[Taboleo] K8 Hybrid Captures Both Power and Fuel Efficiency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] From Kia Motors to Kia, from K7 to K8, the Kia K8, which changed its flagship name for the first time, is creating a storm beyond expectations. The Hyundai Grandeur is clearly showing signs of tension. Riding on favorable winds, the Kia K8 is quickly adding a hybrid lineup and seems set to continue its popularity. Although there was some skepticism when the hybrid with a 1.6 turbo engine was introduced, the general consensus after driving the car is that it delivers both power and fuel efficiency. When the gasoline engine K8 was first unveiled, it already received rave reviews for its design. The K8, which has confidently made it onto the list of candidates for new mid-to-large sedans, especially the hybrid version favored by consumers prioritizing fuel efficiency, was test-driven over 100 km round trip from Walkerhill in Gwangjang-dong, Seoul to Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province.

- How is the combination of the 1.6 turbo engine and hybrid system? This is the most curious point.

▲ If you worry that the power might be lacking, I would boldly say that is a needless worry. When I accelerated rapidly to overtake a preceding vehicle, it smoothly surged forward without any noticeable shift feeling up to 180 km/h. It seems to compensate for the typical lack of acceleration in hybrids. Compared to the existing K7 2.4 hybrid engine, the maximum output and maximum torque reportedly improved by about 13% and 29%, respectively, and I definitely felt the power was more than sufficient.

- The second curiosity is, of course, fuel efficiency.

▲ I deliberately drove in a non-eco style, frequently switching to sport mode and making rapid accelerations and sudden stops. After stopping, the fuel efficiency showed 17 km/l. A colleague nearby reported over 23 km/l. If you are concerned about fuel efficiency, although the initial purchase cost is a bit higher, I strongly recommend the hybrid, which greatly helps with vehicle maintenance costs. It is said that fuel efficiency improved by about 11% compared to the existing K7 hybrid.

- The design has received good reviews; how does it look in person?

▲ Honestly, my first impression was somewhat disappointing, perhaps because my expectations were high. It wasn’t about the design itself but rather that the body felt smaller than expected for a mid-to-large sedan. However, when I compared the specifications, the overall length seems to have actually increased compared to the previous K7 model. I realized that what you see is not everything and sat in the back seat. There is ample space even for three adults. If you want a dignified sedan, it is true that the exterior does not quite give that impression. It is a car with sporty charm.

- The interior feels more luxurious, doesn’t it?

▲ The 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment system, along with the wide touchscreen display, are seamlessly connected, making it both beautiful and convenient. There are traces of meticulous attention to the driver’s convenience everywhere, including the climate control system. Oh, and keep in mind this was a fully optioned Signature trim vehicle. Personally, the driver’s seat gripping your body tightly when switching to sport mode was impressive. Perhaps due to the sunny weather, the head-up display’s clarity felt slightly diminished even at maximum brightness, so I mostly used the navigation.

- How was the driving experience?

▲ First of all, the quietness is outstanding to the point where you might wonder if the start button was pressed. Even while driving, road noise and wind noise are very minimal. For drivers bothered by loud engine noise, the hybrid seems the best choice. It’s almost embarrassing to say only positive things, but it was a car where it was hard to find faults in driving performance.

- What about the advanced driver assistance systems?

▲ The beeping sounds go off constantly. That means there are many assistance systems included. On Gyeongchun-ro, where stop-and-go traffic is frequent, I made full use of the smart cruise control function. It can handle curved driving without lane departure even with hands completely off the steering wheel. When the warning sounds, I lightly hold the steering wheel and conveniently use the semi-autonomous driving function. I am used to side mirrors, so the rear side monitor still feels unfamiliar.

- The price must be a burden, right?

▲ The K8 1.6 turbo hybrid comes in three trims: Noblesse Light, Noblesse, and Signature. The selling price ranges from 39.13 million KRW to 45.13 million KRW. With the 3.5% individual consumption tax reduction and eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits, the price drops to between 36.98 million KRW and 42.87 million KRW. Due to the vehicle semiconductor shortage, there is a minus option discount of 400,000 KRW if you choose not to have rear parking collision avoidance assist and remote smart parking assist. For reference, the hybrid is classified as a low-emission vehicle type 2, so it receives a 50% discount on public parking lots and airport parking fees, and you don’t have to pay congestion tolls in Namsan tunnels 1 and 3.

In Seoul's Gangnam-gu at Kia Beat360, Kia's first new model 'K8' is being unveiled to the press ahead of its launch. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@