NUEVO Kia K3 Hatchback: Mejor que Ibiza, Mazda2 y Swift?

Manuela Vasquez

28 Jan 202417:46

Summary

TLDRThis video reviews the all-new 2024 Kia K3 hatchback, which replaces the beloved Kia Rio in Mexico. It compares the K3 hatchback to the K3 sedan and Rio, noting the hatchback is longer than the Rio but shorter than the sedan. The video highlights the hatchback's SUV-like design, spacious rear seats, and high ground clearance. However, it notes the hatchback is one of the most expensive in its segment. While fun to drive like the Rio, it lacks sporty steering. Overall, the K3 hatchback gains points for design and space, but loses some for price and driving dynamics.

Takeaways

😊 The Kia k3 hatchback is all new, aiming to replace the beloved Kia Rio
🚗 It's offered in 4 versions in Mexico - LX, EX, EX Pack and GT Line
⚙️ Engine options are a 2.0L (GT Line only) or a 1.6L (other versions)
🚦 Pricing ranges from 341,900 to 469,000 Mexican pesos
🚚 It's manufactured in Mexico at Kia's Pesqueria plant
📏 At 4.29 meters long, it's one of the longest in its segment
👍🏻 Rear seat space is a highlight, rivaling some subcompact SUVs
⛽️ Fuel economy could be a weak point compared to rivals
🚗 The driving experience is smooth and comfortable, not sporty
💲 Pricing is on the high side compared to direct competitors

Q & A

What are the different trim levels available for the Kia K3 Hatchback in Mexico?
-The Kia K3 Hatchback is sold in Mexico in four trim levels - LX, EX, EX Pack, and GT Line.
What are the engine options available in the Kia K3 Hatchback?
-The top GT Line trim of the Kia K3 Hatchback comes with a 2.0L engine that produces 150 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque. The other three trims come with a 1.6L engine producing 121 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque.
What transmission options are offered in the Kia K3 Hatchback?
-The 2.0L engine in the GT Line trim comes only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6L engine in the other trims has the option of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
How does the Kia K3 Hatchback compare to rivals in its segment?
-The Kia K3 Hatchback has one of the most powerful engines, good safety and features, and is the largest in its segment. However, it is also the most expensive and has higher fuel consumption compared to rivals.
How does the interior space of the K3 Hatchback compare to the K3 Sedan?
-The K3 Hatchback has a smaller trunk capacity of 290L compared to 544L in the Sedan, but retains the same wheelbase so rear seat space is comparable.
What safety and driver assist features are offered in the K3 Hatchback?
-All trims get 6 airbags and stability control. Higher trims add features like forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and auto high beams.
What are some highlights of the driving experience in the K3 Hatchback?
-The suspension provides a comfortable ride for city driving. The higher seating position gives a good view out and easy maneuverability. However, the steering lacks precision for enthusiastic driving.
Where is the Kia K3 Hatchback manufactured?
-The Kia K3 Hatchback is manufactured in Mexico at Kia's Pesqueria plant in Nuevo Leon.
What are some key features of the K3 Hatchback's interior?
-The interior features a dual screen display, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, push button start, leather steering wheel, and ample small item storage.
What are some drawbacks of the K3 Hatchback?
-The transmission noise is higher than expected. Additionally, pricing is around $40,000 pesos more than rivals which reduces its competitiveness.

Outlines

00:00

😊 Overview of the new Kia K3 hatchback

Introduces the new Kia K3 hatchback that replaces the Kia Rio. Mentions the 4 trim levels available in Mexico, engine options, transmission options, pricing range from 3419 to 46900 Mexican pesos. Notes that it is made in Mexico. Gives dimensions: 4.29m long, 23cm longer than Rio, 26cm shorter than K3 sedan. Positions it as one of the longest in its segment.

05:04

👀 Exterior and interior design

Describes the exterior design as completely new compared to Rio, but the same front end as the K3 sedan, with changes in the back for the hatchback style. Has an SUV-like robustness that the sedan lacks. Highlights rugged lower body cladding unique in its segment, contributing to the SUV look. Describes a minimalist, fluid interior design similar to the K3 sedan but feeling more spacious. Discusses high driving position adding to SUV feel and sense of control.

10:07

😎 Rear seat space and cargo area

Notes that the rear seat space is a highlight, with abundant legroom that can exceed some subcompact SUVs thanks to it being the longest model in its segment. Headroom decent despite sloped roof. Carryover wheelbase from sedan but less cargo space than sedan due to hatchback style, 290L vs 544L, rear seats fold for more capacity.

