Last week we brought your details on Hyundai‘s new model plans for the next three years. Now it’s sister company Kia’s turn.
Now positioned as the sportier brand, while Hyundai focuses on more premium offerings, Kia will kick off its activities this year with the introduction of the new Cerato saloon, which we previewed last week (click here). This model, dubbed the K3 or Forte in different markets, will move closer to the European-market Cee’d in overall look.
Speaking of which, the new-generation Cee’d was recently revealed in Europe, and a version of this car could potentially replace the Cerato hatchback in this country, though this is not confirmed. Rumours also persist of a new Cerato Koup that will be shown for the first time at the end of this year. Another possibility is the sporty new Procee’d, a vehicle that is pitched against the likes of the Renault Megane Coupe and Opel Astra GTC. A very hot version to battle RS and OPC models is also rumoured.
Also due in South Africa late this year (or early in 2013) is the updated Sorento (see images of this refreshed SUV here). An all-new version is due in 2015. The Hyundai ix35 receives a facelift next year, and seeing as the Sportage is based on this vehicle, it is quite likely that there will be a small upgrade to the Sportage too.
The Soul has just received a new 2,0-litre engine in South Africa, and an all-new version is due in 2014. It is also rumoured that the sporty Soul’ster/Track’ster version could become a production reality at that time.
Although the Carens compact MPV has not been offered in South Africa for some time, an all-new version is due to debut globablly within six months. We would not be entirely surprised to see this model come to South Africa again. In some markets the new vehicle, to be offered in five- and seven-seat forms, will replace both the Carens and the Carnival/Sedona (recently updated for the last time in South Africa). It will rival the likes of the Renault Scenic/Grand Scenic.
2015 will see a new Optima, as well as the addition of a hybrid version (though possibly not for SA).
The marque’s larger saloons, the K7/Cadenza and K9/Opirus are unlikely for South African introduction.
Source: TheKoreanCarBlog
