at a price of 1 million 999 thousand 900 rubles. For this amount, a standard modification with rear wheel drive Stinger 2.0 T-GDI and self-locking differential.
Kaliningrad specialists adjust the engine power to the specifics of the state taxation system, which is 248 horsepower, and the maximum torque is 353 Nm. These characteristics guarantee fastback 5-door design acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour in just 6 seconds. There is also an all-wheel drive modification of the car for the 2.0 T-GDI.
The Kaliningrad enterprise produces the most powerful version of the Stinger GT 4WD car for sale in the Russian Federation. It is equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 Lambda engine with fuel injection and twin turbocharging. Vehicle power - 370 Horse power, and the maximum torque is 510 Nm. At the same time, acceleration to one hundred kilometers per hour is the fastest of all existing brands of Korean-made cars - 4.9 seconds.
It should be noted that all modifications of the Kia Stinger car are equipped automatic transmission personal development in 8 steps.
The car kit consists of the main components of the car: body, engine, transmission. All delivered car kits pass the input control. The parts are then unpacked and stacked on carts according to the assembly order.
Bodies after passing the input control enter the zone of internal logistics, where they are thoroughly washed. After that, protective covers are put on them so as not to damage when installing the rest of the equipment. In this form, the body enters the conveyor, at each section of which new parts are mounted on it. At a certain stage, the body is already waiting for previously assembled chassis with engine and transmission. Then for almost assembled car wheels are installed, it is refueled with fuel and other liquids, after which it moves under its own power towards the first sea trials.
Russian KIA dealers have already begun accepting applications for the KIA Stinger. starts from 1,899,900 rubles.
One of the main features of the Kia company is that cars are assembled at the branches of those countries in the market of which they will subsequently be sold.
Photo: Kia plant in the USA
Worth noting that appearance and specifications of one model may directly depend on the branch at which the car is produced.
The most powerful enterprise in Russia, where Kia products are made, is the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad.
The Kia Rio car is considered one of the best-selling in the world market, in particular in Russia. Motorists first of all note the high build quality, nice design and low cost.
As mentioned above, for Russia, Rio is assembled at the Kaliningrad plant.
Among the producing countries of Rio was Ukraine, where the Kia Rio was assembled at the LUAZ plant. Do not forget about branches in Thailand, India, China, Ecuador and South Korea.
Kia Sid
A golf-class car that has been among the leaders in sales over the past few years.
For the Russian market, LED is assembled at Avtotor in Kaliningrad, and for the CIS markets at an enterprise in Kazakhstan.
The most powerful plant is a South Korean enterprise whose products can be found all over the world.
Assembly Kia car in Mexico kia carnival
Kia Carnival is one of the most "ancient" cars of the Korean concern, which has been assembled since 1998. Since that time, the car has gone through three modifications, each of which was made at a factory in South Korea.
Also, until 2014, the car was produced in the UK and the USA, but there it was called Kia Sedona.
Kia cerate
At the moment, Cerato is on the list of leaders in sales in Russia. Until 2013, the car was made in South Korea and Kazakhstan.
It is worth noting that new modification models are also assembled at a Russian enterprise.
In 2006, when the second generation of Cerato was introduced, the “Korean” began to be assembled in the USA.
Kia Clarus
Clarus is one of the few Korean cars that was assembled exclusively at native enterprises. In fairness, it should be noted that for a short period of time the assembly took place at the Kaliningrad Avtotor.
Kia Mojave
Even at the initial stage of development, company representatives claimed that the Kia Mojave SUV would be supplied only in the United States. But later, it was decided to export the model to the Russian market.
To date, Mojave is assembled at Avtotor Kaliningrad, as well as in Kazakhstan and South Korea.
It is worth noting that in the US the SUV is referred to as the Kia Borrego.
Photo: Kia assembly in Korea Kia Opirus and Kia Quoris
It's no secret that Kia Quoris is the company's most expensive car. His predecessor was Kia sedan Opirus, the production of which ended in 2010, and took place exclusively in South Korean enterprises.
Kia Quoris is assembled in Kaliningrad to this day.
Kia Optima
Another Kia Optima model, popular among domestic motorists, appeared on Russian market in 2012, and it was then that it began mass production to Avtotor.
Kia Sorento
New generation midsize SUV Sorento cannot boast of the same popularity as the previous ones, but there are fans.
To date, Sorento is produced at the Kaliningrad enterprise. For some time, the assembly was carried out at Izh-Avto.
It is worth noting that Sorento SUVs for the European market are made at the facilities of Turkey and Slovakia.
kia soul
Russian version kia soul boasts a unique design. Due to this, the car of domestic assembly is significantly different from foreign counterparts.
No one will be surprised that the car is produced at Avtotor.
In addition, to a greater extent for local markets, the model is assembled in Kazakhstan, China and South Korea.
Video: Kia car assembly process
kia sportage
crossover kia sportage gained high popularity due to its design, and fantastic driving performance. The first generation of the car was assembled at German enterprises. Subsequent modifications are made in Russia and Slovakia.
kia venga
Until recently, Kia Venga was the only Kia model that was not assembled in Russia. But, in 2015, the situation improved, because the Avtotor enterprise undertook obligations to annually fill the domestic market with high-quality cars.
Conclusion
Kia cars are among the most popular, both in the global and domestic markets.
The range of models is really impressive, and it seems that the Korean concern has set itself the task of inserting at least one representative in each car class.
For the domestic market, Kia models are assembled mainly at the Avtotor Kaliningrad plant. However, for some time, the assembly was carried out at the Izh-Avto enterprise.