KIA Motors Corporation's joint venture in China, Dongfeng Yueda Kia (DYK), on Thursday unveiled the KX3 concept in Guangzhou, China, previewing a C-segment SUV that Kia envisions to offer exclusively for the Chinese market. Making its global premiere at the 2014 Guangzhou Motor Show, the KX3 concept's unique appearance is designed to appeal to young Chinese consumers who are looking for high-value, high-quality cars that reflect their passion for – and pursuit of – an outgoing lifestyle. Kia's latest concept illustrates what a compact SUV from the Korean brand could look like in a rapidly growing segment of the Chinese car market. The KX3 concept blends an SUV silhouette with sporty looks, featuring a coupé-inspired glass area, small rear spoiler, gently rising belt-line and muscular wheel arches. Kia's trademark ‘tiger-nose' grille gets a new matte chrome-look surround, which sits below the concept's wraparound LED headlights. The KX3's high ground-clearance and chrome-look body cladding around the base hint at the concept's four-wheel drive capabilities and on-road stability. The result is a stylish, athletic-looking compact SUV, promising both a high degree of practicality and a great drive. At 4,260 mm long, 1,765 mm wide body and generous 2,590 mm wheelbase, the KX3 concept ensures that passengers benefit from plenty of cabin space. The raised body, at 1,630 mm in height, offers a commanding view of the drive ahead – on- and off-road – while the concept's large 400-liter cargo area is completely flat for added practicality. The KX3 concept is powered by Kia's high-tech 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine, paired with an advanced seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and offers motorists fun-to-drive handling characteristics. The four-wheel drive powertrain, backed up by the T-GDI engine's strong performance and high fuel economy, lets drivers enjoy greater stability in all conditions. The KX3's chassis has been engineered for a five-star C-NCAP safety rating, employing ultra-high tensile steel throughout the bodyshell to maximize passive safety. The high quality cabin is designed to offer a high level of refinement and comfort, while Kia's latest in-car connectivity technology – with easy-to-use smartphone functionality – will satisfy the needs of young-at-heart Chinese drivers. The KX3 concept promises a high level of standard equipment, and a wide range of options, to ensure the greatest possible value to buyers. The KX3 concept has been designed and engineered exclusively for the Chinese car market through Kia's DYK joint venture. Kia Motors has yet to confirm whether the KX3 concept will be put into production. — SG
