Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Kia's K5 expected to speed up new car rush
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Kia Motors start receiving preorders for its new K5 sedan from today, igniting a fresh round of competition to attract customers to new models in the second half.
The new K5, debuted through the Seoul Motor Show in April, is a full changed second generation model in five years, and is expected to lead the carmaker’s domestic sales in the second half of this year.
The new K5 to be launched in mid July will have two design versions with seven engine types.
Three gasoline and two diesel models will be launched first, and its hybrid model will join in during the fourth quarter, followed by plug-in hybrid model in early next year.
“By adding 1.6 turbo and 1.7 diesel engines with seven-speed dual clutch transmission, the new K5 has greatly improved fuel efficiency,” said the company in the statement.
Its 1.7 diesel model has 16.8 kilometer per a liter of fuel, higher than average compacts, according to the company.
Hyundai will launch new Sonata midsize sedan next month and the new Avante compacts in September. The new Sonata with 1.7-liter diesel has been expected to appeal local customers increasingly wanting diesel powered vehicles, while the new Avante will live up to the expectation as the popular model that sold over 10 million globally.
In December, Hyundai will launch its luxury vehicle Equus. The new Equus has been known to be the first local car equipped with the automated highway driving assist feature.
GM Korea has also loaded with its all new Spark, which will be launched in July 1.
The compact is one of the carmaker’s best selling model, whose global sales stands over 1 million.
The full changed Spark with sleeker look will have improved safety features including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Spot Alert.
GM Korea also has Chevrolet Impala full size sedan, to compete against the Hyundai Grandeur, and compact SUV Trax diesel in the bag for the second half of the year.
Ssangyong Motor, which has been making surprises with its compact SUV Tivoli’s sales, will launch its much anticipated diesel version next month as well.