As of today, many consumers still prefer to buy a sedan with a budget of around 100,000 yuan (13820$). In this segment, there are many products, especially from joint venture brands. With the market competition intensifying, the prices of joint venture brand sedans have significantly decreased, allowing them to compete with independent brands in terms of configuration and price without falling behind.
At the level of around 100,000 yuan (13820$), the Kia new K3 represents the model, especially the two special edition models launched in February this year, including the comfortable premium edition priced at 114,400 yuan (15810$) and the luxurious intelligent edition priced at 124,900 yuan (17260$), have been upgraded in terms of comfort and intelligent configuration. The independent brand Qin PLUS is also a popular choice. If we compare these two models, which one is more suitable to buy? Let’s take the Kia new K3 1.5L CVT luxurious intelligent edition and the BYD Qin PLUS glory edition DM-i 120KM outstanding edition as examples for comparison.
In terms of appearance, the new Kia K3 and BYD Qin PLUS are both visually striking models. The new Kia K3 features a family tiger-nosed front face, creating a low-slung sporty atmosphere, with a flat body posture that looks agile. The sloping side design is also more harmonious, with dual waistlines and window contours creating a longer and tougher sensory experience. As for the rear of the car, the new model adopts the popular through-type LED taillights, greatly enhancing the visual width.
The BYD Qin PLUS grille combines multiple design elements, complemented by four lines on the front hood, giving it a sporty look. The side body waistline design also exudes a sense of power, creating a strong visual impact overall.
As for the interior, the new Kia K3 features a 10.25-inch central control screen, while the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i is equipped with a 12.8-inch screen, making the Qin PLUS larger in size. However, the Kia K3 also comes with a 10.25-inch colorful instrument panel, which is superior to the Qin PLUS in terms of size. In terms of workmanship and materials, both the Kia K3 and Qin PLUS have adopted a high design standard. In my opinion, the exterior and interior designs are subjective and it’s difficult to determine superiority. However, in terms of configuration, there are differences between the Kia K3 and the BYD Qin PLUS. The new K3 Luxury Smart Enjoy version has added many intelligent driving configurations, including L2 intelligent driving assistance, driver’s electric seat, front and rear parking radar, heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors, making it the “best intelligent joint venture sedan” in the same price range.
Even compared to the cost-effective Qin PLUS, the new Kia K3 has many advantages. For example, the Kia K3 comes with a spare tire, which provides better adaptability in various driving environments and scenarios compared to the Qin PLUS, especially when facing tire blowouts. Compared to the Qin PLUS, the Kia K3 also offers additional features such as tire pressure warning, SEW safety exit warning, main and auxiliary driver makeup mirror lighting, Type-C charging port, driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment, HDA highway driving assistance, and many more functions. In particular, features like tire pressure warning and SEW safety exit warning are crucial for driving safety. Unlike the Qin PLUS which only displays tire pressure, the Kia K3’s tire pressure warning function can monitor tire pressure in real-time and alert the driver promptly if it is too low. The SEW safety exit warning can help passengers identify the surrounding environment before exiting the vehicle, preventing accidents such as “door opening kills”, making it a very practical safety feature.
In addition, features such as the illuminated vanity mirrors for both driver and passenger, Type-C charging port, and 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat can enhance the driving experience by providing comfort and convenience. The driver’s seat supports 10-way power adjustment, including front-back, up-down, backrest, and lumbar support adjustments, catering to drivers of all sizes. As for power, the Kia New K3 1.5L CVT Luxury Smart Edition is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a maximum torque of 143.9Nm, paired with an IVT intelligent continuously variable transmission known for its smooth and reliable performance, making it suitable for everyday family use.
BYD Qin PLUS Honor Edition DM-i 120KM Excellence is equipped with a 1.5L engine, with a maximum power of 81kW and maximum torque of 135Nm, slightly lower than the 1.5L engine in the new Kia K3. However, as a hybrid model, it also comes with a front motor with a maximum power of 145kW. The two models, one fuel-powered and one hybrid new energy vehicle, each have their own advantages in terms of power. Fuel-powered cars do not have range anxiety, are technologically mature and reliable, and are still the preferred choice for many consumers. On the other hand, new energy vehicles benefit from policies that do not limit license plates or driving days. The choice between the two depends on the consumer’s own needs.
Finally, in terms of brand, Kia, as a joint venture brand, not only has high visibility in China, but also ranks top three in the global market. Since its introduction in China in 2012, Kia K3 has gained the trust of over a million Chinese consumers with its breakthrough aesthetic design, reliable and durable quality, and high value for money. The two special edition models launched this time, while inheriting the classic quality of K3, have achieved a further upgrade in product value. As for BYD, as an independent brand, it also has considerable strength and visibility, especially in the new energy market. However, compared to joint venture brands, there is indeed a certain lack of brand awareness and recognition in terms of brand. In conclusion: After a comparison, it is not difficult to find that both the new Kia K3 and the BYD Qin PLUS have strong product strength. The new K3 has its configuration and brand advantages, while the Qin PLUS has the advantage of unlimited license plates and no restrictions on new energy. Consumers can choose between the two based on their own needs, especially if they do not have a strict need for license plates and restrictions, and prefer joint venture brands that focus on value for money, then the new Kia K3 will be a better choice.