Kia K2 for China
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Kia
19th April, 2011
- All-new Rio based model developed specifically for Chinese consumers
- Local production to commence in June 2011
- K2 represents next phase in Kia’s localisation growth strategy
Kia Motors and its Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Yueda Kia, unveiled the K2 B-segment sedan
today at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show in China. Based on the platform of the all-new Rio, which
made its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March, the new K2 was designed and
engineered specifically for the Chinese market and will enter production at Dongfeng Yueda Kia’s
manufacturing facility in Jiangsu province starting this June. A 5-door hatchback of version of
the K2 will commence production in August of this year.
K2 will be positioned as a small car with advanced styling and upgraded levels of quality and
performance, and is expected to be a highly competitive offering in a segment that accounts for
16% of all new car sales in China.
K2 represents the next phase in Kia’s strategy to better satisfy customers in various regions
of the world by developing and marketing products that reflect local tastes and needs. Following
the introduction of the cee’d family of C-segment vehicles and Venga B-segment MPV, which were
designed and engineered specifically for European customers, the new K2 is a clear sign of Kia’s
commitment to become a leading automotive brand in China.
Speaking at the Kia press conference at the Shanghai Motor Show, Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice-Chairman
of Kia Motors, said, “We are confident that this all-new model for China will provide the
momentum needed for Kia not only to remain as one of China’s fastest growing automotive brands but
also to become a top 10 automaker in the local market in terms of quality and customer
satisfaction.”
While sharing the same technical underpinnings as the all-new Rio, the K2 has been completely
redesigned for the Chinese market, drawing on styling cues from the popular K5 sedan (known as
‘Optima’ in Australia), including sophisticated lines that provide a dynamic, bold and
sophisticated exterior appearance. The front view features Kia’s signature “tiger nose” radiator
grille and exudes a high-tech and bold image thanks to innovative fog lamp design, large air
intake and dynamic swept back headlamps. A side character line, side air vent and boot line add
to the sporty image of the K2 while the rear view features a two-tone bumper and modern
combination lamps.
The driver-focused futuristic interior conveys a spacious and comfortable feeling, and drivers
will enjoy a 3-cylinder supervision instrument cluster, cloth lined door panels, leather steering
wheel and TGS knob, and button engine start and smart key.
Measuring 4,370 mm (overall length) by 1,700 mm (overall width) by 1,460 mm (overall height),
the K2 is longer, wider and lower than the previous generation Rio and boasts the longest wheelbase
(2,570 mm) in its class. The expanded dimensions allow K2 to claim best-in-class interior space and
ample luggage capacity of 500 litres (VDA). Space utilisation is further enhanced thanks to the
60:40 split rear seat folding.
K2 will be available in six trim levels with either a 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine
matched to a manual or automatic transmission. Both engines feature best-in-class performance and
fuel efficiency, with the 1.4-litre powerplant delivering output of 79 kW while the 1.6-litre unit
boasts 90 kW. Fuel efficiency for the 1.4-litre K2 equipped with manual transmission is 6.1 L/100
km (6.5 L/100 km for A/T) while the 1.6-litre K2 with automatic transmission (1.6 available only
with A/T) consumes 6.4 L/100km.
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