Kia Motors America Unveils Minivan
5 February 1998
Kia Motors America Unveils Minivan
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 5 -- Kia Motors America today unveiled
the first Korean-built minivan intended for the U.S. market at the Chicago
Auto Show, coinciding with Kia's imminent entry into the Illinois market next
month. The versatile but-as-yet-unnamed minivan will go on sale next year as
a MY2000 vehicle.
The Kia-designed and engineered minivan offers a wide variety of seating
and cargo-carrying options. With front bucket seats, it features easy pass-
through to the rear rows of seats. Depending upon configuration, the new
minivan can accommodate as many as eight passengers.
Built on a front-wheel-drive car platform, the Kia minivan delivers car-
like ride and handling. Its all-independent suspension uses MacPherson struts
in the front and a five-link arrangement with coil springs in the rear to give
passengers a sumptuous ride.
The luxurious feel is complemented by the minivan's interior appointments.
Its attractive instrument panel is highlighted with woodgrain treatments. It
offers a sliding power sunroof, and its driver seat is power-adjusted to a
wide variety of positions. Full instrumentation and a capable audio system
complete the interior package.
On the safety front, the new minivan offers dual airbags, antilock brakes
and a structure designed with integral crush zones to absorb the impact of a
collision. The vehicle is designed to meet or exceed all applicable federal
safety standards.
The minivan is powered by a 2.5-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine,
developed jointly by Kia and Rover Group. The state-of-the-art V6 uses four
valves per cylinder and a 10.5:1 compression ratio to deliver 173 horsepower
at 6500 rpm. Maximum torque of 164 lb.-ft. is produced at 4000 rpm. The
engine is backed up by a sophisticated four-speed electronically controlled
automatic transmission, guaranteeing smooth, sure shifts and economical
operation. The engine's extremely rigid, yet lightweight construction makes
it perfect for installation in the new Kia vehicle.
The new Kia is no mini minivan. It rides on a 114-inch wheelbase, and its
192.5-inch overall length provides plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
The lengthy wheelbase assures good tracking and superior ride quality as well.
The attractive exterior of the Kia minivan features upscale touches such as an
integral rear spoiler, a roof rack and built-in bumper guards. Its two front
swing-out doors and two rear sliding doors provide excellent access to the
commodious interior, as does the lightweight, swing-up rear hatch.
Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service operation of
Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, S. Korea.
Kia Minivan
Preliminary Specifications
Dimensions
Overall length 192.5 in.
Overall width 74.4 in.
Overall height 67.7 in.
Wheelbase 114.6 in.
Front track 64.4 in.
Rear track 63.0 in.
Standard seating capacity 7
Engine
Configuration Dual overhead cam,
24-valve V6
Displacement 2.5 liters
Horsepower 173 @ 6500 rpm
Torque 164 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
SOURCE Kia Motors America