The company launched the model, dubbed "Soul," at a press event in Seoul. Kia aims to sell a total of 18,000 units at home and abroad by the end of the year, the company said in a statement.
Soul will be equipped with three engine types, including a 1.6-liter gasoline and a 1.6-liter diesel type.
"Kia will take the lead in the crossover vehicle market at home and abroad," said the Seoul-based company, stating that it will begin shipments to the U.S. and Europe in the first half of 2009.
The carmaker has revamped its lineup by redesigning its Morning mini model and mid-sized sedan, Lotze, to raise profitability as the local demand for fuel-efficient cars has hit a nine-year high this year amid soaring energy costs, according to industry reports.
Kia also hired a former Volkswagen designer, Peter Schreyer, in efforts to appeal to more design-conscious consumers.
Shares of Kia closed up 1.47 per cent at 13,700 (US$12) won on the Seoul bourse on Monday.
(Yonhap)

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