Kia Motors unveiled the exterior design of the K3 compact on Sunday.

The latest model of the carmaker’s K series sedans is expected to be marketed in September to compete directly with Hyundai Motor’s Avante here.
K3, themed on “dynamic muscularity,” carries the signature radiator grille of the K series, bold, “high-tech luxury car” style LED headlamps and a sports coupe-like shape. 

Kia revealed the design of the new mid-sized sedan on Sunday, one week after an artist’s rendering of the car was unveiled via Facebook and other promotional events.

Company officials pinned high hopes on the K3 to revive Kia’s slowing domestic sales unlike its strong performance in overseas markets.

“The K3 will be launched in September in Korea, with its monthly sales expected to hit 5,000,” said Park Han-woo, Kia’s chief financial officer in a conference call on Friday, pledging to expand the company’s market share here.

No Kia car has sold more than 5,000 units last year in Korea. The Kia Forte ― one of the best-selling models for Kia ― recorded some 1,700 sales per month in the first half of this year.

The company also plans to continue its offensive with K3 in abroad, setting the car’s global sales goal at 450,000 units per year - the highest-ever target figure for a single Kia model, Park said.

Kia delivered more than 2.53 million vehicles last year.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)