Just how similar are the two small, hatchback-like vehicles? Well, they are both owned, in a sense, by General Motors. But what else? Let’s have a look:

Upon first glance, there are many similar design aspects between Granite and Soul. Of course, Soul has already been in production over a year – where GMC’s “Utility Vehicle” is only in production phase. It’s not uncommon to see different auto makers steal…I mean share designs. Example: Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, and to some extent the upcoming Chevy Volt. But let’s look at the facts: “Prices at $13,300, the Soul base model comes with a 122-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cyl – no automatic transmission is offered with the base engine. The other three Soul trim levels come with a 142-horsepower, 2.0-liter four cyl and a choice of the five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. At its highest price ($18,900) you are still under $20K for the total Sports version with all available options.”

As for Granite – “Power for the Granite concept comes from a 1.4L turbocharged engine that is part of GM’s new family of small-displacement, highly efficient four-cylinder engines. It is matched with a six-speed transmission.” No word on pricing, but we are guessing Granite won’t break out of the $20 – 25,000 mark, if it wants to stay competitive anyway.

One major difference with Soul & Granite – Kia hasn’t taken the idea of suicide doors under consideration. But at 2010′s NAIAS rear-hung doors seem to be quite an eye-catcher. Whether or not they will remain in a final, practical, release model you’ll just have to wait and see.

Inside, the Granite concept dash looks more like something Harrison Ford should be piloting. Both Kia and GMC really enhance the appearance and usability of their interior compartments. Even base models of lower-end vehicles retain some sort of classy styling inside – materials cost money, but cool ideas are free flowing. We’ll wait and see what Granite ends up looking like, and how it will truly compare to Kia’s Soul.

At a starting price of $18,195, It comes with rally-inspired skin painted Ignition Orange and wearing offset black racing stripes. There’s also black 18-inch wheels with machined accents, a sunroof, and an alloy fuel-filler door.

Inside, Ignition Soul has black cloth seats with Soul print on the backrests, an upgraded stereo with six speakers, a subwoofer, a 315-watt amp, and seizure-inducing speaker lights that pulse with the beat of the music. An iPod connection cable and Bluetooth round out the stereo upgrades.

All Koups have lots of standard equipment, including six airbags, stability control, power locks and windows, iPod integration, and Sirius satellite radio. Stepping up from the base $17,290 EX to the $18,390 SX yields a larger, 173-hp 2.4-liter that’s far smoother than the base 156-hp 2.0-liter (which gets pretty gritty near its redline) and an additional ratio in each of the available transmissions—a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.

With the manual, the SX has class-leading acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. And despite the fact it’s one of the last to retain a torsion-beam rear suspension—along with an extremely disproportionate weight distribution (64 percent of the Koup’s 2933 pounds are on the front wheels)—the Koup is reasonably competent, and understeer at the limit is merely deliberate, not debilitating. Skidpad grip of 0.89 g on all-season Goodyear Eagle LS2s places the Koup solidly ahead of the compact pack, as does a firm brake pedal that produces stops from 70 mph in 171 feet. But after more than a decade of Kia floppiness, the Koup’s ride is too stiff, as if firmness has been confused with sportiness. Similarly, the throttle is jumpy, making smooth starts laborious.

The directness of the six-speed shifter is a big improvement over the Soul’s sloppier five-speed, but its effort is a tad high. The steering has appropriate heft and a solid on-center feel, although it suffers from vicious kickback in bumpy corners and is not as fluid as a Mazda 3’s, a complaint that pretty much applies to the entire driving experience.

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Kia’s Cee’d for 2010 dropped with an all new front end. The black vent between Cee’d's headlights is now accompanied by a chrome outline – accentuating the 5-door’s first appearance in your rear view mirror. The vehicle will make its official debut at 2009′s Frankfurt Auto Show.

Under the hood options include an updated 1.6 liter diesel engine (in the UK) with ISG “fuel saving” technology, which will be coupled to a new 6-speed manual gearbox. A hill-holder function for the ESP system and projection headlights are also new to the Cee’d.

The Rio popped onto Kia’s scene back in 2005, and has not changed its look since – so this is a big move for the tiny car, with a new front end and enhancements throughout both interior and exterior design. The new grill is tighter, looks a little more aerodynamic, and gives Rio more to smirk at. Inside, Kia has a revised center stack with new controls and upgraded audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. It also features new steering-wheel design and slightly updated gauges on the instrument panel.

2010′s Kia Rio should be on sale in the US by the end of this year, or early next.

Kia enters the compact crossover SUV playing field with the Sportage model. The 2008 Sportage comes in three trim levels and has two engines available. No matter what option you choose while customizing this versatile sports utility vehicle, you will be provided with power, comfort, safety and an experience that is sure to dazzle.

The distinctive exterior model really gives the Sportage its own identity. The flared wheel arches, chrome trim, horizontal-bar grille and alloy wheels all help establish the unique look this model emits. Inside the noteworthy chassis is an exceptional interior layout. The five-seating cockpit features Kia’s “Drop & Fold” system for the rear seat; this extends the cargo volume to an even more impressive 66.6 cubic feet. The front passenger seat also folds down to further increase this cargo space. As for convenience, you will find cruise control, power door locks, power windows, an efficient air conditioning unit and a quality six-speaker CD stereo system. Those who opt for the higher level EX trim get remote keyless entry, an informative trip computer and heated mirrors.

