Kia K3 Sedan II GT 1.6 T-GDI (204 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Kia K3:

The Kia K3 is a subcompact car manufactured by Kia since 2023 as a successor to the Rio. Developed under the codename BL7, the K3 is available in hatchback and sedan body styles. The K3 nameplate was previously used by the Chinese and South Korean market Forte/Cerato, which was succeeded by the K4 in 2024 as Kia is realigning their passenger car nomenclature.
The K3 was first teased on 4 August 2023, and was revealed on 8 August 2023 in Mexico. The hatchback version was announced on 5 October 2023....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Sedan II Overview:

Kia K3 (Sedan II). With 265 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1330 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

GT 1.6 T-GDI (204 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Delivers strong acceleration and a genuinely sporty feel, transforming the K3 into a performance-oriented compact sedan. Ideal for enthusiasts seeking a thrilling drive.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is notably high for a 1.6L engine, indicating a focus on performance over efficiency. This will result in higher running costs.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving / Spirited Highway

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Wide range of efficient and powerful engine options, including a PHEV
  • • Modern and attractive exterior design
  • • Comfortable and well-equipped interior for its class
  • • Good value for money with a strong feature set
  • • Smooth ride quality suitable for daily commuting

Cons:

  • • Some naturally aspirated engines may feel underpowered for spirited driving
  • • GT models have surprisingly high reported fuel consumption figures
  • • Rear torsion beam suspension may offer less refinement than multi-link setups
  • • Limited availability in certain global markets
  • • IVT transmission might not appeal to all drivers

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sedan II: June, 2019 - April, 2021).

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:K3
Generation:Sedan II
Modification (Engine):GT 1.6 T-GDI (204 Hp)
Start of production:October, 2018
End of production:April, 2021
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:204 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:128.2 Hp/l [20mm less]
Torque:265 Nm @ 1500-4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Gamma II / G4FJ More details about the engine Gamma II / G4FJ
Engine displacement:1591
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:11.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12.2 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:6.5 kg/Hp, 153.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5 kg/Nm, 199.2 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1330
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:428 l
Size:
Length:4640 mm mm [20mm less]
Width:1800 mm mm [20mm more]
Height:1435 mm mm [15mm less]
Wheelbase:2700 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1545 mm
Rear (Back) track:1559 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size225/40 R18
Wheel rims size18
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

If you could change one thing about the Kia K3, what would it be?