Currently reading: Quick news: Kia desires sporty model, New options for Defender
Kia chief “desires” a sporty model; Land Rover has added more options and colour schemes to its Defender; Ford Focus models outsell Corolla in 2012

Kia UK chief executive, Paul Philpott says the firm has a desire to launch “a sporty and dynamic” car to complement its core range, but exactly which type of car it should be is yet to be decided. “The desire is there, but it has to work on a global scale”, he said. “Whether it’s a GT car, a coupe or a roadster is out of our hands [in the UK]."

Land Rover Defender buyers can specify a new, more supportive and stylish seat premium seat design. The base audio system can now be upgraded to incorporate Bluetooth connectivity and a 150W Alpine subwoofer. Additionally a choice of four new contrasting roof colours, including white, black, silver, grey or red can be ordered alongside new paint finishes: Barolo Black and Havana.

The Ford Focus has sold more than any other model in the first six months of 2012. Research by HIS Automotive found 489,616 Focuses were sold, compared to the next nearest model, the Toyota Corolla, which sold 462,616 units. The research doesn't make the European and North American Focus number one though: the Focus nameplate appears on a variety of models, including versions of the second-generation model, which ended production in Europe in 2011.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Can the Ford Focus capture the hearts and minds of hatchback buyers, or have its traditional rivals managed to perfect the formula?

Join the debate

Comments
5
Add a comment…
sirwiggum 4 September 2012

Kia could take a leaf from

Kia could take a leaf from Toyotas book, in the 80s and 90s when it had the Celica, Supra and MR2 to add a bit of excitement to the brand. Only now are they getting back to that with the GT86.

Focus outselling Corolla -  does this take into account the markets where the Corolla is no longer available, such as the UK?

Bit trivial though if mk2s and mk3s are all lumped together, I'm sure if the Aulus was badged as Corolla it'd sell well. After all, this was once presented as the worlds most popular car despite the fact the name badge has been on several generations with different styles over the years (including RWD saloons, FWD hatches, AE86 coupes...)

John O'Groats 4 September 2012

Not making a decision is a decision to do nothing!

Fritzing around the margins with the Defender - sound system and seats, is merely a distraction, as radical surgery is required, and quickly if this vehicle is to ever again a meaningful prescence in the marketplace.

catnip 3 September 2012

Never mind better seats and

Never mind better seats and audio I hope Land Rover have done something about the appalling security of the Defender. Many people are being put off buying them now because of how vulnerable they are.