There is no need to fret with your well-being while you relish in everything the Sportage has to offer. Dual front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags complement the dual front advanced airbags to supply maximum coverage from any sort of impact. The 4-wheel disc brakes, Tire-Pressure Monitoring System and Electronic Stability System only heighten the amount of security the Sportage can offer.

What you have so far is a luxurious, unique and safe machine; what drives this machine? The lower level EX trim levels can be equipped with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 2.7-liter V6. The 2.0 liter can produce 140 horsepower while the latter engine gets up to 173 horsepower. The EX trim level comes standard with the V6 engine. The LX models can be equipped with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The V6 models get the automatic transmission standard and aren’t available with the manual.

No matter how you equip your Sportage you can expect nothing short of a satisfying driving experience. A smooth and responsive ride comes with the comfort and security of this outstanding 2008 model.

The 2008 Kia Spectra compact sedan comes in a sleek design that gets outstanding fuel efficiency because of its sophisticated technology. Amidst the various standard features, there lay a proficient engine, a comfortable driving experience and more safety than you’ll know what to do with. The Spectra comes in the base LX, up level EX and sport-tuned SX trim levels.

The exterior design of the Spectra sets it apart from others of its class. It features a chiseled appearance that has grooves that extend the entire vehicles length. Everything from the headlights to the rear bumper gives the 2008 Spectra an eccentric yet appealing look. Inside its bold outer walls lays a five-person fitting interior that is decked out with enough to keep any buyer pleased. The MP3 compatible audio system allows the vehicle occupants to be charmed with the latest music. The power door locks and windows, air conditioning, and 12 volt power outlets only add to the functionality the Spectra brings to the scene. Other standard and optional features to add to the list include cruise control, a rear-window defroster, multiple cargo spaces, garment hooks and more!

Also on the inside is a plethora of safety features. Frontal airbags, side airbags and side curtain airbags all come standard on all trim levels. If that wasn’t enough, optional antilock brakes are available as well as a tire pressure monitoring system and side-impact door beams. The Spectra really has the occupants covered in terms of security and safety.

The Spectra is well regarded because of its fuel-efficient engine. The 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine can produce up to 138 horsepower and it teams with either a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. With the four-speed automatic, you can expect an estimated 32 mpg highway.

This fuel-efficient road conqueror is capable of amazing things; all of these thing simply add to the list of reasons to get the 2008 Kia Spectra.

From the outside, the 2008 Kia Sorento looks like a compact SUV. One-step into the roomy interior and it is clear that this vehicle truly is a member of the midsize SUV class. The Sorento’s unique design allows this SUV to provide a comfortable and spacious interior all while reaping the benefits a compact SUV gains on the road—or off the road. The 2008 model comes in the base trim level, a long-wheelbase LX trim level and the high-performance long-wheelbase EX trim level.

You will find a 3.3-liter V6 engine powering the LX models of this resourceful automobile. This new engine can produce 242 horsepower and teams with a 5-speed automatic Sportmatic® shifting transmission. The higher EX trim level gets a striking 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of 262 horsepower. This engine also teams with the same well-designed transmission as its trim level counterparts.

This hefty handful of power propels the spacious confines of this sleek SUV. The three rows of seating provide a large amount of legroom and the 60/40 split flat-folding rear seat allows more options for the passenger to cargo volume ratio. You will also discover a variety of useful accessories inside. A new audio system, climate control, instrumentation, power features are standard in the LX models. Shift up to the EX trim level and you will find dual-zone automatic climate control, the transition from cloth to leather upholstery, more instrumental gauges, a power sunroof and more!

Drivers can rest assured they are just as safe as they are comfortable in the 2008 Sorento. Dual front advanced airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag all sit on the side waiting to mitigate any sort of collision. Other standard safety features include a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System, Traction Control, an Electronic Stability System and 4-wheel antilock brakes.

The 2008 Kia Sorento really brings out the best of all worlds.

Those with a family can rejoice at the return of Kia’s Sedona minivan model. This model manages to incorporate a tremendous blend of luxury gadgets, interior space, muscle and safety all into one expedient machine. In fact, the Sedona remains the only one in its class to receive both a five-star safety rating and the title “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This defensive automobile comes as a short-wheelbase model, a long-wheelbase medium-level LX model and a high-level long-wheelbase EX model.

On the inside, the lucky passengers are given three rows of spaciousness. The third row is split folding, so it can be condensed in order to make room for any cargo you need to transport. The second row features one-touch flip-and-fold seats to allow easier access into the vehicle. Other standard equipment that the 2008 model holds include air conditioning with tri-zone controls, a front row folding extendable side table, cruise control, power lock doors, keyless entry and more! To make things even better the buyer has the option to include a rear seat DVD entertainment system, leather upholstery and heated front seats to their vehicle; it all depends on how much luxury you want in your Sedona.