Kia reveals Rio successor, the all-new K3

4th-generation Kia K3 is a bigger version of the Rio

What used to be Forte, aka the K3 in South Korea, is a different car now. The next-generation Forte will be called the K4 while the subcompact sedan/hatchback Rio gets longer and wider to deserve its new nameplate, the K3.

Kia’s all-new K3 will only have a four-door sedan body – for now. It will share the same platform as the Hyundai Accent, which means it will offer the same 2,670 mm wheelbase, 1,765 mm width, and 1,475 height, but will slightly be longer at 4,545 mm (the Accent comes in at 4,535 mm).

The looks come from the automaker’s Opposites United design philosophy with unique shapes, colors, and textures. It has a fastback-style silhouette, the Tiger Nose grille, and a distinctive LED DRL light pattern. The sides have slim, blacked-out wheel arches and a smooth-looking double-line beltline. The rear features a thin LED connecting the taillights.

If you want something more aggressive and sportier, the all-new K3 also has a new GT-Line with a fascia featuring larger air intakes, 17-inch wheels, and dual exhaust outlets.

Inside, drivers will relish the integration of the instrument cluster and panoramic 10.25-inch infotainment screen into a single unit. It has wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, including USB Type-C ports in front and at the back. Its steering wheel is inspired by the EV6. Other creature comforts are two-zone touch automatic climate control, customizable ambient lighting offering up to 64 different colors, and a rear air vent. Cargo space is rated at 544 liters.

Under the hood are three propulsion options, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 123 PS with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The GT-Line trim has a 2.0-liter engine with 152 PS and a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The old Rio 1.4-liter engine will still be offered but for export markets only. Could it be the model that makes it to the Philippines? Well, only if Kia PH decides to expand its sedan lineup beyond the Soluto.

The all-new K3 has six airbags, an ABS braking system, and an ESC electronic stability program as standard. ADAS (advanced driver assist systems) is also available but is variant dependent. Models with it will have Front Collision Avoidance (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), and Driving Attention Warning (DAW), among others.