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New Kia K3 arrives in Latin America and could arrive in Brazil soon to replace the Kia Cerato. The vehicle delivers up to 154 horsepower.
The KIA K3, a model that was revealed by the brand in August, has just arrived on the Peruvian market. Name used in South Korea to name the Cerato, the Kia K3 is available in hatch and sedan body styles. Its objective is to replace the Rio in Latin countries, in addition to the Cerato itself, which was discontinued here in 2023. Its debut in the neighboring country could mean that the new model is increasingly closer to Brazil, where it should have flex engine with mild hybrid technology.
New Kia K3 delivers 154 horsepower
The design, called Opposites United by Kia, it combines narrow headlights that are well integrated into the grille with LEDs that extend over the bumper. At the rear, the highlight is the trunk lid with a straight shape and crossed by interconnected lights.
The version in the photos, called GT-Line, has 17-inch wheels, shark antenna, double exhaust outlet and others. Inside the Cerato replacement, the highlight is the integration of the instrument panel with the 10,25-inch entertainment screen in a single piece.
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There is also a steering wheel inspired by the electric EV6, a minimalist panel with horizontal lines. Among the equipment, there is Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, USB type-C ports, dual-zone air conditioning, 6 airbags, ESP, automatic braking systems and blind spot detector.
Under the hood of the Kia K3, everything indicates that the hatchback will follow the sedan and will not feature turbo engines. Therefore, 1.6 aspirated engines with 125 horsepower (same as the old Rio) and 2.0 aspirated engines with 154 horsepower are expected. The transmission can be manual or automatic, always with 6 gears. For export markets, there will also be a 1.4 engine.
Kia's strategy with its new model
Just as the Honda with City hatch and sedan models, Kia hopes to have more representation in both segments. The duo from the Japanese brand will even be rivals for the Kia K3. As it is made in Mexico, which has a free trade agreement with Brazil, the expectation is that the model will arrive at competitive prices. The Cerato's replacement should range between R$120 and R$140.
However, Kia's bet is on the sedan market, despite the Hatch also arriving in the country. With 4,54 meters long, 1,76m wide, 1,47m high and 2,67m wheelbase, the Kia K3 will still fight with the Nissan Versa, Volkswagen Vitrus, in addition to the aforementioned City. Among its competitors, the K3 has the largest trunk, for example, with 544 liters.
Kia Cerato discontinued
In July, the Kia Cerato was no longer offered on the brand's official website. Kia stated, at the time, that the model's offer had been suspended, but left open a possible return. In its fourth generation, the model was only offered in two versions: EX and SX.
The options differed by equipment level and cost R$113 thousand and R$118 thousand, respectively. Both versions had the same mechanics based on the 2.0 aspirated flex engine with 167 horsepower and 20,6 kgfm of torque. The transmission was a six-speed automatic in both configurations.
With the end of the sedan, the South Korean brand now only has SUVs in its portfolio. The list has Stonic, Niro and Sportage, as well as the Carnival minivan and the Bongo truck, which is a Compact Utility Vehicle (VUC).
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