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2024 Kia K3 Sedan: Review, Release Date & Interior – Kia is releasing a lone teaser image of the forthcoming K3 the company plans to reveal on the 8th of August in Mexico City at 8 PM local time. If you’re wondering why the “K3” name doesn’t ring an alarm, that’s because it’s the way it’s known as the Forte / Cerato is known in some countries. But, here’s where things get intriguing as we’re getting reports of the 2024 K3 not being directly replacing the Rio Sedan but is it’s a sequel to the smaller Rio Sedan.
The two models are the same, and our logic suggests that the Rio is the one to see a refresh given that the fourth-generation model has been in the market since the year 2016, whereas the 3rd-generation K3 Forte / Cerato launched in 2018. We should not forget that in March, we posted a collection of photos (attached below) with a disguised model for the all-door Rio. If you add two and two could mean that the K3 will be the next model to replace it. K3 could take over that of the Rio Sedan.
Actually, Kia confirmed back in April that they would launch the brand-new Rio earlier this year. Therefore, it’s timing is the right time. Production is set to start during the last quarter of Mexico And based on that the launch is scheduled to take place in Mexico City, it does appear this latest K3 will be a Rio.
Kia posted the teaser on its global media website. This could indicate that K3 is being used across the world in the near future. The official preview of the car raises more questions than it answers, however, whatever the outcome is, we’re thankful that K3 is a South Korean brand that is still focused on selling automobiles rather than focusing all-out on SUVs and crossovers.
Review
Kia presented the new K3 during a special celebration held in Mexico City and it certainly isn’t a surprise to see it.
Created in order to “redefine the sub-compact segment,” it features an inspired design of a crossover that likes that of the Polestar 2. It’s a good thing, as this model is designed to prove how “entry-level vehicles can provide a rewarding experience akin to higher category vehicles.”
The company may not win the award for its originality however, the K3 features the Opposites United style and a “fastback-style silhouette.” The design is akin to the Swede However, the Korean has a slim Tiger Nose grille that is highlighted by headlights that are swept back, which are a stylish set of lighting for the day.
On the other side, we observe plastic body cladding as well as sleek bodywork. They’re connected by a wide windscreen which is a part of the roof that slopes downwards. The other highlights are an integrated spoiler at the rear and lights at the tail end that connect via the illumination of a strip.
Customers who want a more sporty style can choose the K3 GT-Line which comes with an athletic front bumper, and a bigger alloy 17 inches. The trim can also be distinct by the Two exhaust tips.
The K3 is 178.9 inches (4,545 millimeters) in length, 69.5 inches (1,765 mm) across as well as 58.1 inches (1,475 millimeters) tall, with a wheelbase of 105.1 inches (2,670 millimeters). In order to put the numbers in an overall perspective, it’s 3.8 inches (97 millimeters) smaller in comparison to the Forte and also 1.2 inches (30 millimeters) smaller between the wheels. It’s 6.3 inches (160 millimeters) more spacious in comparison to the Rio sedan, and it has a 3.5-inch (89 millimeters) larger wheelbase.
Interior
The stylish design carries on in the cabin. It adopts a minimalist style and elegant accessories. The driver will also be able to find an EV6-inspired steering wheel with two spokes. by the wheel in the EV6.
Additional highlights include an instrument cluster that’s digital and the option of a 10.25-inch infotainment device that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It’s accompanied by a dual-zone automated climate control system, a 64-color ambient lighting system, air vents in the rear as well, and USB-C charging ports at the front and back.
More details will be revealed when the car is launched, however, it is believed that the vehicle will come with heated front seats, as well as a steering wheel that is heated. Kia further stated that it can carry as much as 19.2 cubic feet (544 Liters) of baggage.
In Mexico, the standard security features include six airbags, an electronic stability control, and ABS brakes. It’s not much and the K3 will come with several safety features for drivers, including Front collision-avoidance Assist and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist as well as Lane-Keeping Assist.
Engine
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 121 horsepower (90 kW/123 PS). It’s able to be connected to either a manual six-speed or an automatic six-speed.
If you think that’s not enough power for you, there’s the K3 GT-Line has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower (112 kW or 150 PS). It’s connected to a 6-speed automated transmission, which has paddle shifters.
Kia is also announcing plans for the development of an “export-oriented” 1.4-liter engine. There’s been no announcement on the details or location the engine will be available.
The carmaker remained elusive about specifics, but it did say that it was the “suspension system has been redesigned to offer an excellent balance between comfort and control.”
In 2024, the Kia K3 will be built in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and will be available to “select markets” starting in the fourth quarter of this year. But, “details on launch dates and model specifications will be announced by each country in due course.”
Release Date
The 2024 Kia K3 Sedan will be available in Mexico beginning this winter in addition to other markets that are set to be added. Kia isn’t sure if it will be available in Mexico. K3 will be available in Mexico’s north, or outside of the border.