Kia Debuts New Grand VQ-R Minivan in China

Kia combines the best features of its U.S.-made Sedona minivan with the Korean Carnival long-body version to come up with the Grand VQ-R.

The new minivan was shown today at the auto show in Beijing.

The VQ-R has seven seats and is aimed at both the family leisure market and as an executive business vehicle.

Kia designers see the latter model as a rolling office and conference room, where business can be conducted within the spacious interior.

The new entry goes into production in August at Kia’s Sohari plant in Korea. Exports to China begin in September.

The Grand VQ-R features the same 197-hp 2.2L DOHC turbodiesel available in the Carnival in Korea and with the Sorento cross/utility vehicle currently being exported to China. The engine is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Grand VQ-R features a spacious, flexible interior with removable second row seating and a third row that can be folded down.

Exterior styling is similar to the Korean Carnival, except for the rear combination lamps that comply with China’s regulations for rear fog lamps.

Kia has yet to disclose pricing or volume targets.

The VQ short-body model already is exported to China, selling only 378 units last year, Kia says. That compares with combined Korean sales of Carnival long and short body versions of 27,091.

The long-body Sedona minivan sold 24,047 units in the U.S. in 2011.