Kia Motors has unveiled its all-new KX3 at the 17th China Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition. Specifically targeting China’s competitive SUV market, the all-new B-segment compact SUV, known as Seltos in other markets, goes on sale at the same time as its reveal at the motor show.
Aside from the all-new KX3, 10 other Kia models are also on display, highlighting the brand’s latest design and technology innovations. These include the Futuron all-wheel drive concept SUV coupe; the all-new, China-exclusive K3 midsize electric sedan; and the Soul Booster EV concept.
The motor show – under the theme “New Technology New Life” — runs from November 22 until December 1 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou.
“The all-new KX3 is the ideal model for the exuberant, tech-savvy millennial, as it can help them achieve a lifestyle centered around personal freedom and mobility,” said Li Feng, the Chief Executive Officer of Dongfeng Yueda Kia Motors Co. “The all-new KX3 is well placed to establish itself as a fresh force within in the B-segment SUV market, highlighted by its sleek, sporty look, class-transcending space, robust powertrain, and diverse, cutting-edge technologies.”
The all-new KX3
The all-new KX3 is defined by distinctive exterior elements, such as the long hood and glittering horizontal chrome lines on the front bumper, and sensuous shoulder lines pressed into the sides. It also sports a wide “Tiger Nose” grille, intricately-designed full LED headlights and taillights, a 2,630-mm premium crystal-cut alloy wheelbase, as well as a chrome-enmeshed rear bumper and mufflers, all of which accentuate the SUV’s dynamic appearance.
The interior of the all-new KX3 is made of high-quality materials evoking the feel of a stylish, futuristic “cockpit” characterized by taut, smooth surfaces. Equipped with a range of technologies to maximize convenience, connectivity and ease of use, the bold design of the cabin incorporates a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Sound Mood Lighting.
The KX3 is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission that produces 115 PS with a combined fuel efficiency of 5.4 liters per every 100 km.
The all-new KX3 also offers Kia’s innovative UVO CONNECT telematics system, which is designed to usher driving into the digital era with connectivity services. Using the in-car touchscreen and compatible smartphones, UVO CONNECT offers stolen vehicle notification and tracking, safety alerts, auto collision notification, and emergency assistance.
The all-new KX3 is also equipped with a set of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Forward Collision Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Electric Park Brake, offering excellent passenger protection.
Futuron
Kia Motors is also showcasing the Futuron in Guangzhou. The concept SUV coupe publicly debuted earlier in November during the 2019 China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. Sporting a sleek, silver frame with a “360-degree” themed bodywork, the innovative all-wheel drive Futuron boasts the newly interpreted “Tiger Face” concept on the front flanked by the “Star Cloud” lighting concept, which exemplifies Kia’s pioneering approach to illumination. The Star Cloud lighting takes inspiration from nebulae in the night sky, as it gleams from a geometric patchwork of matrix LED lighting.
The Futuron’s “Dragon Skin” surface, covering the lighting areas, emulates the armor-plated scales of the Chinese dragon as it exists both in mythology and national cultural celebrations.
Futuron’s electric powertrain and Level 4 autonomous driving systems create a spacious, flexible and autonomous cabin unlike any vehicle on the road. The two front seats, created out of flexible materials, can offer an upright driving position as well as a reclined rest position, similar to the flexibility enjoyed by first-class airline passengers.
The all-new Kia K3 EV
The all-new, K3 midsize EV sedan also makes its premiere at the Guangzhou show. A model released exclusively for the Chinese market, the all-new K3 EV has been sold in the country as a gasoline and a plug-in hybrid model, and will be released as an EV model to coincide with the nation’s efforts to fight air pollution and adhere to global climate change targets.
“Kia Motors aims to showcase its vision of moving forward through the KX3, Futuron and K3 EV,” said Li Feng. “By encouraging innovation in product, technology and customer satisfaction, Kia Motors is actively responding to the rapid changes sweeping across China’s automotive market.”
Other models and concept cars
Alongside the all-new KX3, the Futuron and all-new K3 midsize EV sedan, Kia Motors is displaying a number of other models and concepts, including the Soul Booster EV show car that allows the passenger to feel vibration through the seats in tune with music; and Kia’s futuristic R.E.A.D (Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving) System, a future mobility technology that deciphers drivers’ emotions and optimizes the in-vehicle environment, such as lighting, sound, cabin temperature, seat vibration and scent, for natural comfort and pleasure.
Also on display are the K3 China Touring Car Championship (CTCC) racing car, a point of attraction at the venue owing to its anticipated participation at the renowned competition; the new Kia K3 midsize sedan; the 2020 K5 PHEV sedan; the 2019 Kia KX5 SUV; and the Kia all-new Sportage SUV.
Through its presence in Guangzhou, Kia Motors is demonstrating its technology vision of the future. The company is responding to sensitive human needs and conditions, building on the application of its technology and design breakthroughs.