Kia K5

[Maz0608]

This topic of Jap vs Korean car has been in MCF for very long time and there wouldn't be any conclusion. In the general public mindset, Jap cars are more superior and lasting than korean cars. When KIA has equiped their models with high specs and features, most of them will raise eyebrowns or give a typical doubtful expression. With this latest K5 on the road, more questions and doubts will surface. I seriously don't know when this mindset will change?

 

For example, presumely, a Toyota Camry 2.0 selling at $130k and Kia K5 2.0 T going at $125k. Like what forumers requested, top of the range specs and features: paranomic roof, HID, 6 airbags, etc. Which one will u go for? Dollars vs Sense? Based on the current market trend and buyers mentality, I believe the result will be 1 sided.

 

Depends. I for one will go for the K5 2.0T if it is available. Camry was not even in my consideration when I bought my current ride more than 2 years ago. Saw the K5 in Korea last year, it was pretty impressive. Just that with the current COE price, just can't afford to change car every 3 years now.

[Quirky_ster]

Is the rear legroom of the K5 bigger or same as the i45?

 

Not sure. I did not check on the i45 coz I think the frontal is a bit "obiang" ... Quite disapointed with its frontal look. Hope they tone it down a little.

 

But I can say that the rear seat is comparable to Superb!.

 

Engine wise, comfort and smooth handling, big boot, I will go for Citroen C5 1.6THP engine with 6 speed "Aisin" Lexus gearbox.

 

Look wise, I have think K5 is really nice.

[Proton_neutron]

Not sure. I did not check on the i45 coz I think the frontal is a bit "obiang" ... Quite disapointed with its frontal look. Hope they tone it down a little.

 

But I can say that the rear seat is comparable to Superb!.

 

Engine wise, comfort and smooth handling, big boot, I will go for Citroen C5 1.6THP engine with 6 speed "Aisin" Lexus gearbox.

 

Look wise, I have think K5 is really nice.

 

 

 

The i45 had a really spacious front footwell, wide and plenty of legroom, but rear seat space still the same as the Sonata (the taxis you see on the road), only with more knee-room. Legroom still stays the same. 1.8m people will definitely have their knees up against the front seats, but still will fit rather comfortably. To me, the front of the i45 is still acceptable, but not the rear tail-lights design.

 

If I had $120k to spare, I'd definitely get the Kia K5 instead of say used conti marques, such as the BMW 325i, C200CGI or A4 2.0TSI in a heartbeat. I'm going more for the space and interior comfort rather than outright performance and handling. Plus I'm getting bored with seeing so many 318i, C180CGI and A4 1.8TSI on the road.

 

Today's review of the K5 in Life rates the K5 a darn good car. I wouldn't mind waiting for later shipments which comes with Panoramic Roof, Active Cornering HID Xenon headlamps, and that 3.5LCD screen in the speedo, though it'll cost more then.

 

 

[Proton_neutron]

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Depends. I for one will go for the K5 2.0T if it is available. Camry was not even in my consideration when I bought my current ride more than 2 years ago. Saw the K5 in Korea last year, it was pretty impressive. Just that with the current COE price, just can't afford to change car every 3 years now.

 

 

 

If you're still interested in Korean cars as your next car, you should perhaps consider the Kia K7 2.4MPI 180bhp or Hyundai Azera 2.4GDI 200bhp? These cars measure well above 4.9m in length, so they'd have no trouble dwafting the BMW 5-Series or Audi A6.

 

 

 

 

[Caddilac]

If you're still interested in Korean cars as your next car, you should perhaps consider the Kia K7 2.4MPI 180bhp or Hyundai Azera 2.4GDI 200bhp? These cars measure well above 4.9m in length, so they'd have no trouble dwafting the BMW 5-Series or Audi A6.

K7 won't have RHD model and Azera's conversion is still an unknown...

[Proton_neutron]

K7 won't have RHD model and Azera's conversion is still an unknown...

