Sales of smaller-size import cars have surged and accounted for more than half of all newly registered foreign-made vehicles in South Korea last year, industry data showed Tuesday.

According to Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association, of the 156,497 imported cars sold in 2013, a record 53.5 percent, or 83,677 units, were vehicles with an engine displacement of under 2 liters.

This marks the first time that smaller-size cars made up more than half of all sales.

In contrast, mid-size and full-size cars with engines displacing more than 3 liters accounted for only 13.6 percent, or 21,332, of the vehicles sold.

KAIDA said demand for smaller cars with economical diesel engines has been growing rapidly, fueled by people in their 20s and 30s.

“High fuel prices and desire by young people to own cars that stand out from the predominantly Korean-made vehicles on the road are fueling demand,” an industry source said. (Yonhap)