Asia Motors Retona History

Previewed as a prototype at the 1997 Seoul Motor Show, the Asia Retona entered production in 1998 as the direct replacement for the Rocsta. It was a more substantial vehicle than its predecessor — longer and taller, with a proper boxed chassis, 2.0-litre petrol (approximately 136 hp) and 2.0-litre turbo diesel (approximately 83 hp) engine options, and four-wheel-disc-front/drum-rear brakes.

When Hyundai acquired Kia in 1998 and wound down the Asia brand, the Retona continued under Kia badging. Asia-badged examples were sold before the 'Asia' nameplate was retired around 1999 (sources do not pin the exact final year of Asia- vs Kia-badged sales); Kia continued building the Retona until 2003. The vehicle's architecture — box frame, transfer case, short-wheelbase three-door body — positioned it squarely against the Ssangyong Korando and Kia's own Sportage.