Kia
K3
Having
three different names for the same car is not unheard of and while we called as the Forte Sedan, or the Cerato, in its local market the compact
is known as the K3, and it just received a facelift, which will be applied to
the global variants too.
Kia published the first images of the updated version, which
brings some exterior tweaks, such as the Optima-inspired grille, the redesigned
front bumper, repositioned fog lamps to make room for the vertical air vents
and the updated HID clusters, with stretched LED daytime running lights.
The
automaker change the rear end, we notice
the different taillights with LED technology. Some tweaks were made to the rear
bumper too, but nothing dramatic.
The
cabin gets a redesigned flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel (at least
on this trim level) with glossy black accents, Android Auto compatibility and
new buttons near the gearshift lever for the heated and ventilated front seats,
with electrical adjustment and memory functions on the driver's side, a
"Driver Mode" with three settings, Sport, Normal and Eco, parking sensors
and a control for the advanced parking steering assistance system.
Under
the hood, the 1.6-liter GDI engine, with 132 PS (130 HP) was carried over, but
thanks to some minor revisions, fuel economy was improved by less than 1 mpg
(US). The facelifted K3 brings a 1.6-liter VGT diesel too, producing 128 PS
(126 HP).
In
Korea, the 2016 Kia K3 starts at 13,740,000 KRW (US$ 11,892), and goes up to 20,950,000 KRW (US$ 18,139) for the
Prestige range-topping grade.