Kia Carnival, the absolute leader in the South Korean minivan market
If South Korean dads are bored with the Kia Carnival, there are imported minivans available
What imported minivans are being sold in South Korea?
Over the past few years, demand for minivan models in the South Korean automobile market has increased significantly. In particular, Kia’s 4th generation Carnival has maintained the top spot in vehicle sales since its launch. Hyundai’s Staria also maintains average monthly sales of about 3,000 units, although not as much as the Carnival.
Most Korean consumers who choose minivans purchase the Kia Carnival or the Hyundai Staria. But what if consumers get bored with both vehicles? In that case, the only alternative is an imported minivan. Although the number cannot be said to be that large, several models of imported minivans are also on sale. Let’s take a brief look at it now.
Small but luxurious and practical: BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
First, there is the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
It is a compact vehicle, smaller than Carnival or Staria. Therefore, it can be an excellent alternative for consumers who want a minivan but are uncomfortable with the large size of Carnival or Staria. In terms of size, it is almost the exact vehicle as the Kia Carens previously sold in the South Korean market.
Although it is small, the basic trunk space is decent. When the second row of seats is folded, up to 1,455 liters (about 51.4 cubic feet) of space is provided. In addition, since it is a model from a premium brand, the interior space is luxurious, and it is equipped with OS 8.0, found in the latest models such as the 3 Series, and supports various functions. 2.0 gasoline and 2.0 diesel versions are available as options. The price can be purchased between the late 30 million won ( late $ 20,000) to mid 40,000 won ( mid $ 30,000), including a discount.
Boasting excellent fuel efficiency: Toyota Sienna
Except for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, all imported minivans sold in South Korea are Japanese.
Apart from the 2 Series Active Tourer, all imported minivans selling in Korea are Japanese.
The most representative models are the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey. The Toyota Sienna with a hybrid powertrain is more recommended of the two. In terms of price, the Sienna is about 10 million won (about $ 7,595) more expensive. However, it has recently been redesigned entirely to fit the latest generation model. As previously explained, it is equipped with a hybrid powertrain and has better actual fuel economy.
Regarding curb weight, the Toyota Sienna is similar to the Carnival Hybrid. However, the essential displacement is much higher, and the resulting performance is also much higher. Even though the Sienna has larger wheel sizes, its combined fuel efficiency is higher at 14.5km/L. (about 34.1 mpg). Although it is an imported vehicle, it can be said that it does not lack options.
A sense of luxury optimized for VIPS: Toyota Alphard
Last year, Toyota launched a new minivan called Alphard in addition to the Sienna.
It is difficult to classify the vehicle as a typical minivan; it can be thought of as a minivan optimized for VIPs. In terms of height, it is higher than the average minivan model and boasts a fairly luxurious interior with VIP seats in the second row. Since its launch, Toyota Alphard has emerged as a strong competitor to the Carnival High Limousine 4-seater model.
As it is a model optimized for VIPs, demand from corporate consumers exceeds that of individual consumers. Despite the price exceeding 100 million won (about $75,958), there are currently about 1,000 units on the waiting list. In addition, a sufficient export volume has not been exactly set at the headquarters in Japan, so even if consumers sign a contract now, they will not receive it until next year.
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