Kia K8 Hybrid

The first-ever Kia K8 luxury premium sedan, the first Kia to wear the new logo, is now joined by its new hybrid variant for those who want an economically conscious luxury sedan that is all about performance and ecology blended in a just-right vehicle that will humiliate Japanese luxury hybrids by all means necessary.

The K8 Hybrid starts at around 36,980,000 Korean Won plus additional costs and at first glance it looks, feels, and works just like its petrol-powered equivalent but with the hybrid powertrain to boot.

On the exterior design, it's just like the normal K8 judging from the massive front grille, the Arena logo-esque foglamps, caltrop-shaped rear lamps, and its fastback styling akin to the Audi A7 but the hybrid dons the HEV badge at the back and specially-made 17-inch wheels that are going to let them know.

On the interior, it features a 12.3-inch cluster with hybrid-specific dials while the 12.3-inch UVO navigation screen comes with hybrid contents that check how does its hybrid powertrain work. Like the normal K8, it still fits up to five people and features a wide range of luxury concessions to keep them accommodated on the go.

Under the hood, the K8 Hybrid features the Smartstream Turbo Hybrid powertrain first applied on the Sorento MQ4 last year. It's a turbocharged 180PS 1.6L petrol engine bolted to a 44.4kW electric motor and a li-ion battery, while mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. As a result, it has a fuel economy of 18kmpl.

Unlike most models, the K8 Hybrid is available only in front-wheel-drive so the only foes it will chase down is the Lexus ES because thanks to its sophisticated suspension setup, it will humiliate the ES by a long shot although the K8 Hybrid's less fuel-efficient compared to the ES, that's for sure.

Lastly, the K8 features the same roster of Drive Wise safety tech as the normal one, putting drivers on notice.

Although the new K8 Hybrid is less efficient than the Lexus ES, it's worth rewarding because of its turbocharged hybrid powertrain, six-speed AT that works unlike the ES's CVT and tons of luxury concessions that will upset its Japanese rival. Is this the hybrid luxury sedan you would want to try?

Photo: Kia