Kia Hopes To Become A Ride And Handling Benchmark

As Kia continues to shed its boring image, the company wants to

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by Brad Anderson

September 19, 2016 at 03:01

As Kia continues to shed its boring image, the company wants to become a benchmark on ride and handling.

While speaking with Autocar recently, Kia’s European chief operating officer Michael Cole said the firm doesn’t just want to compete for vehicle dynamics but wants to be at the top of the industry.

“Dynamics is a key focus for us, with teams working on it across the business,” he said. “We have built a reputation on design, quality and reliability, but now there is a lot of focus on ride and handling. We also want to be a benchmark on ride and handling.

“We can compete, but we want to better that and be renowned for our dynamics as well.”

To help make this a reality, the marque recently appointed Albert Biermann as its performance vehicles boss. With a wrap-sheet that includes being the development chief at BMW‘s M division, Biermann, it is hoped, is the man for the job.

Currently, Kia’s performance-oriented models consist of the Pro_Cee’d GT and Optima GT but soon, additional high-performance models will be released, including a four-door coupe inspired by 2011’s GT concept.