Kia opens preorders for all-new K5

Kia Motors, South Korea’s second-largest automaker, said it would begin accepting preorders for its upgraded midsize sedan, the all-new K5, from Monday.

The second-generation of the K5, set to go on sale in mid-July, comes five years after the first version’s launch in 2010. The vehicle features an upgraded design and improved engine features.

The new K5 comes in two models, featuring differing design schemes ― the K5 Modern Extreme and the K5 Sporty Extreme.

There are five engine types available, including the 2.0 gasoline, 2.0 and 1.6 turbo, 1.7 diesel and 2.0 LPI engines, the company said. The two turbo engines are available only for the K5 SX model.

The carmaker is planning to launch a hybrid electric vehicle by the end of this year and a plug-in hybrid EV model by early next year to expand the engine lineup to seven.

In particular, the 1.6 turbo and 1.8 diesel engines, equipped with a dual-clutch transmission, boast improved performance and fuel efficiency. The turbo engine flaunts a maximum of 180 horsepower and a fuel efficiency of 13.4 kilometers per liter, which surpasses the gasoline engine’s 168 horsepower and 12.6 km per liter fuel efficiency.

Moreover, the K5 features the first wireless cellphone charging system and autonomous breaking system to be installed on a Korean midsize vehicle.

The gas-powered models are priced between 22.35 million won ($20,000) and 29 million won, the 1.6 turbo models sell for between 25.1 million won-28.5 million won and the 2.0 turbo models for 31.05 million won-31.45 million won.

Kia Motors is offering up to 800,000 won in benefits to those who order the K5 by September ― including premium JBL bluetooth speakers worth 200,000 won and no monthly service charges for those who install the UVO 2.0 navigation program.

By Sohn Ji-young (jys@heraldcorp.com)