This Kia sub-compact SUV will be based on the Hyundai Venue and it will also share a lot of parts with its bigger brother, the Seltos in India. It might be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo.
Kia has had a one hit wonder with the Seltos in India as the SUV has literally reshuffled the mid-size SUV game. Next on their cards will be the Carnival MPV and that will then be followed by a Kia sub-compact SUV that has been code named the QYI in India. It has already been spied testing in the country and will likely be based on the Hyundai Venue as it seems similar in dimensions but of course with Kia design elements.
Now some fresh images of the Kia sub-compact SUV have surfaced on the internet which gives us a better look at this upcoming SUV. The images also tell us that Kia could let the QYI borrow some parts from the bigger Seltos. We could expect the sub-4 metre SUV to make its debut at Auto Expo 2020.
Although the test mule was spotted with heavy camouflage, the SUV did show some similarities with the international-spec Stonic crossover, including its window line and roof rails. The LED tail lamps at the rear of the spotted test mule bears resemblance to the Stonic in their placement and also has cube-like shapes similar to the Seltos.
The wide, flared wheel arches also suggest the same. What was also evident from under the camouflage was that the face gets a slpit headlamp design and Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille. Even the alloy wheels are exactly similar to the ones seen on Kia Seltos GT Line.
There are no interior images of this Kia sub-compact SUV yet but it is expected to be feature loaded just as the Seltos. Some of the expected features include a touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, UVO connected-car tech, climate control, wireless phone charger, ventilated seats, cruise control, as well as a sunroof.
Also Read : List Of Problems That Are Being Faced By Kia Seltos Owners
There a no details about the powertrain options for this sub-compact SUV either. However, as it is expected to be based on the Venue, we expect it to borrow Hyundai’s engines as well. That could be the 1.0-litre T-GDI engine option or even the 1.2-litre Kappa petrol motor. The former develops 125PS and 172Nm while the latter develops 83PS and 114Nm. The diesel engine option on the other hand is likely to be a detuned version of the Seltos’ BS6-compliant 1.5-litre CRDI unit.
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We expect the QYI to be priced slightly higher than the Hyundai Venue, perhaps from Rs. 6.5 lakhs to about Rs. 11.11 lakh. Kia had earlier said that they would be launching a new car every 7-8 months which means we could see this Kia sub-compact SUV go on sale by end of 2020. Once launched, it will rival the likes of the Venue as well as the Nissan Kicks, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and the Mahindra XUV300.
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