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Consumer Reviews of Kia Cerato K3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Best Equipment Level in It's Class | Posted on 04 Nov 2015 |
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Review
Coming from a 2006 Nissan Cefiro, the Kia K3 SX is Very well equipped for it's class and the ride quality is excellent.
The driver power seat moves backwards for ease of entry/exit, and moves back into position once you start the engine - a luxury I enjoyed on the Cefiro and I don't have to give it up. I also like that you have the option to turn it off from the menu whereas the ol' Cefiro requires a mechanic to switch it on or off.
What I like best is also the ventilated seats. Granted some of my friends who tried it can't feel the difference because their backs don't sweat in the first place but for me, it is a world of difference.
I'm a geek and some of the nice things I get to choose are when the door locks and unlocks, again from the simple menu. Have the option to lock the door from speed sensing or gear shift. Option to unlock door from gear shift, engine off or driver door unlock.
The K3 shares the same platform & engine with the Hyundai Elantra and the suspension for both is excellent! Well damped for Singapore roads while maintaining sufficient control of body roll around the corners.
In terms of noise insulation, it is slightly below the Cefiro but definitely better than entry level cars when comparing traffic noise. Tyre noise is apparent although not intrusive with the Nexen tyres.
Engine power is comparable with latest BMW equivalent 1.6L NA engine. It's not as fuel economical compared to the Toyota engine, but the toyota puts out less power so it's a trade off I'm willing to make.
Power to weight ratio is good, and I definitely feel I have enough for a spirited drive.
Also along with liking ability to choose, flex steer gives me the option of different steering feedback although I feed too much pull (to center) when in Normal mode.
What I like
Ventilated seats
Equipment level
Welcome lights
Driver seat entry/exit feature
Ability to select what triggers door lock/unlock
Ride quality
Auto headlights + DRL
Spacious rear seats & boot space
What I do not like
Flex Steer in Normal mode tends to pull to center
Tyre noise apparent
A car that is well worth the money | Posted on 28 Oct 2015 |
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Review
My first brand new car since my old Altis (first car since gotten my driver license in my early 20s).
Before considering the K3, I has also considered a replacement Altis and SUV to replace my old faithful Altis which is due for scrap in 1 mth and not intending to take public transport anytime soon despite the price of cars nowadays.
I have considered Altis, XV and Vezel but none of which feels premium at the $100k range. Altis is dull inside and lack of equipments not to mentioned made in Thai. XV looks good but getting outdated especially with no DRL, LED or white HID at the first impression. Vezel seems a good buy but the CEVs rebate put me off. In the end, chose the K3. Why?
Handsome looking and unique interior while looking very continental, credit to the former Audi designer. Very well equipped with very important rear air con. I gain a number of attention on the road as if I driving a supercar. The other factor is the high OMV which is on par with the Altis but the Altis costs about $10k more, meaning the depreciation for the K3 is less than $10k which makes it another reason why I did not renew my old Altis which is expected to depreciate $8k+ if renew 10 years. Aftersales service is so far pleasing and they take great attentions to your needs. 5 years warranty, unlimited mileage + 10 yrs engine warranty are a big plus point considering this plays a part if you intends to sell on. Furthermore I gotten the SG50 promotion package + free servicing. Good deal then any others.
Of course, it comes with its own drawback such as somewhat disappointing FC (maybe is the break-in period though I have done 1.5 k km.) Perhaps is the morning traffic jam. Averaging 11km/l compared to my 10 yrs Altis average 11.6km/l. Road noise though bearable but understood as the rim size is big in the first place. Engine noise is somewhat unique and dense as a continental feel.. Just a thought. Nothing else of note for now.
No regrets buying a Kia considering that the quality and design is just as good as its Samsung phone. Sexy... Highly recommended
What I like
1 - Continental styling inside out
2 - Best equipped which is missing out in all in this price range
3 - Surprising high OMV as with Japanese make
4 - Established agent distributing Mercedes Benz as well
5- Rear air con
6 - Option to choose interior color rather than dull black
What I do not like
1 - Road noise
2 - FC but needs to monitor
K3 driving feel. | Posted on 21 Oct 2015 |
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Review
I have been driving K3 SX model for 1200KM. Engine has break in and gone through 1000KM servicing.
I guess a lot of people out there know about the car great exterior/interior and safety features. So I will review solely about the K3 driving feel (IMHO).
