Kia KX3 concept debuts in China

Burgeoning Korean car-maker Kia whipped the covers off a brand-new compact SUV concept at the Guangzhou motor show in China, called the KX3.

Developed in conjunction with Kia's Chinese partner Dongfeng Yueda Kia, the vehicle is a Chinese market-only vehicle and although the official line is that it's only a concept, it's virtually guaranteed to reach production.

The KX3 SUV measures 4260mm long, slightly shorter than the 4278mm long Holden Trax ($23,990 to $29,990). Its closest Kia cousin in Australia, the Kia Cerato small car, is about 90mm longer too, which shows just how compact the new KX3 SUV is.

The Sino-Korean KX3 is propelled by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and gear changes are handled automatically by a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. The vehicle has "fun-to-drive handling characteristics" and makes use of a four-wheel drive powertrain.

Boot space is comparably good at 400 litres.

The design of the vehicle appears to borrow a few Porsche SUV design cues when viewed from certain angles, its downward curving bonnet and sleek headlights ensuring modern visuals.

Kia says the KX3 concept combines "an SUV silhouette with sporty looks" and gets things like a compact rear spoiler, flared wheel arches and Kia’s signature tiger-nose. LED headlights and running lights are also in evidence.

The KX3 has been "engineered for a five-star C-NCAP safety rating" thanks to the inclusion of high strength steels, a process that wouldn't normally be carried out on a concept car developed with no production future in mind.

Although the concept has been designed specifically for the Chinese market, which is experiencing massive growth in the SUV segment much like Australia is seeing, Kia is understood to be working on a similar-sized SUV for global markets. Slotting in underneath the $25,990 Kia Sportage, the new sub compact SUV could even undercut the Holden Trax's $23,990 entry-level price.

At the 2014 Paris motor show in October, Kia design boss Peter Schreyer said "We need to do something [in this segment]", a segment that is one of the fastest growing both here in Australia and around the world. He said that the Soul could provide a platform for the new SUV, which could be as little as 12 months away from making its debut in concept form.