Kia unveiled the Rio-based K2 at the Shanghai Motor Show. It is a new four-door saloon designed for and made in China.
The K2 is part of Kia's plan to build cars tailored to local tastes in markets around the world. It is described as a premium small car aimed at a segment that accounts for 17 per cent of the Chinese market.
Styling cues for the new model echo those found on the larger Kia K5, sold as the Optima here. The corporate 'tiger nose' radiator grille is flanked by swept-back headlamps. At the rear there is a two-tone bumper and 'modern combination lamps'. The body sides feature a distinctive curved feature line.
The interior boasts what Kia describes as 'best-in-class' space including a 500-litre boot. For the driver there is an instrument cluster based on a three-cylinder display and a leather covered steering wheel.
Customers can choose between 1.4- and 1.6-litre engines that boast 107- and 1223hp respectively. The smaller unit is available with either manual or automatic transmissions while the larger is partnered with the auto gearbox only. Fuel consumption for the 1.4-litre model is estimated to be 6.1 litres/100km with 6.4 litres/100km for the 1.6 (46mpg and 44mpg respectively).
Production of the K2 saloon will start in June and it will be joined by a five-door hatchback in August. There are no plans as yet to bring the Kia K2 to Ireland, though a four-door version of the forthcoming Rio is likely.