Kia Ray
South Korea's clever, boxy city car with a unique pillarless sliding door.
- Power
- 78 bhp
- Top speed
- 90 mph
- Est. value
- $4k–$9k
About the Kia Ray
Launched in 2011 exclusively for the South Korean domestic market, the Kia Ray is a 'light car' (Gyeongcha) designed to maximise interior volume within strict tax-incentive dimensions. Its most distinctive feature is the passenger-side layout, which combines a traditional front door with a rear sliding door and no B-pillar, creating a massive aperture for loading. Built on the Kia Picanto platform, it uses a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine tuned for efficiency rather than speed. While its boxy, Kei-car-inspired aesthetic makes it a cult favourite among city car enthusiasts, it remains a rare sight outside of its home country.
Kia Ray specs
The Kia Ray produces 78 bhp (58 kW) and 94 Nm (69 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).
| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Ray |
| Trim | 1.0 |
| Years | 2011–present |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Body style | MPV |
| Country | South Korea |
| Engine | 1.0-litre Kappa II inline-3 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc (1.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 78 bhp (58 kW) at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 94 Nm (69 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Top speed | 90 mph (145 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 998 kg (2,200 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 78 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Kia Ray worth?
A typical Kia Ray is estimated to be worth $4,000 – $9,000 (about £3,000 – £6,700).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Kia Ray rarity in CarSpot
The Kia Ray is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Kia Ray fun facts
- The Ray features an asymmetrical door configuration: the driver's side has two conventional doors, while the passenger side has a sliding rear door and no B-pillar.
- Despite its tiny footprint, the interior is designed so that all seats, including the driver's, can fold flat to create a mobile living or cargo space.
- The Ray EV, launched alongside the petrol version in 2011, was Kia's first-ever production battery electric vehicle.
