CONFIRMED FOR 2011:

BORREGO: Discontinued.

FORTE: A new 5-door hatchback (photo) will join the sedan and coupe. Other changes include LED daytime running lights, an optional navigation system, and paddle shifters for the automatic transmission.

OPTIMA: (photo) Kia has redesigned their mid-size Optima for 2011. The new Optima is a radical departure from the old Optima. Under the handsome styling, the Optima is similar to the Hyundai Sonata, also new for 2011, and it shares the Sonata's powertrain choices: 2.4-liter direct-injected four, 2.0 liter turbocharged four, and a gas-electric hybrid driveline.


RIO: All Rios except the base-model 4-door now come with an automatic transmission, and the LX Value Package includes Bluetooth phone connectivity.

RONDO: Discontinued.

SEDONA: Kia's minivan gets more power and a 6-speed automatic transmission; power is up 27 hp to 271 and highway fuel economy increases by 2 MPG to 25 MPG. (City MPG is unchanged at 18.) Other changes include a new grille, new wheels, standard steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

SORENTO: (photo) Aside from its name and seven-seat capacity, the all-new Sorento shares little with the old body-on-frame Sorento it replaces. The new Sorento employs lightweight unit-body crossover construction, and offers a choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines and front- or all-wheel-drive.

• 2011 Kia Sorento test drive
• More photos of the 2011 Kia Sorento

SOUL: For 2011, all Souls will get a trip computer, a folding key, and height-adjustable back seat headrests, while the options list grows to include leather seats, automatic climate control, push-button keyless ignition, and a cargo cover.

SPORTAGE: (photo) Kia's smallest CUV is all-new for 2011, and has been transformed into an eye-catching five-seater. The base engine is a 176 hp 2.4 liter four-cylinder, and in place of a V6 the new Sportage will offer a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 270 hp.

BEYOND 2011:

AMANTI REPLACEMENT: (photo) Kia will introduce a new front-wheel-drive flagship to replace the Amanti, which was discontinued last year. The Amanti replacement is already on sale as the S7 in Korea and the Cadenza in other markets, but the nameplate for the US market has not yet been finalized ("K7" is a strong possibility). The new car is expected to arrive in 2011 as a 2012 model; expect sharp styling in the vein of the new 2011 Optima with a powertrain and amenities similar to Hyundai's Azera.

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