Gear up for coming vehicle releases

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Gear up for coming vehicle releases

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GM Daewoo’s new Matiz

With summer approaching and the economy showing signs of bouncing back, automakers are getting ready to introduce their latest models.

Kia Motors will be the first to the gate, becoming the first Korean automaker to release a vehicle in the second half of this year.

The nation’s second largest auto manufacturer unveiled its Forte Koup (a combination of Kia and Coupe) last week. The new design is sleeker and sportier than earlier models.

Two Forte Koup models, one equipped with 1600 cc engine and another that runs with an engine capacity of 2000 cc, were introduced. Both replace the four doors on earlier models with two, and both have adopted an aerodynamic design, perhaps an appeal to a younger crowd. The vehicles are also equipped with vehicle dynamic control, which enhances handling by automatically applying individual brakes when there is a loss of steering control.

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Kia’s Forte Koup

The 2000 cc engine Koup has a four-speed transmission and a maximum 158 horsepower. The 1600 cc engine Koup has a maximum horsepower of 124, which is hardly a match for other high-performance vehicles.

Overall, for a vehicle that has adopted the appearance of a high-performance speed racer, it is, save for its bucket seats, simply a sporty version of previous Forte models.

The vehicle is scheduled for delivery in July.

Renault Samsung’s new SM3, which made its first appearance in April at the Seoul Motor Show, is making its commercial debut next month.

When the vehicle was unveiled at the motor show, it stunned many viewers with a stylish look that was different from the previous model. The biggest change is that it is currently the biggest sedan in the 1600 cc midsized sedan class. It also gets better fuel economy. While the older model could only get 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) per liter, the latest version gets 15 kilometers per liter. The new SM3 is also expected to be equipped with a continuously variable transmission, which will enhance the vehicle’s driving performance.

Hyundai Motor will begin selling its highly anticipated hybrid vehicle next month. The Avante LPI hybrid, which is Korea’s first hybrid vehicle and the world’s only hybrid to use liquefied petroleum gas, is said to have a fuel economy of 17.2 kilometers per liter.

Once the race for the hybrid market begins in July, the vehicle is expected to compete with Toyota and Honda, which currently hold the largest global market share for hybrid vehicles.

Another Hyundai vehicle that will be out later this year is the YF Sonata, a follow-up to the popular NF Sonata. It is the sixth generation in the Sonata lineup.

Not much is known about the vehicle yet, but rumor has it that the vehicle’s tail end has been lowered to give it a sportier look. It is also rumored to come equipped with Hyundai’s six-speed transmission system. The vehicle’s engine and fuel economy rating are also said to have been improved. The coupe-style vehicle is expected to make its official appearance in September.

Also in September, GM Daewoo will launch the follow-up to its popular compact vehicle the Matiz, which will be sold as the Chevrolet Spark outside of Korea.

GM Daewoo has high hopes that the vehicle will boost sales here and abroad. The vehicle is also appearing in the upcoming sequel to the Transformers movie franchise, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”

Compared with previous editions, the new model has adopted a sportier look and a larger interior.

Foreign automakers are also jumping to release new models.

The Volvo XC60 will be launched later this week. The vehicle is the first in the world with the ability to stop automatically. Also, it can reduce its speed when a collision with another vehicle is imminent at speeds of below 30 kilometers per hour.

Audi will introduce its two-seat coupe, the TTS, in July. Equipped with a 2.0 TFSI engine, the vehicle has a 265 horsepower engine that can get to 100 kilometers per hour in just five seconds.

Nissan will introduce the 370Z in Korea in August, the latest addition to its Z sports car lineup. With its six-cylinder engine, the vehicle can generate power of 333 horsepower.

Toyota plans to introduce its Prius, its first commercial hybrid vehicle, to Korea in October. The latest third generation model will be entering the Korean market.


By Lee Ho-jeong [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]





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