Kia K3 Hits Market with a Starting Price of US$16,400
October 16th, 2012 | Posted in Dongfeng | Kia | New CarsKia K3, the second-gen Forte or third-gen Cerato, went on sale today to compete in the crowded compact segment, putting on notice such popular models as VW Bora, VW Lavida, Nissan Sylphy, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus. On the new car market, it will be sold alongside its two predecessors, Cerato and Forte, as well as its close relatives from Beijing-Hyundai, the three generations of Elantra.
At a grand ceremony held in Jinan, Shandong, and featuring a group of South Korean entertainers performing Gangnam Style, Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia announced the pricing for the seven versions of the K3: starting at 102,800 Yuan (US$16,400) for the 1.6 MT GL model, prices top out at 143,800 Yuan (US$22,940) for the 1.8 AT Premium.
The K3 shares powertains with the latest Elantra, "Langdong," both powered by a 1.6γ DVVT or 1.8 Nu DVVT engine. The 16 liter can put out a maximum of 94kW of power and 156Nm of toque, and is matched with a 6MT or 6AT. The 1.8 liter, mated to a 6AT, is rated 107kW/6500rpm and 175/4700rpm. All of the seven versions come standard with 6 airbags, ABS/EBD, remote key, 6-speakers, multi-function steering wheel, and, with the exception of the 1.6 MT GL model, parking sensors.
The K3 is built by Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia at its factory in Yancheng, Jiangsu. The joint venture plans to sell 200,000 units of it by the end of this year and 60,000 in 2013.
