Kia introduces the K8 sedan: is there a place for it on Philippine roads?

The curtain has risen on the new sedan to succeed where the discontinued Cadenza once thrived. Kia has officially announced the release of the K8, which was placed as the successor to the Cadenza. 

The Cadenza was phased out in the United States in 2021. Initially known as the K7 in its home market of South Korea, the vehicle has transitioned to the K8 name with its latest generation, now receiving a huge mid-cycle update.

The K8 introduces vertical headlights that send through a futuristic vibe. The sedan has also undergone a full redesign at the front, with a wide LED strip that connects the headlights, making the vehicle’s visual appearance a lot better. The Kia logo has also moved from the bumper to a position at the bottom of the hood.

Rear-end modifications are subtler, although Kia has eliminated the previously criticized fake exhaust tips, opting for a cleaner and more authentic design. The taillights remain similar to the previous model, while the bumpers have been changed to extend the overhangs slightly, giving the K8 a more elongated and modern look.

Inside the K8, updates include relocated climate controls, now located below the central air vents for easier access, and increased use of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The vehicle also features an LED ambient light strip across the dashboard and illuminated seatbelt buckles in the back seats. Safety enhancements include the standardization of 10 airbags across all models and adaptive high-beam headlights that adjust to avoid striking other drivers.

The K8 has several powertrain options. The base model is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 195 hp and 248 Nm of torque. For more power, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 296 hp and 359 Nm of torque is available, and this engine option also offers an all-wheel drive system. Additionally, a 3.5-liter LPI engine and a 1.6-liter hybrid engine are available, providing alternatives for those who are looking for different fuel options or efficiency.

Pricing for the K8 starts at approximately $27,300 (approximately P1,566,337.50), with the top model priced at about $37,800 (approximately P2,168,775.00). The launch includes all models except the hybrid, which will be available once the necessary certifications are obtained. 

Kia hasn’t made it official if we'll see the K8 in our country, but we're keeping our fingers crossed. In the meantime, take a look at Kia’s full lineup on AutoDeal, where you can get a quote with a simple click.