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Kia KX3 facelift 2017 1.6 (125 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Kia KX3:
The Kia KX3 is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured exclusively for the Chinese market by Dongfeng Yueda Kia. Since 2019, it is known as the KX3 Aopao. From 2023, the Kia KX3 Aopao was renamed to Kia Seltos.
The KX3 debuted as a concept on the 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show, while the production version made its debut in March 2015.
The KX3 is based on the platform of the Hyundai ix25 and has engine options including a 1. 6 liter inline-4 engine with 123 hp and 151 nm, a 1. 6 liter inline-4 turbo engine with 200 hp and 264 nm, and a 2. 0 liter inline-4 engine with 202 hp and 192 nm. All 1. 6 liter engine models are front-wheel-drive with only the 2. 0 liter engine models offering optional all-wheel-drive. Transmission options are 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic gearbox for the non-turbo models and a 7-speed DCT for the 1. 6 liter turbo engine model. Pricing for the Kia KX3 Ao Pao ranges from 112,800 yuan to 186,800 yuan. The facelifted Kia KX3 was launched on the 2016 Chengdu Auto Show in China with updates to the front and rear bumper designs....(Read more on Wikipedia)
facelift 2017 Overview:
Kia KX3 (facelift 2017). With 151 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1358 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 169 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.6 (125 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides smooth, albeit slightly less engaging, performance than the manual. Suitable for relaxed driving, especially in traffic.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 7.2 l/100 km is acceptable for an automatic compact SUV, though higher than its manual counterpart.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Refreshed styling for a modern look
- • Choice of efficient petrol engines and an EV variant
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class
- • Good ride height for urban obstacles
- • Kia's reputation for reliability
Cons:
- • Performance can be modest, especially on highways
- • Not available in all global markets (primarily China-focused)
- • No Euro NCAP safety rating available
- • Rear suspension is semi-independent, not fully independent
- • Hydraulic steering might feel less precise than electric power steering
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(KX3: 2015 - 2017).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | KX3 |
| Generation: | facelift 2017 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (125 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 6300 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 78.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 151 Nm @ 4850 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1591 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 169 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.8 kg/Nm, 114 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1325-1391 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4270 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1780 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1645 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2590 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1545 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1558 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 190 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
If you could change one thing about the Kia KX3, what would it be?