Kia Recalling 70,115 Optima Sedans Over Transmission Flaw

Kia has issued a recall on 70,115 Optima sedans manufactured from September 29, 2005, through June 13, 2007 because of a problem related to the transmission that can cause the cars to roll even while they are in park. The company said that in some cars, the transmission shift cable may have been installed incorrectly and can become detached from the shifter. If that occurs, the car would stay in the last used gear before detachment, even if the driver moves the shift lever to the park position.

�If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash,� said Kia In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA].

The South Korean automaker said that there have been no reported injuries related to this condition.

The safety recall for the 2006-2008MY Optima sedan is expected to begin this month.

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SCOOP: Kia Readying a Facelift for the 2012 Soul

It appears that the Soul is the next vehicle in Kia�s list to receive an update. Caught here in testing in Germany by our spy photographers, the bagged-up ends do their job to hide the Soul�s stylistic upgrades with the only visible change being the redesigned exterior mirrors that house the turning lights.

However, it is expected that the Soul will take some cues from the new Picanto and Rio hatchbacks (both of which were revealed at the Geneva Motor Show) such as the pulled back headlamps and more pronounced bumpers. An interior rework may also be in the cards.

Currently, the Soul is offered in the States with two gasoline engines, a 1.6-liter unit with 122HP and a 2.0-liter delivering 142HP. In Europe, engine choices include a 1.6-liter turbo diesel with 126HP and a 1.6-liter petrol producing 124HP.

From what we�ve heard, there�s a good chance that in both regions, Kia will replace the standard 1.6-liter gasoline unit with the Veloster�s all-new 1.6-liter four-pot featuring direct-injection technology and an output of 138HP and 123 lb.-ft. at 4,850 rpm. Europe may also get the Hyundai-Kia Group�s newer 1.7-liter turbo diesel unit, offered in two states of tune.

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Kia Adds 256HP 2.0-liter Turbo to Sportage Range, Priced from $26,490

Kia has released details and pricing on its new turbocharged 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV, scheduled to arrive in the firm's U.S. showrooms later this month. The Sportage SX is Kia's second vehicle in the States to feature the company's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct-injection technology and a twin-scroll turbocharger that delivers 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque.

The 2.0L Turbo is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. Kia said the FWD model returns 22mpg in the city (10.7 lt/100km) and 27mpg on the highway (8.7lt/100km).

In addition to the new powertrain, the Sportage SX also gets a sportier-tuned suspension with firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling over the standard versions along with several bespoke styling features such as the unique 18-inch alloy wheels and grille trim, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. The exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior appointments including standard aluminum door sills and a modified gauge cluster.

Prices for the 2011 Sportage SX start from $26,490 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and from $27,990 for the AWD model, with both MSRPs including a $695 destination and handling fee.

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