New cars ready to hit road

All-new Ford Escape

Foreign brands aggressively seeking bigger market shares

Consumers here have tightened their purse strings but they seem to be open to buying imported cars. Foreign brands seem to be aware of this spending pattern and are poised to unveil new models to snap up a bigger slice of the pie.

In the January-August period, a total of 83,583 imported cars were sold, up 20 percent from the same period last year. With such fast growth in sales, over 120,000 imported vehicles are expected to be sold this year, which would see their market share top 10 percent for the first time.

Experts say Korean consumers are attracted to unique designs and functions offered by imported cars despite high price tags, which is the key reason behind their robust growth in the Hyundai-Kia dominated market. The two automakers account for about 80 percent of the total market share here.

But 25 foreign brands are now selling about 350 models here, adding up to 60 new ones every year.

Thanks to the fast growth here, foreign carmakers have already introduced a range of new models from compact cars and sport utility vehicles to luxury sedans this year and will continue to add to their lineups. To cope with a blizzard of imports, Hyundai plans to introduce facelifts of a few key models this year, including the Equus.

Ford

Ford Korea will launch the all-new Escape here, a flagship SUV of the U.S. automaker, in the middle of October with either the 2.0- or 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine.

Although the engines have been downsized, EcoBoost’s core technologies provide high fuel efficiency without sacrificing power. The 2.0-liter provides 243 horsepower and a maximum torque of 37.3 kilogram-meters, while the 1.6-liter provides 180 horsepower and a maximum torque of 24.4 kilogram-meters.

The vehicle is also equipped with clever features such as a hands-free power liftgate that allows quick and easy access to cargo with a gentle kick.

After the launch of the all-new Escape, the automaker will introduce the all-new Fusion, a mid-sized sedan.

BMW

BMW X1 SAV

It is expected to be the most successful year for BMW Korea with its sales in the first half of the year already jumping 20 percent from the same period last year.

To secure its pole position here, the German automaker will also launch the 1 Series hatchback and the X1.

The 1 Series hatchback is the only rear-drive model in its class, which achieved a strong combination of performance and economy.

The choices will include the entry-level 116i and the 118i both equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, which gives them 136 and 170 horsepower, respectively. The 120d with a 2.0-liter diesel engine produces 184 horsepower.

The facelift X1 will also hit the road soon. The sport activity vehicle (SAV) has been a massive hit with about 275,000 sold worldwide just two-and-a-half years after its debut.

Nissan

Nissan Korea will introduce the all-new Altima sedan after its successful launch in the U.S. in July

The local unit of the Japanese automaker is pinning high hopes on the fifth-generation sedan as over 26,600 cars sold in the U.S. that month alone.

The Altima is completely redesigned for 2013, offering a more upscale look and maintaining the model’s reputation as one of the market’s best-handling family sedans.

It comes with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or 3.5-liter V6, accompanied with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The Altima’s 2.5-liter engine promises a high fuel efficiency of 13.1 kilometers per liter while producing 175 horsepower.

Mercedes-Benz

For those who seek the ultimate driving experience, the Mercedes-Benz will launch the new SL 63 AMG here.

The high-performance roadster has evolved to a highly stylish design with top safety levels.

But what’s most impressive is the vehicle weight has been drastically reduced by 125 kilograms thanks to an all-aluminum body shell, similar to that of the SLS AMG super sports car.

The result is that the new model promises unparalleled dynamism and a superior driving experience with an engine capacity of 537 horsepower but has achieved about 30 percent better fuel economy and emission rates than previous models.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Korea will launch a new version the automaker’s iconic Beetle here, following the Original Beetle and the New Beatle.

As yet, the official importer has not made public the details about the 2013 version of the popular car such as specifications and engine type.

What is sure is that it will come with various high-tech features and enhanced safety options.

The luggage capacity will also likely be increased to 905-liters by folding the rear seats flat. It may not be vast but would allow for the car to be used for more diverse purposes.

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor will launch the facelift Equus this fall.

Several spy shots have been circulated on the Internet, fueling high expectation on the premium sedan by the nation’s largest automaker.

The current second-generation model made its debut here in 2009 and market insiders expect that the facelift vehicle will be equipped with various high-tech new features.

They include a head-up display (HUD), which projects key information such as speed and warning signals onto the windshield so that drivers do not need to look down at the car’s instrumentation.

Another key aspect are the LED headlamps, which move or optimize the beam in response to steering and suspension dynamics. <The Korea Times/Kim Tae-jong>

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