Kia has introduced the 2021 facelift version of its front-wheel drive sedan, the Calenza, which is also known as the K7. There is a different radiator grille, a hybrid powertrain and some new tech – but the diesel turbo variant is no longer in production.
The second generation, known as YG, has been around for four years so far and received its first update called “Premier” back in 2019 (watch the video for an overview). This time around, the radiator grille received a bird’s-wings ornament (Kia itself claims those are airplane wings), but you can opt for the old convex-bar grille design if you want to. A couple new paint schemes are available.
Inside, thicker rear window and other mods help improve overall noise insulation. Air cleaning filter and electronic handbrake are now included in all trims, and there is an intersection assist feature that should prevent accidents on busy crossroads. You can now issue voice commands to the HVAC, toggle steering wheel and seat heating, and lower/raise the windows. Second-row occupants may now enjoy their own infotainment tablets mounted on the front-row seat backs, although this is a paid option.
Powertrain-wise, the 2.2-liter 202-hp (150-kW) turbo diesel leaves the lineup for good (the Hyundai Grandeur dropped the same engine model a year ago). To compensate, the company now offers a hybrid system based on a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine assisted by an electric motor for 211 hp (157 kW) total. Your other options include a 2.5-liter gas four-cylinder (198 hp / 147 kW), a 3.0-liter V6 (266 hp / 198 kW), and a V6 running on condensed natural gas (235 hp / 175 kW). All three have been available before. The CNG and Hybrid specs ship with six-speed automatic for transmission, while the rest take advantage of eight-speed auto.
It is expected that a new sedan model named GL3 will come out in the first half of 2021, based on the fact that it was first photographed testing on public roads this spring. The technically similar Hyundai Grandeur received its share of updates in last November.