Introduced in 2018, the second-generation K3 sedan excels on its value for money, good looks, tech, and space while its GT hatchback is all about being a fun-to-drive car you can afford. Fast forward to today and the second-generation Kia K3 gained a minor change for the 2022 model year. So, what's new for the K3?
The second-generation Kia K3 received a minor change for the 2022 model year with prices start at 17,700,000 Korean Won, which is more expensive than its main rival, the latest Hyundai Avante. Yes, while it's expensive than its Hyundai relative that gained its full model change last year, there is so much to dig about this latest minor change starting with its design.
The revised design features a more streamlined front where the headlamps and the Tiger Nose grille are now conjoined. It's a pattern similar to the previous generation's facelift a few years ago and because Kia now lives in its new era, the new Kia logo has been applied of course. Oh, and the rear lamps have been revised as well. Just don't let the new Kia logo startle you. That new logo gave them the creeps.
The interior has been slightly revised on this minor change as well and in addition to the new Kia logo slapped on the steering wheel, the updated interior features a longer 10.25-inch UVO Navigation, an electronic parking brake that replaces the traditional one, which is bad news for speedo boys behind the wheel of course because they're not fans of the electronic parking brakes, and for the first time in four-door saloons, a smart trunk that can be opened automatically when it senses an incoming driver holding a smart key. Although the changes were minimal, it still snugs up to five people and still delivers the same boot space as usual with the K3 GT carrying more stuff than the sedan version, of course.
Nothing's changed on the specs, of course. The K3 sedan is still powered by the SmartStream G1.6 petrol engine mated to a SmartStream Intelligent Variable Transmission or IVT, a CVT that uses a chain-type belt instead of a push belt. Fuel economy is still 15.2km/L.
The K3 GT hatchback, meanwhile, still runs on a 1.6L Gamma T-GDi four-cylinder engine producing 204PS of power and 27.0kg•m of torque while mated to a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox. Fuel economy is around 12.1kmpl.
While the dynamics of these two body styles remained the same, with the K3 sedan focused on being a comfortable everyday car to drive just like your dad's Honda Civic, while the K3 GT is all about being sporty all over thanks to its sporty suspension setup implemented, the list of safety features have been greatly expanded and revised with the implementation of the navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision avoidance assistance, rear collision avoidance assist, and Safety Exit Assist.
Despite numerous improvements, it's still basically the second-generation K3 the world's familiar with and it works and feels just like the pre-facelift model, only better.
Photo: Kia
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