Dongfeng Yueda Kia to bring K3 over to China in November

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai February 24) - Following the introduction of the K2 and K5 sedans to China, Dongfeng Yueda Kia announced that they've decided to bring over the new Forte, also known as the K3, to the country this November, the Beijing Times reported today. This news, alongside recently released spy photos of the sedan, has led many to believe that the K3 may be domestically manufactured before long.

Although being able to trace its lineage to the Forte and Cerato models, the K3 (pictured) is noticeably larger, with a wheelbase measuring 2.7 m. Despite the version seen in the spy shots heavily masked, it is clear that the Forte's aggressive styling is maintained in the new car.

The K3 also comes with the Forte's 1.6 L and 2.0 L engines as power options, mated to either a five-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the new Beijing Hyundai Elantra, which is based on the same platform, comes with a 1.6 L turbocharged engine, which means that it may be possible the K3 may have the option as well. According to sources from Dongfeng Yueda Kia, the K3 will come with a richer selection of accessories than the Forte.

Despite being the successor to the current generation Forte, the K3 will not replace the model in China. According to a statement from the joint venture, both the current Forte and the K3 will be sold alongside each other. However, with the JV already facing problems with its limited production capability, the Cerato may be eventually phased out. The Cerato may also be used as the basis for a new own brand model.