Kia has unveiled the international version of its new sedan, the K3. Unlike the K3 sedan for South Korea also known as Forte/Cerato, this model is new and comes to replace the Rio, surpassing it in most respects. Among other things, there will be a GT-Line version with a 2.0-liter engine good for 152 PS (150 hp / 112 kW).
The exterior follows the manufacturer’s Opposites United design philosophy with the latest Tiger’s Nose grille and slim headlights housing complex LED patterns. Its slanted roof transitioning into a slightly bulging tailgate allows Kia to compare the K3 with fastbacks. The GT-Line trim – which was the first trim revealed – also sports aggressive bumpers, 17-inch wheels and twin exhaust tips.
Inside, a digital dashboard and a 10.25-inch multimedia display are combined into a single unit. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported by default, there are handy USB Type-C ports for both seat rows, and the climate control system serves two zones.
Ambient lighting comes in 64 color hues, and rear seat occupants get their own air vents. Six airbags and ESP are included in the base package, with Kia’s optional ADAS package adding collision prevention, lane control, blind spot monitoring and drowsiness alert.
In its most basic form, the international K3 ships with a familiar 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine rated at 123 PS (121 hp / 91 kW), which can be specified with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The K3 Gt-Line mentioned above goes automatic-only and offers paddle shifters for easy shifting. An additional export version will soon go into production in Mexico with an unspecified 1.4-liter engine; more details will follow later.
In some countries, the new Kia K3 will become available in the fourth quarter of the year, but the others will have to wait until 2024. Market-specific details are still pending.