1. Pick up from stop feel sluggish.
2. Engine sound is soft at low speed. Acceptable at high speed.
3. Drive feel stable at high speed.
4. Car doesn't want to down gear at up slope. But can maintain speed. Need to press hard on the Accelerator to down gear.
5. Suspension too soft. Car bounce a lot when going through hump. NOT recommended for high speed cornering.
6. Electrical steering need some time to get use to. A lot of over steer when I drove for the first week.
7. 17 inches rim is great. Stock tyres a bit noisy.
Not forgetting pretty high FC. I get average 11KM/L - 70% City, 30% Expressway.
To summaries, personal feel, K3 is a nice car to drive. Not a fun car to drive.
Well that's about it.
What I like
What I like is stable drive at higher speed.
Longer wheel base and 17 inches rim really help.
What I do not like
Suspension.
I have to go really slow when going through humps or uneven road. Kia should really consider to retune the K3 suspension set up.
High FC. My previous ride is about 14-15KM/L, same daily routine.
Very nice car | Posted on 21 Oct 2015 |
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Review
I have owned Mercedes E250 SW, CLC 180, currently a Jaguar XF and Discovery 4. I drove the Kia Cee'd 5 door hatchback diesel in the UK a couple of months back.
At first look, it was a stylish, modernistic design, yet pleasing to the eye. Quality of the panels, fitting and paintwork all looked flawless.
On the road, it was a peach. Responsive engine, great handling. We were driving from London, to Bristol and on to Cumbria. Cruising at about 80-100 mph and topping out at 110 mph (about 180 km/h) - all very civilised and confidence inspiring. My wife did the fastest driving which is saying a lot because in Singapore, she is very cautious! The engine did start to sound through at after about 90 mph (145 km/h), and it was a bit breathless past that number.
Road noise and damping were excellent. OK, I'd admit not Jag or Disco levels, but easily rivalling the Mercedes up to 130+ km/h (that's comparing a diesel engine Kia to a petrol Merc!)
All I gotta say is Mercedes better pull their socks right up. Riding on your past glories can only last yea long and that time is about up I'd say.
Well done Kia. The next car I get would definitely be in this direction.
Rented from Hertz Car & Van Hire Bow. 42 Watts Grove, London E3 3RE. Near Canary Wharf.
Note: My rating on reliability is just based on a 3 day rental. So I really don't know about long term issues.
What I like
Great handling. Great pick-up up to reasonable speed. No it won't do 250 km/h. So those of you who regularly drive at 200+ better drop the idea of this car.... wait - your license got revoked anyway!!!
Love the USB ports in the right places.
Comfortable interior.
Fuel economy that is OMG unbelievable!
What I do not like
Low headroom in the back. Can't fit 2 large suitcases with the boot tray down.
Worst of all, I had to return the car..... sob!
Impressed with the Kia Forte K3 SX | Posted on 10 Aug 2015 |
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Review
Am a proud, 1st time owner, of a Kia Forte K3 SX.
Before this, never would I have ever ever ever ever ever considered a Kia after the several years that the brand had been in Singapore, with its terrible engine reliability and ugly styling. Its closest competitor, Hyundai, while not being that much better, was still ranked slightly above the Kia. The first time I had mentioned "Kia" To my parents, I received this look of disgust and fear, similar to the one I gave when I heard the suggestion to visit the showroom.
But like how I was impressed with the advances of the Samsung phone, I was equally impressed by the advances in the Kia's styling (thanks much to its former Audi designer), comfort, and drive of the K3. It helped that C&C was confident to provide a 10 year engine warranty. Korean cars have made impressive improvements to match the Japanese cars.
Having test-driven several 1.4 and 1.5 and 1.6s from the other brands, the K3 SX felt the best value for its price tag. While it does cost a few thousand more than its closest competitor, Hyundai Elantra Elite, the safety features and the other creature comforts, together with the quality of its drive/handling, was worth the price for the next 10 years.
While I am still running in my new toy, I feel the yearning of the engine to break free of its 3k rpm limit. I have to be so mindful to overcome the urge to pull away from that green light... For now. Cornering is so sublime at 60 on 99turns with negligible roll, also thanks to its 17" Rims. You just feel planted in the turn. It doesn't hurt to dial up the flex steer to Sport mode, but even the Normal and Comfort settings work fine at low speeds.
The Kia is well insulated and is pretty quite with the radio switched off. The OEM Nexen tyres are pretty good at running in pace and providelow rolling noise.
