2012 Kia K2 Revealed

Here are 2012 Kia K2 revealed at 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. The Kia K2, a new B-segment model based on the redesigned Kia Rio, debuted on Tuesday at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. Intended for the Chinese market only, the K2 illustrates Kia’s global strategy of custom-tailoring products for local markets.

“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,” said Kia in a statement.

The new subcompact draws on styling cues from the Kia Optima — sold as the K5 in China — and will go on sale in June. A five-door hatchback version of the K2 is slated to go on sale in China in August. It was developed with Dongfeng Yueda Kia, Kia’s joint venture partner.

The 2012 Kia K2 will be available in six trim levels. It will be equipped with either a 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a manual or automatic transmission, said Kia.

Named Kia K2 (Chinese market only), the new sub-compact four-door sedan shares its powertrain technology with Hyundai Verna (China-market Hyundai Accent), meaning the model offers a choice of 1,4L and 1,6L gasoline engines mated to four-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions. The upcoming Kia K2 will be built locally at Kia’s manufacturing plant in China with production slated to commence in July this year