Kia X Lime in local premiere

Into the storm of crossovers over the world and Israel, Kia's newest representative, the X-lime, has designed and elevated the lime-based version. We did a local tour there first

Kia X Lime in local premiere

Telekar, a Kia importer for Israel today launched the X-lime, the crossover version on its family basis, but as the entire world and inside the Israeli client gallops into the exhibition halls to regenerate anything raised from the neighbor's family - it is much more than a version. The X-lime will be marketed in Israel at three basic LX finishes designed for fleet vehicles, EX is the middle finish and the premium is fully equipped. With this model nestled between the Niro and the Sportage, and with the small Stonique, Kia puts in its showroom four vehicles that segment well in both size and price terms the hot segment in the market. Sales numbers for the first three months of 2019 confirm that this tactic is definitely working for TelCare.

I compared compact jeeps

Yellow and blue match it more than the other colors (Photo: Ronen Topelberg)

Kia X lime in Israel (Photo: Ronen Topelberg, Kenan Cohen)

With external dimensions of 440 cm in length, 183 lateral, height 150 cm in EX and premium finish levels, and 148 cm in LX finish level (the difference is due to tire size) and 265 cm wheelbase is at the heart of the crossover group The compact. On the other hand, a ventral margin of 18.4 cm is higher than competitors such as Kashqai (180 cm) or its Mazda CX-30 175 cm. 426 liters trunk.

The X-Lime is designed as a crossover but with a real twist in its dynamic look, a coupe-like silhouette similar to the new Mazda CX-30. His only association with the lime is the front doors left from it. Main LED lighting, the tiger's bow, 18-inch rims, black wheelchairs and skirts and the sloping roof style Porsche Cayenne Coupe create a very impressive outdoor appearance.

Put a Lexus, Infiniti or any other premium manufacturer name on it and it will appear to be there (Photo: Ronen Topelberg)

Kia X lime in Israel (Photo: Ronen Topelberg, Kenan Cohen)

There are other design surprises in the passenger compartment, not only is the package adding yellow panels to the mergers and multimedia system environment (no extra charge), there's also the driver-facing console that will continue to show up in Kia's future cars, but what most steals the attention is the digital dashboard 12.3 An inch that replaces a display with a transition to sports mode and available at EX and Premium finishes. The 8-inch multimedia screen with built-in whiz and music apps and projection from the Revers camera. The seats are available in three color combinations, black, gray or black with yellow stitching with fabric interior and leather exterior. At the "premium" high finish they are also electrically adjustable. Back-row seats also have air-conditioning ports, which LX customers will have to give up as well as climate control, 18-inch rims (which may not be a bad thing at all), the electric handbrake and automatic shut-off for all windows.

The design is also attractive inside, the quality of the materials is good and the finish also provides at the EX finish level (Photo: Ronen Topelberg)

Kia X lime in Israel (Photo: Ronen Topelberg, Kenan Cohen)

At all three finishes, the LX that is directed to fleet vehicles and the EX and premium will feature advanced safety control lane deviation control with repair, distance retention and emergency braking system, automatic light control, driver alertness and more.

At the premium finish level, the safety systems' cameras also include front and rear radars, allowing adaptive cruise control with stopper mode, cross-traffic alert and back-to-back warning on a "dead area" vehicle.

Digital dashboard (Photo: Ronen Topelberg)

Kia X lime in Israel (Photo: Ronen Topelberg, Kenan Cohen)

Make a round

The assigned day of driving allowed an initial breezy impression of the new car. This is not an acceptable road test, which we will follow later.

So the exterior look is definitely compelling. Download the Kia logo, and you can easily put that Lexus, Infinity, Mercedes or other premium brand of your choice there. The passenger compartment is also packed with high quality materials, the front and rear human and spacious engineering are very good and the trunk is wide, with a large opening and many storage and anchoring solutions.

LED lighting comes as standard (Photo: Ronen Topelberg)

Kia X lime in Israel (Photo: Ronen Topelberg, Kenan Cohen)

The engine is light, climbs fast to high rpm, but the bottom line despite good performance compared to the Giphon is not quite as sporty as the exterior design suggests. In sport mode the power availability is significantly enhanced and the engine's response to a sharper pedal. The dual clutch gearbox attracts the Transmission speeds are higher. But in some dense turns in this situation, too, the box has its automatic action on exit, when it is required to drop a gear or two at once and only then build the acceleration.

These hoops look great, the noise they make doesn't (Photo: Ronen Topelberg)

Kia X lime in Israel (Photo: Ronen Topelberg, Kenan Cohen)

The combination of new calibration for the steering wheel, softening of the normal lime racks and hydraulic pads in the shock absorbers, together with the choice of an advanced multi-connection rear suspension, create a vehicle that succeeds in surprising the twisty road. This is also the level of grip, stability and willingness to change direction and dive into turns. At very high loads, very light steering sub begins to appear. Its dynamic capabilities also contribute its 235-inch tire width 45 on 18-inch rims. It's impressive in appearance, it's impressive in strong driving, it's less impressive when cruising.

(Photo: Ronen Topelberg)

Kia X lime in Israel (Photo: Ronen Topelberg, Kenan Cohen)

From now on, a loan of up to NIS 100,000 for each purpose and the customers of all banks is the same

Subject to the terms as Financing Ltd / Diners Financing Ltd and compliance with the underwriting conditions. Failure to pay the loan may result in a charge on arrears and execution proceedings

Prices and competitors

Kia X Lime enters a saturated and competitive market, its way to stand out is through exterior design but after driving it, you could say it's more of a pretty face. But between that and customer persuasion is also the price issue.
The basic level of LX will rise from NIS 138,000, the EX will rise by NIS 140,000 and the premium finish level will cost NIS 146,000. It's a low enough price to make it attractive for those who may have come in to buy a sportage and can settle for a smaller car, or for those looking for a Nero and settle on the hybrid for a car that looks much more stylish than it.

Its main competitors, Draft CHR (from NIS 144,000), Mazda CX-30 (from NIS 152,000) and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (from NIS 149,000) - are also targeting the genre's customers who rate the outdoor performance A very high place on their list of preferences. A comparison of the four is required? We think so too.