Cars from Korea can be held up as an example for the young companies, which consider the market to be already completely secured and impossible to be redivided anew. The companies have been working a long time for a good name, but today their image is similar to that one of German and Japanese cars in the world. Even the European market, usually putting a chill on eastern manufacturers, was delighted with Korean crossovers.
We decided to analyse three most popular Korean crossovers in our country and compare cars of this class. So what exactly attracts buyers in these offers?
KIA Sportage - a nice design for reasonable price
Only one generation back this car was very similar to its main competitor - Hyundai Tucson. The sales of crossover were not so good, since its well-known twin cost much cheaper. But renewal of 2012 has made KIA Sportage one of the most demanded crossovers of a compact class.
A very nice technical base, excellent platform, powerful engines and unusual design have done their part. The crossover from KIA has got a set of delighted feedbacks worldwide becoming extremely popular. The basic features which distinguish this car from competitors in the market are the following:
- unusual design solutions;
- compact appearance, but significant space inside;
- a high road clearance and high driver fit;
- fine trim materials;
- cosy interior, tiny, but pleasant solutions in internal part.
All engines of the car are two-liter. Petrol ones provide 150 horsepowers, and a diesel engine can surprise you with 184 horsies. There is a possibility to choose 6-step mechanics or 6-range automatic gearbox.
The cheapest car with front drive costs around 22 thousand dollars. This money does not seem big when you compare crossover with its competitors from Japan or Europe.
Hyundai ix35 - elite successor of Tucson
The legendary crossover which became the absolute leader of the market, has received maximum sales and significant support of potential buyers. Not so long ago Hyundai Tucson has roll off from the conveyor for the last time, and its place was occupied with the car of new generation Hyundai Tucson. This is a small SUV on the same base as its predecessor, but with completely new appearance, engines and an absolutely new name.
We can long discuss the appearance of Tucson long; some describe it as to much female, absolutely not youth, not really sporty. Nevertheless the buyers of Hyundai Tucson underline the maximum conformity of car's design to all requirements and expectations. The car possesses the following positive features:
- fine solutions in ergonomics, excellent placing of the driver and passengers;
- a soft run, nice suspension options;
- presence of a full drive or a drive on front wheels;
- enough the big and spacious salon, is a lot of place for luggage;
- possibility to select the version for a city or far trips.
Everyone knows that crossovers are considered as universal cars. If necessary they can both transport the cargo or bring you in a distant trip. These cars fit also for every day drives to the work.
The basic quality which many potential buyers will appreciate is affordable base cost. 24 thousand dollars for the car with quite good equipment level is an excellent offer.
SsangYong Actyon - fully updated crossover
The car which was brought on the market in a free niche of the manufacturer has already surprised with modern design. Yet Korean brand SsangYong has not a steady support of buyers, but there is already a certain trust to the car.
SsangYong Actyon has croosed in a class of compact crossovers and has received an absolutely new appearance. Underhood space is equipped with excellent economic engines. The buyers of this car are no more practical fans of prudish design solutions, but a young generation of sporty trip admirers. The features of Actyon in a new generation are the following:
- expressive design of modern CUV;
- excellent functional gismos in saloon;
- good ergonomics of a driver's seat;
- technical characteristics for each buyer;
- universal data for car operation.
This crossover can be a very nice choice for a student and for a pensioner. The automobile world hasn't seen such universality for a long time. Petrol and diesel engines, versions with full drive, excellent transmissions - this is what SsangYong Actyon can offer you.
It is one of a few cars which cheapest version for 22 thousand dollars offers a full drive and quite good saloon equipment. This help the corporation to promote the car.
Sizing up
It is obvious that Korean crossovers cost much less than the Japanese competitors in this class. But technical options of Koreans considerably surpass the main competitors in a price class today. You wouldn't hesitate for a long time, if you can easily get the qualitative car with a full drive, excellent comfort features and good engineering for the price of the base version of almost empty German car.
Purchase of the Korean car does not seem to be a silly act already. Today the Korean engineering was equated to leaders of the market and is aiming to grow further
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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