High Performance KIA's To Be Given The XR Designation

Kia is planning to release a range of performance saloons and hatchbacks over the next three years all under the "XR" badge, and Autocar can bring you an exclusive preview of the first of them.

The maker dropped a considerable hint when it revealed this re-styled, XR-badged Kia Cee’d at a press gathering near the company’s Korean HQ last week.

Kia sources told Autocar that engineers were working on both turbo and supercharged engines for future models.

"Turbocharged engines would be aimed at Europe and supercharged engines at the American market because of different customer demands," the source said.


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EnnNorak - 5/22/2007 12:30:24 PM

+2 Boost

I'd give serious consideration to a supercharged KIA but I think they are just a little too late for my spring 2008 deadline.

zorbeeze - 5/22/2007 12:42:28 PM

+2 Boost

I don't get this decision. Is Hyundai producing performance variants too. I'd except Hyundai to start the performance products and then for Kia to follow. After all isn't Kia supposed to be regarded as the cheaper version of Hyundai.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/23/2007 5:13:53 AM

+2 Boost

SRT-4? XR will compete against M, AMG, S/RS, F.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 5/22/2007 2:12:07 PM

+3 Boost

XR... how original..

w209w114 - 5/22/2007 11:08:56 PM

0 Boost

More original than "F" for Fast

Come on lexus fans Deboost me!

Lexus - 5/22/2007 5:19:23 PM

+3 Boost

I thought the Toyota Matrix has the XR model? anyway that dawn Kia look very similar to the Toyota Matrix. Korean automaker is definitely steping up the notch here. They are aiming directly at the European cars and American car.

I've never like the Kia/Hyundai brands but they have progress so quickly in a very short time. Got to gave them credit for that.

Lexus - 5/22/2007 11:21:59 PM

+2 Boost

I know the Hyundai brand is currently working the a E-Class and 5 Series fighter as well. They also currently working on a Audi TT fighter as well. I wonder if Hyundai can make a sportcar that out perform the Audi TT?

w209w114 - 5/23/2007 2:11:52 PM

0 Boost

The Hyundai will compete more with the GS and the RL than the 5 and the E. Lets look at this realistically. Think in terms of prestige.