Upgraded Sorento R, Equus, K3, Tucson ix to debut in second half


Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors will continue to push for releases of new vehicle models during the latter half of this year, following their strategies in the first half.

They will collectively launch at least four new models ― the Sorento R, Equus, Tucson ix, and K3, according to executives of the affiliated automakers.

As their first event for the second half, Kia Motors is poised to unveil the facelift model of the Sorento R, the company’s flagship sport utility vehicle, as early as next month.

“Since its debut in early 2009, the Sorento R gained great popularity at home and abroad on the back of its design and high fuel efficiency (of 15 kilometers per liter),” a Hyundai Motor Group executive said.

He said its 2013 version will feature higher fuel-efficiency and more futuristic exterior and interior designs, hinting that it will be launched before August.

“In addition, Hyundai’s New Equus (a luxury premium sedan) and Kia’s K3 (the upgraded model of the Forte sedan) will also be released during the second half,” he said.

The new Equus will be the first facelift model in more than three years since the current Equus designs were unveiled in March 2009.

The K3 is targeted at young consumers in their 20s and 30s, while the K9 is aimed at competing with other companies’ luxury premium sedans in sales.

The K series of Kia Motors is about to be completed this year after the automaker unveiled the first model ― the K7 sedan ― in November 2009. The K5 was released in April 2010.

Hyundai is also developing a facelift model for the 2013 version of the Tucson ix SUV, which may also make its debut in the coming months.

Over the past few months, Hyundai and Kia have been aggressive in unveiling upgraded models such as the Genesis, Avante Coupe, K9 and Santa Fe.

Hyundai is pinning hopes on the new Genesis, one of two luxury premium sedans with the Equus, in terms of boosting domestic sales.

The 2013 version of the Genesis, aimed at consumers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, was released last Monday.

The nation’s largest automaker also aims to sell 42,000 units of the new Santa Fe at home and 110,000 units in the overseas market this year.

It has also set the sales target of 385,000 units for next year ― 50,000 for domestic and 335,000 for overseas consumers.

Kia Motors’ K9 is the latest product of the company’s evolving design approach, carrying its signature radiator grille, bold “high-tech luxury car”-style LED headlamps and classic design echoes in its voluminous hood.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)