New Kia models on show in Paris

These models will be joined on the stand by the new Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept, the first demonstration of Kia's new fuel-saving diesel-electric mild hybrid technology.

Building on the success of the outgoing model with a unique blend of style, practicality and technology, the new Kia Sorento SUV introduces a higher level of sophistication with a distinctive new design, premium interior and even greater practicality. The new Sorento takes a number of styling cues from the 2013 Kia Cross GT concept, such as the more upright 'tiger-nose' grille, wrap-around headlamps and a more swept-back profile.

Underneath the new Sorento's sleeker profile and deeply sculpted surfaces, the third-generation of the car offers occupants a more luxurious cabin with significantly higher quality materials. Depending on market, the Sorento will offer a range of advanced on-board technologies to improve convenience, such as an around-view monitor, with four cameras helping the driver to manoeuvre when parking, and a smart power tailgate.

Makeover for Rio

As well as a new version of Kia's largest vehicle, the 2014 Paris Motor Show also marks the next chapter for the brand's global best seller, the enhanced Kia Rio. The 2015 Kia Rio receives a slight visual makeover, with a fresh exterior and interior look, while retaining the core attributes that have proved so popular with owners.

The enhanced Rio receives a newly-designed front bumper and fog lights, and an updated version of the brand's hallmark 'tiger-nose' grille. Three new alloy wheel designs, available in 15-, 16- and 17-inch diameters, refresh the Rio's profile and a new rear bumper completes the exterior makeover.

The Rio's cabin is brightened by the addition of new chrome accents and a new centre-stack audio system. New optional features for the 2015 Kia Rio will include a new DAB digital radio and a new generation of Kia's audio-video navigation system with a 7.0-inch display screen, improved processing speed and faster route calculation (availability of system depends on individual markets).

Popular Venga

Five years after its launch, Kia will reveal an enhanced Kia Venga in Paris. The brand's popular compact MPV is designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe for European consumers, and has proven to be a strong seller for Kia.

The enhanced Venga continues to offer the practicality, versatility and reliability expected by European motorists, but now features a new-look front and rear, a more sophisticated cabin, new alloy wheels and an expanded range of options.

Kia's European design team, based in Frankfurt, has given the Venga a larger 'tiger-nose grille' with a separate, repositioned Kia badge, and a restyled lower grille with combined fog lights and LED daytime running lights. At the rear, horizontal chrome trim joins the new rear light clusters, which also feature LED bulbs. New designs of the larger (16- and 17-inch) alloy wheels are also available.

Mild hybrid powertrain

Exhibited earlier in the year at the Geneva Motor Show, Kia will display the first practical application of its innovative new mild hybrid powertrain, developed by the brand's European R&D centre for use in future Kia models. Created as a one-off show car, the Kia Optima T-Hybrid (turbo hybrid) is the first application and demonstration of Kia's new mild hybrid powertrain.

The T-Hybrid concept is powered by the model's existing 1.7-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine, paired with a small electric motor, powered by a 48V lead-carbon battery pack. The new powertrain enables the Optima T-Hybrid show car to be driven in electric-only mode at low speeds and when cruising, with deceleration serving to recharge the battery pack.

Lead-carbon batteries were chosen for Kia's mild hybrid powertrain as, unlike lithium-ion batteries, they require no active cooling and are easier to recycle at the end of the unit's life-cycle.