Kia Credos

Kia Credos

1999 Kia Credos (New Zealand)
Overview
Manufacturer Kia Motors
Also called Kia Clarus
Kia Parktown[1] (Korea, station wagon)
Production 1995–2001
Assembly Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea
Body and chassis
Class compact
Body style 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Layout FF layout
Related Mazda Capella
Powertrain
Engine 1.8L Mazda F I4 petrol
2.0L Mazda F I4 petrol
2.0L Rover KV6 petrol
Transmission 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,665 mm (104.9 in)
Length 1995-1998:4,710 mm (185.4 in)
1998-2001: 4,745 mm (186.8 in)
Wagon:4,760 mm (187.4 in)
Width 1,780 mm (70.1 in)
Height Sedan: 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Wagon: 1,480 mm (58.3 in)
Chronology
Predecessor Kia Concord
Successor Kia Optima

The Kia Credos in South Korea and Australia (known as Kia Clarus in Europe) was Kia's first mass production large family sedan, and was based on the running gear of the pre-1997 Mazda Capella, which went on sale in Korea in 1995, and in Australia in 1998.[2][3]

It was powered by one of two Mazda sourced petrol engines with 1.8 and 2.0 litres, which proved to be unremarkable in performance but excellent for reliability (also used a 2.0 Rover KV6 engine). A diesel-powered alternative was not available. The car's interior was dull but spacious and comfortable, as well as the boot being massive. The asking price for the basic 1.8 SX was £11,000 - around £4,000 less than the equivalent Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra.

In Australia, the Credos was introduced in May 1998, and was available only with the 2.0L engine. Sales totalled 839 units during the model's 3-year run.[4]

The Kia Clarus was replaced by the Hyundai sourced Optima in 2000, ending the badge engineered relationship with Mazda.


1996 Kia Clarus
2002 Kia Clarus wagon

References

  1. ↑ (Italian) Kia Parktown debut in Geneva 1998
  2. ↑ "Kia Credos: Korea Gets Serious About Larger Cars". AutoWeb. Web Publications. 1998-05-21. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  3. ↑ "1998 Kia Credos sedan - Car review - The Car". GoAuto. John Mellor. 2001-05-16. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  4. ↑ VFACTS Australia


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