Kia unveils new Pride subcompact

SEOUL, Sept. 6 (Yonhap) -- Kia Motors Corp. South Korea's second largest carmaker, unveiled its all-new Pride subcompact on Tuesday that is expected to reach the market later in the month.
The carmaker said the new Pride represents a "full model change" from the existing vehicle launched in April 2005, and has been developed to meet the needs of both domestic and overseas markets.
There will be four-door and five-door models powered by either a 1.4-liter gasoline or 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine.
The 1.4-liter engine can generate 108 horsepower and 13.9 kilogram-meters of torque with a fuel efficiency reaching 16.1 kilometers on a liter of fuel. The larger 1.6-liter engine has been rated at 140 horsepower and is capable of generating 17.0 kilogram-meters of torque while getting 16.7 kilometers per liter. The fuel economy on the GDi engine can be raised to 17.7 kilometers per liter of fuel if the idle stop and go system is used.
"The new Pride uses Kia's distinct radiator and has a sporty head lamp assembly and exterior," the company said in a press release.
It said the new car features the latest safety features and comfort amenities that are at the top of the class for the subcompact vehicle segment.
"There are six airbags, next generation vehicle dynamic control and hill-start assist control," Kia said. It said the Pride will also have a heated steering wheel, cruise control and a push-button keyless start system.
The new car, meanwhile, is 4,365 millimeters-long, 1,720 millimeters wide and has an overall height of 1,455 millimeters. This make the car slightly larger in terms of length and width than the current Pride although the height of the car will be 15 millimeters shorter.