FC is a little worrying though - I'm currently on ave of 9.6l to 9.8l per 100km. Will only know more once my heavy foot is allowed to reign free on the accelerator pedal.. But looks like I'll be visiting the gas station pretty regularly. But overall drive is still fantastic and no complaints so far. So for now, I dare say that you can't go wrong with the K3 SX.
What I like
Sport mode for the steering offers firmer handling and feedback than most other brands in the similar class of cars.
Sporty body kit and face-lifted exterior makes the K3 look much better than its predecessor, Cerato Forte, especially with the sportier grill. Many thanks to the ex-Audi designer.
6 air bags and all round parking sensors.
Rear seat a/c.
Welcome lights and the mirrors auto unfold to greet you when you walk up to it with the key fob tucked away in your pocket.
The Zertona paint protection- how am I to ever going to stop myself from buying this product again in future? The feel of a smooth and shiny car is so addictive. And the ease of cleaning off dirt and stains thanks to the Zertona paint protection has convinced me of the benefits of ceramic/glass coating on any car, new or old, even if I have to spend a little extra...
What I do not like
FC is a little disappointing since my last car was running an ave of 1l to 9km on a very heavy foot.
Having to get used to the conti-style signal lights and windscreen wiper controls. I still clean my windscreen now and then when I actually intend to signal my turning. So embarrassing.
Fuel Economy | Posted on 18 Jul 2015 |
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Review
I'm able to achieve ~16 km/l (k3 monitor register 5.9-6.2 l/100km), comparable to my previous 2005 Altis, 15-15.5 km/l. Long weekday commute between East and Tuas.
Published Fuel economy was a reason why I did not consider K3 initially until the value proposition convince me otherwise. Thus, I'm relieved my new car's fuel consumption is reasonable.
Reliability needs to be proven over time as this is my first Kia, Corollas in the past.
What I like
Great value. (Low agent margin)
Attractive design.
Back seats and legroom Spacious enough.
Performance is better at higher speed.
Reasonably quiet at highway speed.
What I do not like
Engine performance at low speed.
Air con.
Long wait at C&C 1k service. Unpleasant experience. Will service elsewhere after the 2nd service.
Less practical Storage compartments in front.
Not the car for the guru's | Posted on 09 Jul 2015 |
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Review
A very nice and slick design. The very first moment u will fall in love with the car, especially the Rear plastic Matt diffuser, that pushes this model up to a more premium class. The car comes with either 16'' or 17" Rim as standard. The drive is so so.. AD provide free sound proofing for the car itself. So that the first problem u guys should know whats bad about it. Handling is quite bad with torsion beam. Loud roaring on higher revvs, when the car is climbing up slowly. So u wont even feel like driving fast at all. So i would recommend this car for a person who are looking for toyota vios instead. This is the choice.. Cheap, and many gimmicks. Warranty are all covered 10 years on engine and 50k on gearbox. But u have to go back to Cycle and carriage every single little time.
What I like
Rear aircon
Rear seat center file is low
Slick design
Projector headlight
What I do not like
Stock Kumho tires
Rear torison beam suspension
stiff suspension
doesn't felt like 125hp at all
Time for a review after driving for 2 years | Posted on 01 Jul 2015 |
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Review
I'm the 1st batch of K3 drivers and figured I'll give an update since sgcarmart doesn't allow to update prev posts. In general, the car is good and many of what the posters have said here are valid. So I'll just give the negative parts of the car.
1. The service at C&C is the worst in the industry. They upsell you stuff and even if you take the service package, be prepared to keep paying for all sorts of crap. Eg. Air filters costs 2-3x more than 3rd party workshops. Once they returned my car with brown paint on my seat. The 2nd time i sent my car in, my aircon screwed up and has always had an uneven flow problems... And they have never been able to fix it after that. They just want to frustrate you to the point that you live with the issues. They take about 3-6 weeks to import parts from Korea. Eg. My window motor spoilt and aircon problems (still not fixed). They tell you come back again and you waste another half day.
2. They key issue is the the C&C group is owned by Jardine Group, which is indonesian and they are facing massive problems back home. So they will rip us off to subsidise their problems back home.
3. Fuel economy. When i first the got the car, i could get 7.9l/100km very easily. I drive the same route every day and after 2 years, I have to be really really light footed to get 8.4liters/100km. If i drive like previously, i would probably get 9/100km... Almost like the current new SUVs.
What I like
Most of what the other many reviewers have posted.
