Kia reveal China-specific K2 sedan

Kia has unveiled the K2 at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show; a B-segment sedan based off the all-new Rio that will developed specifically for the Chinese market.

The K2 continues to demonstrate Kia’s strategy of developing vehicles that cater to the local tastes and needs of various regions, following in the footsteps of the cee’d and Venga cars engineered for European customers.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman of Kia Motors, said of the K2: “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.”

The K2 takes styling nods from the Optima and features a “tiger nose” radiator grille, inventive claw-shaped fog lamps and sweeping headlamps. Interior features include a leather steering wheel, engine start button and smart key. The expanded measurements of the K2 (4,370 mm length, 1,700 mm width, 1,460 mm height and 2,570 mm wheelbase) allow it to claim best-in-class interior space which is further complimented by 500 litres of luggage capacity and 60:40 folding split rear seats.        

Six trim levels will be offered for the K2 with a choice of a 1.4 litre of 1.6 litre petrol engines and manual of automatic transmission. The most efficient model of the range will be the 1.4 litre with manual transmission which offers 6.1 litres/100km.    

Production of the K2 will commence at Kia’s Jiangsu manufacturing facility in June, while a 5-door hatchback version will begin production in August.