 

 

 

Oh really? So confirmed the K7 will not have RHD versions even in future? I know Kia and Hyundai will first launch their cars in LHD, since their market is LHD, but they'll make RHD units later on (perhaps 1 yr later on average)? The Hyundai Genesis Sedan and Coupe will be available in RHD later this year. I'm pretty sure the Azera will follow suit.

 

 

 

 

[Proton_neutron]

 

I wonder when the Kia K9 will be launched. It's touted to be based on the Hyundai Genesis floorplan. But not sure if it's gonna have FWD or RWD, though I suspect it'll have the latter. 4.6V8 Kia anybody?

 

 

 

[Caddilac]

Oh really? So confirmed the K7 will not have RHD versions even in future? I know Kia and Hyundai will first launch their cars in LHD, since their market is LHD, but they'll make RHD units later on (perhaps 1 yr later on average)? The Hyundai Genesis Sedan and Coupe will be available in RHD later this year. I'm pretty sure the Azera will follow suit.

Which website told you Genesis and Genesis Coupe are going to be converted？

[Proton_neutron]

Which website told you Genesis and Genesis Coupe are going to be converted？

 

 

 

Here you go.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/news-and-...nesis_to_arrive

 

 

There is HOPE!

 

 

 

 

[Hp93868686]

 

The dashboard design look very

[Tom_kkh]

K5 is arguably the best looking Jap/Korean mid sized sedan but the overall handling is still not up to par with Accord or Mazda 6.

 

 

u drove K5 for how long to determine that it is not on par to Accord and Mazda 6?

 

kind of curious as my bro in law was thinking of getting K5, pls share.

 

 

Edited January 29, 2011 by Tom_kkh

[Proton_neutron]

 

 

You've personally gone down to see the car?

 

 

 

[Taciturn]

u drove K5 for how long to determine that it is not on par to Accord and Mazda 6?

 

kind of curious as my bro in law was thinking of getting K5, pls share.

 

A normal testdrive.I personally feel the two Jap models are slightly more responsive to drive than K5.

 

Mazda 6 is a better overall car in terms of driving sportiness and design.

 

Do ask your bro-in-law to test drive K5 personally.

[Tom_kkh]

A normal testdrive.I personally feel the two Jap models are slightly more responsive to drive than K5.

 

Mazda 6 is a better overall car in terms of driving sportiness and design.

 

Do ask your bro-in-law to test drive K5 personally.

 

 

thanks, i might test drive too just for fun .

 

 

 

 

[Caddilac]

A normal testdrive.I personally feel the two Jap models are slightly more responsive to drive than K5.

 

Mazda 6 is a better overall car in terms of driving sportiness and design.

 

Do ask your bro-in-law to test drive K5 personally.

Mazda 6 is the most fun to drive D-seg sedan for Asian marque... However in terms of overall packaging, the Korean seems to be ahead... Mazda 6 is too small for Asian market (Kizashi is worse)... And the powertrain of the 6 is a decade behind the Korean...

[Taciturn]

Mazda 6 is the most fun to drive D-seg sedan for Asian marque... However in terms of overall packaging, the Korean seems to be ahead... Mazda 6 is too small for Asian market (Kizashi is worse)... And the powertrain of the 6 is a decade behind the Korean...

 

Yup,Kizashi is a hobbit compared to Camry.The rear space is too cramped.That is its Achilles's heel.

 

I love Mazda 6's front and if combined with rear design of Jaguar XF or at least K5,that would be great.

[Friendstar]

A normal testdrive.I personally feel the two Jap models are slightly more responsive to drive than K5.

 

Mazda 6 is a better overall car in terms of driving sportiness and design.

 

Do ask your bro-in-law to test drive K5 personally.

 

 

for fairer comparison, test drive them back to back.

 

do note that most K5s have not run in their engine yet.

[Friendstar]

come on guys....

 

 

U won't choose this (cheaper, more powerful, more equipment) over a thai-made camry?