What I do not like
1. Cycle and carriage service. It is VERY BAD. This is very real because you must stick with them for 5 years... and they basically rip you off for 5 years.
2. relatively fast decline in fuel economy even though i service regularly.
Value for Money | Posted on 07 Jun 2015 |
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Review
IMHO, this is more than an entry-level sedan car. It has a high-end, stylish cabin, fitted with user-friendly infotainment system. It's spacious, with abundant legroom for the driver and passengers. The driving is smooth, auto-transmission is smooth, delivers more than enough power for urban driving.
What I like
Roomy back seat and cargo area
Intuitive infotainment system
Lots of features (Flex Steer System, rear air-con vent, led daytime running lights, and a lot more)
Optional 10-year maintenance package
What I do not like
If only the EX model has Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Give Korean-made cars a chance, and go for a test drive to fully understand why | Posted on 19 May 2015 |
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Review
To Korean car haters, I will say this - You gotta give kimchi cars a chance to impress you. The change started with the Avante in 2006. The momentum has not stopped, yet. And they are generally cheaper than the Thai-made ones.
I was impressed by the Avante; Did not fail me for the past eight years. And the K3 doesn't fair worse. In fact, it has upped the standards by a huge leap.
What I like
Features are aplenty.
What I do not like
Engine performance - Need to press more on the accelerator to get the car moving (not a huge problem)
Attractive & elegant Sedan | Posted on 18 May 2015 |
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Review
Test drive K3 during MCF event and I was attracted by its stylish interior and the smart welcome lighting system as the test drive car was parked at the not so bright place behind the showroom.
What I like
1. Flex Steer System that comes with 3 steering modes : comfort, normal and sports which I like the sports mode.
2. The car comes with 6 air bags.
3. Multi function steering wheel with paddle shifters.
4. Rear air con vents.
5. Integrated memory and ventilated driver seat that remembers the driver's seating position and keep the seat cool which is advantage for long drive.
6. Easy to handle even to be driven by a lady.
What I do not like
The price which is a bit steep for a Korean Sedan.
An Affoardable Sedan Car Pack with Goodies !! | Posted on 15 May 2015 |
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Review
During the test drive, I got to experience the quietness and smoothness of the drive, executing a U-turn was effortless. Inside the care there is a few compartment to store your stuff together a good size for luggage space. A respectable 130 horsepower on a 1.6 is not bad. There is a good amount of leg room space for rear passengers and rear air condition.
What I like
LED Lights for both front & rear
Spacious Legroom
Airon for rear passenger
Different variant in the steering control (Flex Steer)
What I do not like
Too much button on steering
Audio system
Best in Class | Posted on 24 Apr 2015 |
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Review
I test drove the a few current 1.6L sedans under considerations (K3, Elantra, Mazda3, Altis) before deciding to purchase the Kia K3.
The SX trim offered premium features previously only found in the conti cars, and had an all round best package compared to the other cars. Full leather seats, sports rim, keyless entry, press to start engine, parking assist, rear aircon. The list goes on.
Pick up wise it was actually quite good, faster than the mazda 3 (which surprised me). Only downside in handling is that the steering does not provide much feedback from the road as it is electronic.
although i mentioned pricing is good for the amount of features provided, it could be cheaper as the comparable elantra is cheaper by a few thousand dollars.
What I like
premium features
good driving experience
fast pick up
stable
What I do not like
steering wheel does not provide enough feedback
could be cheaper (vs the elantra)
Nice features and interior | Posted on 12 Apr 2015 |
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Review
Test drove the K3 few weeks back. Am impressed with the features packed inside the car and the nice interiors.
What I like
Features like driver electric memory seats, bluetooth, dials, etc.
What I do not like
The engine seemed a bit noisy and under powered.
Review
Been driving my Kia Forte for 4 years and saw the ad Kia k3 introducing the sports model which attract me to visit the showroom.
Once i test drove the Kia K3, i was attracted by the amount of features and level of options available in the K3. Comfort level was a great improvement compared to my Forte.
What I like
Loved the ventilated & electrical memory seats, Flex steering, Improved insulation compared to the previous generation forte and quietness of the overall cabin and many more. Attractive Taillamps, sunroof, rear aircon and HID/DRL all came as standard cos mostly these equipments only can be found on two litres car. Cabin feel and quality improved dramatically compared to the previous generation too.
What I do not like
Radio reception not good
Leaves tend to get stuck on the sides (frame) of the front and rear windscreen
Horn trigger position is too low