Kia recently unveiled the new K8, a luxury sedan that is on par with the likes of BMW’s 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class.
The K8 is the first model released after the company’s rebrand, and showcases the latest features and tech that they are working on.
It will be launched globally in 2021, but will not be available in South Africa.
Kia K8 specs
The K8 is the newest generation in a line of sport luxury sedans developed by Kia.
The K8 has a sleek and sporty look that sees the addition of the brand’s new “tiger nose” front, sleek LED headlights, and accent lines that flow from front to the back.
It is designed as a “fastback” passenger car with a low roofline, a dynamic side profile, and a body length of 5,015mm.
The interior is where the most time was spent during the development cycle, however.
It has beautiful wooden inlays with soft-touch material surfaces and large, 12-inch displays.
It features the first 14-speaker Meridian sound system in a Kia, as well as a “Star Cloud” feature that projects glittering and interactive ambient lighting on the door trim and dashboard areas.
Furthermore, the Nappa leather seats and door panels features stitched patterns, the displays are curved, and the use of a touchpad to control vehicle features greatly reduces interior buttons and dials.
The centre console then has wood-based cupholders with soft-touch switches, and a large storage area for its passengers.
As the first model released after the company’s rebrand, the K8 also gets a new steering wheel design – and is the first vehicle to host the new Kia logo.
Why we are not getting the K8
Kia stated in its release for the car that “the all-new K8 will not be available for purchase in South Africa”.
TopAuto contacted Kia South Africa for more information on the matter, and received comment from the company.
“Like its predecessor (Kia K7/Cadenza), the new Kia K8 is unfortunately only produced in left-hand drive configuration, and only sold in a few select countries where large, luxury sedans still have popularity,” said Kia South Africa.
This hints that luxury sedans haven’t enjoyed sufficient sales in the country in recent years, at a time when there is an increased demand for luxury SUVs.
Keyword: Why the Kia K8 is not coming to South Africa