15:08

👌 Driving impressions

Found the hatchback with smaller engine more agile and quicker-feeling than the sedan with bigger engine. Softer suspension absorbs bumps well but not very sporty. Light steering makes it easy to drive and park but numbed feedback when pushing it. Tall driving position aids first-time owners. Transmission could be improved to be faster and less noisy.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Kia K3 Hatchback

The Kia K3 Hatchback is introduced as a completely new model, positioned to replace the beloved Kia Rio. It's highlighted for its design, performance, and features, aiming to stand out in its segment. This model is specifically mentioned for its variations in engine size, design differences from its sedan counterpart, and its positioning against direct competitors. The hatchback variant is noted for offering a combination of size, power, and features that potentially surpasses other vehicles in its class, making it a significant focus of the video.

💡Engine Options

The video discusses two main engine options for the Kia K3 Hatchback: a 2.0L engine delivering 150 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque, exclusive to the GT Line variant, and a 1.6L engine with 121 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque for the other versions. These options highlight the vehicle's flexibility in catering to different consumer needs, emphasizing the balance between performance and efficiency. The choice of engine affects the car's drivability, power delivery, and potentially its market positioning.

💡Transmission Types

Transmission options for the Kia K3 Hatchback include a six-speed automatic and a manual transmission, offering a choice between convenience and driver engagement. The availability of different transmissions underlines the car's appeal to a broader audience, catering to preferences for either a more engaging driving experience with a manual or the ease of an automatic. This choice impacts the vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall driving experience.

💡Pricing

The video outlines the Kia K3 Hatchback's pricing range from 341,900 to 469,000 Mexican Pesos, positioning it as a premium option within its segment. Pricing is a critical aspect of the vehicle's market appeal, reflecting its features, quality, and brand value. The discussion on pricing also touches on the car's competitiveness and perceived value against rivals, considering it is the most expensive in its entry-level version.

💡Manufacturing Location

The Kia K3 Hatchback's manufacturing in Pesquería, Nuevo León, Mexico, is highlighted, underscoring the brand's investment in local production and its implications for the Mexican automotive market. This detail is relevant for potential buyers interested in the economic and logistical benefits of purchasing a locally manufactured vehicle, such as potentially lower costs and faster availability.

💡Dimensions

Dimensions are discussed to give viewers an understanding of the Kia K3 Hatchback's size relative to competitors and its sedan variant. Its length positions it as one of the longest in its segment, affecting interior space, comfort, and the car's presence on the road. This aspect of the vehicle is important for consumers looking for spaciousness and comfort in a compact car.

💡Safety Features

Safety features are briefly touched upon, including the presence of six airbags from the entry-level version, ABS with disc brakes on all four wheels, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in higher trims. Safety features contribute significantly to the vehicle's appeal by providing occupants with protection and driving assistance, enhancing the overall value proposition of the car.

💡Interior Design

The Kia K3 Hatchback's interior design is described as minimalist with fluid lines, similar to the sedan variant but offering a slightly higher driving position. This design philosophy aims to create a comfortable, user-friendly environment that appeals to buyers through its simplicity, functionality, and the quality of materials used. The detailed description of the interior emphasizes its role in defining the driving experience and vehicle appeal.

💡Driving Experience

The video delves into the driving experience provided by the Kia K3 Hatchback, noting differences in performance between the engine variants and the overall feel of the car on the road. The driving experience is crucial for buyers, as it encompasses the car's handling, comfort, responsiveness, and efficiency. The reviewer's insights into how the car performs in real-world conditions help potential buyers form expectations about its behavior.

💡Market Positioning

Market positioning is discussed in terms of how the Kia K3 Hatchback compares to its rivals in aspects like size, performance, pricing, and features. The video evaluates the car's strengths and weaknesses, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of where it stands in the competitive landscape. This analysis is essential for consumers weighing their options in the compact car segment, highlighting the Kia K3 Hatchback's potential advantages and areas for improvement.

Highlights

El Kia k3 hatchback llega para reemplazar al querido Kia Rio

El Kia k3 hatchback se vende en México en cuatro versiones

El Kia k3 hatchback es uno de los autos más largos en su segmento

El Kia k3 hatchback tiene un motor 1.6L con 121 caballos de potencia

El Kia k3 hatchback es fabricado en México en la planta de Kia en Pesquería

El Kia k3 hatchback tiene una altura libre del suelo de unos 20 cm, incluso mejor que algunos SUVs

El interior del Kia k3 hatchback es minimalista, con materiales de alta durabilidad

El Kia k3 hatchback tiene una posición de manejo más alta que le da sensación de control

El Kia k3 hatchback tiene muy buen espacio en la segunda fila de asientos

El Kia k3 hatchback tiene 290L de capacidad en la cajuela

El Kia k3 hatchback tiene 6 bolsas de aire y frenos de disco en las 4 ruedas

El motor 1.6L del Kia k3 hatchback se siente ágil y rápido

La suspensión del Kia k3 hatchback absorbe bien las imperfecciones del camino

La transmisión del Kia k3 hatchback es algo ruidosa y no tan rápida

El precio del Kia k3 hatchback está por arriba de sus competidores