AUTONEWS

New Kia K3 hatchback

Kia first presented the new K3 a few months ago in a sedan version, and now the K3 is arriving in hatchback form with 5 doors.

The length of the sedan K3 is 4545 mm, width 1765 mm, height 1475 mm, and the wheelbase is 2670 mm. The hatchback is shorter and slightly taller (length 4295 mm and height 1495 mm). The volume of the trunk in the sedan is 544 liters, and in the hatchback 390 liters.

With the new K3, Kia aims to redefine the sub-compact segment with its bold and progressive design, spacious interior, plenty of convenience and safety features – all important features that satisfy the demands of customers in the sub-compact sedan segment.

Embracing the company’s slogan “Movement that inspires”, the Kia K3 is a new model that will be manufactured in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Developed with a focus on meeting the tastes and needs of customers, the K3 shows that entry-level vehicles can provide a rewarding experience similar to higher-end vehicles.

“With the all-new K3, we deliver design features and sophistication unprecedented in this class,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America. “The K3 is also proof of our commitment to offer mobility solutions perfectly designed to meet the needs of each market and is a recognition of the enormous growth potential of the Mexican market.”

The Kia K3 will be offered with a 1.6-liter engine, and for the first time, the new sports GT-Line equipment will be available, with a 2.0-liter engine.

In keeping with Kia’s strong focus on safety, the K3 comes with six airbags, ABS braking system and ESC electronic stability program as standard features, as well as an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

Based on the brand’s design philosophy of “Opposites United”, which combines seemingly contradictory concepts such as technology and nature, the Kia K3 combines advanced shapes, colors and textures. The result is a bold and futuristic look, characterized by a fastback-style silhouette, an aggressive front end, sharp design cues and a distinctive LED DRL light pattern.

The front of the Kia K3 retains the traditional Tiger Nose grille, which has now been reinterpreted for a more purposeful look. On the sides, black appliqués, along with a double belt line that rises from the fenders, create a more rugged look.

The new version of the GT-Line offers a sportier and more aggressive appearance with a grille with larger air vents, 17-inch wheels and dual exhaust pipes.

Inside, the all-new Kia K3 offers a modern, pleasant and comfortable environment, combining functionality and finish that, according to the factory, surpasses its competitors. The most important are the integration of the instrument panel and the panoramic infotainment screen into one unit, the newly designed steering wheel inspired by the EV6 and the minimalist, yet modern and functional dashboard with horizontal lines.

Connectivity is a universal need, but the Kia K3 goes one step further with advanced features. It offers a central high-resolution touchscreen from 8.0 to 10.25″ with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. It also offers USB Type C ports for front and rear seat passengers.

In terms of comfort features, the most significant are dual-zone automatic climate control, a digital instrument panel and adaptive ambient lighting that offers up to 64 different colors. In addition, rear passengers benefit from dedicated vents and vents to enhance their comfort experience.

To meet the highest standards for passenger protection, the K3 uses a deeply reinforced structure, which simultaneously enhances both the driving experience and sophistication. The levels of vibration and sound insulation are comparable to those of vehicles of a higher category. Meanwhile, the suspension system has been redesigned to offer an excellent balance between comfort and control.

Known for both reliability and performance, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 123 hp can be paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. GT-Line equipment offers a 2.0-liter engine with 152 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, an export-oriented 1.4 liter engine will be available.

Since safety is of utmost importance for Kia, the K3 comes with six airbags, ABS braking system and ESC electronic stability program as standard. Likewise, depending on the equipment selected, a suite of ADAS technologies is available, including significant functions such as Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Collision Assist (BCA), rear end collision avoidance…

The all-new Kia K3 will be available in selected markets starting from the fourth quarter of this year.

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