Kia preparing new model to rival the Volkswagen Golf GTI

Kia’s hot hatchback that’s inspired by the classic Volkswagen Golf GTI will be released in the carmaker’s next phase in its campaign to rival mainstream European brands. Kia told Autocar that a high-performance model is in the pipeline. Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s overseas marketing director, said that it is working on “turbocharged engines,” as well as on creating a competitor to the Golf GTI. Kia is also tuning its suspension.
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Whelan - 4/6/2011 8:03:46 AM

+1 Boost

With the upcoming focus ST, the current GTI, MS3, I am very excited about this news. Next year I will be in the market for a replacement for my 2005 Matrix XR AWD and at the top of the list is:

-4dr hatchback/wagon
-more powerful engine (turbo)
-6 rowable gears
-under 30k

Granted I will be close to the 30k mark when options are added and what not, but still being able to have these options within reach is quite fun. The WRX hatch is fugly IMO and I am waiting to see what the MS3 refresh looks like (no smiley face). But at the moment, it appears the Focus ST is winning in most categories.