Kia reveals 2021 K3 facelift images, shows several styling updates

KUALA LUMPUR: Kia has showcased the 2021 K3 facelift official images and we must say the sedan looks striking. The Kia K3 was first introduced back in 2018 and since then has created a revolution in the segment. And now with the new update, the K3 will surely turn more eyes than ever.

Coming to the Kia K3 facelift details, it clearly seems to draw inspiration from the brand’s full-electric car, the EV6. Now since the automaker has revealed the official images we know a piece of substantial information about the sedan.

The front fascia features a brand’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille that now seems wider and smaller than before and comes with chrome trim fitted at its base. The headlamps are redesigned to look slimmer, however, the most evident change is seen on the DRLs. In the facelifted model, they feature a dashed line pattern on the tip and button edges of the headlamp cluster. Other striking bits include angular lower intake, diagonal LED fog lamps, and triangular corner inlets with vertical chrome strip.

The side gets prominent wheel arches, sloppy roofline, body-coloured door handles and ORVM, window panel with chrome outlining, and turn light integrated ORVM.

The rear profile looks equally good with revised tail lamps that feature the same dash line pattern as the front DRLs. Also part of the setup is a light bar that joins the two lighting units. The rear fog lamps are tucked further into the edges and seem smaller than the ones on the pre-facelift model. The rear apron gets a meshed section and it mimics the ‘tiger nose’ grille with trapezoidal piece design.

On the inside too, Kia has given the K3 sedan substantial revisions, however, the basics largely remain the same. Some noticeable revisions are -

• New touchscreen infotainment system
• Electronic parking brake
• Integrated physical controls in a single init
• New information cluster
• Revised steering wheel with new logo

The pre-facelift K3 is powered by a Smartstream naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol mill that makes a maximum power of 123 PS at 6,300 rpm along with a peak torque of 154 Nm at 4,500 rpm. The power is sent to the wheels via the brand’s Intelligent Variable Transmission, a form of CVT that uses adaptive style shift logic and a chain belt. The same engine configuration could be seen in the new model as well.

The Kia K3 facelift will first go on sale in South Korea in April.

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