New Kia Ray city car for the Korean market... first?

10 Nov 2011 : Kia Motors Corporation released yesterday the first official pictures of its all-new Ray city car, which is destined to join the South Korean brand's lineup in its home market, at a date to be announced later.

Looking obviously like a little brother of the compact Kia Soul, the Ray is an even more urban car focusing primarily on economy, easy mobility and versatile interior, thanks to its box-type body design.

With such characteristics, it might not be surprising to see Kia's Ray reaching later other regions, especially at the light of the deep financial and economic changes expected over the next few years, practically all over the world.

While powertrain options are yet to be announced, the Ray shows at the front LED daytime running lights in a rather cute face, while the side glass configuration is accompanied by a sliding rear door on the passenger side – for easier entry and exit, especially in tight parking spaces – with a wide side opening for better cargo utility.

At the back, the design aims to inspire a wide and stable stance, with prominent LED rear combination lamps and vertical bumper reflectors.

Founded in 1944 and Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles, Kia – part of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group – produced (in eight countries) and sold (in 172 countries) last year 2,089,355 units.

By region, Kia sold last year 447,994 units in general markets (Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia (excluding China and Korea), the Pacific, Middle East and Africa, with a 47.1% year-on-year increase), followed by China (354,944 units, +38.3%), North America (410,150 units, +18.5%), Europe (includes both Western and Eastern European, 391,755 units, +18.1%) and Korea (484,512 units, +17.4%).