Having three different names for the same car is not unheard of and while we mostly refer to it as the Forte Sedan, or the Cerato, in its local market the compact is known as the K3, and it just received a facelift, which will be applied to the global variants too.
Kia’s South Korean arm published the first images of the updated version, which brings some exterior tweaks, such as the Optima-inspired grille, the redesigned front bumper, repositioned fog lamps to make room for the vertical air vents and the updated HID clusters, with stretched LED daytime running lights.
The automaker didn’t change the profile of the car but on the rear end, we notice the different taillights with LED technology. Some tweaks were made to the rear bumper too, but nothing dramatic.
The cabin gets a redesigned flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel (at least on this trim level) with glossy black accents, Android Auto compatibility and new buttons near the gearshift lever for the heated and ventilated front seats, with electrical adjustment and memory functions on the driver’s side, a “Driver Mode” with three settings, Sport, Normal and Eco, parking sensors and a control for the advanced parking steering assistance system.
Under the hood, the 1.6-liter GDI engine, with 132 PS (130 HP) was carried over, but thanks to some minor revisions, fuel economy was improved by less than 1 mpg (US). The facelifted K3 brings a 1.6-liter VGT diesel too, producing 128 PS (126 HP).
In Korea, the 2016 Kia K3 starts at 13,740,000 KRW, which is roughly $11,892 at the current exchange rates, and goes up to 20,950,000 KRW, or $18,139, for the Prestige range-topping grade.
Thanks to Darius for the tip!
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