Q3, Capture, Corsair... Small SUV Battle in the First Half of This Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] The competition in the small sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment is heating up in the first half of this year with the successive launches of new small SUVs such as the Audi Q3, Lincoln Corsair, and Renault Samsung Motors Capture. While Kia Motors' Seltos, already a strong player in this segment, continues to enjoy popularity, attention is focused on how much the market share can expand with the emergence of new challengers.

According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association on the 23rd, the total number of small SUVs sold in the first quarter by five domestic car manufacturers (Hyundai, Kia, Renault Samsung, GM Korea, SsangYong) reached 56,393 units, a 37% increase compared to the same period last year. The small SUV market has been recording double-digit growth rates annually, driven by economic efficiency, convenience, and practical interior space that is generous for its class.

Audi Q3 35 TDI

Especially this year, competition is expected to intensify further as various new small SUVs are flooding the imported car market as well. On the 20th of this month, Audi Korea launched the 'The New Audi Q3 35 TDI' and 'The New Audi Q3 35 TDI Premium,' the second-generation full-change models returning after 9 years.

Both models are equipped with a 2.0 diesel direct injection turbocharger (TDI) engine and a 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission, and apply Volkswagen Group's MQB platform to offer a more spacious interior than the previous model. They deliver a maximum output of 150 horsepower, maximum torque of 34.7 kg.m, accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, and have a top speed of 207 km/h. Fuel efficiency is excellent, with a combined mileage of 14.7 km/ℓ.

Lincoln Korea Corsair

Lincoln Korea also introduced the compact-size SUV 'All-New Corsair' to the domestic market on the 19th. The Corsair is a compact model that completes Lincoln's SUV lineup following the Nautilus and Aviator. It emphasizes dynamic curved design targeting younger generations, along with stable driving and quietness.

Powered by a 2.0 turbocharged I-4 engine, it delivers a maximum output of 238 horsepower and maximum torque of 38.7 kg.m. The all-wheel-drive model features an 8-speed automatic transmission and five driving modes for versatile driving in various environments. Additionally, it applies a dashboard design from larger models in the engine room to minimize engine noise and incorporates active noise control technology to ensure a quiet ride.

Renault Captur

Among domestic automakers, Renault Samsung is challenging the domestic small SUV market by importing the second-generation Capture. The Capture is a completely redesigned second-generation model of the small SUV QM3, which was popular from 2013 to 2015, entering the domestic market with an affordable price in the mid-20 million KRW range and high-quality features.

The Capture is available in two lineups: the TCe 260 gasoline engine and the 1.5 dCi diesel engine. The TCe 260 gasoline engine, jointly developed by Renault and Daimler, delivers a combined fuel efficiency of 13.5 km/ℓ, a maximum output of 152 horsepower, and maximum torque of 26.0 kg·m. The 1.5 dCi diesel engine offers a maximum output of 116 horsepower, maximum torque of 26.5 kg·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 17.7 km/ℓ.

New small SUV launches will continue not only in the first half but also in the second half of the year, competing with these models. Hyundai Motor Company will release a facelifted model of the small SUV Kona, and SsangYong Motor will introduce an improved version of the Tivoli Air, the long-body version of the Tivoli.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.