The Kia Concord marked a unique stride into the competitive midsize sedan market for Kia Motors. During its stint from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, the Concord represented Kia's venture to blend affordability with a sprinkle of luxury and robustness. Although not as remembered as some of its siblings, the Concord played a foundational role in setting the stage for Kia's more refined offerings in the future.
The engine offerings for the Kia Concord comprised a range of petrol and diesel engines. The primary gasoline engine was a 2.0L inline-4, while a more powerful 2.5L V6 was offered for those desiring additional power. On the diesel front, a 2.2L inline-4 diesel engine was available. The engines were paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission, facilitating a decent power delivery for the daily commute.
The Kia Concord was engineered for comfort rather than high performance. The ride quality was fairly smooth with a soft suspension setup, making daily city commuting a breeze. However, it wasn't the choice for thrill-seekers, as the handling was on the softer side and the acceleration was modest at best. Read more
The Kia Concord came outfitted with a modest range of features that catered to the essential needs of the average driver. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic stereo system. Higher trim levels offered more comfort with better upholstery and additional creature comforts such as power-adjustable seats and a more advanced audio system.
The design ethos of the Kia Concord leaned towards simplicity and functionality. It bore a conventional sedan silhouette with straight lines and a basic, unassuming grille. The interior followed suit with a straightforward design, focused more on practicality rather than flamboyance. Though lacking in modern aesthetic appeal, the design highlighted the car's straightforward, easy-to-maintain persona.
The Kia Concord stands as a testament to Kia's evolving capabilities in the automotive landscape. It was a humble yet significant step towards carving a niche in a segment dominated by established players. The Concord's ethos of simplicity, reliability, and affordability helped pave the way for Kia’s subsequent, more refined offerings in the midsize sedan market, embedding a small yet notable footprint in the annals of Kia's automotive journey.