Ancira Auto Group sheds light on Kia model names

The Kia brand works hard to avoid naming car models with easily forgettable numbers and letters; the unique and original model names all come with a backstory, Ancira Auto Group said in a recent posting.

The Kia Stinger takes designs from the 2011 GT concept, but the car name pays homage to the GT4 Stinger concept. Stinger was a name chosen to symbolize the vehicle’s bold and aggressive look and fee, the posting said.

The Kia Optima, a prize-winning best-seller which was first released in 2000, derives its name from the Latin word Optimus – meaning the best, the posting said. The name foretold the vehicle’s future; it went on to be a turning point for the brand’s fortunes in the midsize sedan category.

The Kia Carens, which debuted in 1999, derives its name from the words ‘car’ and ‘renaissance.’ The name is meant to illustrate the several different innovative characteristics of the vehicle, the posting said.

The Kia Cadenza takes its name from an Italian term meaning a beautiful and complex artistic solo (usually in a musical movement). It defines the car’s elegant and lavish qualities as well as its robust and harmonious performance, the posting said.