The Kia K2, leaked last month, has now been officially revealed in China. The K2 is a booted sedan based on the latest Rio unveiled in September, but it’s a China-market special, and the rest of the world will get a Rio Sedan with different styling. The latter should look more like the European Rio hatchback.
The K2 looks decent for a B-segment hatch-based sedan, and there’s a “baby Optima K5” theme going on. From pics, it looks better proportioned than the previous-gen K2 and current Rio Sedan (as sold in Malaysia), and shows less of its hatchback roots. At 4,400 mm and 1,740 mm, the K2 is 22 mm longer and 40 mm wider than the car it replaces.
While the front design is signature Kia, the K2’s rear end is rather unique. The highlight here is a “bridge” connecting the tail lamps at the top end for a distinctive look. There’s also what appears to be two possible locations for the rear number plate – the official pics put the plate on the bumper, which leaves a rather large vacant plot above.
Inside, the K2’s dashboard layout differs from the new hatch’s, and is slightly more conventional in appearance. There’s a horizontal gloss black trim bisecting the dashboard, and a few cabin elements have been carried over from the Rio. With the leather, tan brown upholstery and exterior chrome trim, it’s clear that Kia has picked a luxury theme for this China-market sedan.
No 1.0 litre T-GDI turbo three-cylinder for the world’s largest auto market, which instead gets familiar Kia four-pot petrol motors. There’s a 1.4 litre unit with 100 PS/133 Nm, and a 1.6 litre with 123 PS/151 Nm. The smaller engine gets a choice of six-speed manual and six-speed auto, but the 1.6L is auto-only.
Nothing unusual under the skin – Hyundai-Kia’s MDPS electric power steering, front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam are par for the course. The 1.4 MT gets rear drum brakes. Do check out the 2017 Kia Rio, which looks very neat.
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Looks very executive even though it is only a B-seg. Look like a Genesis some how.
Boring looking
Looks a lot better to be honest! The slimmer profile front and back really makes a difference. Plus the Lincoln styling (or Dodge Dart) unibrow rear lights are a breath of fresh air.
with u mention the u drive a korean car, the stigma of low resale value and poor customer service sticks to one’s mind.
And whats the problem?
I drive a second hand korean. Bought cheap with cash. So low RV is good for me. I’m not complaining.
Better than feeding greedy government and banks with taxes and interest.
No KIA Rio Sedan next year here.Only Rio HB.
Ohhhh no , not a junk manufacturer again