Before the company ever had a turbo engine, before direct injection, before the 40 mpg claims, Kia was defined by one model. This small sedan has many named: K3 in Korea, Forte in the states and Cerato in other corners of the globe, plus a few others. One thing that Kia's answer to the Honda Civic has never had is a diesel engine. That all changed a few days ago, when the K3 sedan received an oiler burner in Korea.
This brand new sedan revealed little more than a year ago is now available in Korea with the 1.5 CRDi engine that European buyers get in the cee'd hatchback. The domestic market model has a slightly different rating though: 126 hp and 280 Nm of torque. The model is fitted as standard with Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) and features numerous upgrades.
To compensate for the harshness of the diesel engine, Kia increased the damping under the hood and between the engine and the interior with absorption Soundproofing Materials. The K3 now also features illuminated door handles, a new wheel design, key fob design and better glazing for the side mirrors.
Priced from 19.25 million Korean won ($18,200), the K3 Diesel promises to deliver impressive fuel economy figures of 16.2 km/l (6.1 l/100km).
To compensate for the harshness of the diesel engine, Kia increased the damping under the hood and between the engine and the interior with absorption Soundproofing Materials. The K3 now also features illuminated door handles, a new wheel design, key fob design and better glazing for the side mirrors.
Priced from 19.25 million Korean won ($18,200), the K3 Diesel promises to deliver impressive fuel economy figures of 16.2 km/l (6.1 l/100km).