Kia to unveil new K5 sedan

Kia Motors, the nation’s second largest carmaker, released an artistic rendering on Thursday of its new K5, a midsize sedan brand, ahead of its official launch at the Seoul Motor Show to be held April 3-12.

The second-generation K5 comes five years after the brand debuted in 2010. 

“All new K5 will set new standards in design,” the carmaker said in a press release. “The new K5 was developed in pursuit of the world-class sporty design and a bulked-up figure.”

The new design incorporates a wider look from its front radiator grille, giving the car a more sporty and powerful look.

The side’s surface and lines from the original K5 design have been preserved, but volume has been added for a more dynamic and active atmosphere.

The company upgraded the back of the vehicle with a polished concept, with slimmer rear lights, a smooth character line and a solid-looking rear bumper.

The sister affiliate of Hyundai Motor is pinning hopes on the new K5 to lift its falling sales.

Sales of the automaker dropped 8.7 percent in February from a year ago, affected by fewer working days that led to less vehicles shipped overseas.

Kia Motors sold 221,669 units overall last month, down from 242,797 vehicles a year earlier.

Domestic sales inched up 1.2 percent on-year to 35,450 units, while overseas sales fell 10.4 percent to 186,264 units over the same period.

Morning, Kia’s bestselling small car brand, posted 7,127 units in sales last month, followed by the all-new Sorento and all-new Carnival sport utility vehicles, at 5,728 and 4,600, respectively, the company said.

Sales of the renewed K5 will start in the latter part of this year.

By Seo Jee-yeon and news reports (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)