Photo: AutoHome.com.cn
Back in November, South Korean automaker Kia released the first pictures of a concept car dubbed the KX3. With the Hyundai ix25 also around, it wasn't that much of a surprise that Kia would soon morph the KX3 from concept to production vehicle.
The white Kia KX3 softroader you can admire below was spotted by AutoHome.com.cn and is the production-ready model, not the concept we've reported over a month ago. Slated to go on sale early next year in China next to sister model Hyundai ix25, the KX3 may arrive in Europe if Kia decides that it makes more sense than a Nissan Juke and so forth.
Measuring 4,270 x 1,780 x 1,630 mm (168.1 x 70 x 64 inches) and with a wheelbase of 2,590 mm (101.9 inches), the production-spec KX3 looks remarkably similar to the concept, but some visual details were changed, details like the fog lights and other minor bits and bobs. Nevertheless, it looks extremely similar to the Hyundai ix25 when glanced at from the rear.
Overall, the Ford EcoSport and many other cars in the B-segment crossover pie hold the upper hand styling-wise, but still, it's hard to deny that the KX3 isn't interesting to behold. Built by the Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia venture, it seems like this model will be powered by two N/A or turbocharged petrol-powered engines.
The naturally aspirated mill displaces 1.6 liters and boasts with 123 horsepower and 151 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque and comes mated to a manual transmission or a six-speed auto. As for the turbocharged 1.6 unit, that will be linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and send 200 horsepower and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) to the front wheels of the all-new Kia KX3. It's not much, but remember this is just a B-segment crossover.
In terms of pricing, we're sorry to report to any potential buyers that this model is not a cheap and cheerful motor. With first deliveries slated for March 2015, the entry-level variant with the N/A 1.6 and a manual box will hold a starting price of 110,000 yuan, a sum that translates to $17,660 according to current exchange rates. The range-topping powertrain and trim level will start from around 170,000 yuan ($27,295), money that buys you a mildly kitted 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost fastback in the U. S. of A.
Measuring 4,270 x 1,780 x 1,630 mm (168.1 x 70 x 64 inches) and with a wheelbase of 2,590 mm (101.9 inches), the production-spec KX3 looks remarkably similar to the concept, but some visual details were changed, details like the fog lights and other minor bits and bobs. Nevertheless, it looks extremely similar to the Hyundai ix25 when glanced at from the rear.
Overall, the Ford EcoSport and many other cars in the B-segment crossover pie hold the upper hand styling-wise, but still, it's hard to deny that the KX3 isn't interesting to behold. Built by the Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia venture, it seems like this model will be powered by two N/A or turbocharged petrol-powered engines.
The naturally aspirated mill displaces 1.6 liters and boasts with 123 horsepower and 151 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque and comes mated to a manual transmission or a six-speed auto. As for the turbocharged 1.6 unit, that will be linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and send 200 horsepower and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) to the front wheels of the all-new Kia KX3. It's not much, but remember this is just a B-segment crossover.
In terms of pricing, we're sorry to report to any potential buyers that this model is not a cheap and cheerful motor. With first deliveries slated for March 2015, the entry-level variant with the N/A 1.6 and a manual box will hold a starting price of 110,000 yuan, a sum that translates to $17,660 according to current exchange rates. The range-topping powertrain and trim level will start from around 170,000 yuan ($27,295), money that buys you a mildly kitted 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost fastback in the U. S. of A.
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