New compacts to heat up 2015
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Audi A1
By Park Jin-hai
Domestic and foreign automakers will compete fiercely this year by launching a diverse range of new compacts on the market.
Ssangyong Motor will open the New Year with its first-ever compact SUV Tivoli. Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors will roll out steady selling compacts such as the face-lifted Avante and K5, while GM Korea is gearing up to launch the new Chevrolet Spark.
Ssangyong’s Tivoli, the company’s all new model in four years after the Korando C, will be launched on Jan. 13.
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Ssangyong Motor's Tivoli
Its stylish design and segmented-top splendid use of high strength steel plates have drawn public attention even prior to its official launch.
Hyundai will launch compact the SUV Tucson during the first quarter of next year, followed by the compact Avante sedan. Kia’s new K5 sedan will be available in the second quarter and its Sportage SUV will be around the third quarter.
The third-generation Tucson contains sets of new high-tech options, aimed at courting young customers. The Avante, Hyundai’s steady seller that sold more than 10 million globally, will have an improved driving performance.
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Fiat 500X
The Kia’s new K5 sedan, a second-generation model produced years, is anticipated to be another vehicle that will demonstrate the design prowess of Peter Schreyer.
GM Korea will launch a fully changed Spark during the second quarter.
The million-seller that takes 40 percent of its domestic sales as well, will have a new look with its hatchback design highlighted.
Imported carmakers also have loaded their compact lineups for the New Year.
Volkswagen with a new compact SUV Touareg to be launched in the first quarter, and new Polo and Golf R’s launches will follow during the year.
The new Touareg will attract customers with its upgraded technological features, while the new Polo sedan offers improved fuel efficiency and driving performance. The Golf R hatchback will appeal with a stable driving performance, coming from a 300 horsepower gasoline engine and all-wheel drive system.
Audi will launch its first compact A1 during the fourth quarter.
The A1 is the model that has been ranked in first place in the four categories of compact, brand, design and quality in this years’ Auto Trophy competition.
French carmaker Peugeot will launch the smaller Peugeot 308 family car during the second quarter, while Italian carmaker Fiat will launch compact SUV 500X during the fourth quarter.