After a long period of inactivity and low sales volume mainly caused by strong imports to import and exchange gap, Kia was one of the many importing brands that could “take out the rope from the neck” and update with the new government.
The policies benefited the sector, allowing the generalists to stock and add models (and versions) that had stopped selling, and the importers bring vehicles that were on the waiting list for a long time.
The result is in sight, with unpublished sales numbers since 2018 and a market that at this rate could exceed the 700 thousand patents In 2025.
In this context, the Kia K3 arrived at the end of March, the compact model imported from Mexico with which the brand will seek to triple its sales volume. From the Korean automaker, they plan to sell some 200 units per monthalthough in April – his first whole month of sales – he already managed to patent 252 units, according to executives of KIA Argentina to Clarín Autos.
And one day from the closing of May, the trend is maintained.
Although it was the expected result, the demand and the strong interest of potential new clients shook the tranquility of the dealers who, collapsed means, had to hire more sellers and administrative personnel even when a few days after the launch its prices came to increase up to 12% in pesos after the release of the stocks to the dollar.
It is that K3 has attributes to arouse user interest. It has two body options (5 doors and sedan), attractive design, the widest dimensions of the category, good quality, great safety and comfort equipment, high dose of technology, and competitive prices.
In addition, we must not forget that it represents the entrance door to a brand considered aspirational, taking into account the quality of its vehicles and that the best -selling model (the SUV Sportage) is around $ 50,000.
The range is made up of two versions for both silhouettes (former and GT-Line), which are offered by 25.000 y $ 28,500 respectively; the same value they had in presale and that They will keep during June.
Designed under the philosophy “united” of the Korean brand, any of its two silhouettes attract attention to the naked eye. The frontal design is the same in both models, highlighting vertical integrated optics and LED headlights. In turn, the rear has a fastback type drop in the K3 sedan, while the K3 Cross incorporates ceiling bars.
Full GT-Line versions, tested by Clarín, differ by having certain sporting features, such as larger air intakes, double output exhaust pipes and 17-inch wheels.
The hatchback measures 4.30 meters long and has a 390 -liter trunk capacity, while the sedan measures 4.55 meters in length and has the Larger segment trunk: 544 liters.
They are measures that practically step on those of an upper segment, and that will appreciate the passengers of the rear square, where there is plenty of space to go comfortable.
The quality perceived as the equipment is also among the best in its category: adjustable in height and depth, a huge digital plate that integrates two 10.25-inch screens (one for the instrument board and another for the multimedia system), wireless connection android Auto and Apple Carplay, Light and Environmental Sound Configurable, Wireless cell phone loader, Bi-zone climb sliding sunroof, among the most important.
It is also at the forefront in security, with six airbags and driving assistance systems for the entire range (the full is even more complete)
As for its mechanics, we must say that it arrives with a somewhat outdated engine with respect to a good part of the competition. While most propellers today propose displacement, supercharging by Turbo, the Korean brand model mounts a gasoline 1.6 liters of 121 hp and 151 nm that is not very energetic at low turns such as a turbo propeller. To have them, you have to wait for the account to exceed 4,800 rpm.
The automatic gearbox compensates a bit that deficit. It is a transmission with torque converter and six speeds (with steering wheel for a manual mode) that performs the gear steps quickly and softly.
The march comfort is another of its high points. Its suspension scheme such as management’s electrical assistance is as efficient for urban management as a route, where it shows a great poise.