Kia K3 (BL7)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the model sold as the K3 in some markets, see Kia Forte.
Kia K3 (BL7)
2023 Kia K3 GT-Line (Mexico)
Overview
ManufacturerKia
Model codeBL7
ProductionOctober 2023 – present
Model years2024–present (Middle East)
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact car (B)
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedHyundai Accent/Verna (BN7)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,670 mm (105.1 in)[1]
Length
  • 4,295 mm (169.1 in) (hatchback)
  • 4,545 mm (178.9 in) (sedan)
Width1,765 mm (69.5 in)
Height
  • 1,495 mm (58.9 in) (hatchback)
  • 1,475 mm (58.1 in) (sedan)
Chronology
PredecessorKia Rio (YB)

The Kia K3 is a subcompact car (B-segment) manufactured by Kia since 2023 as a successor to the Rio. Developed under the codename BL7,[2] the K3 is available in hatchback and sedan body styles. The K3 nameplate was previously used by the Chinese and South Korean market Forte/Cerato, which was succeeded by the K4 in 2024 as Kia is realigning their passenger car nomenclature.[3]

Overview[edit]

The K3 was first teased on 4 August 2023,[4] and was revealed on 8 August 2023 in Mexico.[5] The hatchback version was announced on 5 October 2023.[6][7]

The model is offered with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated Smartstream G1.6 petrol engine that makes 123 PS (121 hp; 90 kW) and 154 N⋅m (15.7 kg⋅m; 114 lb⋅ft) of torque and a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Smartstream G2.0 petrol engine that makes 152 PS (150 hp; 112 kW) and 142 N⋅m (14.5 kg⋅m; 105 lb⋅ft) of torque. The 1.4-liter Kappa engine from the fourth-generation Rio will be retained, albeit for some export markets.[8][9]

  • Rear view (sedan)
    Rear view (sedan)
  • Interior
    Interior

Markets[edit]

Mexico[edit]

In the Mexican market, the K3 is available in five variants; L, LX, EX, EX PACK and GT-Line.[10]

GCC[edit]

The K3 was launched in the GCC markets on 5 December 2023.[11]

Powertrain[edit]

Model Years Transmission Power Torque
Petrol
Kappa II 1.4L MPi 2023–present 6-speed manual 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) at 6,000 rpm 13.2 kg⋅m (129 N⋅m; 95 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm
Smartstream G1.6 MPi 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic 		123 PS (90 kW; 121 hp) at 6,300 rpm 15.7 kg⋅m (154 N⋅m; 114 lbf⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm
Smartstream G2.0 MPi 6-speed automatic 152 PS (112 kW; 150 hp) at 6,200 rpm 19.6 kg⋅m (192 N⋅m; 142 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm

References[edit]

  1. ^ García, Gerardo (4 August 2023). "¿Adiós al Forte? El KIA K3 se presentará en México la siguiente semana". Motorpasión México.
  2. ^ "North America AutoForecastVehicle" (PDF). Autoevolution.
  3. ^ Autocosmos (2023-08-08). "Nuevo KIA K3 2024, así es el reemplazo del Rio sedán". Autocosmos (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-08-09.
  4. ^ Padeanu, Adrian. "2024 Kia K3 Sedan Teased Ahead Of August 8 Debut, Is It A Rio Or Forte?". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  5. ^ Lye, Gerard (August 9, 2023). "2024 Kia K3 sedan debuts in Mexico – Rio successor with 1.6L, 2.0L engines; 6MT, 6AT; available as GT-Line". Paul Tan's Automotive News. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  6. ^ Gerlach, Nicolás (2023-10-05). "Kia estrena en México el nuevo K3 hatchback". La Tercera. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  7. ^ Velázquez, Francisco (2023-10-03). "Kia K3 Hatchback: Primer vistazo". Autoanalítica (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  8. ^ "Kia Replaces Rio With All-New 2024 K3". CarGuide.PH. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  9. ^ "The all-new Kia K3 is South Korea's City, Vios fighter". Top Gear Philippines. 9 August 2023.
  10. ^ "Kia K3 2024 | Sedán". Kia México (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-12-07.
  11. ^ Shad Trehan, Rachit (2023-12-07). "Kia K3 Debuts In The Middle East At Riyadh Motor Show - Car News | TCI". Retrieved 2024-01-30.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kia K3 (BL7).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kia_K3_(BL7)&oldid=1219968177"