South Korean automakers plan to bring 3 new vehicles to the market this year!
If there is one thing you can say about South Korean automakers, it’s that they never rest on their laurels.
You might imagine that things would slow down this late in the year, but the Koreans still have 3 new models set to release domestically before 2020.
Kia is all set to unveil the fifth-generation Optima midsize sedan, while Hyundai is going to release the refreshed Grandeur premium sedan. Rounding out the trio will be a brand-new GV80 luxury SUV from Genesis!
Let’s have a closer look at the things we know about each of the soon-to-be launched Korean vehicle.
2021 Kia Optima (full redesign)
For the upcoming model year, Kia will unveil the 5th generation Optima midsize sedan. Since the vehicle is heading into a new generation, expect some major changes for the ever-popular Optima.
The changes will begin on the outside, with a fully redesigned exterior, and will continue inside, where you can expect a more luxurious cabin space.
The new generation Optima will ride on a brand new platform, which will improve the ride, handling, and performance of the vehicle. Due to the reduced overall weight, fuel efficiency will also be improved.
If you want even more efficiency from this vehicle, though, then you should wait at the upcoming hybrid variant of the Optima sedan! There is some buzz about a sportier version also hitting the South Korean market in 2020.
2020 Hyundai Grandeur (facelift)
While we don’t usually expect a ton of changes from a mid-cycle refresh, rumor has it that this will not be the case with the upcoming 2020 Hyundai Grandeur. Big changes are expected from the facelifted model.
The refreshed Hyundai Grandeur will get a big styling makeover up front, as well as some major changes around back. The styling tweaks made to the exterior are being done in an effort to make the Grandeur look sportier and more aggressive. You can also expect to see some significant updates to the interior.
In South Korea, the Grandeur premium sedan is also available with a hybrid drivetrain. The hybrid model is also expected to receive a midcycle facelift for the 2020 model year.
2020 Genesis GV80 (all new)
It’s a big step forward for the Genesis luxury brand, as their first ever SUV will arrive in Korea in November. Genesis are looking to expand their range beyond luxury sedans, and this is a great way to do it.
The SUV and crossover market is a very popular one right now, making it the perfect time to launch the GV80 SUV. With that in mind, Genesis has set a lofty production and sales goal of 100,000 units for 2020.
The GV80 will come available with three engine options. Those include the 3.0L V6 diesel unit and two turbocharged petrol engines, the 2.5L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6. Hybrid and EV models are rumored to join the range later in the life cycle of the GV80 SUV.
The upcoming 2020 Genesis GV80 luxury SUV will have some stiff competition to beat, though, with the likes of the Mercedes Benz GLS, Lexus RX350, and BMW M5 all in the same category.
- Rumored price of Genesis GV80 in South Korea: 60 – 80million Won ($50,000 – $66,000)
Is Genesis GV80 coming to the United States? Yes. The GV80 will be launched worldwide in 2020, so expect to see the model hitting the US soil soon. (Featured photo: Autospy)
