Kia and its joint venture in China, Dongfeng Yueda Kia (DYK) have revealed the KX3 concept at the Guangzhou Motor Show, previewing a new China-only compact SUV.

AFTER IMAGES OF the KX3 concept leaked onto the internet 24-hours before its official unveiling in China, Kia says the “KX3 concept’s unique appearance is designed to appeal to young Chinese consumers who are looking for high-value, high-quality cars that reflect their passion for – and pursuit of – an outgoing lifestyle”.

Kia also noted the growth in the compact SUV segment in China, but it’s a growing segment all around the world and so it seems strange that Kia wouldn’t dispatch a production version of the KX3 concept to markets further afield, like Australia. Shame. That said, Kia is yet to confirm whether the KX3 concept will even enter production for China.

Clearly taking styling cues from other small Kias, the KX3 concept manages to blend a coupe-inspired glass area with an SUV silhouette. Kia’s trademark ‘tiger-nose’ grille gets a new matte chrome-look surround, which sits below the concept’s wraparound LED headlights. “The result is a stylish, athletic-looking compact SUV, promising both a high degree of practicality and a great drive,” or so says Kia.

The KX3 concept measures 4260mm long, 1765mm wide and a 2590mm wheelbase, the KX3 concept offers an impressive 400-litre boot that is completely flat. Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol direct injection (T-GDI) engine, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). TIt gets power to the ground via an all-wheel drive powertrain. Kia says it’s engineered the KX3’s chassis to achieve a five-star C-NCAP crash safety rating by using ultra-high strength steel throughout the bodyshell.

So, what do you think, would you like to see the KX3 Down Under? Let us know by leaving a comment below.