Kaiyi X-3

Model Overview

The Kaiyi X3 is the brand's first mass-produced SUV, positioned as a B-segment/compact crossover. Officially launched on 20 June 2016, it was priced between RM66,600 and RM96,900. A total of 9 variants were offered, powered by a 1.6L DVVT engine paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox, alongside 8 exterior colour options. As the brand’s pioneer model, the Kaiyi X3 was tasked with establishing Kaiyi's brand DNA, focusing heavily on the "smart connectivity" concept targeted at younger buyers. Built on the Chery Tiggo 3 platform, the vehicle is essentially a rebadged sister model to the Tiggo 3, with exterior styling penned by Italian design house Pininfarina. The crossover subsequently received a facelift in 2018 and a powertrain upgrade in 2021; however, sales remained consistently lacklustre, registering just 1 unit sold throughout 2023, effectively bringing it to end-of-life/discontinued status.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Kaiyi X3 was executed by the GrandStudio design team led by Pininfarina’s chief designer Lowie Vermeersch, drawing inspiration from the "Wings of Triumph" design philosophy of the Kaiyi i-CX concept car, which was inspired by a soaring eagle. The front fascia features an eagle-wing signature grille flanked by eagle-eye projector headlamps with LED light guides; the side profile is defined by a sharp, falcon-inspired character line that seamlessly integrates Kaiyi’s family DNA into a sleek, fluid silhouette. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,335 mm in length, 1,796 mm in width, and 1,665 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,530 mm—placing it right in the heart of the compact crossover segment. At the rear, it features a side-hinged tailgate with an externally mounted spare wheel for a more rugged, off-roader look, complemented by LED tail lamps. The 2018 facelift introduced a dot-matrix front grille, which was further updated for 2021 with a "nebula matrix" radiator grille matched with redesigned eagle-eye headlamp clusters. Inside, the cabin adopts a clean, wraparound dashboard layout highlighted by stylish circular air vents, soft-touch slush-moulded surfaces across the dash, and an optional sporty black-and-red two-tone interior theme.

Powertrain and Performance

Throughout its lifecycle, the Kaiyi X3 was offered with several powertrain options. The early 2016 model came with a 1.6L naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 93 kW (127 PS) and 160 Nm of torque. The 2021 update brought a powertrain overhaul, introducing a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (codenamed SQRE4T15C) delivering 115 kW (156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The naturally aspirated 1.5L variant utilized the SQRE4G15C unit, rated at 85 kW (116 PS) and 143 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Under the NEDC test cycle, the 1.5L manual achieves a rated fuel consumption of 7.3 L/100 km, while the 1.5T CVT is rated at 7.2 L/100 km. Top speed is rated at 185 km/h for the 1.5T variant and 165 km/h for the 1.5L manual version. All engine variants run on RON 92 petrol and utilize multi-point fuel injection (MPI).

Chassis and Handling

The chassis setup of the Kaiyi X3 was notably sophisticated for its class. The entire range features a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, equipped with MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar up front and a dual-link independent rear suspension also fitted with an anti-roll bar, delivering a full four-wheel independent suspension setup. This was a standout specification in a segment where rear torsion beam semi-independent setups are the norm. The independent rear setup and anti-roll bar effectively soak up road undulations while providing confident body roll control through corners. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while braking duties are managed by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. For rolling stock, the 1.5L variants are fitted with 215/60 R17 tyres, while range-topping 1.5T variants ride on upgraded 215/55 R18 wheels. It boasts a laden ground clearance of 190 mm, with an approach angle of 24° and a departure angle of 20°, ensuring respectable rough-road tackling capability.

Cabin and Features

At launch, the standout selling point of the Kaiyi X3 was its in-car connectivity and tech suite. As standard across the range, it featured a 10.1-inch "Car pad" HD capacitive touchscreen supplied by Apple vendor Foxconn, boasting a resolution of 1280×720 and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass. A 7-inch TFT colour LCD instrument cluster also came standard across all variants. The infotainment ran on Kaiyi's proprietary icar1.0 smart connectivity system, which integrated 3G telematics, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, HCI voice control (supporting navigation, telephony, media search, vehicle settings control, and interactive chat), smartphone remote control, and a virtual smart assistant. Convenience and comfort features included keyless entry with push-start ignition, a one-touch anti-pinch electric sunroof, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and power-folding side mirrors; the top-spec 1.5T trim further gained cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, and sporty red brake calipers. Dual front USB ports and a rear USB port were provided as standard. Depending on the variant, the audio system was equipped with 2 to 4 speakers.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Kaiyi X3 came standard across the range with dual front airbags and rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points. Active safety kit was relatively comprehensive, including Bosch ABS with EBD, Bosch Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Hill-start Assist Control (HHC), EPS, and an engine immobiliser. Additionally, an on-board collision data recorder (dashcam) was equipped to automatically store crash footage and telemetry. Higher-spec variants early on also offered a 360-degree surround-view camera (with integrated DVR functionality), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). However, side airbags and curtain airbags were notably absent across the entire Kaiyi X3 lineup.

Market Performance and Verdict

The Kaiyi X3 bore the brand's strategic vision of targeting the "youthful" and "smart-connected" demographics, but commercial performance consistently fell short of expectations. In its early days, the crossover gained initial traction thanks to its class-leading 10.1-inch infotainment display and icar ecosystem; however, digital connectivity alone proved insufficient as a long-term sales driver in that market climate. Over time, amidst fierce segment competition, the Kaiyi X3 struggled to sustain buyer interest against more modern rivals in styling, cabin refinement, equipment levels, powertrain technology, and overall brand equity. By 2023, annual deliveries plummeted to just a single unit, signalling the effective end of its production run. Fundamentally, as a rebadged version of the dated Tiggo 3, it suffered from weak product differentiation, low brand awareness, and a sparse dealer network. Furthermore, without meaningful generational updates between 2024 and 2026, it was eventually squeezed out of the sub-RM100,000 SUV segment. Nevertheless, as the pivotal vehicle that marked Kaiyi’s transition from concept to volume production, the Kaiyi X3 provided vital real-world lessons for the brand’s subsequent product development and market positioning.