Kia got Style?

SoulPatcher · Aug 28, 2009

As a few may know, Kia has put in a major effort to revamping themselves and actually filled their chief Designer position with Peter Schreyer, formerly of Audi, to supply the new look. Doing some work with Kia on the Forte, and curious to see what you guys think of the new design(s).

Here is a vid of Peter going over the details of the Forte design:

ConcernedParent · Aug 28, 2009

Still ugly. But its competitors are pretty ugly too.

Roikins · Aug 28, 2009

Not great looking, but just a bit better than average compared to cars in its class. You can see lots of "borrowed" design cues from other cars which makes the car appear confused to me -- it tries to have aggressive and sporty elements, yet most of the car is designed in a way that makes it look stocky and bulky, as if to give the illusion that it is larger and possibly more spacious than its competition. Interesting they didn't have any clear profile shots of the car in the video.

js4design · Aug 28, 2009

if saturn can make a good looking car, then i think the potential is there for anybody.

Roikins · Aug 28, 2009

Originally Posted by js4design

if saturn can make a good looking car, then i think the potential is there for anybody.

They're just stealing cars from Opel.

js4design · Aug 29, 2009

Originally Posted by Roikins

They're just stealing cars from Opel.

everything i've read has this generation of the opel gt as a rebadged saturn sky, hence the production in delaware. plus either way it goes i don't think it counts as stealing since they're both under gm.

caelte · Aug 31, 2009

Roikins · Aug 31, 2009

Originally Posted by js4design

everything i've read has this generation of the opel gt as a rebadged saturn sky, hence the production in delaware. plus either way it goes i don't think it counts as stealing since they're both under gm.

Were under GM... it was GM's euro design team that did the Opels, but they weren't really intended for US sales, so in a way it was "stealing." They saw a great looking car and just sent them over here so they didn't have to spend money designing another car for the US market; it was a smart move, I'd say. As for upcoming Saturns, I would guess it all depends on what Penske wants to do with it now that they own it.

SoulPatcher · Aug 31, 2009

Originally Posted by Roikins

Not great looking, but just a bit better than average compared to cars in its class. You can see lots of "borrowed" design cues from other cars which makes the car appear confused to me -- it tries to have aggressive and sporty elements, yet most of the car is designed in a way that makes it look stocky and bulky, as if to give the illusion that it is larger and possibly more spacious than its competition. Interesting they didn't have any clear profile shots of the car in the video.

The video did lack a side view as you noted. Here is a profile shot link from the motortrend review:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/.../photo_08.html

The auto press generally feels it is a step in the right direction, and combined with the previous car he designed (the Soul), a fairly large departure from their past designs. That said, I did enjoy your analysis.

Originally Posted by js4design

everything i've read has this generation of the opel gt as a rebadged saturn sky, hence the production in delaware. plus either way it goes i don't think it counts as stealing since they're both under gm.

That is correct, both Saturn and Vauxhall are just different versions of existing Opels for different countries.

Roikins · Aug 31, 2009

Originally Posted by SoulPatcher

The video did lack a side view as you noted. Here is a profile shot link from the motortrend review:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/.../photo_08.html

The auto press generally feels it is a step in the right direction, and combined with the previous car he designed (the Soul), a fairly large departure from their past designs. That said, I did enjoy your analysis.

Interesting... looks a bit more Acura TSX from the side.

Douglas · Aug 31, 2009

I don't know if Kia has style but style is really not determined by the badge on the front. The Saturn Sky is a sweet-looking car, and every design Lexus ever puts out is a piece of dog pile. You ever look at a 5-10 year old Lexus? They look like jelly beans.

turboman808 · Aug 31, 2009

I think this is great. Causes the other manufacturers to really up the game level. Porsche still has leather as an option and sells the base models with plastic. I find that unacceptable. Jaguar on the other hand does not let a car leave the factory with anything other then leather and suede.

Douglas · Aug 31, 2009

Originally Posted by turboman808

I think this is great. Causes the other manufacturers to really up the game level. Porsche still has leather as an option and sells the base models with plastic. I find that unacceptable. Jaguar on the other hand does not let a car leave the factory with anything other then leather and suede.

They also do not let a car leave the factory without engine failures.

Mr. Moo · Aug 31, 2009

Honestly, this is a pretty good car. Starts at under $15k, 174 horses, 25/32 MPG, Kia warranty, etc. It will sell like hotcakes.

turboman808 · Aug 31, 2009

Originally Posted by Douglas

They also do not let a car leave the factory without engine failures.

Wow your about 15 years to late with that remark. Won JD Powers award over honda and toyota last year. Try again

Kia got Style?

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