Kia to take on Golf GTI - and others

Now that Kia has this whole design and quality thing licked it is planning a raft of sporty new models.

We can exclusively reveal Kia's plans to break into the sports and performance car market.

Known for its budget models, Kia is planning to launch a series of performance cars and convertibles. CompleteCar.ie got the inside line from executives at Kia's headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.

The first will be a rear-wheel drive concept car, to be unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. It's not known whether or not that model will make production as yet.

A convertible version of the Kia Soul is also in the pipeline. Less of a performance car, the drop-top Soul is more likely to be a cruiser than an all-out performance car and will take cues from the Soulster concept car (pictured).

The third and final sporty model will be a cee'd hot hatch. It will be a bona fide VW Golf GTI rival and feature Kia's existing 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine - already fitted to other models in its range overseas.

Published on: March 24, 2011