We nearly had an office punch-up when trying to agree on our large saloon of the year. The team was split between a number of contenders. Now, our choice might baffle a few, but the main reason why we chose the Kia Quoris was because it offered everything the others did, but for less dosh. And it was a massive step-up for Kia in terms of quality and class.
Motoring | Test Drives
wheels car of the year 2012 best large saloon: Kia Quoris
From all the saloons out there, we opted for this affordable choice, and here’s why...
- By Imran Malik, wheels
- Published: 16:48 December 27, 2012
- Image Credit: Stefan Lindeque/ANM
- Its powerful stance is backed up by a competitive 3.8-litre V6 that produces 290bhp and 358Nm of torque mated to a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The new flagship boasts some truly impressive kit, including a head-up display, large 12.3in infotainment screen, two 9.2in monitors on the back of the front chairs and a fabulous Lexicon by Harman 17-speaker sound system.
There’s a host of safety kit too, a favourite being the Around View Monitor system that employs four cameras and displays a 360-degree virtual bird’s-eye image of the car’s location on the sat-nav screen. You’ll never ding this 5,090mm long limo.
With a wheelbase of 3,045mm, back-seat passengers have more room than they’ll know what to do with. And with Nappa leather swathed all over the place, the cabin provides an exceptionally luxurious environment. Even though designer Peter Schreyer seemed to have used the 7 Series as his inspiration, we can’t help but like the long bonnet and short front
overhangs.
Its powerful stance is backed up by a competitive 3.8-litre V6 that produces 290bhp and 358Nm of torque mated to a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Get over the fact that it looks alarmingly like the big Bimmer, and you’ll begin to appreciate the Quoris a bit more for what it is; and that is a fully loaded and extremely refined saloon.
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