Sales of Kia Motors Corp.'s new K5 midsize sedan are rising again after a brief slump, thanks to steady demand from young drivers, industry data showed Thursday.

According to the data, Kia Motors, the second-largest carmaker in the country, sold 6,929 units of the all-new K5 last month, the largest since its domestic debut in mid-July.

In July, a total of 6,447 units were sold. But its sales turned sluggish at 5,504 in August, 5,557 in September and 6,000 in October.

The latest K5 version is the second generation of the midsize sedan that was launched in 2010, and the all-new K5 comes in two models -- K5 MX and K5 SX -- along with five powertrains, including the 1.6 turbo and 1.7 diesel engines.

The automaker said earlier it expects to sell 46,000 units this year on its home turf.

Kia Motors also unveiled its hybrid model, with its plug-in hybrid electric model to be launched next year.

The new K5 offers diverse safety features, such as seven air bags and an expanded ratio of advanced high strength steel, to 51 percent from 21 percent in the previous model.

For the 1.7 diesel engine model, its fuel efficiency is 16.8 kmpl.

The new K5 ranges from 22.45 million won to 29.2 million won, depending on trims and options. (Yonhap)