Second-Generation Kia K7

Since its launch in 2009, the K7 introduced Kia Motors a new naming scheme where all good saloons will have a K at the beginning. Don't know why but they want to sound their cars like they're the kings on the road...um...really? Anyway, the K7 (known as the Cadenza in the global left-hand markets) has now regenerated and we can expect more tech and more performance than the previous model.

2017 Kia K7

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, and at first glance the new look for the new generation is somewhat very sharp as a rapier indeed and when gazing through its reworked Tiger Nose grille and the Z-shaped headlamps and taillights, it sure knows where it starts and where it ends in terms of design flow and between you and this car, it's like winning a game of checkers every time you say "king me".

2017 Kia K7 interior

2017 Kia K7 interior

Inside the new K7, it's all neatly organized according to plan and it's very reminiscent to a posh European saloon if you carefully examine the details. From its well-tailored upholstery, high-tech center console that manages stuff in your car including its sat-nav, the new side-by-side center armrest, the device that adjusts the front passenger seat, the new Krell Premium Sound system, and the HUD that doesn't point things out in the sunshine, you could really tell that the new K7 feels like a luxury saloon and spacing wise, it's an improvement over the previous model in terms of rear legroom and the trunk spacing. Of course, there's now a smart trunk offered on the new K7 and with the smart key in your pocket, you can open its trunk automatically without pressing the button from your keys. Ain't science grand?

The science doesn't stop there because while this new K7 promises to be technologically advanced, it's been given a host of safety features such as Smart BSD, Emergency Auto Brake, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Around View Monitor, and many others. Those tech features sounds so good for a Korean car but some skeptics felt unsure on how all of these tech features work while driving the new K7 on the road.

2017 Kia K7

So, what's under the hood for the new K7, per se? Well, it comes with three different engine choices; a powerful Lambda II 3.3L GDi producing 290PS of power, a well-balanced Theta II 2.4 GDi, and the first-ever R 2.2 e-VGT engine with a fuel consumption of 14.3km/L. All three engines are mated with an all-new 8-speed automatic gearbox.

In terms of dynamics, the new K7 feels hardly improved at all especially when its now reinforced by its ultra high-strength steel frame as well as being fitted with front MacPherson Struts and rear multilink suspension. Feels classy and as comfortable as a European business saloon but it doesn't had the fun factor to keep its sports saloon status afloat. Overall, it's far average for a car who just can't wait to be king.

The new K7 starts at 30,900,000 Korean Won, which is somewhat more than the previous model and when you look that up to the pricing of its rival, the Hyundai Grandeur, you will be shocked that this is a million Won more. Sounds costly, but the new K7 feels like a cut price solution if you can't afford a Mercedes C-Class or an Audi A4, or a BMW 3-Series, because above all, this car can't wait to shout "King Me" to the Europeans...well, the handling feels a bit kinky compared to the Europeans.

Available Colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, Gravity Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, and Pluto Brown.

Photo: Kia Motors