Photo: CarPix
Introduced as a design study at the 2014 Guangzhou Motor Show in China, the Kia KX3 concept vehicle became production reality soon after the pomp and circumstance-less unveiling. Based on the Hyundai ix25 and intended as a China-only model, it seems like the South Korean manufacturer plans to adapt the KX3 to European specifications and purportedly relabel it as the Niro.
The Niro, get it? If that didn’t get you excited, then maybe the spy photographs of the Niro crossover will. Though the camo and longer body are intended to fool us into thinking that this is a Cee’d-based longroof on stilts, pay attention to elements as the A-pillar, headlights and turn signals in the side mirrors.
If you insist, take a good look at the character line running along the sides of this prototype and then compare it to the one adorning the China-spec Kia KX3. Coincidence? We think not. Truth be told, something is clearly going on with the rear quarter windows. They differ from the KX3 by being a wee bit elongated. This modification also reconstructs the shape of the roofline and the hatchback door.
It’s far-fetched to suppose that Kia performed these visual mods to increase safety or passenger space/boot capacity at the present moment. Nevertheless, it is a given that the small crossover SUV market is booming around the world and Europe makes no exception from that rule. In terms of competition, the upcoming Kia KX3/Niro will go against the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Peugeot 2008, Suzuki SX4 S-Cross and so on.
The 2015 Kia KX3 measures 4,270 mm in length, it’s 1,780 mm wide, 1,630 mm tall and boasts a 2,590-mm wheelbase. On the Chinese market, the Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia joint venture offers the KX3 small crossover SUV with a couple of petrol engines: a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter with 123 HP and 151 Nm (111 lb-ft) and a 1.6 turbo-four with 200 HP and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. Other than a six-speed manual, customers of the Kia KX3 can get a six-speed auto or seven-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission (only with the 1.6 turbo).
If you insist, take a good look at the character line running along the sides of this prototype and then compare it to the one adorning the China-spec Kia KX3. Coincidence? We think not. Truth be told, something is clearly going on with the rear quarter windows. They differ from the KX3 by being a wee bit elongated. This modification also reconstructs the shape of the roofline and the hatchback door.
It’s far-fetched to suppose that Kia performed these visual mods to increase safety or passenger space/boot capacity at the present moment. Nevertheless, it is a given that the small crossover SUV market is booming around the world and Europe makes no exception from that rule. In terms of competition, the upcoming Kia KX3/Niro will go against the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Peugeot 2008, Suzuki SX4 S-Cross and so on.
The 2015 Kia KX3 measures 4,270 mm in length, it’s 1,780 mm wide, 1,630 mm tall and boasts a 2,590-mm wheelbase. On the Chinese market, the Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia joint venture offers the KX3 small crossover SUV with a couple of petrol engines: a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter with 123 HP and 151 Nm (111 lb-ft) and a 1.6 turbo-four with 200 HP and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. Other than a six-speed manual, customers of the Kia KX3 can get a six-speed auto or seven-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission (only with the 1.6 turbo).
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