If nothing else, Kia's designers are busy. Following the grand opening of its U.S. design studios in Los Angeles, the company plans on having every vehicle in its portfolio undergo a complete refresh or facelift. That may be an ambitious plan, but it also allows the company to tailor itself to American tastes - a pivotal plan, should it hope to remain relevant in today's market.
2009
Most of Kia's revised 2009 offerings can already be found on dealers' lots. The Optima sedan and Sportage compact SUV are both freshened for 2009, while the Borrego, a full-size SUV, is a new offering to Kia's portfolio.
2010
New to the Kia lineup for 2010 is the Soul, a funky five-door hatchback that's appeared as a concept numerous times. The midsize Spectra will be completely overhauled, with a new coupe offering joining the sedan. The next-generation Sorento, the first vehicle to be built at Kia's new plant in Georgia, will change from a body-on-frame SUV to a unibody crossover.
2011
Look for the most change to occur in Kia's lineup in 2011, as no fewer than five models will be completely redesigned. Automotive News predicts extensive changes to the subcompact Rio, midsize Optima, luxury Amanti (which will share a platform with the Hyundai Azera), Sportage SUV, and Rondo crossover.
Source: Automotive News