Order books for Kia’s new saloon – the Kia K9 – have opened in Korea. The all-new car will also be launched in some export markets by the end of the year but will not be offered in the UK. The K9 is Kia’s first rear-wheel-drive saloon and from launch, is powered by a 286bhp 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine; later in the year, a hotter 330bhp version will be made available. Power is driven to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
At 5090mm in length, 1900mm in width and 1490mm in height, the Kia K9 is similar in size to the Mercedes S-class.
Standard equipment included in the K9 comprises LED headlamps, a lane departure warning system, radar-based blind-spot detection, and an around-view monitor system (AVM) with four cameras. Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief design officer said: “K9 is all about elegant simplicity, balanced proportions and simple surfaces.
“K9 is a clear signal of our intention and determination to compete head-to-head with the European luxury brands. And for Kia, our customers, and for me – this car is like a dream come true,”
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Re: Order books for Kia K9 open in Korea
Skoda superb is a car that gets a lot of praise on these pages, not so long ago Skoda produced cars less desirable than kia currently do so don't see why this couldn't be a success. No point doing it here though until there's a diesel at which point it could rival the superb as the taxi drivers favorite.
Re: Order books for Kia K9 open in Korea
From the side profile, the front third is Maserati Quattroporte, middle is BMW 5/7-Series, and the rear is Jaguar XF. Oh, and I am sure that the front grill has the new Mazda corporate face?
Interesting looking car overall, and every South Korean government official will be wafted around in one very shortly.
Re: Order books for Kia K9 open in Korea
Don't remember people thinking Lexus looked like a Merc, anyhow when Lexus went head to head with BMW, Merc etc they came out rather well, Kia know it wouldn't do their image any good at all if this car gets slated in Europe which is why they're holding back, nothing to do with the "7 year warrenty" or it "being rear wheel drive"