Choosing Your First Car: Why the Kia Morning Might Be Perfect for You!

Recently, a close younger sibling asked me about the Kia Morning as their first car.

Personally, I prefer a compact sedan that is comfortable for long-term use even if it is my first car.

However, my junior lives in a small villa in downtown Seoul,

so they wanted a compact car that is easy to park and had the Kia Morning in mind.

They reached out after seeing my recent post about it.

The Morning has less trunk space compared to sedans,

but since I usually drive alone and I’m not planning to get married right away even if I do get a girlfriend,

I’m thinking of driving a small SUV for about 4 to 5 years.

Additionally, living in a villa means there’s no designated parking like in an apartment,

and sometimes I have to park on the alley,

so a compact car would definitely be more convenient than a sedan, right?

Kia has introduced a refreshed model that enhances its marketability,

and it enjoys high popularity among young professionals or those considering buying a car for picking up children.

The Morning has been selling well, recording 19,735 units from January to September 2023,

averaging around 2,200 units per month.

The 2024 Morning stands out as the first model in its class to feature LED headlamps,

which provide safe visibility during nighttime driving.

The headlamp design has been revamped to a vertical style, aligning with recent Kia models and giving it a sleek appearance.

Hyundai has been applying horizontal DRLs to establish its design identity, while Kia showcases a differentiated design with vertical headlamps.

The powertrain comes with a single 1.0-liter gasoline engine,

and the models are categorized into standard and van versions based on their intended use.

Buyers can choose from three trims: the entry-level Trendy, Prestige, and Signature,

with the following prices:

Trendy: 1,315,000 KRW (approximately 1,000 USD)

Prestige: 1,485,000 KRW (approximately 1,100 USD)

Signature: 1,655,000 KRW (approximately 1,250 USD)

The price difference between the Trendy and Signature trims is 340,000 KRW (approximately 255 USD), which feels significant for a compact model.

The difference arises mainly from the driving assistance features aimed at enhancing driver convenience and safety assistance for all passengers.

You can check off the options you absolutely need when choosing, but as you add more, you may find yourself leaning toward the Signature model.

While my junior has not saved enough money yet, they chose the more affordable Trendy trim and plan to save up for a mid-size sedan over the next 4 to 5 years.

The competing model, the CASPER, sells approximately 1,300 units more per month than the Morning.

Therefore, I advised them to compare both models before making a decision. The entry-level Smart trim of the CASPER is also in the 1,300,000 KRW (approximately 1,000 USD) range, so we decided to compare design and convenience to choose the better compact car.

2024 Morning vs. CASPER Model Comparison

Now, let’s compare the specifications and models for my junior and our subscribers who are contemplating between the two.

Morning

CASPER

Overall Length (mm)

3,595

Overall Width (mm)

1,595

Overall Height (mm)

1,485

1,575

Wheelbase (mm)

2,400

Both models have nearly identical dimensions, but the CASPER is designed to be 90 mm taller. Maximum Output (ps / rpm) Maximum Torque (kg·m / rpm) 9.7 / 3,750

Front Track (mm)	1,394	1,398
Rear Track (mm)	1,403	1,409
	This height makes the CASPER a popular choice for those who often go camping in their cars.
		Both models utilize the same inline 3-cylinder 998cc engine, so you can expect similar performance.
	Morning	CASPER
Engine / Displacement (cc)	Inline 3-cylinder / 998cc
76 / 6,200

Tire Size

175/65R 14

185/65R 15

Curb Weight (kg)

915

985

Combined Fuel Efficiency (km/L) 15.1 14.3 Of course, it is a business second car, but considering parking conditions in villas or houses like my junior's, it is certainly an attractive option. When generating an estimate, you typically consider acquisition tax and public bond amounts. The 2024 Morning Trendy trim: 1,315,000 KRW (approximately 1,000 USD) The gap between the two models is 70,000 KRW (approximately 53 USD), which is about a 5% difference.


However, the CASPER, with its 15-inch tires, has a higher curb weight, which results in a fuel efficiency that is about 0.8 km/L lower.	Consequently, young professionals who prioritize economic factors tend to choose the Morning more often.
Both models express distinct personalities in their designs, and Morning and CASPER owners tend to leave a lasting impression wherever they go.	A close acquaintance has already owned two Morning models as their second car, stating that there is no more economical model for business use due to public parking and toll discounts.

I compared the estimated costs of both models.	However, for compact cars, all of these are exempt, so you only need to calculate the vehicle price.	CASPER Smart trim: 1,385,000 KRW (approximately 1,050 USD)
	While this may not seem significant for other vehicle classes, it is certainly not negligible for a compact car focused on economic factors.	Furthermore, the Morning offers better fuel efficiency, making it more advantageous the longer you drive it. On the other hand, the CASPER is 90 mm taller and features 15-inch tires that enhance cornering stability.
		Each customer has different needs, so naturally, their choices will differ. My junior has made a decision between the two models, and I will introduce which model it is in an upcoming owner interview post.

However, since they have not saved enough money yet, they are considering the entry model.

For a young professional, spending over 10 million KRW (approximately 7,500 USD) can be a burden.

Therefore, I recommended the KS AutoPlan's long-term rental service, which allows them to use a car without the burden of a large initial expense.

KS AutoPlan collaborates with 22 capital companies in the market,

allowing them to compare estimates based on customer conditions and offer the lowest rental fees.

My acquaintances also use KS AutoPlan's services and have chosen it for its lower rental fees compared to well-known companies like L and S.

You can visit their website to check actual user reviews, where most customers praise the service for its competitive pricing and quick delivery.

Customer satisfaction has led to KS AutoPlan winning the Asia Economy Brand Power Award in 2020,

and they are currently expanding their activities by collaborating with popular influencers.

KS AutoPlan also has stock available for immediate delivery and runs various special events,

so if you have a specific car in mind, it might be worth getting a consultation.

Consultation can easily be requested through their website, and you can quickly receive information on the lowest price estimates and available stock via text, KakaoTalk, or phone.

KS AutoPlan is recognized as a standard for long-term rentals and leases in South Korea,

so even if you have estimates from other companies, it would be wise to compare them again before making a final decision for a more reasonable choice.

This post was supported by KS for content creation.

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