New Kia KX3 2015: Will he come with us?

There are less than two months, Kia presented at Guangzhou salon a small SUV in the form of a pseudo "show car" that was, for a few details, the evening dress version of the production model that we find here.


This novelty will tackle one of the most turbulent market niches is made "surprise" over a park and reveals the appearance of what will be the production model which will start its commercial career in the market Chinese within weeks.
Between the appearance of the concept version of the series, differences exist, but there is nothing fundamentally different. Thus we note   slightly different headlights, fog moving from horizontal to vertical position as is the case on the big Sorento but the strong and marked muzzle is always there. In automobile affinities, we are also well see the Cayenne / Macan as the Fiat Punto or Ford Edge but one thing is sure, all made strong. The profile is him in the Kia movement of the moment with a glazing whose design is reminiscent of the Sorento. The large door panels are also in the spirit house. It's the same for the rear which, however, lose the beautiful shiny tailpipes version salon and adopts a slightly different shield (license plate location and reflectors).

For the cockpit and especially the dashboard we find a Kia furniture, that is to say, quite sober in design, readable at handset carries instruments that seems easy to use and maintenance. From what we see, all appeared in the times, strong and able to attract customers who craves more "small" SUV and crossovers.
Cousin of the new Hyundai ix25, Kia KX3 logically based on the same platform and offers dimensions close to those of the recent competitor South Korean automotive group (who finished 2014 in fifth in the global ranking of car manufacturers).

Thus KX3 displays the following dimensions:
L: 4.26 m
l: 1.76 m
h: 1.63 m
Emp: 2.59 m
According to versions and finishes, the KX3 be posed on wheels whose diameter ranges from 16 to 18 inches (options or accessories). As the ix25, the KX3 will be available for sale in 2 and 4 wheel drive. For now, Chinese market means that the small SUV from Kia is available only with petrol engines.
This produces the already known L4 1.6 L in a naturally aspirated and a supercharged variant. Thus KX3 is powered by a L4 1.6 L atmo 123 hp and 151 Nm of torque or L4 1.6 L strong Turbo 200 hp and 264 Nm. The 1.6 L atmospheric may be associated with a conventional 6-speed manual or a BVA6 while 1.6 L supercharged be available with a new gearbox dual clutch DCT 7-speed.

If Kia KX3 happen in the coming weeks in China Kia concessions, we still do not know if this model will come to Europe later in the year (Author's note: there is a risk of cannibalization with the Soul!). The case is to follow in the coming months especially if Kia Europe wants its share of the big cake shared by Opel, PSA, Renault, Ford, Fiat, Jeep while waiting nearby Honda and Mazda. To be continued.