The Hyundai Avante has long been a favorite among young professionals in their 20s looking for their first car in the compact sedan market.
However, the price of a new Avante, including options, approaches 30 million won (approximately $22,500 USD), prompting many to consider more cost-effective used cars.
In this post, I will introduce the Kia K3, a compact sedan that offers great value for money.
Currently, you can only purchase the Kia K3 as a used car, as it is not available as a new model.
In fact, even when it was available as a new car, the K3 struggled with low sales due to the Avante's popularity. As a result, the K3 is currently priced lower than the Avante in the used car market, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
While I wouldn't recommend buying a new car that doesn't hold its value well, purchasing a used K3 certainly offers its own advantages!
I personally find the design of the Kia K3 to be quite ordinary.
However, the N-shaped curves on the side of the new Avante might feel overwhelming to some, making it more susceptible to door dings and scratches.
The Kia K3 features smooth body lines, which can satisfy those looking for a simple yet timeless aesthetic.
The rear lamps of the Kia K3 connect across the back, giving it a cohesive look. Compared to the newer K5 and K8 models, it may feel a bit outdated.
However, when evaluating the K3's design on its own, it maintains a neat and balanced appearance.
One notable difference from the Avante is that the K3 retains a traditional sedan feel. The new Avante has a sporty hatchback vibe with its smoothly sloping rear window and trunk line, whereas the Kia K3 maintains a classic sedan appearance.
The trunk has a horizontally designed traditional feel that the K3 successfully preserves.
Inside, the Kia K3 offers black or brown seats depending on the trim level. The brown seats are not overly bright, which should ease concerns about maintenance.
Higher trim levels include a digital instrument cluster, which seems to be in high demand as most modern vehicles feature this technology.
Most of the climate control buttons are physical, providing a satisfying tactile experience. While touch controls may look sleek, they can be inconvenient while driving.
I was pleasantly surprised by the spacious interior of the Kia K3, which rivals that of the Sonata or K5 released a decade ago.
Tall adults may find it uncomfortable during long rides, but it seems suitable for children or shorter individuals.
As someone who is just over 5 feet tall, I found it comfortable during a 30-minute ride in the back seat.
The Kia K3 comes equipped with a 1,598cc four-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine, delivering a maximum output of 123 horsepower and 15.7 torque. Honestly, while the output isn't high, it doesn't feel sluggish during everyday driving. However, those seeking more power might consider the K3 GT with a 1.6 turbo engine.
Both the Avante and Kia K3 feature a combination of a 1.6 naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a CVT transmission.
I found the engine and transmission to work very well together. The smoothness of the ride is impressive, with little to no shifting shock, making it comfortable for steady driving.
However, during rapid acceleration, it can feel slightly delayed, but this is understandable given its focus on a smooth driving experience.
Despite being a base rental model, the Kia K3 includes a high-pass mirror, which is a nice feature. However, I personally recommend opting for the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
In cold weather, touching a cold steering wheel can be quite uncomfortable, and the lack of grip can make it necessary to hold on tighter.
I personally recommend adding the heated steering wheel option for added comfort.
One downside is that the infotainment system monitor, which includes navigation, feels tilted downward, making it somewhat inconvenient to view.
This could be especially bothersome for taller drivers.
Although the Avante hybrid exists, the absence of a Kia K3 hybrid is a slight disappointment. However, the 1.6 naturally aspirated gasoline engine consistently delivers respectable fuel efficiency.
This Kia K3 I briefly drove was a short distance, so it's too early to evaluate its fuel efficiency. However, it seems to achieve over 10 km/l (approximately 23.5 mpg) in city driving under steady conditions.
Therefore, unless you frequently drive in heavy traffic or exceed an annual mileage of 12,000 miles, choosing a regular gasoline engine may not be a bad option.
If I compare the Avante and the K3, I would naturally lean towards the Avante. However, if you consider buying a used Kia K3, it offers great value for money.
Therefore, if you're looking to buy a compact car used, the Kia K3 is definitely worth considering.
That wraps up today's post. Thank you! :)
